Hemothorax in 2 horses.

The research presents two cases of hemothorax in horses which were treated effectively using medical management. The hemothorax, which occurred after a lung biopsy on one horse and strenuous exercise in the other, did not require drainage for resolution.

Summary of the Cases

• The first case involved a horse who suffered from hemothorax as a result of a lung biopsy procedure.
• The second case pertained to another horse who developed hemothorax following strenuous treadmill exercise.

Clinical Symptoms

• Both horses showed symptoms including rapid breathing (tachypnea), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), nostril flaring, coughing up of blood (hemoptysis), and pawing behaviour.
• Hemothorax was suspected due to the absence of audible lung sounds when examined with a stethoscope, cooled limbs, and pale, sticky mucous membranes.
• Other findings supporting hemothorax were the noticeable presence of moderate to severe fluids in the lung cavity as seen on an ultrasound and a significant decrease in hematocrit and total plasma protein.

Treatment

• Both horses were successfully treated via intranasal administration of oxygen, intravenous administration of balanced polyionic solutions, and treatment with antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics.
• Intriguingly, despite the presence of blood in the pleural space, no attempt was made to remove the pleural blood in either of the cases.

Conclusion

• Following the treatments, the hemothorax resolved completely in both horses without any lasting effects or complications.
• Thus, the study concludes that hemothorax does not necessarily require drainage or surgical intervention for successful resolution; it can be managed successfully using medical treatments only.