Hepatic abscesses in three horses.
Abstract: Hepatic abscesses were diagnosed in 3 adult horses. Two were < 4 years old and had evidence of concurrent immune-mediated conditions, including aseptic arthritis, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and immune-mediated anemia. Predisposing factors for hepatic abscess formation in these horses included prior abdominal surgery, proximal duodenitis/jejunitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and a penetrating foreign body in the large colon. Serum hepatic enzyme activities were within or slightly greater then reference limits in all 3 horses. The most pronounced and consistent abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemical analyses were hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and a decreased albumin-to-globulin concentration ratio. Hepatic ultrasonography identified hepatic abscesses in all 3 horses. A variety of bacteria were isolated from these abscesses, including Staphylococus aureus and Bacteroides fragilis. One horse developed septic tibiotarsal arthritis, presumably as a result of intermittent bacteremia. Despite aggressive medical treatment, all horses were euthanatized because of a worsening condition and poor prognosis.
Publication Date: 2000-03-15 PubMed ID: 22570901DOI: 10.2460/javma.2000.216.882Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article investigates the occurrence and progression of liver abscesses in three adult horses which were linked to a variety of factors like prior abdominal surgery and other immune-mediated conditions. Despite medical intervention, all horses were euthanized due to their deteriorating condition.
Background and Objective
- The study focuses on cases of hepatic (liver) abscesses diagnosed in three adult horses. The intent is to understand the incidence, causes, progression, and consequences of this type of health issue in horses. The study aims to identify risk factors, determine the types of bacteria involved, and assess the outcomes of the cases.
Case Details and Findings
- Two out of three horses were less than four years old and were found to have concurrent immune-mediated conditions. This includes disorders such as immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (a deficiency of platelets in the blood due to autoimmunity), aseptic arthritis (inflammation of the joints without the presence of harmful microorganisms), and immune-mediated anemia (a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells).
- The horses had predisposing conditions including previous abdominal surgery, proximal duodenitis/jejunitis (inflammation of the upper small intestine), inflammatory bowel disease, and the presence of a body penetrating into the large colon.
- Values of serum hepatic enzymes (which are indicative of liver health) in these horses was within or slightly above the normal range, showing that liver damage was not substantial.
- The most significant and consistent abnormalities found through blood and serum tests were hyperproteinemia (high protein levels in the blood), hyperglobulinemia (high globulin level in the blood), and a decreased albumin-to-globulin ratio, indicating a reaction to severe inflammation or infection.
- Ultrasonic imaging of the liver confirmed the presence of abscesses in all three horses.
- Various bacteria species were isolated from the abscesses, including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacteroides fragilis, displaying that these abscesses were bacterially induced.
- One horse developed septic arthritis (joint inflammation due to bacterial infection), likely a result of intermittent bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood).
Outcome
- Despite aggressive medical treatment, all horses’ conditions worsened, leading to the decision of euthanasia due to the bleak prognosis of their recovery.
Implications of the Findings
- The study demonstrates the potential severity of hepatic abscesses in horses and how concurrent immune-mediated conditions can lead to their onset. These observations support the necessity of early detection, prompt treatment, and careful monitoring of horses with the types of issues outlined in this study.
Cite This Article
APA
Sellon DC, Spaulding K, Breuhaus BA, Katz L, Mealey R.
(2000).
Hepatic abscesses in three horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 216(6), 882-865.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2000.216.882 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Female
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Liver Abscess / drug therapy
- Liver Abscess / surgery
- Liver Abscess / veterinary
- Male
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Satué K, Miguel-Pastor L, Chicharro D, Gardón JC. Hepatic Enzyme Profile in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 29;12(7).
- Pye J, Galuppo L, Whitcomb MB, Clothier K, Byrne B. Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus from an abdominal abscess in an adult mare. Can Vet J 2020 Dec;61(12):1307-1311.
- Schoster A, Anderson ME. Caudal vena cava thrombosis-like syndrome in a horse. Can Vet J 2010 Aug;51(8):891-4.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
