Near drowning of a gelding.

This study details the successful treatment of a Thoroughbred gelding horse which nearly drowned after being submerged in a chlorinated swimming pool. The horse was treated with various medications and therapeutic interventions, and displayed normal health upon a follow-up examination 120 days post-hospitalization.

Introduction

• The article presents a case study of a 2-year-old Thoroughbred gelding that nearly drowned after being entangled in safety lines and submerged in a chlorinated swimming pool.

Treatment

• In response to this incident, the horse was given a wide range of treatments to facilitate recovery and protect against potential infection or complications.
• These treatments included antimicrobial agents to ward off bacterial infections; anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain;
• Bronchodilators were used to ease the horse’s breathing; diuretics to reduce fluid accumulation, especially in the lungs; and a humidified oxygen supply to ensure ample oxygen intake.
• Importantly, the horse also underwent a surfactant transplant. Surfactants are substances that reduce the surface tension of liquid in the lungs and enhance gaseous exchange, which likely would be disrupted in the event of near drowning.

Outcome

• The gelding’s health was closely monitored post-treatment, with a follow-up examination conducted 120 days after the hospitalization.
• In the follow-up examination, the horse was observed to have returned to a normal state of health, showing no adverse symptoms or conditions linked to the near-drowning incident.
• This successful outcome signifies the effectiveness of the treatment measures taken and provides useful insights for similar cases in the future.