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Penetrating metallic foreign bodies as a cause of peritonitis in 3 horses.

Abstract: Three cases of penetrating metallic foreign bodies causing peritonitis in horses are reported. These cases were presented with varying clinical complaints and duration of clinical signs. Entry of foreign bodies into the abdominal cavity through the skin and body wall is reported for the first time. Corps étrangers métalliques pénétrants comme cause de péritonite chez 3 chevaux. Trois cas de corps étrangers métalliques pénétrants ayant causé une péritonite chez des chevaux sont signalés. Ces cas ont été présentés avec des plaintes cliniques différentes et une durée variable des signes cliniques. L’entrée des corps étrangers dans la cavité abdominale au travers de la peau et de la paroi abdominale est signalée pour la première fois. (Traduit par Isabelle Vallières)
Publication Date: 2011-03-02 PubMed ID: 21358937PubMed Central: PMC2978997
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Summary

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This paper discusses three instances of horses developing peritonitis (inflammation of the tissue lining the abdomen) due to metallic foreign objects penetrating into their abdominal cavity.

Overview of the Research Article

  • The research article focuses on three documented cases of horses which developed peritonitis because metallic foreign objects had perforated their skin and abdominal wall, ending up in their abdominal cavities.
  • This type of situation, where a foreign object intrudes through the skin and bodily structures into the abdominal area, is being reported for the first time in equine medicine history.
  • Each case exhibited different clinical symptoms and varying periods for these symptoms to manifest.

Research Findings

  • The authors noted that the three cases had differing clinical complaints. This suggests that penetration of foreign objects into the horse’s abdomen might result in a range of symptoms depending on the specific circumstances of each case, such as the extent and area of penetration, the nature of the foreign object, and individual differences in the horse’s physical makeup and health status.
  • The variation in the duration of clinical signs might indicate that the inflammatory response (peritonitis) can take different lengths of time to develop in different horses. Again, the exact trajectory of the foreign object, as well as factors related to the horse’s health status and immune response, might influence this timeline.

Significance of the Research

  • The research provides important insights into a previously unreported cause of peritonitis in horses – penetration of metallic foreign bodies into the abdominal cavity.
  • The findings have potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of peritonitis in horses. Veterinarians should consider the possibility of intrusive foreign objects if they encounter a horse presenting symptoms of peritonitis, particularly if there is any evidence or history of a penetrating wound.
  • Moreover, understanding the various clinical presentations and timelines can assist in making a more accurate diagnosis and initiating timely treatment to avert serious complications or fatalities.

Cite This Article

APA
Lohmann KL, Lewis SR, Wobeser B, Allen AL. (2011). Penetrating metallic foreign bodies as a cause of peritonitis in 3 horses. Can Vet J, 51(12), 1400-1404.

Publication

ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 12
Pages: 1400-1404

Researcher Affiliations

Lohmann, Katharina L
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada. k.lohmann@usask.ca
Lewis, S Rochelle
    Wobeser, Bruce
      Allen, Andrew L

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Fatal Outcome
        • Female
        • Foreign Bodies / complications
        • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis
        • Foreign Bodies / veterinary
        • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
        • Horses
        • Male
        • Peritonitis / diagnosis
        • Peritonitis / etiology
        • Peritonitis / veterinary
        • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis
        • Wounds, Penetrating / etiology
        • Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 1 times.
        1. Rahmani Shahraki A, Raisi A. Surgical treatment of a penetrated metallic foreign body in the oral cavity wall of a mare. Vet Res Forum 2019 Spring;10(2):177-179.
          doi: 10.30466/VRF.2018.86620.2122pubmed: 31338154google scholar: lookup