Proliferative interstitial pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii infection, and immunodeficiency in an adult Paso Fino horse.

The research article presents a case study of a female Paso Fino horse that suffered severe weight loss and noteworthy respiratory distress. The researchers discovered the horse had proliferative interstitial pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii infection, and an immunodeficiency condition, likely due to inadequate nutrition.

Introduction and Case Presentation

• The study involves a Paso Fino horse in distress with symptoms of acute respiratory problems and significant weight loss.
• The horse was medically examined and treated with intravenous fluids, ceftiofur sodium, and flunixin meglumine for its condition.
• Initial physical examination revealed the horse was extremely underweight, exhibiting apparent signs of respiratory distress, along with a dull hair coat, abnormal heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature.

Diagnostic Findings

• Blood work showed abnormalities such as a normal white blood cell count but with a left shift, hyperfibrinogenemia, and elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and anion gap.
• There was severely decreased PaO2 and mildly decreased PaCO2 in the arterial blood, indicating respiratory problems, and signs of metabolic acidosis, which may imply kidney trouble or other internal dysfunction.
• Radiographic examination of the thorax presented dense, patchy, coalescing alveolar infiltrate in certain lung fields, ballooning of the distal trachea and mainstem bronchi, and mild instances of dense interstitial opacity.

Treatment and Further Examination

• Treatment at the early stage included furosemide, intranasal insufflation of oxygen, isotonic fluids, potassium G penicillin, gentamicin sulfate, metronidazole, and flunixin meglumine. Salmeterol xinafoate was also given via an Equine Aeromask.
• Although there was some improvement after 12 hours, further diagnostic tests were conducted, including an echocardiogram and bronchoalveolar lavage to identify the root cause.
• Further examination showed an enlarged right heart and paradoxical septal motion, which could be symptoms of heart disease or related problems.
• The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid test showed an abnormal neutrophil percentage, reactive macrophages, and intracytoplasmic fungal organisms, suggesting a possible fungal infection.

Conclusion

• Based on the medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, the horse was diagnosed with Pneumocystis carinii infection, proliferative interstitial pneumonia, and immunodeficiency, all of which were likely due to inadequate nutrition.