Splenic hematoma and abscess as a cause of chronic weight loss in a horse.

This study discusses the case of an 8-year-old horse that suffered from chronic weight loss caused by a large splenic hematoma and abscess. The treatment involved a surgical procedure to drain the hematoma and the horse initially showed improvement, but eventually died after developing a splenic abscess caused by certain bacteria.

Initial Presentation and Diagnosis

• The 8-year-old gelding horse had been losing weight and was not eating for about 3 months before the diagnosis.
• Upon examination, the horse was found to have a large hematoma, which is a swelling of clotted blood, under the protective layer of the spleen (termed a subcapsular splenic hematoma).

Treatment and Post-treatment Progress

• To treat the hematoma, a surgical procedure known as flank laparotomy was performed. This involved making an incision along the flank to access the abdominal cavity.
• During the surgery, a total of 36 liters of fluid were successfully drained from the hematoma.
• After the surgery, the horse’s condition had improved, showing signs of recovery such as regaining appetite and an increase in weight.

Secondary Complication and Necropsy Findings

• About 15 months after the surgery, the horse’s health declined again. It showed signs of depression and fever (febrile).
• Upon death, a necropsy (animal equivalent of an autopsy) was performed, revealing a splenic abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection.
• The abscess was found to contain Bacteroides ruminicola and Clostridium sporogenes, which are types of bacteria.
• The presence of these bacteria suggests that the hematoma might have become infected at some point, leading to the development of the abscess and the subsequent decline in the horse’s health.