Thoracic trauma in horses.
Abstract: Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human beings and animals. After any form of suspected chest wall trauma, initial emergency management should include assurance of a patent airway and adequate ventilation, along with treatment for shock if present. As with any open wound, tetanus prophylaxis should be instituted. Types of trauma to the thoracic region of the horse include pectoral and axillary lacerations, penetrating chest wounds, flail chest, fractures of the ribs, blunt thoracic trauma, and several potential sequelae that include pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, hemothorax, pleuritis, fistulae of the sternum or ribs, and diaphragmatic hernia. Emergency management of these various forms of thoracic trauma is discussed.
Publication Date: 2007-03-24 PubMed ID: 17379110DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2006.11.006Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores the different forms of thoracic trauma in horses, from superficial to deep tissue injuries, and their management. It underscores the importance of diagnostic imaging in comprehensive examinations and maintaining a diligent monitoring routine for effective medical or surgical care.
Types of Thoracic Trauma
- The article begins by categorizing thoracic injuries in horses into two broad categories: superficial wounds that only necessitate routine wound care, and deeper tissue injuries that can disrupt vital cardiac and respiratory structures.
- All these types of injuries potentially pose a serious threat to the horse’s respiratory and heart functions.
Role of Diagnostic Imaging
- It strongly advocates that diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasound, should be integrated as a part of comprehensive examination for these traumas.
- The incorporation of imaging into routine check-ups does not only help in proper diagnoses during the admission of the injured horse but also proves valuable during follow-up examinations.
Effective Monitoring and Management
- The research emphasizes on the significance of diligent horse monitoring and timely intervention for complications.
- Ideally, a well-structured monitoring system should allow for the tracking of the horse’s recovery progress and identifying any potential complications from the onset.
- It is also pertinent to note that effective management of thoracic traumas involves good medical or surgical care, depending on the severity of the injury.
Conclusion
- The article concludes with a review of different strategies for managing the various types of thoracic injuries.
- However, the specifics of these management strategies are not elaborated, implying that they would vary depending on the unique circumstances surrounding each case of thoracic trauma.
Cite This Article
APA
Hassel DM.
(2007).
Thoracic trauma in horses.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 23(1), 67-80.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2006.11.006 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Emergency Surgery and Critical Care, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA. dhassel@colostate.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Flail Chest / diagnosis
- Flail Chest / therapy
- Flail Chest / veterinary
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / diagnosis
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / etiology
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / therapy
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / veterinary
- Horses / injuries
- Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnosis
- Mediastinal Emphysema / etiology
- Mediastinal Emphysema / therapy
- Mediastinal Emphysema / veterinary
- Pneumothorax / diagnosis
- Pneumothorax / etiology
- Pneumothorax / therapy
- Pneumothorax / veterinary
- Rib Fractures / diagnosis
- Rib Fractures / therapy
- Rib Fractures / veterinary
- Thoracic Injuries / complications
- Thoracic Injuries / veterinary
- Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnosis
- Wounds, Nonpenetrating / therapy
- Wounds, Nonpenetrating / veterinary
- Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis
- Wounds, Penetrating / therapy
- Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary
References
This article includes 40 references
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Janeczek M, Makowiecki D, Rozwadowska A, Chudziak W, Pasicka E. Pathological Changes in Early Medieval Horses from Different Archaeological Sites in Poland. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 1;14(3).
- Schoen LM, Al Naem M, Röcken M, Geburek F. Pneumoperitoneum as an uncommon complication after an axillary laceration in a horse. Vet Med Sci 2022 Mar;8(2):546-552.
- Fielding CL, Mayer JR, Dechant JE, Epstein KL, Magdesian KG. Clinical and biochemical factors associated with survival in equids attacked by dogs: 28 cases (2008-2016). J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jan;35(1):532-537.
- Trigo P, Muñoz A, Castejón F, Riber C, Hassel DM. Rib fracture in a horse during an endurance race. Can Vet J 2011 Nov;52(11):1226-7.
- Maes S, Van Goethem B, Saunders J, Binst D, Chiers K, Ducatelle R. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in a cat associated with necrotizing bronchopneumonia caused by feline herpesvirus-1. Can Vet J 2011 Oct;52(10):1119-22.
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