Pericarditis in horses: Six cases (1982-1986)

William Bernard From the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (Bernard, Reef, Vaala, Ehnen) and Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (Clark).

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Virginia B. Reef From the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (Bernard, Reef, Vaala, Ehnen) and Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (Clark).

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E. Susan Clark From the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (Bernard, Reef, Vaala, Ehnen) and Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (Clark).

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Wendy Vaala From the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (Bernard, Reef, Vaala, Ehnen) and Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (Clark).

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Sandra J. Ehnen From the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (Bernard, Reef, Vaala, Ehnen) and Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (Clark).

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Summary

Records of 6 horses with pericarditis were reviewed. Septic pericarditis was suspected in all horses, based on historic and clinical findings. In horses 1, 2, and 4, cytologic examination of the pericardial effusion revealed acute inflammation with severe neutrophil degeneration. In horses 3 and 5, cytologic examination of pericardial fluid revealed subacute inflammation with degenerated neutrophils, and in horse 6, chronic active inflammation, with well preserved neutrophils. In horses 1 and 3, bacteria were identified on cytologic examination of pericardial fluid. Results of microbiologic cultures of pericardial fluid were positive in horse 3. All horses were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. An indwelling pericardial catheter was used to lavage and directly administer antibiotics into the pericardial sac. Horses 1, 4, 5, and 6 survived, horse 2 died of unrelated causes, and horse 3 was euthanatized at the owner's request. Surviving horses returned to athletic performance.

Summary

Records of 6 horses with pericarditis were reviewed. Septic pericarditis was suspected in all horses, based on historic and clinical findings. In horses 1, 2, and 4, cytologic examination of the pericardial effusion revealed acute inflammation with severe neutrophil degeneration. In horses 3 and 5, cytologic examination of pericardial fluid revealed subacute inflammation with degenerated neutrophils, and in horse 6, chronic active inflammation, with well preserved neutrophils. In horses 1 and 3, bacteria were identified on cytologic examination of pericardial fluid. Results of microbiologic cultures of pericardial fluid were positive in horse 3. All horses were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. An indwelling pericardial catheter was used to lavage and directly administer antibiotics into the pericardial sac. Horses 1, 4, 5, and 6 survived, horse 2 died of unrelated causes, and horse 3 was euthanatized at the owner's request. Surviving horses returned to athletic performance.

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