What is horse pleuropneumonia?

What is horse pleuropneumonia?

(Pleuritis, Pleurisy) Pleuropneumonia is defined as infection of the lungs and pleural space. In most instances, pleural infection develops secondary to bacterial pneumonia or penetrating thoracic wounds. Spontaneous pleuritis (without accompanying pneumonia) is uncommon in horses.

Is pleuropneumonia in horses contagious?

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that’s generally not contagious to other horses. Signs of pneumonia include nasal discharge, fever and depression. Practicing biosecurity, vaccinating against respiratory infections and managing chronic illnesses can help prevent pneumonia in your horse.

What are the abnormal pulmonary auscultation findings in a horse with pleural effusion?

Common abnormalities found during auscultation include ventral areas of dullness if pleural ef- fusion is significant and dorsal harsh lung sounds. Crackles and wheezes may be variably present, and some horses with severe pleural involve- ment have pleural friction rubs.

Do horses recover from pneumonia?

With treatment, a healthy horse will almost always recover within a few weeks. However, older horses, foals, or horses with chronic illnesses may take longer to heal.

What causes horse pleuropneumonia?

In most instances, it develops as a result of bacterial infection or penetrating chest wounds. Pleuropneumonia is more likely to occur in horses already weakened by previous viral respiratory infection, long-distance transportation with head restraint, general anesthesia, or strenuous exercise.

What is the horse disease strangles?

Strangles is a highly contagious disease of the equine upper respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). The bacteria cross mucous membranes in the nose and mouth to infect lymph nodes where they cause abscesses that can eventually rupture.

How do you treat a viral infection in horses?

Treatment is also similar to EHV affected horses. Rest and supportive care is important. Fever control, immunostimulants, and antiviral medications are also recommended. In addition antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infection are indicated.

What is equine COPD?

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (also known as Heaves or RAO) is an allergic disease of the lungs. It leads to constriction of the airways and makes it difficult for the horse to breathe.

Can humans get pneumonia from horses?

Rhodococcus equi infections – Rhodococcus equi is a bacterium that lives in the soil and can cause pneumonia in young (1 to 6 months old) foals. In rare cases, immunodeficient adult horses and humans can also become infected.

How is pleuropneumonia treated in horses?

Treatment of Pleuropneumonia in Horses Pleural lavage may be needed to flush the infected fluid from the pleural cavity. This will be done by inserting a chest drain and injecting a sterile solution into the drain to flush the bacteria from the cavity.

Can a horse have pleuropneumonia without pneumonia?

Spontaneous pleuritis (without accompanying pneumonia) is uncommon in horses. In the USA, ~70% of horses with pleural effusion have pleuropneumonia. The primary differential diagnoses for pleural effusion are neoplastic effusions, heart failure, and hydatidosis.

How often does pleural effusion occur in horses?

In most instances, pleural infection develops secondary to bacterial pneumonia or penetrating thoracic wounds. Spontaneous pleuritis (without accompanying pneumonia) is uncommon in horses. In the USA, ~70% of horses with pleural effusion have pleuropneumonia.

When to do thoracocentesis in horses with pleuropneumonia?

Thoracocentesis is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in horses with pleuropneumonia. Pleural fluid should be drained relatively slowly to avoid hypotension. The hemithorax that appears to contain the most fluid is drained first. Bilateral thoracocentesis is usually necessary.

What causes gas echoes in pleural fluid in horses?

Transudative pleural fluid (neoplastic effusion) appears anechoic, whereas more cellular exudate appears echogenic. Gas echoes represent small air bubbles within pleural fluid, which may indicate an anaerobic pleural infection, a bronchopleural fistula, or iatrogenic introduction of air.