equine pericarditis

Question 1

what is the aetiology of equine pericarditis?

Answer 1

The majority of cases are idiopathic
But can occur due to:
* Equine viral arteritis, equine influenza
* Strep.pneumoniae, E.coli, Actinobacillus

Question 2

Even if cannot identify bacterial cause will often treat with what and why?

Answer 2

Penicillin initially as not treating a bacterial infection will have serious consequences

Question 3

what are the clinical signs of pericarditis?

Answer 3

• Venous distension - secondary to R sided heart failure
• Ventral oedema - secondary to R sided heart failure
• Muffled heart sounds
• Pericardial friction rubs (triphasic sounds in time with heart)
• Pleural effusion

Question 4

how is peritonitis diagnosed?

Answer 4

• Echocardiography
  ◦ Fluid and fibrin in pericardial sac
  ◦ Compression of cardiac chambers
• Electrocardiography
  ◦ Small complexes
  ◦ Main differential is obesity
• Cytology of pericardial fluid

Question 5

what is the treatment and prognosis of pericarditis in horses?

Answer 5

• Pericardial drainage and lavage are indicated if the right atrium is collapsing (i.e. cardiac tamponade is present)
• Indwelling drain and twice daily lavage with antibiotic containing fluids greatly improves prognosis

prognosis:
* Good provided treatment is early and aggressive
* Constrictive disease may occur in chronic cases
◦ due to fibrin and fibrinous tissue development in chronic disease - this can occur if treatment is not started early enough
* Can return to full performance