Pneumonia & Pleuropneumonia Flashcards
What are 4 common histories that predispose horses to develop pneumonia?
STRESS:
- extended transportation
- exposure to large number of horses
- general anesthesia
- intense training
What 3 clinical signs are highly suggestive of pneumonia in horses?
- cough
- fever
- increased respiratory rate and effort
What does pleuropneumonia typically result in?
significant accumulation of fluid and fibrin in the pleural cavity
What are the 3 most common classes of bacteria that cause pneumonia/pleuropneumonia in horses?
- Gram-positive - Streptococcus zooepidemicus
- Gram-negative - E. coli, Pasteurella, Klebsiella
- Anaerobic - Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium
mixed infections are common!
How do viruses take part in pneumonia/pleuropneumonia in horses? What 3 most commonly are isolated?
set the stage for bacterial invasion into the lungs
- Equine herpesvirus
- Equine influenza
- Equine viral arteritis virus
What horses most commonly are affected by fungal pneumonia/pleuropneumonia? What are 4 common etiologies?
immunocompromised
- Coccidiodes
- Cryptococcus
- Histoplasma
- Aspergillus
What are 4 common chronic manifestations of pneumonia/pleuropneumonia in horses?
- severe weight loss
- pectoral edema
- ventral edema
- preputial edema
What 5 clinicopathologic abnormalities are seen in horses with pneumonia/pleuropneumonia?
- leukopenia (acute) to leukocytosis (chronic)
- hyperfibrinogenemia
- hyperglobulinemia
- hypoproteinemia/hypoalbuminemia
- anemia
What are 3 findings on thoracic radiographs in cases of pneumonia/pleuropneumonia in horses?
- radiopacity of the cranioventral or caudoventral thorax
- fluid lines
- pulmonary abscesses
What are the 4 preferred diagnostics for cases of pneumonia/pleuropneumonia in horses?
- thoracic U/S - free fluid within pleural space, pleural thickening, fibrin deposition, lung consolidation, pulmonary abscesses
- transtracheal wash - cytology, staining
- collection of pleural fluid - culture, stain, cell/TP count
- CBC/Chem, arterial blood gas
What are 4 important aspects to treating pneumonia/pleuropneumonia in horses?
- antimicrobials - ideally based on culture and sensitivity testing, may include Penicillin or a Cephalosporin coupled with an Aminoglycoside or Metronidazole for anaerobes
- anti-inflammatories - Flunixin meglumine for fever, pain, inflammation, and general attitude or appetite
- thoracocentesis +/- indwelling chest tube
- general supportive care - hydration, oxygenation, high calorie palatable diet
What is prognosis like for horses with pneumonia/pleuropneumonia?
fair to good if therapy is instituted immediately
guarded to fair for pleuropneumonia - expect long-term therapy and recovery
What 3 complications make recovery for horses with pneumonia/pleuropneumonia longer?
- laminitis
- coagulopathy
- hypoproteinemia
