IDIOPATHIC PERICARDIAL-EFFUSION WITH TAMP ONADE IN A FRIESIAN GELDING

A 7-year-old Friesian gelding was referred to the Department of Large Animal Medicine and Nutrition of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine be cause of an inadequate response to treatment for vague symptoms of col ic. An extensive physical examination showed there to be circulatory p roblems, with right-sided decompensation. Heart sounds were muffled on both sides of the thorax, and ECG showed a low voltage and variable a mplitude of the QRS complex. Further investigations indicated idiopath ic pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentisis was performed and supporti ve therapy started. Three weeks later the circulatory system no longer showed abnormalities and the patient was discharged. When a patient p resents with vague 'colicky' symptoms that cannot be explained by abno rmalities of the digestive tract, the differential diagnosis should in clude the possibility of 'false' colic, of which pericardial effusion is one possible cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can contribute to a good result.