Equine bacterial pleuropneumonia

Pleuropneumonia is a bacteria I infection of the lu ngs, visceral pleura an d pleura I space. Compromise or overwhelming of pulmonary defense mechanism s ploys a significant role in the pathophysiology of the disease. An import ant predisposing factor is long-distance transport of horses ("shipping fev er"). Clinical signs ore highly variable, in typical cases horses exhibit p leurodynia (reluctance to move, elbows in an abducted position, groaning, p ainful percussion and an horizontal fluid line with attenuated lung sounds ventrally Diagnostic possibilities are: clinical examination, haematologica l and biochemical profiles, sonography, radiography, examination of tracheo bronchial aspirate or pleural fluid and lung biopsy. Thoracoscopy as a furt her diagnostic tool is described in detail. The prognosis is generally guar ded, but appropriate therapeutic regimes have led to a drastic improvement in the prognosis regarding survival and even return to athletic performance Therapeutic opinions include: antimicrobial therapy against aerobic and an aerobic bacterial populations, antiinflammatory medication, correction of h ypovolaemia and electrolyte deficiencies, laminitis prophylaxis, bronchodil ators and mucolytics, thoracic drainage and lavage, thoracoscopic debrideme nt, thoracotomy and general supportive care. Sequelae of bacterial pleuropn eumonia are laminitis, thrombophlebitis, endotoxaemia, cranial thoracic mas ses, pneumothorax, pericarditis, lung abscesses, bronchopleural fistulas, i mmunmediated anaemia and immunmediated thrombocytopenia.