Chronic weight loss caused by simultaneous chronic pleuritis and peritonitis in a horse Case report

SUMMARY Background: Simultaneous chronic pleuritis and peritonitis is a rare condition in adult horses. The aethiopathogenesis and clinical signs of pleuritis and peri tonitis in horses, as well as their diagnostic methods are described. Objectives: The aim of the current article was to review the published data on the above-mentioned diseases and report a chronic weight loss case of a horse suffering from chronic pleuritis and peritonitis. Materials and Methods: An 8 years old Hungarian Draught horse was examined because of chronic weight loss. Results and Discussion: The mare had lost weight during her last lacta tion, but her body condition did not improve after weaning and adjustment of the diet. Physical examination revealed non-specific signs of chronic disease: body condition score 3 out of 9, normal rectal temperature with mildly elevated pulse and respiratory rates, pale mucous membranes, and decreased intestinal sounds. No respiratory sounds were auscultated in the ventral part of the thorax. Thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography showed pleural effusion and abdomi nal fluid accumulation, respectively. Thoracocentesis was done, and cytology of the pleural fluid sample confirmed suppurative pleuritis. Haematology showed a moderate anaemia, and biochemistry revealed severe hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. The horse was slaughtered because of the grave prognosis, and post mortem examination was performed which confirmed chronic pleuri tis and peritonitis. Histopathology revealed acute enteritis, acute intralobular, interstitial pneumonia, and chronic peritonitis with severe mesothelial prolifera tion. Based on the history, clinical findings and post mortem results, the horse probably had a primary peritonitis or pleuritis and haematogenous spread of the causative agent from one body cavity to the other