Haemoperitoneum in horses: a retrospective review of 54 cases

Conwell, Rachael; Hillyer, M. H.; Mair, T. S.; Pirie, R. S.; Clegg, Peter

doi:10.1136/vr.c4569

Cited by 43 publications

(115 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Hemoperitoneum of undetermined cause (idiopathic) has also been frequently described in horses, and it is either the most important or the second most important form of hemoperitoneum described in this species. 6,7 Because only traces of AR were found in the horses of the present study, we cannot completely rule out that the cases presented herein were idiopathic, and that the presence of AR in these horses represented only incidental findings.…”

Section: Research-article2014mentioning

confidence: 68%

Cluster of cases of massive hemorrhage associated with anticoagulant detection in race horses

et al. 2014

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Abstract. Five horses originating from 4 different California race tracks were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory for necropsy and diagnostic workup. The 5 horses had a history of sudden collapse and death during exercise. In all of them, massive hemoperitoneum and hemorrhages in other cavities or organs were observed. The liver from these 5 animals and from 27 horses that had been euthanized due to catastrophic leg injuries (controls) were subjected to a rodenticide anticoagulant screen. Traces of brodifacoum, diphacinone, or bromadiolone were detected in the 5 horses with massive bleeding (5/5), and no traces of rodenticides were detected in control horses (0/27). Other frequent causes of massive hemorrhages in horses were ruled out in 4 of the cases; one of the horses had a pelvic fracture. Although only traces of anticoagulants were found in the livers of these horses and the role of these substances in the massive bleeding remains uncertain, it is speculated that exercise-related increases in blood pressure may have reduced the threshold for toxicity of these anticoagulants.

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Section: Research-article2014mentioning

confidence: 68%

Cluster of cases of massive hemorrhage associated with anticoagulant detection in race horses

et al. 2014

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“…Furthermore, anorexia and haemorrhagic shock indicated by pale mucous membranes, tachycardia and tachypnoea are frequently encountered (Conwell et al 2010, Dechant et al 2006). Abdominal distension is not a prominent feature of haemoperitoneum (Pusterla et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Colic associated with haemoperitoneum is due to serosal irritation and/or the mechanical effect of a large volume in the abdomen (Goldberg 1961). Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Protein (TP) are reported to be within or below the reference ranges (Conwell et al 2010, Pusterla et al 2005. Thrombocytopenia is found in the majority of horses with haemoperitoneum (Pusterla et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intra-abdominal haemorrhage in horses may result from a variety of aetiological processes such as coagulopathies (Dechant et al 2006), periparturient haemorrhage (Conwell et al 2010, Mogg et al 2006, Pusterla et al 2005, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract and its mesentery (Dechant et al 2006) or rupture of predisposed vessels such as from a damaged iliac artery in case of pelvic fracture (Conwell et al 2010, Dechant et al 2006. Other reported causes of haemoperitoneum include rupture of the spleen, liver and/or kidney, as well as bleeding from various tumours (Alexander et al 2004, Conwell et al 2010, Dechant et al 2006, Ferrucci et al 2012, Mckay et al 2003, Pusterla et al 2005, Southwood et al 2000.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other reported causes of haemoperitoneum include rupture of the spleen, liver and/or kidney, as well as bleeding from various tumours (Alexander et al 2004, Conwell et al 2010, Dechant et al 2006, Ferrucci et al 2012, Mckay et al 2003, Pusterla et al 2005, Southwood et al 2000. The spleen is the most frequently ruptured organ and also the most frequent cause of haemoperitoneum after trauma in horses (Dechant et al, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Traumatic haemoperitoneum in a pony

Heus¹,

Thaller²,

Hoven³

et al. 2015

PHK

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Summary: Horses suffering from haemoperitoneum typically present with colic symptoms and depression. Furthermore, anorexia and haemorrhagic shock indicated by pale mucous membranes, tachycardia and tachypnoea are frequently encountered. This report describes a case of traumatic haemoperitoneum in a 24-year-old pony mare. The pony suffered from kick injuries by its pasture mate. Upon arrival at the hospital the pony was depressed and tachycardic, tachypnoeic with pale, sticky mucous membranes. Rectal and neurologic examinations were unremarkable. Laboratory work-up revealed a stress leukogram. Packed Cell Volume and Total Protein were within reference ranges. Ultrasonography of the thorax showed no abnormalities, but abdominal ultrasound suggested haemoperitoneum, which was confirmed through the yield of reddish fluid with a high packed cell volume (45 %) on abdominocentesis. Conservative treatment with crystalloid fluid and plasma fluid therapy was ineffective (no clinical improvement). Ongoing clinical signs indicating hypovolaemia strongly suggested active haemorrhage and a decision for exploratory surgery was made. Intraoperatively the source of bleeding could be identified as a ruptured liver vessel, but could not be visualised. The extent of damage to the liver was further assessed with intraoperative intra-abdominal ultrasound. By using ultrasound imaging we could evaluate the therapeutic options under consideration. Based on a guarded prognosis the owner elected euthanasia. Necropsy confirmed the intraoperative findings, but also revealed involvement of multiple other tissues including the diaphragm and pancreas. Intra-abdominal ultrasonography could aid intraoperative identification of the source of bleeding and the extent of injury in patients with haemoperitoneum in which anatomic restrictions and active bleeding impede direct visualisation.Keywords: haemoperitoneum / haemoabdomen / liver / ultrasonography / laparotomy / traumatology Citation: de Heus P., Thaller D., van den Hoven R

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Abdominal Sonographic Evaluation

Slack¹

2012

Practical Guide to Equine Colic

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Haemoperitoneum in horses: a retrospective review of 54 cases

Cited by 43 publications

References 16 publications

Cluster of cases of massive hemorrhage associated with anticoagulant detection in race horses

Cluster of cases of massive hemorrhage associated with anticoagulant detection in race horses

Traumatic haemoperitoneum in a pony

Abdominal Sonographic Evaluation

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