Splenic abscessation in the horse: A retrospective study of 12 cases

Abstract

Summary This paper summarises the clinical findings of 12 cases of splenic abscessation in horses presented to Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1993 to 2015. The objective of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostics, treatment and outcome of horses affected with splenic abscessation. Only horses in which a splenic abscess was confirmed by microbiological or cytological confirmation from a percutaneous, surgical, or necropsy sample were included in this study. No apparent breed or sex predilection was identified. The mean age of presentation was 9 years, with a range of 1–21 years of age. The most common presenting clinical signs were nonspecific signs including fever, anorexia and lethargy. A variety of bacterial organisms were identified and treatment with antimicrobial agents or surgical exploration was attempted in several of the cases. None of the cases survived to discharge from the hospital.

Successful treatment of a splenic abscess secondary to migrant metallic wires in a horse

“…Secondary abscesses may be caused by ulceration, perforation, or trauma to the gastrointestinal tract (Rumbaugh et al . 1978; Coleman and Schmitz 2019).…”

“…Previous cases of splenic abscesses where an exploratory laparotomy has been performed have been euthanised during surgery due to abdominal adhesions, and the need for aggressive surgical manipulation with a poor prognosis (Rosso et al . 2012; Coleman and Schmitz 2019). A retrospective study reported clinical and laboratory findings in 12 horses with splenic abscessation; none of these horses survived to discharge (Coleman and Schmitz 2019).…”

“…In the horse, splenic abscessation is rare, and can result in chronic weight loss, haemorrhage, peritonitis or colic (Coleman and Schmitz 2019). There are limited case reports of splenic abscesses associated with migrant metallic wires (Rosso et al .…”

“…2012) and, to our knowledge, all documented cases in which surgical treatment has been attempted have not survived to discharge (Rosso et al . 2012; Coleman and Schmitz 2019). Both medical and surgical treatment of splenic abscessation carry a grave prognosis due to the high risk of splenic haemorrhage, abscess perforation and subsequent peritoneal contamination.…”

“…Previous reports where exploratory laparotomy was performed resulted in intra‐operative euthanasia due to extensive abdominal adhesions and peritonitis (Rosso et al . 2012; Coleman and Schmitz 2019). This report describes the clinical presentation and successful treatment of a large splenic abscess and intestinal adhesions, secondary to migration of multiple linear metallic foreign objects in a 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred colt.…”