Page 673 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• the clinical signs

• auscultation of the lungs (listening with a stethoscope)
VetBooks.ir • endoscopy

•
tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage – a sample of the mucopus is taken from the
trachea or bronchi and smeared onto a slide and stained so the type of bacteria involved
can be identified; the secretions are also cultured for identification of the bacteria and to

determine their sensitivity to different antibiotics

• in foals and young animals, radiography and ultrasonography are useful diagnostic tools;
in advanced cases, abscesses can be seen in the lung tissue

• blood tests are likely to show increased white cell counts and raised fibrinogen, serum
amyloid A and globulins.

Treatment

This depends on the severity of the condition. Affected individuals should be isolated as

the disease can be spread to other animals from direct contact or from the discharges that

are released into the environment by coughing.
• Antibiotics are always administered. The choice of antibiotic will be determined from the

results of the culture and sensitivity. These may be given for a period of 4–6 weeks.

• Mucolytics to help thin the mucus and pus and/or bronchodilators to relieve any
bronchospasm can help to clear the airways and make breathing easier.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce the fever and pain.

• In severe cases oxygen is administered by a face mask.
• Intravenous fluids may be necessary.

NURSING

The horse must be nursed in a well-ventilated box with a deep, clean bed. Soft palatable
food, e.g. warm mashes, should be offered and fresh drinking water must be available. If

necessary, a rug should be used to keep the animal warm.

Prognosis

This is extremely guarded. In some cases the condition is rapidly fatal. Once abscesses have
formed in the lungs, the mortality rate is high. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment give
the horse the best chance of survival.