| Autor: |
Cehak, Anja, Jehle, Matthias C., Pokar, Julie, Brunthaler, René, Fröhlich, Wolfgang, Cavalleri, Jessika-M. V., De Heus, Phebe |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Pferdeheilkunde; Jul/Aug2024, Vol. 40 Issue 4, p335-344, 10p |
| Abstrakt: |
Objective of the study was to describe two different cases of equine infective endocarditis and to emphasis the challenges which occur in diagnostic work-up, therapeutic options and outcome of this rare and often fatal disease. Both cases had a history of recurrent fever, apathy, and a recently developed heart murmur. Both horses were unresponsive to pre-treatment with antibiotics and antiphlogistics. At admission, the horse with infective aortic endocarditis presented various unspecific clinical signs and was subjected to several comple)mentary examinations that were required for definite diagnosis. Despite antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment, the horse developed ataxia and obtundation. Change of the antibiotic treatment regimen did not stop the horse’s condition worsening, resulting in euthanasia 11 days after admission to the hospital. Post-mortem examination confirmed diagnosis of infective endocarditis and inflammation of several extracardiac organs likely due to embolism. Actinobacillus equuli monoculture was identified from aortic valve tissue which was sensitive to all applied antibiotics. The second horse was diagnosed with infective tricuspid valve endocarditis at an early disease stage during a routine vaccination vet check. It responded well to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment during hospitalization. Serial follow-up examinations including exercise tests and echocardiography were performed up to 18 months after discharge from the clinic and confirmed cure of infection with persistence of tricuspid valve regurgitation allowing the horse to gradually return to training. The two cases emphasise the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of infective endocarditis which are often time consuming and expensive in line with a poor progno)sis. However, cure of infection and resolving of clinical symptoms are possible, although rare. The key factor for successful management is an early definite diagnosis which requires the equine practitioners’ awareness for this disease. Outcome and prognosis are also highly dependent on anatomical structures affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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