Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Pneumonia, Pleuropneumonia & Pleuritis, Generally
Synonyms: Shipping Fever, Transit Fever
Summary
Pleuropneumonia is a lung infection (pneumonia), combined with an infection of the pleural cavity (pleruitis). It is also called "Shipping Fever" because its development is often associated with the stress of long-distance trailering.
Pleuropneumonia is uncommon in horses but potentially a serious or fatal problem that must be diagnosed and treated early and correctly. It is a bacterial (rarely fungal) infection of the lung that may extend into the space around it (the pleural cavity). Fluid accumulates in this space as part of the inflammatory process (pleural effusion).
Infection can be difficult to control and becomes more difficult the longer that infection persists. In time, fibrin strands and clots (an inflammatory product) fill the space and isolate pockets of fluid. Clearing this fluid is difficult and expensive, and requires the use of thoracic drains and flushing.
Pneumonia may start as respiratory tract infection that progresses deeper into the lungs or may start without an obvious cause. Aspiration pneumonia refers to a situation in which foreign material and bacteria is inhaled or gains access to the lungs.
Pleuropneumonia is uncommon in horses but potentially a serious or fatal problem that must be diagnosed and treated early and correctly. It is a bacterial (rarely fungal) infection of the lung that may extend into the space around it (the pleural cavity). Fluid accumulates in this space as part of the inflammatory process (pleural effusion).
Infection can be difficult to control and becomes more difficult the longer that infection persists. In time, fibrin strands and clots (an inflammatory product) fill the space and isolate pockets of fluid. Clearing this fluid is difficult and expensive, and requires the use of thoracic drains and flushing.
Pneumonia may start as respiratory tract infection that progresses deeper into the lungs or may start without an obvious cause. Aspiration pneumonia refers to a situation in which foreign material and bacteria is inhaled or gains access to the lungs.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Very Common
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Fair to guarded, depending upon the nature of the infection, the presence of fluid in the chest (pleural effusion), and how long the infection progresses before effective treatment is started. Laminitis commonly results from a severe bacterial pleuropneumonia.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
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Foal or Newborn, Coughing
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Foal or Newborn, Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 102.5 Degrees
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Reduced Racing Performance
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Appears Dehydrated
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Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
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Discharge from One or Both Nostrils (Clear)
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Blue or Purple
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Grunting or Groaning when Moving
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Rapid Breathing, Flaring Nostrils at Rest (Not after Exercise)
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Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
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Worsening Attitude or Performance Under Saddle
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Swelling on Chest
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Weight Loss, Thin, Losing Weight
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Abdomen or Belly seems Rigid, Painful to Pressure
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Hypersensitive to Touch on Back or Topline
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Winded, Fatigues Easily with Work
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Grunting or Groaning when Breathing
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Discharge from One Nostril (White, Yellow or Green)
Rare
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Loss of Muscle Mass, Generalized, on Top-line or Back
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Abnormal Foot or Limb Placement, at Rest
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Pain Response when Pressure Applied to An Area
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Foul Odor from Mouth or Face, Bad Breath
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Splints or Braces Against Pressure from Hands
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Gunshot Wound Suspected
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Smoky or Extremely Dusty, Poor Air Quality
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Limbs Seem Rigid or Stiff
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Splinter, Wood, Metal, Etc. Stuck in Skin
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
Related References:
Cha ML, Lais RR, Costa MV: Inhalation Therapy in Horses: In Veterinary Clinics of North America.