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
-
Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 101.5 (in Adult)
-
Depressed, Dull, Sick or Lethargic
-
Not Eating, Loss of Appetite, Not Hungry
-
Coughing
-
Rapid Breathing Persists Longer Than Normal after Exercise
-
Difficulty Breathing, Struggles for Breath
-
Discharge from Both Nostrils (White, Yellow or Green)
-
Playing in Water Excessively Without Drinking
Less Common
-
Foal or Newborn, Coughing
-
Foal or Newborn, Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 102.5 Degrees
-
Reduced Racing Performance
-
Grunting or Groaning when Moving
-
Appears Dehydrated
-
Rapid Breathing, Flaring Nostrils at Rest (Not after Exercise)
-
Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Blue or Purple
-
Reluctant to Move Forward or to Walk. Not Under Saddle
-
Discharge from One or Both Nostrils (Clear)
-
Worsening Attitude or Performance Under Saddle
-
Abdomen or Belly seems Rigid, Painful to Pressure
-
Discharge from One Nostril (White, Yellow or Green)
-
Weight Loss, Thin, Losing Weight
-
Swelling on Chest
-
Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
-
Hypersensitive to Touch on Back or Topline
-
Winded, Fatigues Easily with Work
-
Grunting or Groaning when Breathing
Rare
-
Foul Odor from Mouth or Face, Bad Breath
-
Splints or Braces Against Pressure from Hands
-
Loss of Muscle Mass, Generalized, on Top-line or Back
-
Abnormal Foot or Limb Placement, at Rest
-
Pain Response when Pressure Applied to An Area
-
Gunshot Wound Suspected
-
Limbs or Gait Seems Rigid or Stiff
-
Smoky or Extremely Dusty, Poor Air Quality
-
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.