Axillary wounds in horses and the development of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. (23rd August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joswig, A.; Hardy, J.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary education. Volume 25:Number 3(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2012-08-23
• Subjects: Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Horses -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2012.00443.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-7734

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Summary</title> <p>Equine axillary wounds are common in horses. Severe and potentially life‐threatening complications that can result from axillary wounds include subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. This report describes the occurrence of these complications and appropriate treatment. Case records of 7 horses after sustaining an axillary wound are reviewed. Of these cases, all 7 developed subcutaneous emphysema, 5 developed a pneumomediastinum and 4 developed a pneumothorax. The time between the wound occurrence and the development of subcutaneous emphysema was able to be determined in 5 of the 7 cases. The mean ± s.d. time for the development of subcutaneous emphysema following initial injury was 3.2 ± 0.84 days (range 2–4 days). Resolution of subcutaneous emphysema was not achieved until the treatment included packing the wound to stop it from acting as a one‐way valve. Horses with a pneumothorax in respiratory distress were managed with thoracocentesis or placement of thoracic drains. Horses with a pneumothorax but without respiratory distress were treated with conservative management. All horses survived to discharge.</p> </abstract>