Cor pulmonale secondary to pulmonary fibrosis in a 16‐year‐old mare. (23rd August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Le Corre, S.; Thomas‐Cancian, A.; Peyrecave, X.; Leblond, A.; Cadoré, J. L.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary education. Volume 31:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: e5
• Page End: e11
• Publication Date: 2018-08-23
• Subjects: horse -- pulmonary fibrosis -- dyspnoea -- hypoxia -- cor pulmonale; Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Horses -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/eve.12986
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-7734

Abstract

Summary: A 16‐year‐old mare was presented as an emergency to the Equine Hospital of the Veterinary School of Lyon, with a 1‐month history of respiratory distress. On admission the mare was in poor body condition, with severe inspiratory and expiratory dyspnoea associated with severe hypoxaemia and marked tachycardia. Wheezes were auscultated. A pulmonary biopsy revealed fibrosis of about 40% of the parenchyma. Following an episode of atrial fibrillation, an echocardiogram was carried out which revealed signs of pulmonary hypertension, consistent with cor pulmonale . Despite the lack of aetiologic explanation for the primary pulmonary disease, the general condition of the mare improved with the administration of high‐dosed corticoids and antimicrobial therapy.