Successful treatment of a splenic abscess secondary to migrant metallic wires in a horse |
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| Authors: | C Thomson D Archer B Ahern C E Medina-Torres |
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| Institution: | School of Veterinary Science, Equine Specialist Hospital, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia |
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| Abstract: | This case report discusses a successful partial splenectomy for treatment of a splenic abscess in a horse. A 2-year-old Thoroughbred colt was hospitalised 5 weeks after an episode of severe colic that was followed by gradual weight loss and anorexia, pyrexia for 5 days and dehydration on the day of referral. A large splenic abscess was identified ultrasonographically. Following initial medical treatment, an exploratory laparotomy was performed. Multiple adhesions were released and a partial splenectomy conducted to remove the abscess. Migrant metallic wires penetrating from the small intestine into the splenic parenchyma were found to be the cause for the adhesions and the abscess. This paper summarises the potential advantages of utilising a partial vs. a total splenectomy and highlights the potential complications of these surgical procedure in equines. |
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| Keywords: | horse mass spleen splenectomy weight loss |
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