Hemoperitoneum in horses: 67 cases (1989-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical findings, underlying causes, and short-term outcome associated with hemoperitoneum in horses.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
67 horses with hemoperitoneum.


METHODS
Medical records of horses with hemo-peritoneum (excluding postoperative abdominal hemorrhage) from 1989 through 2004 were analyzed. Information obtained included history, signalment, physical examination findings, diagnostic test results, and short-term outcome.


RESULTS
Breed distribution was 28 Thoroughbreds, 13 Arabians, 10 Quarter Horses, 5 Warmbloods, 3 Appaloosas, and 1 each of 8 other breeds. There were 40 mares, 23 geldings, and 4 stallions. Median age was 12 years (range, 1 month to 40 years). Signs of abdominal discomfort were the primary complaint in 79% of horses. Clinical findings included shock (60%) and pale mucous membranes (60%). Median heart rate was 76 beats/min (range, 30 to 216 beats/min), median respiratory rate was 30 breaths/min (range, 8 to 92 breaths/min), median Hct was 31% (range, 10.5% to 73.0%), and total protein concentration was 5.8 g/dL (range, 3.3 to 8.7 g/dL). Cause of hemoperitoneum was attributed to trauma (25.4%), neoplasia (17.9%), uterine artery rupture (13.4%), mesenteric injury (11.9%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (6.0%), other causes (3.0%), and idiopathic causes (22.4%). Fifty-one percent of horses survived to hospital discharge, 37% were euthanized, and 12% died. Poor short-term outcome was significantly associated with high respiratory rate and certain underlying causes.


CONCLUSIONS
Hemoperitoneum is an infrequent but important cause of abdominal discomfort in horses. Predominant underlying causes were trauma, neoplasia, and idiopathic causes. Identification of underlying cause is important because of its association with outcome.
Dechant
Julie E
JE
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
Nieto
Jorge E
JE
Le Jeune
Sarah S
SS
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006465:Hemoperitoneum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D006736:Horses; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary