title: Abdominal abscesses in adult horses: 61 cases (1993-2008).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcome for a series of adult horses with abdominal abscesses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  61 adult horses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of adult horses with abdominal abscesses treated at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (1993 to 2008) were reviewed. Information was recorded regarding signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and short- and long-term outcomes. Risk factors for survival were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  61 horses met the criteria for inclusion. Clinical signs included colic (67%), fever (46%), anorexia (51%), signs of depression (57%), tachycardia (46%), and weight loss (30%). The diagnosis was made on the basis of abdominal ultrasonography, exploratory celiotomy, palpation per rectum, and necropsy. Abscesses were variable in size, location, and number. Only 15 (24.6%) horses survived to discharge. Multiple bacterial isolates were identified from aspirates of abscesses, and subsequent abdominal adhesion formation limited survival, affecting outcome. Risk factors for survival included age and heart rate at admission.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adult horses with abdominal abscesses often have severe adhesion formation. Multiple bacterial isolates are frequently identified from the abscess. Prognosis for survival is guarded.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA. Carnold@cvm.tamu.edu
authors.forename: Carolyn E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: M Keith
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Chaffin
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents