PERICARDIAL EFFUSION ASSOCIATED WITH PERITONITIS IN A MARE – ULTRASOUND AND HEMATOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS – CLINICAL CASE

Abstract

The study described a spontaneous clinical case of peritonitis and pericarditis in a mare showing moderate colic pain. Auscultation of the heart was indicative of pericardial involvement. Clinical examination revealed fever, hemorrhagic changes in the visible mucous membranes, rapid heart rate and respiration. Blood tests confirm leukocytosis, neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia with decreased hematocrit. Blood chemistry was indicative of hyperglycemia and increased activity of CK, LDH, ASAT and AP enzymes. Ultrasound examination of the thoracic cavity and abdomen confirmed the presence of hypoechoic fluid in the pericardial and abdominal cavities. The fluid obtained after an abdominal puncture was hemorrhagic with a high number of leukocytes and protein content.