Abdominal abscess

Attention! This is a potentially life-threatening condition for your horse. Time is of the essence, contact your veterinarian immediately.Find a Vet

Abdominal Abscess

An intra-abdominal abscess is a potentially life-threatening condition where a pocket of infected fluid and pus is found inside the abdominal cavity of the horse. If an abscess ruptures it can cause fatal septic peritonitis.

Abdominal abscesses are most often caused by invasion with bacteria including Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Clostridium spp., Bacteroides spp., and Escherichia coli. They are often brought on by a complication of a previous strangles infection.

Symptoms

Colic
67%
Depression
57%
Loss of appetite
51%
Fever
46%
Irregular heart rhythm
46%
Weight loss
30%

Diagnosis

  • Ultrasound
  • Exploratory celiotomy
  • Rectal exam
  • Necropsy

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Intravenous fluids, water, and mineral oil
flunixin meglumine
Long-term antimicrobial therapy

Prognosis

25% survivial rate

Scientific Research

General Overviews