Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vegetative endocarditis in an Appaloosa gelding.
- Journal:
- The Cornell veterinarian
- Year:
- 1992
- Authors:
- Ball, M A & Weldon, A D
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Science · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Appaloosa gelding was brought to the vet because he had been experiencing swelling in multiple joints, losing weight, and showing signs of anemia (low red blood cell count). During the examination, the vet found a significant heart murmur and high protein levels in his blood. An ultrasound of the heart showed a large growth on one of the aortic valve flaps. Despite trying antibiotics, the horse's condition did not improve, and he was euthanized after about two months of treatment.
Abstract
A 5-year-old Appaloosa gelding was presented with a history of intermittent multiple joint swelling, weight loss, and anemia. Physical examination and clinical pathology revealed a grade IV/VI holodiastolic murmur, louder on the left, and a marked hyperproteinemia. Echocardiography of the heart demonstrated a large vegetative lesion on one of the aortic valve cusps. Blood cultures did not elucidate the causative organism, and the disease was refractory to empiric antibiotic therapy. The horse was euthanized after approximately 2 months of therapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1643881/