Archive Case #96: Equine Pleuropneumonia

Clinical Clues

1. An adult horse is examined for fever and dullness a few days after long-distance transport.
2. The owner reports reduced appetite and a reluctance to lower the head.
3. Respiratory rate is elevated and lung sounds are reduced ventrally.
4. Ultrasound identifies pleural fluid with fibrin strands.
5. Thoracocentesis yields inflammatory exudate.
6. Bacterial pneumonia extending into the pleural space commonly causes this post-transport syndrome in horses.

Diagnosis

Equine Pleuropneumonia

This case is most consistent with Equine Pleuropneumonia because the horse developed fever and pleural effusion after transport with evidence of septic thoracic inflammation. The most important clues are the shipping history and pleural fluid findings, which make a simple upper respiratory infection less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.