Successful treatment of a hepatic abscess in a pony by percutaneous drainage and antimicrobial therapy

Abstract

A 4-year-old Welsh pony mare presented with anorexia and colic of several days’ duration. The mare showed gastric reflux for several days with clinicopathological evidence of inflammation and markedly increased hepatic parameters. Treatment consisted of supportive care and broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Ultrasound revealed hepatopathy and liver biopsy was consistent with bacterial hepatitis. Two weeks later, multiple abscesses could be imaged and the largest abscess was drained percutaneously, under ultrasound guidance. Bacterial culture of the aspirated purulent material yielded Escherichia coli and antimicrobial therapy was switched to oral enrofloxacin for another 2 weeks. The pony made a full clinical recovery and ultrasound revealed improvement in hepatic structure. Two years after discharge from the hospital the pony was reported to be healthy and performing at the expected level.