Obstructive nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis associated with chronic renal failure in horses: eight cases (1981-1987).

Eight adult horses with obstructive nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis were examined between 1981 and 1987. One horse had bilateral ureteral obstruction at hospital admission; the others had unilateral ureteral obstruction. All horses had similar bilateral renal pathologic findings that were compatible with chronic intermittent or complete obstruction. Horses were referred for evaluation of weight loss, poor performance, and/or decreased appetite. Clinical findings, laboratory results, and/or postmortem findings in all horses supported the diagnosis of chronic renal failure. Age of the 8 horses varied between 2 and 17 years; 5 of the 8 were between 2 and 3 years old. Seven horses were Thoroughbreds and 1 was a Standardbred. Of the horses examined, 4 were females and 4 were males (2 geldings). Diagnosis of obstructive nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis was made in all of the hospitalized horses based on examination per rectum and/or renal ultrasonographic findings. Surgical removal of the obstructing calculi was performed in one horse. Although etiopathogenesis could not be proven, histopathologic findings in the kidneys of the horses of our study were suggestive of renal failure secondary to obstructive urinary disease.

Pericarditis in horses: six cases (1982-1986).

Records of 6 horses with pericarditis were reviewed. Septic pericarditis was suspected in all horses, based on historic and clinical findings. In horses 1, 2, and 4, cytologic examination of the pericardial effusion revealed acute inflammation with severe neutrophil degeneration. In horses 3 and 5, cytologic examination of pericardial fluid revealed subacute inflammation with degenerated neutrophils, and in horse 6, chronic active inflammation, with well preserved neutrophils. In horses 1 and 3, bacteria were identified on cytologic examination of pericardial fluid. Results of microbiologic cultures of pericardial fluid were positive in horse 3. All horses were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. An indwelling pericardial catheter was used to lavage and directly administer antibiotics into the pericardial sac. Horses 1, 4, 5, and 6 survived, horse 2 died of unrelated causes, and horse 3 was euthanatized at the owner's request. Surviving horses returned to athletic performance.

Acute renal failure associated with administration of excessive amounts of tetracycline in a cow.

High doses of intravenously and intramuscularly administered oxytetracycline were believed to be responsible for acute renal failure in a dehydrated cow. Signs of renal disease included oliguria, perirenal edema, marked azotemia, moderate proteinuria, tubular casts in urinary sediment, and inability to concentrate urine. Concurrent intravenous administration of fluids and diuretics (mannitol and furosemide) resulted in reestablishment of normal urine production. Because of its nephrotoxic potential, oxytetracycline should be used cautiously and at recommended dosages in ruminants that have prerenal azotemia or otherwise reduced renal function.

Jejunocolic anastomosis for the surgical management of recurrent cecal impaction in a horse.

A 5-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with recurrent cecal impaction refractory to medical management was treated with a side-to-side jejunocolic anastomosis. Cecal impaction did not recur after surgery. The horse gained weight and performed successfully for 14 months, but experienced three episodes of mild abdominal pain between 14 and 20 months after surgery. Mild cecal gas distention and firm ingesta in the colon were detected on rectal examination. The horse's feces remained soft after surgery, except during the colic episodes when dry, firm feces were passed.