Prognosis is fair to guarded, however areas of necrosis will heal through replacement.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is used to describe the inflammation of the pericardium, the connective tissue sac that surrounds the heart.
Pericarditis is caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Occasionally it is idiopathic.
Infection and inflammation of the pericardium trigger the increased production of pericardial fluid. The fluid accumulation applies _________________ on the heart, restricting the ability of the myocardium to contract and expand, thereby reducing blood delivery to the tissues.
Three types of pericarditis have been identified.
The first is __________________ pericarditis, which is characterized by the production of large quantities of fluid. The second is __________________ exudate, which is characterized by the deposition of fibrin in the pericardial sac. The third type is ___________________ pericarditis, which is a chronic form of the second type where there is fibrosis of the pericardium and the outer wall of the myocardium causing the restriction in movement. Type three, or constrictive pericarditis is the most common type seen in horses. Infectious agents are transmitted to the pericardium either through the blood or through puncture of the thorasic cavity with a contaminated object. Young _________________ are at a higher risk of developing pericarditis than other horses. Horses with a history of rhinopneumonitis (EHV), or who are exposed to eastern tent caterpillars are also at increased risk of developing pericardial disease. The clinical presentation of pericarditis includes fever, depression, tachycardia, venous distension, visible jugular pulse, edema and ascites. Diagnosis is made through the clinical signs and symptoms, auscultation, EKG, ECG, radiography and blood analysis. Treatment includes rest, systemic antibiotics, corticosteroids and ________________ of the pericardial fluid. Prognosis is fair to guarded as fibrosis may remain in the pericardium or myocardium after the infection has been cleared.
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