Equine Pleuropneumonia Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Pleuropneumonia represents a severe manifestation of bronchopneumonia defined as bacterial infection of the lungs that extends to include the visceral pleura and pleural space. This condition is frequently encountered in equine practice and represents a significant category of respiratory disease on the NAVLE. It is often referred to as shipping fever due to its strong association with long-distance transport.

Pleuropneumonia is the most severe form of pneumonia in horses and often requires long-term hospitalization and intensive care. Horses with pleuropneumonia frequently develop systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and endotoxemia, which can lead to complications including laminitis and death. Survival rates range from 40% to 90% depending on the severity of disease, timing of intervention, and presence of anaerobic bacteria.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Risk Factors

Pleuropneumonia is typically associated with a predisposing condition that compromises pulmonary defense mechanisms, allowing secondary bacterial infection to occur. The primary risk factor is long-distance transport, which compromises lower respiratory tract defenses through multiple mechanisms.