A Case Report of Lung Cystic Echinococcosis Complicated by Pleural Effusion in a Warmblood Stallion

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), or hydatidosis, is an important worldwide zoonotic disease caused by larval stages (metacestodes) of tapeworm parasites of the genus Echinococcus. Although this condition cysts commonly develop in the liver, other organs may be affected. Hydatidosis is a rare finding in horses, that is diagnosed at postmortem examination. The case report describes a case of hydatidosis affecting the lung of a horse. Methods (case description): A ۶-year-old Warmblood Stallion with recurrent fever, anorexia and lethargy was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The horse did not respond to anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. In clinical examination, tachycardia respiratory distress and tachypnea with abnormal lung sounds (crackles) were revealed. The most laboratory findings involved anemia, increased inflammatory indices and leukocytosis. Thoracic ultrasonography was confirmed bilateral pleural effusion followed by radiology. Results(treatment): Thoracocentesis was performed bilaterally under sedation, local anesthesia and aseptic surgical conditions and a large volume of yellow clear fluid was removed. Chest tubes were placed and secured for continues pleural drainage. After thoracocentesis, the respiratory distress decreased. Chest tubes were removed three days later, despite the observed improvement of clinical signs, a two-week follow-up ultrasonography revealed plural fluid accumulation and based on prognosis, the horse was euthanized. At necropsy and histopathological examination numerous fluid-filled hydatid cysts in lung lobes were confirmed. Conclusion: This case demonstrates lung hydatid disease in horses. Although, the tendency of hydatidosis for generation influences by infection degree, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of pleural effusion.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hydatidosis ، Lung ، Pleural Effusion ، Horse