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

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