Smoke Inhalation Injury In A Pony

Abstract

SummaryA seven year old Welsh pony stallion was admitted to the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation injury (SII) sustained in a barn fire. The pony was severly affected and demonstrated the three clinical phases typically described with SII. A nuclear pulmonary perfusion scan demonstrated multiple areas of unperfused lung suggesting reflex hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, while thoracic radiographs showed only a mild increase in broncho‐interstitial pattern. The pony responded well to treatment with oxygen, diuretics, intravenous fluids, bronchodilators, non‐steroidal antiinflammatory agents and antibiotics. A tracheostomy was done to relieve upper airway obstruction and to facilitate removal of tracheobonchial pseudomembranous casts. Ultrasonic nebulization and to facilitate removal of tracheobonchial pseudomembranous casts. Ultrasonic nebulization was utilized to moisturize and break up secretions and casts and to deliver bronchodilatory agents. The pony recovered and seven months following the fire was pasture breeding mares. The pathophysiology and treatment of SII in the equine is discussed.