Thoracic trauma in horses

Abstract

Traumatic injuries involving the thorax can be superficial, necessitating only routine wound care, or they may extend to deeper tissue planes and disrupt structures immediately vital to respiratory and cardiac function. Diagnostic imaging, especially ultrasound, should be considered part of a comprehensive examination, both at admission and during follow-up. Horses generally respond well to diligent monitoring, intervention for complications, and appropriate medical or surgical care after sustaining traumatic wounds of the thorax. This article reviews the various types of thoracic injury and their management.

Keywords: Blunt trauma; Flail chest; Lacerations; Pleural physiology; Pneumothorax; Rib fractures; Sharp trauma; Thoracic; Traumatic injury.