## Overview Kicks or falls can tear intercostal muscles or fracture ribs, causing severe pain with every breath. Horses breathe shallowly, are reluctant to move, and may show pain between the ribs. Subcutaneous emphysema or pleuritis can develop. The pain can mimic colic. ## Causes Blunt trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation, ultrasound of the chest wall, and radiographs. Thoracocentesis if pleural fluid is suspected. ## Treatment Pain control, rest, and management of complications (pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleuritis). Most simple fractures heal with time. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated cases. Complications worsen the outlook. ## Prevention Safe group housing and fencing.
shallow breathing; reluctance to move; pain between ribs; possible subcutaneous emphysema; may mimic colic; fever if pleuritis develops
## Overview Kicks or falls can tear intercostal muscles or fracture ribs, causing severe pain with every breath. Horses breathe shallowly, are reluctant to move, and may show pain between the ribs. Subcutaneous emphysema or pleuritis can develop. The pain can mimic colic. ## Causes Blunt trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation, ultrasound of the chest wall, and radiographs. Thoracocentesis if pleural fluid is suspected. ## Treatment Pain control, rest, and management of complications (pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleuritis). Most simple fractures heal with time. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated cases. Complications worsen the outlook. ## Prevention Safe group housing and fencing.
shallow breathing; reluctance to move; pain between ribs; possible subcutaneous emphysema; may mimic colic; fever if pleuritis develops