## Overview A liver abscess is a focal pocket of bacterial infection within the liver. It is uncommon in horses. Clinical signs are often vague: intermittent fever, weight loss, mild colic, and elevated fibrinogen. Ultrasound detects the cavitary lesion, and aspiration confirms pus. ## Causes Bacterial seeding, sometimes from the gut or via the portal circulation. Specific organisms vary. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound showing a fluid-filled lesion in the liver, aspiration of purulent material, and culture. ## Treatment Long-term antibiotics based on culture, and surgical or percutaneous drainage when feasible. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Published survival is limited. Early drainage improves the chance. ## Prevention None specific.
intermittent fever; weight loss; colic; elevated fibrinogen; cavitary lesion on ultrasound
## Overview A liver abscess is a focal pocket of bacterial infection within the liver. It is uncommon in horses. Clinical signs are often vague: intermittent fever, weight loss, mild colic, and elevated fibrinogen. Ultrasound detects the cavitary lesion, and aspiration confirms pus. ## Causes Bacterial seeding, sometimes from the gut or via the portal circulation. Specific organisms vary. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound showing a fluid-filled lesion in the liver, aspiration of purulent material, and culture. ## Treatment Long-term antibiotics based on culture, and surgical or percutaneous drainage when feasible. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Published survival is limited. Early drainage improves the chance. ## Prevention None specific.
intermittent fever; weight loss; colic; elevated fibrinogen; cavitary lesion on ultrasound