Abdominal abscess involving a metallic foreign body removed via thoracotomy in a horse

P>Reports of alimentary tract foreign bodies have been rarely reported in the equine literature. This Case Report concerns a mare who presented persistent fever and mild signs of colic. A metallic foreign body was found near to the diaphragm on radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. A thoracotomy was subsequently performed by means of a 7th rib resection and a diaphragmatic incision made in order to remove the intra-abdominal abscess containing a metallic foreign body. Peritonitis was the major complication and was managed during hospitalisation by multiple lavage-drainage procedure of the abdominal cavity. Long-term outcome (3 years) was good.