Recurrent hemoabdomen in a polo pony

Abstract

"Nola," a nine year old Thoroughbred mare, presented to the Cornell University Equine and Farm Animal Hospital on March 16, 2003 and September 8, 2003 with a chief complaint of ataxia and weakness, respectively. "Nola" had no other known health problems and competed successfully at professional polo between these presentations. Physical examination at both presentations revealed tachycardia and pale mucous membranes. She had a declining PCV over the first night of both episodes that corrected within two to three days. Neurological examination in March revealed vestibular and general proprioception deficits, with neurological examination in September being normal. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen at both episodes revealed approximately 20 cm of fluid in the abdomen with an echogenicity characteristic of blood. No obvious source of the bleeding could be detected via ultrasound exam. As a definitive diagnosis for the cause of hemoabdomen could not be ascertained, supportive therapy for blood loss was administered. The details of this case and the differential diagnoses for hemoabdomen and for acute onset neurological deficits will be discussed.