Equine leptospiral pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome: An atypical manifestation of equine leptospirosis

The term Equine Leptospiral Pulmonary Haemorrhage Syndrome is proposed to designate equine leptospirosis characterised by acute respiratory distress caused by pulmonary haemorrhage associated with blood biochemical disturbances including hyponatraemic and hypochloraemic azotaemia and increased serum amyloid A concentrations. The exact pathophysiology of pulmonary haemorrhage in equine leptospirosis remains incompletely elucidated. Urinary PCR analysis and paired serum microagglutination assays were useful to diagnose active leptospiral infection. The diagnostic benefit of tracheobronchial secretions remains an area for further investigation considering its potential source as a biohazard.