Equine Science Technology Equine Diseases Equine Diseases Anthrax

Equine Science & Technology Equine Diseases

Equine Diseases Anthrax (Splenic Fever) Anthrax- an acute infectious disease affecting horses and other warm-blooded animals. Ø Horses usually contract the disease by ingestion of the soil, vegetation, or water contaminated with bacterial spores. Ø Identified by a microscopic examination of the blood, in which will be found Bacilli anthracis.

Equine Diseases Anthrax (Splenic Fever) Ø The first indication of the disease may be the presence of severe symptoms of colic, accompanied by high temperature, loss of appetite, muscular weakness, depression, etc. Ø Disease can be prevented by immunization.

Equine Diseases Diarrhea in Foals Diarrhea is one of the most common disorders in foals. Ø Can be caused by: mare’s first heat after foaling, dietary changes, parasites, and infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses. Ø The symptoms and signs of foal diarrhea are depression, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Equine Diseases Diarrhea in Foals Ø In severe diarrhea, the foal may have fever and reddened mucous membranes. Ø Diarrhea can most effectively be treated if discovered early.

Equine Diseases Equine Influenza Ø A highly contagious respiratory disease widespread throughout the world. Ø Caused by a group of viruses. Ø Outbreaks frequently appear where a number of horses are assembled.

Equine Diseases Equine Influenza Ø Virus itself is carried in contaminated water and on contaminated feed, bedding, buckets, brooms, clothing, etc. Ø Treatment should be handled by the veterinarian and consists of isolation of affected animals.

Equine Diseases Lyme Disease Ø Spread by ticks. Ø Most common symptoms in horses are shifting-leg lameness, fever, muscle aches and pains, limb swelling, eye inflammation, and abortion. Ø Many horses may be exposed to the agent without developing clinical disease.

Equine Diseases Lyme Disease Ø Lyme disease is fairly simple to treat using Penicillin and tetracycline.

Equine Diseases West Nile Virus Ø Virus is spread and carried by mosquitoes. Ø One of the newest diseases to affect horses in the U. S. Ø There is no specific treatment for the disease; treatment is based on presenting signs. Ø A vaccine for West Nile Virus is available, but its effectiveness is unknown.

Equine Diseases Rabies Ø An acute infectious disease of horses and all other warm-blooded animals. Ø Characterized by deranged consciousness and paralysis. Ø Caused by a virus that is usually carried into a bite wound by infected saliva. Ø Treatment is not advisable as infected animals eventually die.

Equine Diseases Equine Infectious Anemia (Swamp Fever) Ø A serious viral disease sometimes referred to as swamp fever, mountain fever, slow fever or malarial fever. Ø Once infected virus remains in the blood for life. Ø Virus is spread by biting insects, especially flies, but may also be spread by hypodermic needles.

Equine Diseases Equine Infectious Anemia (Swamp Fever) Ø Symptoms include: high and intermittent fever, depression, stiffness and weakness, loss of weight, anemia, etc. Ø Treatment has been unsuccessful because there is no method known to destroy the virus in the bloodstream.

Equine Diseases Body Temperature Ø Normally ranging from 100 to 102°F. Ø Body temperature is affected by stable or outside temperature, exercise, excitement, age, feed, etc. Ø Temperature is measured by inserting thermometer into the rectum.

Equine Diseases Pulse Rate Ø Indicates the rapidity of the heart action. Ø Pulse is taken either at the margin of the jaw, at the inside of the elbow, or under the tail. Ø Pulse rate can increase with exercise, excitement, digestion, and high outside temperatures.

Equine Diseases Respiration Rate Ø Determined by placing the hand on the flank, by observing the rise and fall of the flank, or, in the winter, by watching the breath condensate coming from the nostrils. Ø Rapid breathing due to recent exercise, excitement, hot weather, or poorly ventilated buildings should not be confused with disease. Ø In foals the normal respiratory rate may approach 40 breaths per minute.

Equine Diseases Immune reactions are characterized by the ability of the horse to resist and/or overcome disease through either (1) natural immunity or (2) acquired immunity. Natural Immunity Ø First line of defense. However, it is nonspecific. The immune cells attack any bacteria they are not programmed for a specific organism.

Equine Diseases Acquired Immunity Ø Immunity that is specific for a certain organism. Ø Can be either active or passive.

Equine Diseases Acquired Immunity Ø Active Immunity-immunity that results from the immune system being stimulated to produce antibodies. Ø Active immunity is not developed until after one or two weeks, but is far more lasting. Ø If animal is injected with antibodies produced by another individual, the immunity is referred to as passive immunity.

Equine Diseases Acquired Immunity Ø Young suckling mammals obtain passive immunity from the colostrum that they obtain from their mothers following birth. Ø Passive immunity confers immunity upon injection, but the immunity disappears quickly, usually within three to six weeks.