Transmission of bacteria occurs through the ingestion of infected feed, water and soil.
Foals as well as adult horses that are under stress, have lymphosarcoma, or have recently been treated with broad spectrum systemic antibiotics are at higher risk of being infected with bacteria and of developing protein losing enteropathy. Protein losing enteropathy is seen clinically as rapid and severe __________________, cachexia, ventral edema, edema of the hind limbs, diarrhea and hypoproteinemia. If due to an infection systemic signs will also present. Diagnosis is made through fecal culture, tissue biopsy of the intestinal mucosa as well as blood analysis showing hypoproteinemia. In order to treat protein losing enteropathy, the primary condition must be resolved. Treatment is the administration of systemic, broad spectrum antibiotics such as erythromycin, as well as supportive care including IV fluids & NSAIDs. Feeding a high protein diet may also be recommended once the infection has been cleared.
Prognosis is guarded to poor if treatment is not prompt or proper.
Potomac Horse Fever (Equine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis)
Potomac horse fever is a ________________________ disease resulting in enterocoloutis.
It is caused by an infection by the gram-negative bacteria Neorickettsia risticii.
The bacteria infect the gastrointestinal tract causing enterocolitis. They then cross the intestinal wall to enter general circulation where they infect circulating . This triggers an immune response which includes pyrexia and the autolysis or phagocytosis of infected leukocytes. The mechanism for transmission to the horse is through ingestion of infected water. The carriers of PHF include ____________________, caddisflies, mayflies, dragonflies & flukes. Horses pastured by or having access to a body of fresh water in the summer and fall months are at a higher risk of developing PHF. The clinical signs and symptoms of Potomac horse fever include lethargy, depression, anorexia, fever, colic-like symptoms, diarrhea, dehydration, ____________________ and disseminated intravascular coaggulopathy. Pregnant mares will likely abort even after treatment. This can occur 3 months post infection. Diagnosis of Potomac horse fever is made through the clinical signs and symptoms, fecal culture and blood analysis revealing leukocytosis and the presence of circulating antibodies against Neorickettsia risticii .
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