Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is the most wide-spread zoonotic disease, but it is faily uncommon in horses. It is caused by the G- spirochete bacteria Leptospira spp . Transmission occurs through contact with fomites or bedding that is infected with bodily fluids such as urine, placental secretions or uterine fluids from an infected individual. are considered carriers. The bacteria invade the body through mucous membranes and through areas of damaged skin. Then spread throughout the body. Spirochete bacteria are making the systemic dissemination of bacteria quite rapid.
There are no predispositions.
The signs and symptoms of leptospirosis include abortion, still birth, premature birth, weak foal at birth, high fever (103-104 degrees Fahrenheit), anorexia, lethargy, recurrent , renal failure, hepatic failure, icterus, septicemia and death.
Diagnosis of leptospirosis is through bacterial culture and serology.
Treatment is antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Thorough sanitation and isolation of affected individuals is of importance as convalescent individuals may continue to shed bacteria in urine for months after recovery. Prognosis is good for a leptospirosis infection with treatment, but horses who develop recurrent uveitis may have it for life. Prevention is also of importance as the disease can be severe. Vaccination is available and should be considered in high endemic areas. Control of rodent populations and the maintenance of sanitary feed and water sources will reduce the likelihood of disease in domestic animals.
Rabies
Rabies is a highly fatal viral infection, which has a low incidence in horses. Rabies is caused by a virus of the Rhabdovirus family called lyssavirus .
Rabies is transmitted through contact between the
of an infected animal and the
blood stream of another individual. Carries include skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats.
Rabies is a neurotropic virus, meaning that is travels from the site of the bite, up the peripheral nerves to various parts of the central nervous system.
Horses that are exposed to wildlife are at a higher risk for rabies.
There are 3 forms of the rabies infection; furious, dumb & paralytic. The first sign usually seen with rabies infection is tremors in the . Muscle tremors spread to other muscles, frothy salivation, inability to drink/swallow and systemic signs of infection such as fever and colic
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