The case fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is approximately 33%. Data have supported that 40% of horses that survive the acute illness caused by WNV still exhibit residual effects, such as gait and behavioral abnormalities, 6-months post-diagnosis. Thus vaccination for West Nile virus is recommended as a core vaccine and is an essential standard of care for all horses in North America.
Nutritional Counseling
Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses may include a general loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs: fever, weakness of hind limbs, paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, ataxia (weakness), head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions (seizures), inability to swallow, walking in circles, hyperexcitability and coma.
IVERHART MAX™ - a once a month pescription chewable that provides protection against heartworm and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Recommended for dogs 8 weeks of age and older. IVERHART MAX™ is available in four weight ranges; toy dogs between 6.0 and 12 pounds, small dogs weighing from 12.1 to 25 pounds, medium-weight dogs between 25.1 to 50 pounds and large dogs weighing 50.1 – 100 pounds. For dogs weighing more than 100 pounds consult your veterinarian. Available in packages of six and twelve doses. [All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment. Infected dogs should be treated to remove adult heartworms before initiating a heartworm prevention program.
Behavioral Disorder Treatment
P (Panleukopenia virus) also known as feline distemper and infectious feline enteritis. Highly contagious disease characterized by a short course and high mortality rate. The disease is caused by a parvovirus similar to the parvovirus seen in dogs
Leptospirosis in horses is most commonly associated with uveitis or abortions. The disease is typically seen as a self-limiting mild fever with anorexia, although in severe forms hemolysis and vasculitis can result in petechial hemorrhages on mucosal surfaces, hemoglobinuria, anemia, icterus, conjunctival suffusion, depression, and weakness. Renal failure has been documented in foals. Recurrent uveitis (moon blindness) develops anytime from 2-8 mo following the initial infection. Leptospirosis appears to be a significant cause of recurrent uveitis in horses, accounting for up to 67% of the cases.
Parvovirus Infection Treatment
Bacterial and Viral Infection Treatment
There are three clinical forms of EIA, acute, chronic, and inapparant. The majority of the clinical signs of the disease are related to the reaction of the animal's immune system to the viral infection. Clinical signs of the acute form include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, small areas of hemorrhaging on the mucous membranes, stocking up (swelling of the legs), and edema (collection of fluid) along the ventral abdomen. Clinical signs of the acute form of the virus usually appear seven to 30 days after exposure to (or infection of) the virus.
Clostridium tetani organisms are present in the intestinal tract and feces of horses, other animals and humans, and are abundant as well as ubiquitous in soil. Spores of Cl. tetani survive in the environment for many years, resulting in an ever-present risk of exposure of horses and people on equine facilities. Tetanus is not a contagious disease but is the result of Cl. tetani infection of puncture wounds (particularly those involving the foot or muscle), open lacerations, surgical incisions, exposed tissues such as the umbilicus of foals and reproductive tract of the postpartum mare (especially in the event of trauma or retained placenta ).
The Coggins test is a blood test for this disease that is required of all horses bought and sold in Wisconsin and for almost every horse show. Almost every state requires this test for horses to come into their state. The blood test is usually done once per year to detect the disease. The blood sample must be drawn by a licensed and accredited Veterinarian and tested at a certified lab. Results are usually back within a week. This information is required on your interstate health papers to cross state lines.