Topic:Botulism
Botulism in horses is a neuromuscular disorder caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These toxins interfere with nerve function, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Horses are particularly susceptible to botulism, which can occur through ingestion of contaminated feed, wound infections, or toxicoinfectious botulism in foals, also known as "shaker foal syndrome." Clinical signs include difficulty swallowing, muscle tremors, and recumbency. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improve outcomes. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of botulism in equine populations.
A Clostridium botulinum type B vaccine for prevention of shaker foal syndrome. A toxoid was prepared from type B toxin of Clostridium botulinum by treatment with 0.6% formalin for 6 weeks. The toxoid was adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide and this vaccine was evaluated for safety in guinea pigs, mice and horses, and for immunogenicity in guinea pigs and horses. Neutralising antitoxin was demonstrated in adult horses receiving two 2 ml subcutaneous doses 6 weeks apart, and in a foal which suckled its vaccinated dam. Another vaccinated mare and the passively immunised foal were protected against subcutaneous injection of 1600 and 2000 mouse lethal doses of toxin per kg respec...
Botulism as a sequel to open castration in a horse. Clostridium botulinum and type-B C botulinum toxin were isolated from a necrotic wound that developed subsequent to castration in a 2-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. The horse had clinical signs of botulism and was successfully treated with wound debridement, C botulinum type-B antitoxin, potassium penicillin, and supportive care.
Thirteen cases of botulism in horses fed big bale silage. An outbreak of pharyngeal and limb paresis involving four horses and nine ponies in the south east of England is described. Nine of the animals died or were destroyed on humane grounds. The clinical features suggested a diagnosis of botulism and mouse innoculation tests confirmed the presence of type B toxin in the serum of one case. All animals were fed big bale silage. It is describe how, in plastic wrapped silage manufacture, conditions of fermentation may be inadequate to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulism. Examination of a sample of silage fed to the affected horses suggested that...