Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Infection
Infections in horses encompass a range of diseases caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These infections can affect different systems within the horse, such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and integumentary systems, leading to a variety of clinical signs depending on the pathogen and the severity of the infection. Common infectious diseases in horses include equine influenza, strangles, and equine herpesvirus. Diagnosis often involves clinical examination, laboratory testing, and sometimes imaging, to identify the causative agent and assess the extent of the disease. Treatment strategies may include antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and preventive measures such as vaccination and biosecurity practices. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in equine populations.
Genetic and biological variation in equine infectious anemia virus Rev correlates with variable stages of clinical disease in an experimentally infected pony. Genetic and biological variation in the regulatory protein Rev of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) were examined throughout a clinically dynamic disease course of an experimentally infected pony. Following infection with the virulent EIAV(Wyo), the pony underwent a variable disease course, including an acute fever episode at 12 days postinfection (DPI), multiple recurrent fever episodes until 135 DPI, a prolonged subclinical period, and two late fever episodes. Viral RNA was isolated from the inoculum and sequential sera samples, and the rev exon 2/gp45 overlapping ORFs were amplified, cl...
The “galloping” history of intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication (IC) due to arterial occlusive disease was first diagnosed by the French veterinary surgeon Jean-François Bouley jeune in a horse drawing a cabriolet in the streets of Paris as early as 1831. The animal was repeatedly exercised and always started to limp with the hind legs at similar work loads. Autopsy revealed partially thrombosed aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and occlusions of both femoral arteries which were correctly identified as the cause of IC. In 1858 the famous neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot working at the Salpêtrière in Paris first discovered the cond...
Antibody isotypes in sera of equine fetuses aborted due to Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona-type kennewicki infection. Leptospira-specific antibody isotypes in sera of late term equine fetuses aborted due to Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona-type kennewicki infection were characterized and compared with those of their dams. IgM was the dominant Leptospira-Specific isotype in both fetuses and mares. However, IgGa was the isotype in highest concentration in petal sera and strong Leptospira-specific IgGa but no IgGb and little or no IgG(T) were detected. In contrast, although IgGb was quantitatively the dominant isotype in mares serum, Leptospira-specific serum IgG in aborting mares was dominated by IgG(T) bu...
Keratinopathogenic mould fungi and dermatophytes in healthy and diseased hooves of horses. Specimens of hoof horn from 187 horses were examined for a possible relationship between clinically affected hooves and the occurrence of pathogenic fungi. Specimens were taken from the coronary band and from the stratum externum and medium of the coronary horn and transferred on to Sabouraud dextrose agar, with and without cycloheximide, and incubated at 28 degrees C. Dermatophytes and mould fungi were identified by their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The 732 isolates could be assigned to 26 species of moulds, two different species of the dermatophyte Microsporum and three diff...
Chronic fatigue syndrome in horses: diagnosis and treatment of 4 cases. A report from England has suggested that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome exists in equines and constitutes an emerging veterinary problem. Preliminary epidemiological studies seem to confirm the zoonotic implications of CFS. An arsenical drug, sodium thiacetarsamide, was administered to four horses with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), already treated unsuccessfully with different medications. The CFS-like lethargy, with accompanying symptoms and signs, of the four animals obtained a complete remission after intravenous treatment with this drug at low dosage (0.1 mg/kg/day). No adverse ...
vCLAP, a caspase-recruitment domain-containing protein of equine Herpesvirus-2, persistently activates the Ikappa B kinases through oligomerization of IKKgamma. vCLAP, the E10 gene product of equine herpesvirus-2, is a caspase-recruitment domain (CARD)-containing protein that has been shown to induce both apoptosis and NF-kappaB activation in mammalian cells. vCLAP has a cellular counterpart, Bcl10/cCLAP, which is also an activator of apoptosis and NF-kappaB. Recent studies demonstrated that vCLAP activates NF-kappaB through an IkappaB kinase (IKK)-dependent pathway, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that vCLAP associates stably with the IKK complex through direct binding to the C-terminal region of IKKgamma....
Identification of methionine-processed HPr in the equine pathogen Streptococcus equi. Using preparative electrophoresis, a low molecular weight protein has been partially purified from a cell extract of the equine pathogen Streptococcus equi susp. equi. N-terminal sequence analysis and Western blotting revealed the protein to be HPr, a central component of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). Interestingly, the only form of the HPr protein detected in S. equi was one with the amino-terminal methionine removed, a modification that has previously been associated with surface localization of streptococcal HPr proteins.
Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from healthy horses in Japan. To determine patterns of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from apparently healthy horses. Methods: 44 horses from 8 riding clubs in Japan. Methods: Methicill in-resistant staphylococci were isolated from the skin or nares, using a selective medium containing a beta-(symboric) lactam antibiotic, ceftizoxime. Clonality of isolates was determined by use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Detection of mecA, mecl, and mecR1 genes was accomplished by use of polymerase chain reactions. Results: Of the 44 horses, 13 (29.5%) yielded 15 isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococci. The ...
Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a Thoroughbred, with intra-abdominal dissemination. A 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a history of acute onset of hematuria was presented for necropsy. Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder with intra-abdominal dissemination was diagnosed. Tumor masses were observed on the splenic capsule and surrounding the distal abdominal aorta. Tumor cells showed diffuse cytoplasmic reactivity for cytokeratin but were negative for epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, tumor-associated glycoprotein 72, and vimentin.
Fatal nonneurological EHV-1 infection in a yearling filly. A case of fatal nonneurological equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) infection in a yearling filly is described. Gross lesions included extensive pulmonary edema, prominent laryngeal lymphoid follicles, and congestion and edema of the dorsal third ventricle choroid plexus. Histologically, there was vasculitis, hemorrhage, and edema in the lungs and dorsal third ventricle choroid plexus as well as mild intestinal crypt necrosis with occasional intranuclear inclusion bodies. The perivascular and vascular inflammatory infiltrates were comprised mainly of T lymphocytes and macrophages. EHV-1 antigen was i...
Investigations towards an efficacious and safe strangles vaccine: submucosal vaccination with a live attenuated Streptococcus equi. As part of a search for a safe and efficacious strangles vaccine, several different vaccines and different vaccination routes were tested in foals. The degree of protection was evaluated after an intranasal challenge with virulent Streptococcus equi by clinical, postmortem and bacteriological examinations. Inactivated vaccines containing either native purified M-protein (500 microg per dose) or whole S equi cells (10(10) cells per dose) administered at least twice intramuscularly at intervals of four weeks, did not protect against challenge. Different live attenuated S equi mutants administere...
Trichinella in horses: a low frequency infection with high human risk. After the initial report in 1976 of a trichinellosis epidemic caused by the consumption of infected horsemeat, 12 other outbreaks have been described in Europe. Since the first serious human outbreak several experiments have confirmed the susceptibility of horses to Trichinella species and the rapid disappearance of specific antibodies in this host that prevents the use of serological methods for routine screening. A review of the distribution of parasite burdens in muscles of naturally or experimentally infected horses indicates that the tongue is the most likely sample to contain detectable ...
T-cell distribution in two different segments of the equine endometrium 6 and 48 hours after insemination. The T-cell response after the introduction of semen into the uterine cavity in the mare was studied by examining, immunohistochemically, the distribution of helper T-cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+) in endometrial biopsy specimens. Endometrial tissue samples were obtained from twenty-five gynecologically healthy mares during estrus before and 6 or 48 h after deposition of a single dose of stallion semen. An increase (P=0.04) in the number of helper T-cells (CD4+) compared to pre-insemination values was observed in the uterine body in both groups, 6 and 48 h, after insemination. No sig...
Control of strangles outbreaks by isolation of guttural pouch carriers identified using PCR and culture of Streptococcus equi. Previous use of repeated nasopharyngeal swabbing and culture of Streptococcus equi showed that healthy carriers developed in more than 50% of 'strangles' outbreaks. The guttural pouches were the only detectable site of S. equi colonisation on endoscopic examination of horses during one of these outbreaks and S. equi was sometimes not detected by culture of nasopharyngeal swabs from carriers for up to 2 or 3 months before nasal shedding resumed sporadically. A more sensitive way of detecting S. equi on swabs from established guttural pouch carriers was therefore required. Conveniently selected ...
Uroperitoneum in the hospitalised equine neonate: retrospective study of 31 cases, 1988-1997. Historical, physical and diagnostic data were reviewed retrospectively in 31 equine neonates with uroperitoneum. Gender predilection was not observed, and classic electrolyte abnormalities were seen in less than 50% of the cases. Aetiologies for uroperitoneum have been well described, but this review found that septicaemia/severe illness played a crucial role the outcome of uroperitoneum. Approximately half the individuals with uroperitoneum had positive sepsis scores. Foals receiving fluid therapy were more likely to be septic and to have normal electrolyte concentrations. Ultrasonographic fi...
Elimination of guttural pouch infection and inflammation in asymptomatic carriers of Streptococcus equi. Three protracted outbreaks of strangles were investigated using endoscopic examination and a total of 14 asymptomatic carriers of Streptococcus equi were identified of which 13 showed evidence of carriage in the guttural pouch. Treatment was initiated to eliminate S. equi colonisation since these animals posed an infectious risk to susceptible horses. Two further horses were referred to us with severe guttural pouch pathology and from which S. equi was cultured, and treatment of these cases is also described. Treatment in the first instance was directed towards removal of gross guttural pouch ...
Evaluation of nasotracheal aspiration as a diagnostic tool for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals. The reliability of preparing bacteriological cultures from nasotracheal aspirates of foals routinely in order to diagnose R. equi pneumonia in foals was studied by isolating Rhodococcus equi from specimens obtained from 96 foals by nasotracheal aspiration with a silicon catheter. Results were compared with specimens obtained from 21 foals by transtracheal aspiration (percutaneous tracheal puncture). These 117 foals showed clinical signs of respiratory tract infection at sampling. R. equi was isolated from 14 of 21 (66.7%) specimens by transtracheal aspiration and from 59 of 96 (61.4%) specimen...
Sialic acid species as a determinant of the host range of influenza A viruses. The distribution of sialic acid (SA) species varies among animal species, but the biological role of this variation is largely unknown. Influenza viruses differ in their ability to recognize SA-galactose (Gal) linkages, depending on the animal hosts from which they are isolated. For example, human viruses preferentially recognize SA linked to Gal by the alpha2,6(SAalpha2,6Gal) linkage, while equine viruses favor SAalpha2,3Gal. However, whether a difference in relative abundance of specific SA species (N-acetylneuraminic acid [NeuAc] and N-glycolylneuraminic acid [NeuGc]) among different animal...
Internal ribosomal entry site-mediated translation initiation in equine rhinitis A virus: similarities to and differences from that of foot-and-mouth disease virus. Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) has recently been classified as an aphthovirus, a genus otherwise comprised of the different serotypes of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). FMDV initiates translation via a type II internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and utilizes two in-frame AUG codons to produce the leader proteinases Lab and Lb. Here we show that the ERAV 5' nontranslated region also possesses the core structures of a type II IRES. The functional activity of this region was characterized by transfection of bicistronic plasmids into BHK-21 cells. In this system the core type II structures, ...
Benzimidazole resistance in equine cyathostomes in Slovakia. The present study included 19 stud farms, including 243 horses, that were investigated for the occurrence of anthelmintic resistant cyathostomes. The number of horses on the farms varied from nine to more than 100, and horses of all ages were included. A minimum of seven horses were used for faecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests. The anthelmintics included were: fenbendazole (paste formulation), ivermectin (paste formulation) and pyrantel (powder). Resistance to benzimidazoles was detected on 14 farms, with FECR values ranging from 65.1 to 86.3%. Larval cultures after fenbendazole treatment ...
Treatment of chronic digital septic tenosynovitis in 12 horses by modified open annular ligament desmotomy and passive open drainage. A modified open annular ligament desmotomy followed by passive open drainage was used to treat 12 horses with chronic digital septic tenosynovitis due to trauma in the form of open wounds or self-sealing punctures. The surgical approach included complete transection of the palmar/plantar annular ligament of the fetlock and proximal digital annular ligament, which facilitated the removal of fibrin, selective debridement and synovectomy, followed by lavage of the digital sheath. The incision was partially closed leaving a 2 cm gap open distally to allow for passive open drainage. Gentamicin was ...
Mechanisms of persistent NF-kappa B activity in the bronchi of an animal model of asthma. In most cells trans-activating NF-kappaB induces many inflammatory proteins as well as its own inhibitor, IkappaB-alpha, thus assuring a transient response upon stimulation. However, NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory gene expression is persistent in asthmatic bronchi, even after allergen eviction. In the present report we used bronchial brushing samples (BBSs) from heaves-affected horses (a spontaneous model of asthma) to elucidate the mechanisms by which NF-kappaB activity is maintained in asthmatic airways. NF-kappaB activity was high in granulocytic and nongranulocytic BBS cells. However, NF...
[Detection of Emericella nidulans from bedding materials in horse breeding environment and its significance as a causative agent of guttural pouch mycosis in horses]. Sixty-six new and used samples of horse bedding materials: 60 rice straws, 2 wheat straws, 2 timothy hays and 2 wood chips, were collected from horse breeding stables of 33 farms in Japan and examined for the presence of Emericella nidulans (E. nidulans; anam. Aspergillus nidulans). The incidence of E. nidulans in the bedding materials was 75.8% and there was no significant difference in detection of the fungus between the new and used materials (25 out of the 33 samples, respectively). The growth of E. nidulans isolated in sterilized rice straw culture was accelerated by the addition of water...
Operation-management factors associated with early-postnatal mortality of US foals. Of 7320 equine foals reported born alive during 1997 on 1043 operations that had equids on 1 January 1997, and that participated in the United States National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Equine 1998 Study, 120 foals were reported to have died (by either euthanasia or natural causes) within the first 2 days of a live birth. The weighted estimate was 1.7% mortality (standard error=0.5) within the first 2 days of live birth for all foals born on operations in the 28 states included in the study.A multivariable logistic-regression model revealed that foals born in the southern region w...
