Fever of unknown origin in the horse: a review of 63 cases.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research article investigates the causes and characteristics of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in horses. The study is based on a review of 63 cases, 43% of which were found to be an infection, 22% to be neoplasia, 6.5% to be immune-mediated diseases, 19% miscellaneous diseases, with the cause remaining undetected in the remaining 9.5% of cases.
Understanding Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)
Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in horses is a syndrome characterized by an extended, unexplained fever. This condition is further associated with vague symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Being able to identify the possible causes of FUO is critical for the effective treatment and improved well-being of horses.
Methods of the Study
- The study reviews a significant number, 63 cases of horses affected by FUO.
- The likely causes were identified with a view of gaining insights to the potential origins and treatments for this currently somewhat baffling ailment.
Results: Identified Causes of FUO
- In a significant percentage (43 per cent) of the cases, the cause of the fever was identified as infection.
- The study found neoplasia to be the cause in about a fifth (22 per cent) of the cases.
- Immune-mediated diseases were detected as the cause of the fever in a smaller proportion (6.5 per cent) of horses.
- The cause identified categorically in the miscellaneous category accounted for 19 per cent of the cases.
- Despite thorough investigation, the cause remained unknown for 9.5 per cent of horses. This highlights the complexity and potentially multifaceted nature of FUO.
Conclusion
The research aims to improve the understanding of FUO in horses and its possible causes. Findings such as these aid veterinarians in diagnosing and formulating effective treatments for this syndrome. Despite the study’s meaningful insights, the remaining 9.5% of undiagnosed cases suggest further study is necessary to fully comprehend and address this health concern in horses. Understanding the root cause would lead to a more definitive diagnosis and targeted treatment plans, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life for horses affected by FUO.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Autoimmune Diseases / veterinary
- Female
- Fever of Unknown Origin / etiology
- Fever of Unknown Origin / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Infections / veterinary
- Male
- Neoplasms / veterinary
- Retrospective Studies
Grant Funding
- Wellcome Trust
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Iida A, Saito H, Amao A, Fujita T, Kato A, Ueda F. The effects of a nutritional supplement containing salacinol in neonatal Thoroughbred foals. J Equine Sci 2020 Mar;31(1):11-15.
- Pinn-Woodcock TL, Aprea MS, Lejeune M, Tomlinson JE. Molecular detection of pathogens in an equine fever diagnostic panel: 2019-2023. Equine Vet J 2026 Mar;58(2):486-496.
- Sun Y, Yu YT, Castillo XO, Anderson R, Wang M, Sun Q, Tallmadge R, Sams K, Reboul G, Zehr J, Brown J, Wang X, Marra N, Stanhope B, Grenier J, Pusterla N, Divers T, Mittel L, Goodman LB. Investigation of the Blood Microbiome in Horses With Fever of Unknown Origin. Vet Med Sci 2025 Mar;11(2):e70272.
- Scala E, van Galen G, Skärlina EM, Durie I. Do post-surgical multiresistant urinary infections occur in horses? Case of unilateral pyelonephritis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria as a complication of cystotomy. Vet Med Sci 2023 Sep;9(5):2042-2052.
