Lyme borreliosis in cattle and horses: a review of the literature.
Abstract: A complete search of the literature concerning Lyme borreliosis as it relates to horses and cattle was done. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunological response to the disease, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. A review of clinical cases in horses and cattle is presented. Clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis in horses include: chronic weight loss, sporadic lameness, laminitis, low grade fever, swollen joints, muscle tenderness, and anterior uveitis. In addition to those clinical signs, neurological signs such as depression, behavioral changes, dysphagia, head tilt and encephalitis can be seen in chronic cases. Borreliosis occurs in cattle, usually as a herd problem. In acute Lyme borreliosis, cattle often will show a fever, stiffness, swollen joints, and decreased milk production. Chronic weight loss, laminitis and abortion are also possible outcomes of borreliosis in cattle. Diagnosis of clinical Lyme borreliosis is difficult and depends upon recognition of clinical signs, a history of possible exposure, and identification of the spirochete in the affected animal. Since the spirochete is very difficult to culture, confirmation of B. burgdorferi infection often relies on serologic testing. Subclinical seropositive animals do occur, thus confusing the diagnosis. An approach to treatment of cattle and horses with Lyme borreliosis is outlined.
Publication Date: 1992-07-01 PubMed ID: 1643876
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research article reviews existing literature about Lyme disease, specifically relating to its effect on horses and cattle. The paper discusses different aspects of the disease, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis, as well as proposed treatments.
Epidemiology and Pathogenesis
According to the paper, the study started with a comprehensive search of literature concerning Lyme disease in horses and cattle. Important aspects such as:
- The epidemiology of the disease, which is the study of its distribution and determinants.
- The pathogenesis, which explains how the disease develops in the affected animals.
Clinical Evidence in Horses and Cattle
The research discusses various clinical signs of Lyme disease observed in horses, including, among others:
- Chronic weight loss
- Occasional lameness
- The inflammation of the laminae (laminitis)
- Swelling in joints and muscle tenderness
- Anterior uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).
Moreover, chronic cases of the disease may present neurological signs in horses, such as depression, behavioral changes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), tilted head, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
In the case of cattle, the disease usually shows up as a problem affecting the whole herd. Acute cases are often characterized by fever, stiffness, swollen joints, and reduced milk production. Chronic weight loss, the presence of laminitis, and instances of abortion are also potential outcomes of Lyme disease in cows.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Borreliosis
The study points out the difficulty in diagnosing Lyme disease. It largely depends on:
- Recognizing clinical signs
- Taking into account the history of potential exposure
- Identifying the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete (the bacterium causing Lyme disease) in the affected animal
It is noteworthy that the spirochete is challenging to culture, making the confirmation of infection often reliant on serologic testing, which detects antibodies in the blood. However, there are cases of subclinical seropositive animals that don’t show signs of the disease, further complicating the diagnosis.
The paper also outlines an approach to treating Lyme disease in horses and cattle. This may lead to more efficient treatment protocols, reducing the impact of the disease on these important livestock populations.
Cite This Article
APA
Parker JL, White KK.
(1992).
Lyme borreliosis in cattle and horses: a review of the literature.
Cornell Vet, 82(3), 253-274.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Lyme Disease / veterinary
Citations
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