Equine hernia

Equine Hernia

A hernia is one of many afflictions that can affect foals during birth. There are two types of hernia that a foal can suffer from, both of which may go by unnoticed until they have grown a bit more. They are caused by some type of defect in the wall of the abdomen, either affecting the umbilical area or the inguinal canal -- a passage in the anterior abdominal wall. This is a congenital defect, one that should be repaired as soon as possible, as it poses a host of health problems for the horse.

Symptoms and Types

Umbilical Hernia
Appears during first six weeks of life
A rotund swelling in the abdominal area
Ring felt underneath the skin

Inguinal Hernia
Enlarged or weakened inguinal ring
Swelling in the inguinal area and, in males, near the scrotum
As time passes, the swelling will become larger

An umbilical hernia occurs when the muscles around the foal's navel fail to close at birth. The hernia may be the result of trauma or it may be hereditary. The umbilical hernia manifests itself as a bulge where the umbilical cord was or is attached. The swelling is tissue that envelops the internal organs, but may also contain part of the intestine.


Causes

Umbilical hernias are due to a congenital birth defect. This defect can cause an abscess to form in the horse's umbilical cord or weaken its abdominal wall, both of which can cause a hernia. Inguinal hernias, on the other hand, are a result of an increased pressure in the abdomen due to a difficult birthing and/or an enlarged inguinal ring -- found at the entrance and the exit of the inguinal canal.


Prevention

Careful treatment of the umbilical area during and after the birth of the foal may help prevent umbilical hernias. Allowing the umbilical cord to break naturally when the foal is born is important. The cord should never be pulled on. If it does not break on its own, the handler or veterinarian will usually find the natural indentation, approximately two inches from the abdomen, grasp the cord on each side of the indentation, and twist it until it breaks apart. The cord usually breaks easily when twisted.

Treatment

Inguinal and umbilical hernias must be treated differently. In addition, inguinal hernias are more urgent than umbilical hernias, as umbilical hernias generally regress after the first few weeks, but inguinal hernias only get larger and more serious.

Surgery is required to treat an inguinal hernia; there is no other method of treatment that has been found to be as effective. Conversely, umbilical hernias are generally left to heal on their own, most going away within the first year. If the umbilical hernia is larger, elastrator rings -- a tool used to dilate an area -- may be used. However, because it may trap the horse's abdominal contents within the abdomen, it should only be attempted by a veterinarian.

procedure is high, but a veterinarian should explain the risks involved.

Placentitis

Placentitis—an inflammation of the placenta—is often caused by an ascending infection that enters the mare's uterus through the cervix.Placentitis may be caused by bacteria, fungi or viral agents; however it is most commonly associated with bacterial infection.
This usually arises from faecal contamination with bacteria subsequently ascending through the vagina and cervix thus reaching the placenta
Signsvaginal discharge
premature udder development
Ascending infections may show one or both of these signs where as hematogenous and mucoid usually only show premature lactationA diagnosis usually can be determined using trans-rectal and/or trans-abdominal ultrasound in combination with a culture if a vaginal discharge is present.

Treatment

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Hormonal treatment

“Dummy” foals or Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome

“Dummy” foals are a potential problem faced by breeders during foaling season. Numerous terms have been used to describe this syndrome including barkers, wanderers, or convulsants. Veterinary terminology includes neonatal maladjustment syndrome, perinatal asphyxia syndrome, and most commonly hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). These terms are used to describe newborn foals that have behavioral or neurologic abnormalities that do not have an infectious, toxic, congenital or metabolic cause. The condition results from decreased blood and oxygen supply to the brain.


History:
 Foals diagnosed with HIE often have a history of the mare experiencing difficulties during the pregnancy or during delivery of the foal. Premature lactation, uterine or placental infection, and prolonged or shortened pregnancy lengths may play a role. In addition, problems during delivery, such as dystocia or premature placental separation (“red bag”) increase the risk of a foal developing HIE. It is important to note, however, that some cases of HIE foals have no known predisposing factor.


Clinical Signs:
Clinical signs are very variable in onset, severity and duration. Some foals begin showing clinical signs immediately after birth while others may not show any signs for a couple of days. Mild signs can include poor suckle response, lack of interest in the mare, wandering, depression or staring into space. Facial spasms, lip curling or abnormal vocalization (“barking”) may be observed. Clinical signs may also be much more severe including seizures, unresponsiveness, and blindness.



Treatment:

• The amount and level of treatment is dependent of the severity of the foal’s clinical signs.
• In mild cases, very little treatment may be necessary.
• If the foal fails to absorb adequate colostrum and has failure of passive transfer in addition to HIE, plasma will be given.
• If the foal is unable to nurse, feeding through a nasogastric tube or supplementation given intravenously may be needed.
• In severe cases, more aggressive therapy is required.
• Seizure activity needs to be controlled.
• Medications, such as DMSO, mannitol, and magnesium sulfate, can be given to reduce cerebral edema and limit damage to cells.
• Caffeine may be administered to support respiratory function or mechanical ventilation may be needed.
• Broad spectrum antibiotics are started to decrease the risk of a secondary infection or sepsis. Thiamine is helpful in supporting the metabolic processes of cells. Anti-ulcer medications are given to prevent additional gastrointestinal problems.
• Vitamin E and Selenium are often added to reduce oxidative damage

For more information

http://www.newenglandequine.com/Articles/dummy-foal.pdf

Neonatal isoerythrolysis or Jaundice Foal Syndrome

• Neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) or Jaundice Foal Syndrome is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition of newborn foals.
• It has been estimated to occur in 1 to 2% of equine births.
• The condition occurs when a foal ingests colostrum containing antibodies directed against its red blood cells (RBC’s).
• Destruction of RBC’s leads to release of a pigment called bilirubin that may cause the gums, white parts of the eye and feces to become yellow or jaundiced.
• Horses have a number of blood groups, the most common of which are labeled ‘Aa’ and ‘Qa’.
• A foal may inherit its blood group type from either the mare or the stallion.
• If the stallion and mare have the same blood group, the problem cannot occur.
• If a foal inherits the blood group type of its dam, there will also be no chance of developing this syndrome.
• Affected foals usually begin to show clinical signs between 24 and 72 hours of life.

Signs

• jaundice
• weakness
• lethargy
• decreased nursing vigor
• increased respiratory and
• heart rate, recumbancy
• passage of red-colored urine and possibly death.

Treatment

• Blood transfusions from a crossmatched donor horse or washed red blood cells from the mare. 
• Additional therapy may include administration of purified hemoglobin, antibiotics, and other medications.

For more information

http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/Documents/Learnfoals8-jaundicesynd-apr09.pdf

Tyzzer's disease

Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals


Tyzzer disease is highly fatal and is caused by Clostridium piliforme also called as Bacillus piliformis

Clinical Signs

• lethargy
  
• loss of suckle reflex
  
• severe icterus
  
• neurological signs (such as head pressing or circling),
  
• pyrexia
  
• diarrhoea.

Treatment and prevention

• Specific Antibiotics should be taken
  
• Other supportive treatment may include aggressive fluid therapy with dextrose and control of seizure activity using a sedative such as xylazine.
  
• Good hygiene and adequate colostrum intake are therefore essential for decreasing the risk of disease
  
• Stress factors such as transport and overcrowding have been linked to Tyzzer's disease, therefore these should be minimised. 
  

Hendra Virus infection in horses

Hendra virus infection is an emerging viral disease of horses and humans in Australia. Although this disease is uncommon, cases have been reported periodically since it was first recognized in 1994

Hendra Virus is a zoonotic disease; that is the disease can be transmitted from horses to humans during close contact with an infected horse. Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from horses to humans.

Etiology
Hendra virus (HeV) is a member of the genus Henipavirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. This genus includes the closely related Nipah virus.


Transmission
Horses and humans seem to be spillover hosts for Hendra virus. Bats of the genus Pteropus (fruit bats/ flying foxes) appear to be the reservoir hosts.
In flying foxes, Hendra virus has been isolated from blood, fetal tissues and uterine fluids, and unpublished research also reports the virus in urine, feces and saliva

Clinical Signs
Two syndromes, one characterized primarily by respiratory disease and the other mainly by neurological signs, have been reported in horses

• Fever
  
• Lethargy
  
• Respiratory distress
  
• Frothy nasal discharge
• Increased heart rate
  
• Increased respiratory rate
  
• Jaundice

Treatment and prevention

• These is no specific antiviral drugs available
  
• Vaccination is the best defense against Hendra virus infection and horse owners should discuss their options with their veterinarian
• Horse feed and water troughs should be relocated to areas away from where bats feed or roost.
• Culling of infected animals
• Sick horses should be isolated
• Protective mask,gloves, eyewears should be worn when handling sick animals.

Flatulent colic in horses

Flatulent colic is produced by overproduction of gas in the large intestine and caecum causes distension of stomach.

Symptoms
Distension of abdominal area
Difficulty breathing
Sweating
Pawing
Frequently looking at the flank
lying down
Rolling over
Causes
sudden change in diet
large quantities of green food
Indigestion
unclean water
improper feeding
irregular teeth

Treatment and Prevention
Consult the veterinarian immediately
Good management
Regular routine of feeding and exercise can able to prevent colic.
New feed should be introduced gradually
Plenty of clean water should be given
Regular deworming is necessary
Regular dental checkup is essential

Mold corn poisoning in horses

A fatal brain condition of horses caused by fumonisin mold toxins in the corn they are eating is a potential problem for horses.

This is also called as Equine leucoencephalomalacia(ELEM) or Mold corn poisoning

It is toxic disease caused by toxin of the mold--- Fusobacterium moniliform. This is seasonal disease.

Clinical signs

Neurological syndrome

• Anorexia
• Obtundation
• Head pressing
• Central blindness
• Ataxia
• Paresis

Hepatic syndrome

• Icterus
• Recumbancy
• Coma

Treatment

• There is no specific treatments for this disease however some supportive intravenous fluid therapy is needed to control the situations.
• Treatment to control Seizers
• Removal of contaminated feeds is advised.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)

The equine encephalitis viruses are mosquito transmitted diseases that can cause severe inflammation of the brain. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) most commonly occurs in the Eastern United States and Canada.
Equine encephalitis viruses closely related to venezulean equine encephalitis virus

Causes
The Togaviradae virus found in wild birds, transmitted to horses and humans via the bite of an infected mosquito, causes EEE and WEE

Signs

• Fever
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Muscle twitches
  
• Drooping ears
  
• Circling
  
• Paralysis of the pharynx, larynx and tongue are common
  
• Head pressing
  
• Paralysis

Prevention

• Vaccines for EEE, WEE, and VEE are available for horses.
  
• Measures to control mosquito populations and minimize mosquito exposure will decrease chances of infection
  
• Remove standing water
  
• Insect repellents can be used

Treatment

• There is no cure for EEE
  
• Corticosteroids, anticonvulsants can be given
  
• Intra venous fluid therapy can be given
  
• Antipyeretics can be given to reduce fever.
  

Entropion in horses

• Entropion is the condition of the eye in which there is folding of eyelid and causes rubbing of cornea.
• Mostly the eyelashes rubs against eye surface.
• Thoroughbred may have increased prevalence.
• This is a congenital defect results in excessive tearing and dicomfort for the foal.

Causes

• Heriditary problems
• Mostly occurs in foals due to Dehydration
• Injury of eyelid

Symptoms

• Eyelid roll
• Reddening of eyes
• Lacrimation of the eyes

Treatment

• Consult the veterinarian immediately.
• Surgery is required to correct this conditions.
• Topical opthalmic ointment can be applied
• Topical antibiotics can also be applied to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Kimberly disease or Crotalism or Walk about disease

Walkabout disease, which is also known as Kimberley horse disease, affects horses that graze plants of the genus Crotalaria, commonly known as rattlepods.
Crotalaria species are known to cause walkabout disease in horses

Causes

Crotalaria plant species contain poisonous substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which, when broken down to their metabolites, are toxic to the liver

Symptoms

• Weakness
  
• Anorexia
  
• Emaciation
  
• Loss of coordination
  
• Nervous damage
  
• Horses often stand with their heads held down
  
• Horses become dull and depressed
  
• Head pressing
  
• Difficult swallowing
  
• Horses drag their hind legs
  

Prevention

• Remove horses from paddocks that contain Crotalaria plants and feed them good quality hay
• Mechanical removal of crotolaria plants and weeds

Treatment

• Contact the veterinarian immediately.
  
• Intravenous fluids to support circulation and protect the kidneys and other organs.
• Laxatives can be given to avoid absorbtion of toxins.
  
  

Snake bites in Horses

once warm weather started there is increases chances of horses to be bitten by snakes.The most dangerous snakes to a horse is rattle snakes.
Usually horses got bitten on the nose, head or neck.
The major venomous snakes in United States are pit vipers.

• Rattle snakes
• Water moccasins
• copper heads

Most venom contains neurotoxins and haemotoxins.

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling at the bite site
• Swelling at the bite area
• Tremors
• Paralysis
• Shock
• Collapse
• Depressed
• weak
• Death
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive salivation

What is the actions have to be taken?

• Call the veterinarian immediately
• Stay calm so that horse should not fear.
• Do not move the horse because the movement increases the absorption of venom's quickly.
• Tourniquet can be applied above the bite area.
• Avoid cutting the snake bite wounds
• Avoid applying ice

Treatment

• Fluid therapy can be given.
• Antibiotics can be given to control secondary bacterial infections.
• Corticosteroids can be given to reduce muscle damage.
• NSAIDS can be given to reduce pain and swelling.
• Antivenin can be given to neutralize the venom.

Hypocalcemia in mares

Hypocalcemia is the condition where there is low level of calcium in blood.Calcium is responsible for normal functioning of muscles and nerves.Hypocalcemia occurs frequently in lactating mares following prolonged transport.

Causes

• Lactating mares in high milk production results in hypocalcemia.
• Grazing of lush pastures
• Prolonged physical exercise
• After transport
• Stress
• Decrease calcium intake.

Signs

• Increased muscle tone
• Stiff gait
• Sweating
• Prolapse of third eyelid
• Excess salivation
• convulsion

Treatment
Intravenous infusion of calcium solution.

Prevention

• Calcium supplement are required
• Alfalfa or calcium containing mineral mixer should be provided.
• Stress should be minimized
• Avoid fasting