Equine Infectious Diseases Overview
32 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the causative agent of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis?

  • Parasitic organism
  • Fungal infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Mosquito borne virus (correct)
  • What is the primary method of preventing contagious equine metritis in stallions?

  • Regular vaccinations
  • Quarantining infected mares
  • Annual health check-ups
  • Proper hygiene with chlorhexidine (correct)
  • Which animal is the primary vector for the spread of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis?

  • Raccoons
  • Opossums (correct)
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • What is a common misconception regarding the treatment of deworming in horses?

    <p>Dewormers can be alternated freely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of horses is likely to die from Eastern equine encephalomyelitis once clinical signs appear?

    <p>90%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason horse owners may delay seeking care for their horses?

    <p>Perception of horses as livestock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about West Nile Virus is accurate?

    <p>It can be asymptomatic in horses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor contributing to antihelminthic resistance in horses?

    <p>Overuse of dewormers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of orthopedic diseases?

    <p>They primarily affect the musculoskeletal system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is often linked to the development of cardiac conditions?

    <p>Taurine deficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is commonly used for valvular heart disease?

    <p>Furosemide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of untreated dental disease?

    <p>Local and systemic infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an essential component of end-of-life care for pets?

    <p>Providing a humane euthanasia when necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diagnostic tool is NOT typically used for cardiac conditions?

    <p>Complete blood count.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect of treatments for valvular heart disease?

    <p>Electrolyte imbalances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily characterizes the approach to managing veterinary diseases?

    <p>Recognizing that disease is multifactorial involving various factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the incubation period for Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) before clinical signs appear?

    <p>2-3 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of the virus causing West Nile Virus?

    <p>RNA virus, enveloped</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the spread of contagious equine metritis?

    <p>Sexual contact</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a fecal egg count in deworming protocols for horses?

    <p>To quantify parasite load</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often should horses be vaccinated against Eastern equine encephalomyelitis?

    <p>Annually with a booster</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which animal is a known vector for the transmission of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)?

    <p>Opossums</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of antihelminthic resistance in horses?

    <p>Increased severity of infestations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common view held by many horse owners regarding their horses?

    <p>They are seen as livestock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a veterinarian in end-of-life care?

    <p>To ensure patient comfort and a humane euthanasia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is commonly used to manage valvular heart disease?

    <p>Pimobendan to increase cardiac output</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of untreated dental disease in pets?

    <p>Increased systemic infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What diagnostic method is primarily used for cardiac conditions?

    <p>Echocardiogram</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT considered to influence the development of metabolic diseases in pets?

    <p>Type of breed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which common side effect is associated with the treatment for valvular heart disease?

    <p>Nausea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is dental disease in pets described as multifactorial?

    <p>It arises from a variety of causes including genetics and diet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a key component of successful management for pets with valvular heart disease?

    <p>Regular monitoring and owner commitment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)

    • Uncommon but often fatal, causes brain inflammation.
    • Incubation period of 2-3 weeks followed by 2-3 days of clinical signs.
    • 90% of horses die.
    • Severe neurological signs are a primary symptom.
    • Confirmation of EEE is through IgM antibodies to the virus.
    • A vaccine is available and requires an annual booster.
    • Can be zoonotic.
    • Mosquito-borne virus: RNA, enveloped.

    Contagious Equine Metritis

    • Bacterial infection of the uterus caused by Taylorella equigenitalis.
    • Gram-negative bacteria.
    • Spread by sexual contact, clinical signs appear ~10 days after breeding.
    • Can be symptomatic or asymptomatic.
    • Causes abortion and uterine inflammation.
    • Active infections in mares can be cleared with antibiotics.
    • Stallions should be cleaned with 4% chlorhexidine prior to breeding.

    Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

    • Caused by Sarcocystis neurona.
    • Spread by opossums, cats, skunks, and raccoons.

    West Nile Virus

    • Mosquito-borne RNA, enveloped virus that infects and kills birds.
    • Causes neurological signs and sometimes fever but can be asymptomatic.
    • Zoonotic, but only causes disease in ~20% of infected humans.
    • There is no treatment for West Nile Virus, but an effective vaccine exists.
    • Cases are on the rise.

    Deworming

    • Misinformed owners are a key contributor to antihelminthic resistance.
    • Misinformation includes: alternating dewormers, deworming too often, and maintaining unhygienic conditions.
    • Solutions include: fecal egg count, deworming according to parasite present, and maintaining a clean environment.

    Horse Owners

    • Horse owners often do not view their horses as companions or pets.
    • Horses are primarily seen as athletes, workers, or livestock.
    • Horses do not always receive immediate care for illness or injury.
    • Willingness to pay for treatment can be an issue due to the lack of value placed on horses.
    • Limitations to care and treatment are a result of these factors.
    • Lots of misinformation exists about horse care.

    Companion Animals

    • Companion animals live longer due to their association with humans.
    • Their health is affected by their bond with humans.

    Dogs and Cats

    • Dogs and cats experience a variety of non-infectious conditions because of their human companions:
      • Orthopedic disease
      • Metabolic disease
      • Neurological Conditions
      • Cancer
      • Cardiac conditions
      • Gastrointestinal conditions
      • Auto-immune and allergy-related conditions.

    Case Study: Coco

    • 17-year-old, female, long-haired chihuahua.
    • Valvular heart disease.
    • Dental issues.
    • Cataracts.
    • “Old dog lung”
    • The case of Coco highlighted the interconnectedness of various systems within the body.

    Disease is Multifactorial

    • Genetics play a key role in disease prevalence.
    • Diet (taurine deficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy).
    • Prior or concurrent health conditions.
    • Exercise.

    Valvular Heart Disease

    • A prevalent condition in both dogs and cats.
    • Can be asymptomatic or cause varying levels of clinical signs.
    • Diagnostics include: radiograph, EKG, echocardiogram (ultrasound).
    • Treatments include: furosemide (a diuretic) and pimobendan (increases cardiac output).
    • Care requires careful monitoring and commitment from the owner.

    Dental Disease

    • Multifactorial in origin.
    • Results in gum disease and tooth loss.
    • Can cause difficulty eating, local and systemic infection, and weight loss.
    • Treatment options include: dental cleaning under anesthesia, tooth extractions.
    • Antibiotics are no longer typically used.
    • Preventative oral health care is crucial.

    End of Life Care

    • A veterinarian's primary responsibility is to protect animal welfare.
    • Providing a "good death" through euthanasia is a critical component of end of life care.

    Resources for End of Life Care

    • The AVMA journals have articles about veterinary ethics and euthanasia guidelines.
    • The MDPI has a comprehensive resource on animal welfare and euthanasia best practices.
    • The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has a position statement on euthanasia, outlining ethical considerations and guidelines.

    Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)

    • Uncommon but often fatal, causing brain inflammation
    • Incubation period is 2-3 weeks, followed by 2-3 days of clinical signs
    • 90% of horses die
    • Severe neurological signs are present
    • Confirmed by IgM antibodies to the virus
    • Vaccine available (requires annual booster)
    • Zoonotic disease
    • Transmitted by mosquitoes: RNA, enveloped virus

    Contagious Equine Metritis

    • Bacterial infection of the uterus (Taylorella equigenitalis)
    • Gram-negative bacteria
    • Spread by sexual contact
    • Clinical signs appear ~10 days after breeding
    • Can be symptomatic or asymptomatic
    • Causes abortion and uterine inflammation
    • Active infections in mares cleared up by antibiotics
    • Stallions should be cleaned with 4% chlorhexidine prior to breeding

    Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

    • Caused by Sarcocystis neurona
    • Spread by opossums, cats, skunks, and raccoons

    West Nile Virus

    • Mosquito-borne RNA enveloped virus that infects and kills birds
    • Causes neurological signs and sometimes fever
    • Can be asymptomatic
    • Zoonotic but only causes disease in ~20%
    • No specific treatment, but an effective vaccine exists
    • Cases on the rise

    Deworming: Antihelminthic Resistance

    • Misinformed owners may alternate dewormers, deworm too often, and maintain unhygienic conditions
    • Solution: fecal egg count, deworm based on parasite present, maintain clean environment

    Horse Owner Choices

    • Horse owners do not always see their horses as companions or pets: athletes, workers, livestock
    • Horses do not always receive immediate care for illness or injury
    • Willingness to pay is an issue in many cases due to lack of perceived value placed on horses
    • Limitations to care and treatment
    • Misinformation prevalent

    Companion Animals

    • Live longer and their health is affected by association with humans

    Dogs and Cats: Non-Infectious Conditions

    • Experience a variety of non-infectious conditions due to human interaction, including:
      • Orthopedic disease
      • Metabolic disease
      • Neurological conditions
      • Cancer
      • Cardiac conditions
      • Gastrointestinal conditions
      • Auto-immune and allergy-related conditions

    Coco: A Case Study

    • 17-year-old female longhair chihuahua
    • Valvular heart disease
    • Dental issues
    • Cataracts
    • "Old dog lung"

    Disease is Multifactorial

    • Genetics
    • Diet (taurine deficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy)
    • Prior or concurrent health conditions
    • Exercise

    Valvular Heart Disease

    • Multifactorial
    • Affects many systems in the body
    • Can lead to heart failure

    Valvular Heart Disease: Diagnostics

    • Radiograph
    • EKG
    • Echocardiogram (ultrasound)

    Valvular Heart Disease: Treatments

    • Furosemide (a diuretic)
    • Pimobendan (increases cardiac output)
    • Requires careful monitoring and commitment by the owner
    • Side effects can be problematic

    Dental Disease

    • Multifactorial
    • Results in gum disease and tooth loss
    • Difficulty eating
    • Local and systemic infection
    • Weight loss

    Dental Disease: Treatment

    • Dental cleaning under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian
    • Tooth extractions
    • No longer treated with antibiotics
    • Preventative oral health care

    End of Life Care

    • A veterinarian's foremost job is to protect animal welfare, including providing a "good death" (euthanasia)

    Announcements

    • Revised syllabus available on eClass
    • Ensure you are receiving eClass announcements
    • No quiz this week
    • Next quiz opens October 17th
    • Midterm 1 grades expected Friday
    • Dr. Craig Wilkinson lecturing Friday on animal use in research

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz covers various equine infectious diseases, including Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, Contagious Equine Metritis, and Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis. Understand the causes, symptoms, transmission, and available treatments for these conditions affecting horses. Test your knowledge on prevention and management of these serious illnesses.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser