Most horses develop this common respiratory infection at some point in their lives, but you’ll want to take steps to limit the risks of serious consequences.
Rhinopneumonitis (“rhino”) in horses is roughly equivalent to the common cold in people---it is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread by a virus that passes readily from horse to horse. An outbreak can spread quickly and easily through a herd. Signs range from mild to severe and might include fever, lethargy, cough and nasal discharge. There is no specific treatment, but most horses recover completely within a week or two with rest and supportive care, which might include drugs to lower a high fever as well as antibiotics if secondary infections set in.
But unlike the common cold, rhino has a dark side: It is caused by one of two types of equine herpesviruses, EHV-1 and EHV-4. Some strains of each organism can pass beyond the respiratory system and affect other parts of the body. If the virus infects the epithelium that lines the uterus, it can trigger abortion. The fluids from a lost pregnancy contain a large quantity of virus, which can easily be picked up by other mares in a field, potentially leading to “abortion storms” that sweep quickly through a herd.
Some strains of EHV-1 and -4 can also cause equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), an inflammation of the blood vessels that supply the brain and spinal cord. Affected horses develop neurological signs, including altered gaits, ataxia, a floppy tail and urinary leakage. With supportive care, most horses who are able to remain on their feet are likely to make a full recovery from EHM. Outcomes are generally worse for those who become recumbent, although horses may recover with intensive care, which can include the use of support slings.
Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Equus.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Equus.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PROGRESS AND STRUGGLE IN SENIOR HORSE CARE
A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University confirms what many dedicated horse owners have long known: Caring for a geriatric horse with a chronic health condition can be a significant physical and emotional burden.
THREE WAYS TO PREVENT BLANKET INJURIES
Of all the things your horse could injure himself with, his blanket seems an unlikely candidate. But don’t rule it out. Blanket mishaps do happen and they can be serious. Here are three things you can do to avoid them:
PUT AN END TO BARN DRAMA
While it’s impossible to prevent all discord at the barn, conflict resolution techniques can help solve problems, restore calm and enable everyone to enjoy their horses.
The turning point
You don’t always get the horse you want, but sometimes you get the one you need.
A FOREVER HOME
How a Facebook post led to a midnight rescue and an unexpected partnership
Nice work if you can get it
A career focused on horses is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are many and can last a lifetime.
MAKE WINTER EASIER FOR YOUR OLD HORSE
The season ahead may be hard on aging horses in cold climates but with some planning and preparation you can help yours sail through until spring.
7 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT TETANUS
With modern vaccines and wound management practices, tetanus is almost a thing of the past. But the threat persists, so it’s wise to remember which horses are most at risk and why.
THE FIRST AMERICAN “SPORT HORSE” BREED
The very name of the American Standardbred reflects the performance requirement established at the inception of the breed. Here’s how genetics, conformation and training came together to create horses that could trot a mile in 2:30 or less, or pace it in 2:00 flat.
THE 6 WAYS HORSES LEARN
You’ll be more successful in teaching your horse new skills or maneuvers if your lessons, timing and tasks are aligned with his natural modes of acquiring information.
