Potomac Horse Fever Laminitis

Excessive concussion to the feet often referred to as road founder.

Potomac horse fever laminitis.

Originally described in 1979 as a sporadic disease affecting horses residing in the eastern united states near the potomac river the disease has since been identified in various other geographic locations in the united states and canada. Potomac horse fever is caused by neorickettsia risticii formerly ehrlichia risticii. About 40 percent develop acute laminitis a potentially crippling inflammation of the connective tissues inside the hoof. Potomac horse fever phf is an acute enterocolitis syndrome producing mild colic fever and diarrhea in horses of all ages as well as abortion in pregnant mares.

Small horses little shetland ponies are very susceptible to laminitis and are most likely going to develop this while suffering from potomac fever. High fever or illness. Any illness that causes high fever or serious metabolic disturbances has the potential to cause laminitis e g potomac horse fever. Recovery of potomac horse fever in horses if your horse gets treatment within 24 36 hours of symptoms the prognosis is good providing laminitis is not involved.

The first sign of illness is high fever as much as 107 degrees fahrenheit with a lack of appetite and lethargy. The causative agent is neorickettsia risticii. Stresses on the hooves or a single limb can damage the sensitive laminae leading to mechanical laminitis even if a horse is not otherwise at risk for the condition. Abortion in pregnant mares.

The disease is seasonal occurring between late spring and early fall. Retained placenta in the mare after foaling. Toxins released within the horse s system. The infection of enterocytes of the small and large intestine results in acute colitis which is one of the principal clinical signs.

Over the next day or two horses with phf may also develop potentially severe complications. Laminitis usually presents itself early in the course of the disease so this can help your vet to diagnose phf but the onset of laminitis is thought of as a complication as mentioned above. However with laminitis or if your horse does not respond well to treatment chances of a full recovery are decreased. For example the concussion produced.

Potomac horse fever is caused by neorickettsia risticii formerly known as ehrlichia risticii a gram negative obligate and intracellular bacterial pathogen that infects the small and large intestines and results in acute colitis which is one of the principle signs of phf.