Lymphangitis in horse; cause, symptom, and treatment

Lymphangitis in horse; cause, symptom, and treatment The onset of ulcerative lymphangitis in horses is variable and usually manifests as painful inflammation, nodules, and ulcers, especially in the region

The onset of ulcerative lymphangitis in horses is variable and usually manifests as painful inflammation, nodules, and ulcers, especially in the region of the lower limb, or lameness and edematous swelling can extend up the entire limb. The exudate is odorless, thick, tan, and blood tinged. Usually, only one leg is involved. If the animal is not treated aggressively with antimicrobials, lesions an

d swelling usually progress and become chronic with relapses. C pseudotuberculosis infection in horses occurs at any time of the year. However, peak incidence of disease is during the summer and fall, when flying insects are present. Infection results in abscessation of the pectoral region or ventral abdominal region, with secondary dissemination to internal organs. Clinical signs include:

diffuse or localized swellings
ventral pitting edema
ventral midline dermatitis
lameness
draining abscesses or tracts
fever
weight loss
depression
Also, anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and increased serum amyloid A (SAA) and hyperglobulinemia (indicative of inflammation) are usually present. A marked or prolonged fever, anorexia, or weight loss indicates untoward sequelae such as deep or recurring abscesses, internal abscessation, or systemic infection with abortion. Abscesses can be large, up to 20 cm in diameter before rupturing, and take weeks to months to resolve. Weight loss, colic, splinted abdomen, or lethargy may be signs of internal abscesses. Dermatitis lesions are painful and mildly pruritic with alopecia, exudation, crusting, and ulceration. Nonhealing abscesses or wounds may be concurrently affected with cutaneous habronemiasis (“summer sores”). The bacteria enter via skin wounds by arthropod vectors such as stable flies, horn flies, and house flies, or by contact with contaminated fomites or soil. Diagnosis
Bacterial culture of pus from external abscesses
Abdominal ultrasound, clinicopathologic evidence of inflammation, and serology for internal infection
PCR testing of abdominal fluid for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Isolation of C pseudotuberculosis from lesions is necessary to confirm diagnosis of infection. In all forms of lymphangitis in horses, samples for culture include aspirates of abscesses, swabs of purulent exudate beneath crusts associated with folliculitis, and punch biopsies. Differential diagnoses of C pseudotuberculosis infection include:

pyoderma
abscesses
lymphangitis from other bacteria (eg, Staphylococcus aureus, Rhodococcus equi, Streptococcus spp, or Dermatophilus spp)
dermatophytosis
sporotrichosis
equine cryptococcosis
North American blastomycosis
onchocerciasis
Ultrasonography of the abdomen and thorax is useful for detection of internal infection of the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Ultrasonography is also useful for detection and drainage of deep abscesses causing lameness, particularly in the triceps musculature. Transtracheal aspirates are required to confirm pneumonia caused by C pseudotuberculosis. In horses, serologic testing with the synergistic hemolysis inhibition test, which detects IgG to the phospholipase D exotoxin, is a useful adjunct for diagnosis of internal infection in the absence of external infection. Serologic testing should not be used alone for diagnosis of infection. Treatment
Lance and drain external abscesses
Longterm antimicrobial therapy for ulcerative lymphangitis, limb infection, and internal infection
Fly control
Lymphangitis and internal infection should be treated with longterm antimicrobials (a minimum of 1 month duration or as directed by follow-up ultrasonography). The organism is susceptible to most commonly administered antimicrobials; however, antimicrobial treatment of uncomplicated external abscesses may prolong the disease by delaying abscess maturation. External abscess swellings are treated with hot packs, poultices, or hydrotherapy until they rupture or are drained surgically. Abscesses are lanced and flushed with dilute antiseptic solutions. Deep abscesses in the triceps or quadriceps region require ultrasonography to guide placement of an indwelling drain. Phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine relieves pain and swelling. General supportive and nursing care is indicated. If treatment is successful, the swelling gradually recedes over days or weeks. Internal infection may have a 30%–40% mortality rate in horses, even with appropriate treatment. Severe or untreated lymphangitis cases often become chronic, and fibrosis and induration of the leg occur. Isolation of infected animals, comprehensive fly control including insect growth regulators, and good sanitation are recommended for prevention. A conditionally licensed bacterin/toxoid is currently available for horses. Key Points
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a gram-positive, soil-dwelling bacterium. Infection occurs worldwide and is increasing in frequency in North America. In horses, external abscesses involving the ventral abdomen and pectoral region are the most common presentation (“pigeon fever”). In horses, internal infection and ulcerative lymphangitis require longterm antimicrobial therapy. Fly control and vaccination are recommended for prevention of disease.

30/09/2022

Treatment of Lymphangitis in Horses
The treatment for your horse depends on which kind of lymphangitis it is.
Sporadic Lymphangitis
This type of lymphangitis should be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and, if necessary, steroids may be given for pain and inflammation. Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can help in treating this type of lymphangitis as well. Other medications that may be used for pain and swelling are flunixin meglumine (Banamine) and phenylbutazone (Bute).
Epizootic Lymphangitis
This type is treated with surgical excision of the lesions and antifungal medication such as amphotericin B. However, the infection just has to run its course. In addition, ice packs and hydrotherapy may be used.
Ulcerative Lymphangitis
Aggressive therapy is important here, with antimicrobial medication and an anti-inflammatory such as corticosteroids or NSAIDS. Any external abscesses will be treated by lancing and draining when they are ready. If your horse has internal abscesses, it will be harder to treat and may include hospitalization.

30/09/2022

Diagnosis of Lymphangitis in Horses
Taking your horse to see an equine veterinarian is recommended, but any veterinary professional should be able to make the diagnosis. First, you need to give the veterinarian your horse’s medical history, immunizations, abnormal behavior, recent illnesses or injury, and what symptoms you have noticed in your horse. After, the veterinarian will do a complete thorough physical examination. This usually consists of watching your horse from a distance to assess behavior, stature, conformity, and overall body condition. The veterinarian will then have you walk, run, and trot your horse to see muscle and joint function. However, if your horse’s legs are too swollen, this part may be skipped. The veterinarian usually palpates the abdomen and listens with a stethoscope for any abnormalities.
Finally, the veterinary caregiver will assess your horse’s body temperature, blood pressure, height, weight, reflexes, heart rate, respirations, and body condition score. Radiography images (x-rays) are necessary to rule out other diagnoses such as tendonitis or a broken leg. In addition to x-rays, your veterinarian will probably perform an MRI, CT scan, and maybe a bone scan. Additionally, an ultrasound will be used to find the pockets of abscesses as a guide in getting a sample of fluid for microscopic analysis. Other tests will include a bacterial and fungal culture, complete blood count (CBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum chemical panel, insulin and glucose levels, packed cell volume (PCV), and urinalysis.

Symptoms of Lymphangitis in HorsesMost often, the first thing you will notice is the swollen limb. Some other common sig...
30/09/2022

Symptoms of Lymphangitis in Horses
Most often, the first thing you will notice is the swollen limb. Some other common signs are:

Sporadic Lymphangitis

Extremely swollen leg or legs (usually the rear)
Severe pain in the affected leg or legs
Lack of appetite
Depression
Increased body temperature
Lameness
Muscle contractions
Abnormally high blood pressure
Rapid heart rate and breathing
Epizootic Lymphangitis
Skin nodules most common on legs but can also be on the neck or head
Extremely swollen glands (visible)
Nodules turn into abscesses with thick yellow pus
Ulcerative Lymphangitis
High body temperature
Sweating more than usual
Extreme pain in affected areas
Leg will swell and burst, leaking fluid
Types
Sporadic lymphangitis is the most common and causes extreme problems, causing lameness due to the swelling of a leg, which is usually one or both of the back legs
Epizootic lymphangitis is a contagious form of lymphangitis caused by a fungal infection
Ulcerative lymphangitis is similar to sporadic lymphangitis but is caused by an infected wound; this form is severely painful and the leg or legs get so swollen they will burst and leak fluid

Treatment of infectious cutaneous lymphangitis in horses includes appropriate antimicrobials, non-steroidal anti-inflamm...
30/09/2022

Treatment of infectious cutaneous lymphangitis in horses includes appropriate antimicrobials, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hydrotherapy, and surgical fluid drainage. Cutaneous lymphangitis can become chronic if left untreated or if treatment is ineffective. Chronic expansion of the subcutis by edematous fluid due to faulty lymphatic vessels can result in the deposition of fibrous tissue and permanent limb disfigurement. This emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous lymphangitis.
Sporadic lymphangitis, also known as “Monday morning leg,” can also result in swollen distal hindlimbs. This condition can develop in horses that are stabled or immobile for extended lengths of time, typically days or more. The cause of sporadic lymphangitis in horses is not well understood, but luckily the condition typically resolves after exercise.

Ulcerative lymphangitis manifests as a severe limb swelling and cellulitis, with multiple draining tracts following lymp...
30/09/2022

Ulcerative lymphangitis manifests as a severe limb swelling and cellulitis, with multiple draining tracts following lymphatics. Most commonly one or both hind limbs are affected. Horses often develop a severe lameness, fever, lethargy and anorexia.

Epizootic lymphangitis is a chronic granulomatous disease of the skin, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes of the limbs and n...
30/09/2022

Epizootic lymphangitis is a chronic granulomatous disease of the skin, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes of the limbs and neck of Equidae caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma farciminosum. The disease is seen in Asian and Mediterranean areas but is unknown in the USA. The fungus forms mycelia in nature and yeast forms in tissues and has a saprophytic phase in soil. Infection probably is acquired by wound infection or transmission by bloodsucking insects.
Clinical Findings and Lesions:
The disease is characterized by freely movable cutaneous nodules, which originate from infected superficial lymph vessels and nodes and tend to ulcerate and undergo alternating periods of discharge and closure. Affected lymph nodes are enlarged and hard. The skin covering the nodules may become thick, indurated, and fused to the underlying tissues. Lesions also may be present in the lungs, conjunctiva, cornea, nasal mucosa, and other organs. The nodules are pyogranulomas with a thick, fibrous capsule and contain thick, creamy exudate and the causative organisms.

Epizootic lymphangitis is a contagious, chronic disease of horses, mules and donkeys. The disease is characterised clini...
30/09/2022

Epizootic lymphangitis is a contagious, chronic disease of horses, mules and donkeys. The disease is characterised clinically by a suppurative, ulcerating, and spreading pyogranulomatous, multifocal dermatitis and lymphangitis.

07/08/2021

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a common cause of infection in horses and cattle and leads to chronic abscesses on the limbs and abdomen. Diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of the bacteria from lesions. Longterm antibiotic treatment and drainage of abscesses is required, but the disease is often chronic, and internal infections have a 30%–40% mortality rate.
Bovine ulcerative lymphangitis
Bovine ulcerative lymphangitis
COURTESY OF DR. J. GLENN SONGER.

Ulcerative lymphangitis, horse
Ulcerative lymphangitis, horse
COURTESY OF DR. SHARON SPIER.

In horses, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis causes ulcerative lymphangitis (an infection of the lower limbs) and chronic abscesses in the pectoral region and ventral abdomen. It is a common and economically important infectious diseases of horses and cattle worldwide. In cattle, the bacteria most commonly cause cutaneous excoriated granulomas. Large, ulcerative skin lesions resembling infected granulation tissue and lymphangitis may occur in 2%–5% of cows. Location on the animal is variable but is often associated with skin trauma. Healing often occurs without treatment or with limited topical treatment in 2–4 weeks. Abortion and mastitis may also occur. In cattle, visceral involvement has been reported but appears much less commonly than in horses There have been reports of disease in camels, alpacas, llamas, and buffalo.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings
Liver abscess, necropsy specimen
Liver abscess, necropsy specimen
COURTESY OF DR. SHARON SPIER.

Pectoral abscess, horse
Pectoral abscess, horse
COURTESY OF DR. SHARON SPIER.

The onset of ulcerative lymphangitis in horses is variable and usually manifests as painful inflammation, nodules, and ulcers, especially in the region of the lower limb, or lameness and edematous swelling can extend up the entire limb. The exudate is odorless, thick, tan, and blood tinged. Usually, only one leg is involved. If the animal is not treated aggressively with antimicrobials, lesions and swelling usually progress and become chronic with relapses.

C pseudotuberculosis infection in horses occurs at any time of the year. However, peak incidence of disease is during the summer and fall, when flying insects are present. Infection results in abscessation of the pectoral region or ventral abdominal region, with secondary dissemination to internal organs.

Clinical signs include:

diffuse or localized swellings
ventral pitting edema
ventral midline dermatitis
lameness
draining abscesses or tracts
fever
weight loss
depression
Also, anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and increased serum amyloid A (SAA) and hyperglobulinemia (indicative of inflammation) are usually present. A marked or prolonged fever, anorexia, or weight loss indicates untoward sequelae such as deep or recurring abscesses, internal abscessation, or systemic infection with abortion. Abscesses can be large, up to 20 cm in diameter before rupturing, and take weeks to months to resolve. Weight loss, colic, splinted abdomen, or lethargy may be signs of internal abscesses. Dermatitis lesions are painful and mildly pruritic with alopecia, exudation, crusting, and ulceration. Nonhealing abscesses or wounds may be concurrently affected with cutaneous habronemiasis (“summer sores”).

The bacteria enter via skin wounds by arthropod vectors such as stable flies, horn flies, and house flies, or by contact with contaminated fomites or soil.

Diagnosis
Bacterial culture of pus from external abscesses
Abdominal ultrasound, clinicopathologic evidence of inflammation, and serology for internal infection
PCR testing of abdominal fluid for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Isolation of C pseudotuberculosis from lesions is necessary to confirm diagnosis of infection. In all forms of lymphangitis in horses, samples for culture include aspirates of abscesses, swabs of purulent exudate beneath crusts associated with folliculitis, and punch biopsies.

Differential diagnoses of C pseudotuberculosis infection include:

pyoderma
abscesses
lymphangitis from other bacteria (eg, Staphylococcus aureus, Rhodococcus equi, Streptococcus spp, or Dermatophilus spp)
dermatophytosis
sporotrichosis
equine cryptococcosis
North American blastomycosis
onchocerciasis
Ultrasonography of the abdomen and thorax is useful for detection of internal infection of the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Ultrasonography is also useful for detection and drainage of deep abscesses causing lameness, particularly in the triceps musculature. Transtracheal aspirates are required to confirm pneumonia caused by C pseudotuberculosis. In horses, serologic testing with the synergistic hemolysis inhibition test, which detects IgG to the phospholipase D exotoxin, is a useful adjunct for diagnosis of internal infection in the absence of external infection. Serologic testing should not be used alone for diagnosis of infection.

Treatment
Lance and drain external abscesses
Longterm antimicrobial therapy for ulcerative lymphangitis, limb infection, and internal infection
Fly control
Lymphangitis and internal infection should be treated with longterm antimicrobials (a minimum of 1 month duration or as directed by follow-up ultrasonography). The organism is susceptible to most commonly administered antimicrobials; however, antimicrobial treatment of uncomplicated external abscesses may prolong the disease by delaying abscess maturation. External abscess swellings are treated with hot packs, poultices, or hydrotherapy until they rupture or are drained surgically. Abscesses are lanced and flushed with dilute antiseptic solutions. Deep abscesses in the triceps or quadriceps region require ultrasonography to guide placement of an indwelling drain. Phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine relieves pain and swelling. General supportive and nursing care is indicated.

If treatment is successful, the swelling gradually recedes over days or weeks. Internal infection may have a 30%–40% mortality rate in horses, even with appropriate treatment. Severe or untreated lymphangitis cases often become chronic, and fibrosis and induration of the leg occur. Isolation of infected animals, comprehensive fly control including insect growth regulators, and good sanitation are recommended for prevention. A conditionally licensed bacterin/toxoid is currently available for horses.

Key Points
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a gram-positive, soil-dwelling bacterium.
Infection occurs worldwide and is increasing in frequency in North America.
In horses, external abscesses involving the ventral abdomen and pectoral region are the most common presentation (“pigeon fever”).
In horses, internal infection and ulcerative lymphangitis require longterm antimicrobial therapy.
Fly control and vaccination are recommended for prevention of disease.

14/07/2021

Miscellaneous Cutaneous Lymphangitides.
The cutaneous lesions affecting lymphatic vessels in less common cutaneous lymphangitides are as follows (see Box 10-8):
1.
Ulcerative (likely caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and other cutaneous bacteria)
2.
Sporadic (cause unknown)
3.
Epizootic lymphangitis (Histoplasma farciminosum)
4.
Melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei)
These lesions mimic those of Glanders disease, and differentiation occurs by impression smears and microbiologic cultures and analyses. The skin of the legs, head, neck, and/or flanks has raised firm nodules (≈1 to 2 cm in diameter), draining nodules, and draining fistulous tracts, often arranged in linear bands (beaded appearance) that follow the flow of lymphatic vessels. These lesions contain or drain pus, which is often thick and white-yellow in color. Microscopically, lesions are characterized by suppurative to pyogranulomatous inflammation. Infectious microorganisms are often present in the exudate

14/07/2021

Diagnosis
The finding of ulcerative lymphangitis is highly suggestive of the diagnosis of sporotrichosis.4 Other diagnostic considerations are undifferentiated bacterial lymphangitis, glanders/farcy (Burkholderia mallei), epizootic lymphangitis (Histoplasma farciminosum), ulcerative lymphangitis (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis), and leishmaniasis. Strong supportive evidence for the diagnosis is the finding of characteristic budding, spheric to cigar-shaped yeast bodies in exudate, tissue fluid, or biopsies.3,4,11 Organisms can be found either extracellularly or within neutrophils, macrophages, or multinucleate giant cells.
In horses, organisms are sparse, so diagnosis by cytology and histology may be difficult. Predigestion with diastase and staining with periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS), Gridley's, or Giemsa stains or polyclonal anti-Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) antibody may improve sensitivity of these techniques.5,6,9 Specific immunostaining of cytologic or histologic preparations allows differentiation of S. schenckii from other parasitic yeasts.6 Definitive diagnosis is by culture of the organism on Sabouraud agar or equivalent at 30° C or room temperature.3 Final identification of the organism requires demonstration of either mycelium-to-yeast conversion in culture or pathogenicity for mice.15 A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has been designed and validated for the detection of S. schenckii in clinical samples or cultures.16 This assay targets the small-subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) gene and has a sensitivity of 40 fg of S. schenckii deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
A procedure used successfully for culture of S. schenckii from three horses and a donkey has recently been reported.5 In brief, samples were inoculated onto and grown on sheep blood agar at 35° C to 37° C (95° F-98.6° F) for 1 week, inhibitory mold agar at 25° C to 30° C (77° F-86° F) for 3 weeks, and potato flake agar (PFA) at 25° C to 30° C for 1 week. Characteristic conidial morphology was identified in wet mounts of PFA colonies and dimorphism was confirmed by subculture on sheep blood agar.
Slide latex agglutination and tube agglutination tests for serum antibodies against S. schenckii are available. Titers greater than or equal to 8 are supportive of the diagnosis.

01/07/2021
Ulcerative lymphangitis and internal infection must be treated more aggressively with antimicrobial therapy, while use o...
06/06/2021

Ulcerative lymphangitis and internal infection must be treated more aggressively with antimicrobial therapy, while use of antimimicrobials for external abscesses is often unnecessary. Ulcerative lymphangitis is the least common form seen in North America, although this form of disease has been reported worldwide.

What is pigeon fever?TakeawaysThe causative bacteria, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, can live in the ground, f***s,...
06/06/2021

What is pigeon fever?
Takeaways
The causative bacteria, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, can live in the ground, f***s, hay and shavings for long periods.
Horses are infected when bacteria gain access to the body through small scrapes or wounds in the skin, either by direct contact or by insects.
Pigeon fever occurs in 3 main forms: external abscesses, internal abscesses, and ulcerative lymphangitis.
Fly control is key to prevention and control of pigeon fever.
Infected horses should be isolated when possible and care should be taken to avoid transmission of the bacteria to healthy horses on hands, clothing, and equipment such as buckets and grooming tools.
*Download a printable pdf of this article here.

Pigeon fever, also called “dryland distemper” or “false strangles”, is an infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis that typically causes large abscesses to form on the chest region of the horse or under the belly. The swelling on the horse’s chest resembles a pigeon’s breast, which is how the disease got its name. The bacteria lives in the ground, where it can survive for long periods. It can also survive for shorter periods in hay and shavings. Horses are infected when bacteria gain access to the body through small scrapes or wounds in the skin, either by direct contact with contaminated soil or objects, or by insects (flies) that deposit the bacteria on broken skin. Pigeon fever can occur year-round, with seasonal peaks of cases occurring during the summer through early winter, which could be indicative of high insect activity and the lengthy incubation period (1 - 4 weeks) for infected horses to develop clinical disease.

What are the clinical signs of pigeon fever?
Pigeon fever occurs in three main forms:

External abscesses – frequently in the chest region or along the abdomen, but may also occur on the mammary gland, groin area, prepuce, triceps, limbs, and head
Internal abscesses – most commonly seen in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs
Ulcerative lymphangitis (limb infection along the lymphatic system) – a painful infection of the lymphatics, most often involving the hind limbs and causing swelling and oozing sores
Depending on the form of the disease, an infected horse may also exhibit fever, lameness, weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, signs of respiratory disease, and abdominal pain. On rare occasions, the bacterium can cause osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) or septic arthritis (an intensely painful infection in a joint that carries a poor prognosis unless detected early and treated aggressively).

Picture of abscess on horse's chest
An external abscess in the pectoral region of a horse infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Photo courtesy of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health.
How is pigeon fever diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, along with time of year, prevalence of the disease in the geographic location, and historical information. Definitive diagnosis is often made by culturing drainage from an abscess to determine if the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacteria is present. Ultrasound can be used to guide sampling of deep abscesses. It is important to confirm an accurate diagnosis based on bacterial culture to initiate the appropriate treatment. Not all abscesses are caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

Diagnosis of internal abscesses can be difficult and is based on clinical signs, laboratory testing including an antibody test (i.e. synergistic hemolysin inhibition, or SHI test, which looks for an immunological response to the bacterial exotoxin in the serum of the patient), diagnostic imaging (ultrasound), and bacterial culture.

For horses with ulcerative lymphangitis, bloodwork and antibody titers (i.e. SHI titers) are obtained and skin biopsies from ulcerative lesions are cultured for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

How is pigeon fever treated?
The severity of external abscesses can vary widely, but most straightforward cases are treated with hot compresses, poultices, lancing and draining, with collection of the infected material. This is preferable in order to prevent the discharge from contaminating the environment as the abscess slowly drains. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be administered to ease discomfort before or after the abscess is drained. Timely intervention is key to the resolution of clinical signs and to prevent secondary complications. Antibiotics are not necessary to treat external abscesses in most horses and may prolong time to resolution. Antibiotic therapy may be justified with prolonged infection, and these cases warrant further discussion with your veterinarian.

Treatment for horses with internal abscesses includes long-term antibiotic therapy.

Horses with ulcerative lymphangitis or cellulitis should be treated early and aggressively with antibiotics to prevent residual lameness or limb swelling. Typically, intravenous antibiotics alone or in combination with an oral antimicrobial are used until lameness and swelling improve. Subsequently, orally administered antibiotics are continued to prevent relapse. Physical therapies, such as hydrotherapy, hand walking, and leg wraps, are often recommended.

What is the prognosis for pigeon fever?
The prognosis for horses with external abscesses is very good; most patients recover within 2 - 3 weeks. With internal infections, the prognosis can range from guarded to good. Early recognition and appropriate long-term (2-3 months, sometimes more) antibiotic therapy offer the best chance for complete recovery. Infections within the abdominal cavity are fatal if left untreated. Horses with ulcerative lymphangitis can have some residual lymphatic damage if not treated early and aggressively, which can make them prone to limb swelling and recurrence of infection. Most cases resolve within a month, but chronic swelling of the limbs and lameness can persist.

How can pigeon fever be prevented?
Fly control, using feed-through products and/or fly repellents, especially on horses with open wounds or draining abscesses, is key to prevention and control of pigeon fever. As flies can cause skin inflammation on the chest or in the girth area of some sensitive horses (i.e. midline dermatitis), fly control using fly sheets, spray or ointments is important. Regular manure management and sanitation programs should also be established in order to control insect populations.

Quarantine and observe new horses for signs of infection before they are introduced into the resident population. Isolate known infected horses when possible and practical, wash/sanitize hands after handling infected horses, and use gloves and protective outerwear. Avoid using the same items (buckets, pitchforks, and other materials) for infected horses and the general horse population. Carefully clean and disinfect areas potentially contaminated by pus from draining abscesses. Inspect stalls, paddocks and fields for sharp edges or objects that could cause wounds on your horse’s skin, which might subsequently become infected.

No further precautions are needed once infected horses are recovered and there is no drainage from abscesses. The bacterium is unfortunately endemic in many areas in California as there is no practical way to eliminate the bacteria from soil. There is currently no vaccine for pigeon fever. Horses that recover from the disease are often less likely to be affected again the future.

Ulcerative lymphangitis1. Ulcerative Lymphangitis Synonym : Ulcerative cellulitis Caseous lymphadenitis2.  It is an inf...
06/06/2021

Ulcerative lymphangitis
1. Ulcerative Lymphangitis Synonym : Ulcerative cellulitis Caseous lymphadenitis
2.  It is an infectious disease of cattle and horse characterized by formation of skin ulcers with involvement of lymph vessels of lower limbs.
3. Etiology :  Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis The organisim is Pleomorphic, non motile, non-spore forming, non-capsulated, gram positive rod  Corynebacterium equi  Psudomonas aeruginosa
4. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculus
5. Susceptible Hosts:  Primarily – a disease of horse But sometimes Also occurs in cattle
6. Ulcerative lymphangitis
7. Transmission and pathogenesis:  Disease is related to soil contamination.  Organisim may remain on skin as contaminants.  Through abrasion or skin injuries – invade the tissues , multiply – invade the lymphatic vessels – formation of abscess.
8. Clinical findings:  The disease is sporadic in nature and spreads slowly.  It begins as a moderate diffuse swelling on one or both the limbs causing lameness.  Nodules formed on the legs break down leading to the formation of ulcers.  Thick greenish exudate mixed with blood appear from such ulcers.
9. Diagnosis: 1. Clinical findings. 2. Isolation and identification of the organisims.
10. Treatment: 1. A course of antibiotic, preferably penicillin @ 4000 – 8000iu /kg BW.i/m daily x 5 days 2. Surgical drainage of pus material. 3. Daily dressing of wound.
11. Control:  Strict hygiene and sanitation.  Regular grooming of animals.  Prompt care and treatment of limb injuries.
12. Sporotrichosis : Sporotrichosis is a contagious disease of horses characterized by the development of cutaneous nodules and ulcers on the limbs and may or may not be accompanied by lymphangitis.
13. Etiology :  Sporotrichum schenckii  Gram positive fungus  Infection spreads directly through contaminated soil or decaying plant materials.  Infection may spread through direct contact with infected animals.
14. Pathogenesis :  Local invasion through cutaneous wounds results in the development of abscess and discharging ulcers.
15. Clinical findings:  Multiple , small cutaneous nodules develop on the lower parts of the legs, usually about the fetlock.  The nodules are painless, develop a scab on the summit, discharge a small amount of pus and heal in 3-4 weeks.
16. Diagnosis : 1. Clinical symptoms. 2. Isolation and identification of the organisim. 3. Gram positive spores in the disharges.
17. Treatment : 1. Local application of tincture iodine daily on ulcers – dressing. 2. Oral administration of potassium iodide is beneficial. Potassium iodide @ 2 – 3g/100kg (4 – 8g/animal) daily orally for 10 to 14 days. 1. Or , sodium iodide (10%)solution@1gm/40kg BW or, 2. sodium – iodide @ 15 – 30 gms in 250 – 500 ml distilled water i/v at weekly interval for a month.  Or, Griseofulvin @7.5-10mg/kg BW/day for 30 days

03/06/2021

Pathogenesis
Etiology
This is a rare condition of cattle.
The causative bacteria is Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.
Other bacteria can be present either alone or in mixed infections and occasionally cultures are negative.
Gains access via skin wounds.
Predisposing factors
General
Poor hygiene and skin abrasion.
Skin abrasion are often a result of poor Cubicle design Cubicle design and maintenance and as such this may present as a herd problem.
Insect transmission Insect transmission (biting flies).
Pathophysiology
Infection of the cutaneous lymphatics of the lower limbs and feet also neck, shoulders and flanks leads to:
Local edema and fibrosis.
Cording of the lymphatics.
Nodules develop which may be soft or hard.
Cyclical abscessation and discharge.
Ulceration and draining tracts.
Timecourse
Individual abscesses resolve over 1-2 weeks but more break out leading to a protracted timecourse.
Epidemiology
Poor hygiene, resulting in contaminated skin, is a prerequisite to allow the infection to spread.
Once infection is established, then insect transmission may transfer the infection between animals.

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