Just for funā¦a pair of wobbly mini donkeys after their dentals, doggedly trying to keep up with their owner and wondering what just happened. Dental care is important for donkeys too, ask us about it when you make your next appointment!
Have you ever seen a case of rabies in a horse? Recently our team was called to examine a horse displaying abnormal and aggressive behavior as well as neurologic signs that ultimately tested positive for rabies.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a neurologic disease uncommonly observed in our equine species. Though not as prevalent as other equine diseases, Rabies is fatal and poses a human health risk. Horses contract rabies virus through a bite from another infected animal. The virus spreads through the neurologic system to the brain, where it causes fatal encephalitis.
Symptoms:
Horses with rabies may exhibit signs including altered behavior, lameness, neurological deficits, self-mutilation, fear, aggressiveness, and depression. See the video below for an example of the horse recently examined. Keep your eye on the Buckskin.
Prevention:
There are several vaccines licensed for use in horses! Horses require one dose annually. Many states require administration by a licensed veterinarian for the vaccine to be valid.
Human Health Risk:
As humans are susceptible to rabies, it is vital that you vaccinate your horse and know the signs and symptoms to look for!
For further questions or concerns, please contact us at 770-475-6421!
*Video posted with owner permission. All individuals in contact with the horse have properly been evaluated post-incident*
Some of you may remember the case that we posted in April about a mare with a large abscess on her hindquarter following a tangle with the fence in March. After draining and lavage, the mare did well for a few weeks. However, over the last few months, the swelling and drainage has continued to wax and wane. A foreign body was suspected and identified on ultrasound. See the video below for outcome!! She is expected to make a full recovery.
Case Challenge:
Dr. Carly received a call about this pony. Whatās your diagnosis?
Follow-up video from the case below. This is drainage through the original injury wound after infusing the lower hole that was made to drain the abscess.
This is a young thoroughbred mare that tried to go through a fence and failed. Dr. Nash saw her initially and then again several days later when she developed a large, firm swelling on her left hindquarter under the tail. The video below shows the initial drainage of the abscess. The mare was started on systemic antibiotics and the abscess was flushed for several days. She is doing very well. See further pictures in comments.
