Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Abortion in a horse following Neorickettsia risticii infection.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Coffman, Elizabeth A et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Tennessee · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
An 18-year-old Quarterhorse mare that was pregnant experienced fever, stopped eating, a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, and an upset stomach about 68 days into her pregnancy. She was diagnosed with Potomac horse fever, which is caused by a bacteria called Neorickettsia risticii, using a blood test. After receiving antibiotics, she seemed to recover quickly, but unfortunately, she aborted her foal 98 days later. A thorough examination of the aborted foal showed signs of severe inflammation in several organs, and tests confirmed the presence of the bacteria. This case highlights that Potomac horse fever can lead to delayed abortions in horses, and the specific tissue changes in the foal can help confirm the diagnosis.
Abstract
A pregnant 18-year-old Quarterhorse mare presented with fever, anorexia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and gastrointestinal hypermotility at day 68 of gestation. Potomac horse fever was diagnosed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of whole blood and a high antibody titer to Neorickettsia risticii. The mare made a rapid clinical recovery following antibiotic therapy, but aborted 98 days later. Necropsy on the aborted fetus revealed lymphohistiocytic colitis, lymphadenitis, myocarditis, and hepatitis. The placenta was grossly and histologically normal. Formalin-fixed lymph node, thymus, liver, and colon taken from the aborted fetus were positive by PCR for N. risticii DNA. Potomac horse fever is a common disease in horses that may result in delayed abortion. The microscopic lesions in the fetus are characteristic, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by PCR on formalin-fixed tissues.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18987240/