Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CLINICAL DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM INFECTION IN CAPTIVE PRZEWALSKI'S HORSES (EQUUS FERUS PRZEWALSKII).
- Journal:
- Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
- Year:
- 2017
- Authors:
- Sim, Richard R et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at cases of a tick-borne infection called Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Przewalski's horses, a rare breed housed at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute between 2008 and 2014. The affected horses showed signs like being very tired, weak, having a fever, eating less than usual, being reluctant to move, or having trouble with coordination. The diagnosis was confirmed through blood tests that identified specific signs of the infection. All the horses recovered after receiving a course of antibiotics called oxytetracycline. The researchers suggest that if a Przewalski's horse shows fever or coordination issues, this infection should be considered as a possible cause.
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-borne pathogen of domestic horses and the causative agent of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis. This case series describes three confirmed cases of clinical anaplasmosis, and a fourth case of presumptive anaplasmosis in Przewalski's horses ( Equus ferus przewalskii) housed at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute from 2008 to 2014. Clinical signs varied among individuals with affected horses exhibiting lethargy, weakness, pyrexia, hypophagia, reluctance to move, or ataxia. Anaplasmosis cases were confirmed with a combination of identification of neutrophilic inclusions (morulae) on peripheral blood smear, positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of whole blood, or convalescent titers. All animals recovered after antimicrobial therapy with oxytetracycline. Diagnosis should be made by a combination of clinical signs plus identification of morulae or positive A. phagocytophilum PCR. Treatment is curative using oxytetracyline intramuscularly or intravenously followed by daily therapy with oxytetracyline or minocycline for 14-30 days. The authors recommend that A. phagocytophilum infection be included on any differential list for Przewalski's horses presenting with fever or ataxia within or near an enzootic area.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28749289/