Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnosis of Potomac horse fever (syn. equine neorickettsiosis) in 2 foals in southwestern Ontario.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Fortin-Trahan, Rosalie et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This report discusses two young horses, known as foals, in southwestern Ontario that were diagnosed with Potomac horse fever, a disease that can cause fever, depression, not eating, gut problems, diarrhea, and sometimes hoof issues. Both foals showed these symptoms and tested positive for the bacteria responsible for the disease. They received treatment in the hospital and were closely monitored, which helped them recover. This case highlights the importance of considering Potomac horse fever in foals, especially during the summer months when the disease is more common. In this instance, the treatment was successful, and both foals recovered.
Abstract
Potomac horse fever (PHF) is characterized by fever, depression, anorexia, ileus, diarrhea, and occasionally, laminitis. The disease is caused by infection withand/or. Equids of all ages may be affected; however, the condition has not been well-characterized in foals. This report describes clinical signs, laboratory findings, and treatment of 2 foals diagnosed with PHF in southwestern Ontario. Feces submitted for an equine PCR panel tested positive forspp. and were subsequently confirmed to be(Case 1) and(Case 2). Both foals recovered following hospitalization and intensive care. Key clinical message: The purpose of this report is to make veterinarians aware that foals may develop PHF. During summer (July to September), when encountering foals in endemic areas with clinical signs compatible with PHF, veterinarians should consider PHF as a diagnostic rule-out. For confirmation of the diagnosis, blood and feces should be submitted for PCR testing forspp.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38046433/