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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Foals with fever and diarrhea diagnosed with Potomac horse fever

By Fortin-Trahan, Rosalie et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2023·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Diagnosis of Potomac horse fever (syn. equine neorickettsiosis) in 2 foals in southwestern Ontario.

Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

Two foals in southwestern Ontario were diagnosed with Potomac horse fever, which caused them to have a fever, depression, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. The foals were hospitalized and received intensive care, including specific tests that confirmed the infection. Fortunately, both foals recovered after treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering Potomac horse fever in foals showing these symptoms, especially during the summer months.

People also search for: Potomac horse fever foal symptoms · foal diarrhea treatment · horse fever recovery time

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.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38046433/