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Re: [RC] Potomac Horse Fever - Chrystal


I Live in S Ontario and vaccinate for Potomac- it is carried by snails and though not in my actual area has been found about 30 mile s away- my vet DID point out that snails aren't know for breaking any speed records and it probably won't be in my area for a long time, however as my horses drink out of creeks/ponds etc... all over Ontario on endurance rides I decided it was safest to vaccinate. How is your horse doing?
Chrystal ;-)


Dede Johnson <dedej@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent by: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

11/17/2005 11:48 PM

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[RC]   Potomac Horse Fever





Hi all,

                Yesterday I wrote in asking if anybody had a horse that had gotten ill
following the L.O.V.E. ride in CA.  I didn't mean anything that was
ride-related, but like a bug or something.  My horse started having
loose stools Sunday, which progressed to bad diarrhea, lack of interest
in food, and depressed demeanor.  The diagnosis was colitis, which in
itself is one of those things that is hard to pinpoint the cause.  
Salmonella was suspected.  White blood count dropped to a pretty low
level.  Treatment was supportive and Biosponge was given to absorb the
toxins and, thus, stop the diarrhea.  When the blood culture came back,
the monocyte level was elevated.  This led my vet to suspect Potomac
Horse Fever.  The actual organism that causes it was not seen, but that
apparently is common.  Hopefully I am relaying all this correctly.  She
is now on Oxytet (antibiotic used for PHF) and so far is doing well.
                My purpose in sharing this is simply to alert horse owners in this
area to the symptoms, since this is not a common disease in CA.   There
is a vaccination for it but from what I've read, the efficacy is around
70%.  I also read there are 6 strains of it and the vaccine only covers
one.  I'd be curious to know if folks in areas where PHF is more
prevalent choose to vaccinate for it.  I know vaccinations are
controversial and I'm not trying to stir that pot, just trying to learn
more and maybe generate some discussion.

Dede Johnson


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Replies
[RC] Potomac Horse Fever, Dede Johnson