Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Anthrax
Synonyms: Woolsorter's Disease, Cumberland Disease, Maladi Charbon, Malignant Pustule, Malignant Carbuncle, Mizbrand, Splenic Fever
Summary
Anthrax is a rare disease in horses, and more common in food animals. It is a rapidly fatal blood disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus anthracis), which is typically found in warm geographic areas with moist, alkaline soil that favors the organism.
The spores are extremely resistant to temperature extremes and most disinfectants. They can survive in the environment for decades. Horses usually develop Anthrax after eating the spores in the soil, and die within 2-8 days.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred from an infected horse to humans. If you have been exposed to a horse with (or suspected of having) anthrax you should contact your doctor immediately. For this reason, post-mortem examination is potentially dangerous and should NOT BE DONE.
Anthrax is a reportable disease, meaning that if a horse has or is suspected of having this disease, vets are required to report it to agricultural authorities (usually the State Veterinarian). These authorities may investigate the case as part of a larger effort to monitor equine health and coordinate with other States and the USDA APHIS in preventing the spread of illness or disease on a national and international level.
The spores are extremely resistant to temperature extremes and most disinfectants. They can survive in the environment for decades. Horses usually develop Anthrax after eating the spores in the soil, and die within 2-8 days.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred from an infected horse to humans. If you have been exposed to a horse with (or suspected of having) anthrax you should contact your doctor immediately. For this reason, post-mortem examination is potentially dangerous and should NOT BE DONE.
Anthrax is a reportable disease, meaning that if a horse has or is suspected of having this disease, vets are required to report it to agricultural authorities (usually the State Veterinarian). These authorities may investigate the case as part of a larger effort to monitor equine health and coordinate with other States and the USDA APHIS in preventing the spread of illness or disease on a national and international level.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Guarded if caught early and treated aggressively. Early treatment with penicillin is said to be effective if the disease is promptly diagnosed.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What measures can we take to prevent infection in my other horses?
- How can I disinfect my barn & tack, given the difficulty of decontamination?
Prevention
There is a vaccine licensed to protect against this disease in horses. Unfortunately, it has a fairly high adverse reaction rate. It should be considered in areas where the risk of this disease is relatively high.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
Related References:
Lavoie JP, Hinchcliff KW eds. Blackwell's 5 Minute Vet Consult: Equine. 2nd Ed. Ames: Wiley Blackwell 2008.