Botulism

Question 1

Botulism is caused by

Answer 1

the exotoxin of clostridium botulinum

Question 2

Characterized by

Answer 2

flaccid paralysis

Question 3

Gram positive or negative?

Answer 3

positive

Question 4

Produces __ toxins

Answer 4

8

Question 5

80% of infections are type

Answer 5

B (mid-atlantic/KY)

Question 6

Type A location

Answer 6

Western US

Question 7

Type C location

Answer 7

Mainly FL

Question 8

Type B comes from

Answer 8

spoiled feed

Question 9

Type C comes from

Answer 9

animal carcasses

Question 10

Toxicoinfectious

Answer 10

ingestion of spores - toxins are formed in the GI tract

Question 11

Most common form in foals

Answer 11

toxicoinfectious

Question 12

Pathogenesis

Answer 12

toxin irreversibly binds to cholinergic nerve terminals
prevents release of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction
muscles can’t contract
flaccid paralysis

Question 13

Clinical Signs (9)

Answer 13

1. dysphagia (difficulty eating)
2. flaccid paralysis
3. decreased eyelid, tongue, tail tone
4. sudden death
5. muscle trembling
6. recumbency
7. diminished GI motility
8. respiratory failure
9. inability to swallow

Question 14

Definitive diagnosis

Answer 14

mouse inoculation of serum or feed/hay extract

Question 15

Treatment

Answer 15

anti-toxin administration
nursing care (fluids, turning, enema, urinary catheter)
respirator for foals

Question 16

Recovery (what happens?)

Answer 16

new nerve terminals form (days-weeks)

Question 17

Vaccination: how often?

Answer 17

annual - only type B

Question 18

Prevention (feeding)

Answer 18

avoid round bales and silage/haylage