Equine Diseases Flashcards
Disease
A malfunction of a structure or job of a structure that is caused by organism that creates signs and symptoms of its living state in a human, animal or plant
Proper feeding and management
- Dusty or moldy feed should never be used
- Water consumption after hard work should be carefully controlled
Mycotoxin Fumonisin
Sometimes found in moldy corn.
-toxic to animals and may cause brain and liver disorders in horses
Cleanliness and Sanitation
- Prevent growth of disease organisms
- Helps break the life cycle of parasites
- Do not keep horses in barns that are warm and humid
Immunization and Parasite Control
Vaccinate and deworm
Preventing Spread of Disease
- Isolate sick animals
- Keep water and feed containers separate
- Call a vet
Infectious Diseases
Caused by pathogenic organisms in the environment or carried by other animals
- causes are broadly categorized as parasitic, bacterial, and viral
Bacterial Diseases
Often internal infections and require treatment with antibiotics
- can be external, resulting in the erosion of skin
Viral Diseases
Often impossible to distinguish from bacterial diseases without special laboratory tests
- no specific medications available to cure viral infections
- immunization can protect horses from viral diseases
- vaccines do not exist for all viral diseases
Noninfectious Diseases
Broadly caused by environmental problems, nutritional deficiencies or genetic defects
- not contagious and can’t be cured by medications
- Environmental diseases include natural or man-made toxins in the environment
Anhydrosis
Condition in which horses do not sweat normally
- noninfectious
Anhydrosis Management and treatment
Managed by - riding and working horse only when cool -keep horse out of sun -use fans/AC -feed a high fat diet Treatment - thyroid medication
