Equine - Haemolymphatic Dz Flashcards

1
Q

Describe prekallikrein or Fletcher factor deficiency in horses.

A
  • Inherited disorder of Miniature and Belgian horses.
  • Required for activation of factor XII in intrinsic pathway, therefore important in thrombosis.
  • Asymptomatic but bleed in response to trauma.
  • Prolonged APTT, normal PT (intrinsic pathway only).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe von Willenbrand factor deficiency in horses.

A
  • vWBF is required for platelet adhesion.
  • Reported in one QH filly with haemorrhage from mucosal surfaces post-trauma.
  • Prolonged APTT, normal PT (intrinsic pathway only).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia.

A
  • Inherited platelet defect caused by change in the platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (integrin alpha-2B-beta-3), the receptor that binds fibrinogen and mediates platelet aggregation.
  • Reported in 6 horses of different breeds, all only had abnormality of alpha-2B subunit.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

List the clinical signs and diagnostic test findings in horses with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia.

A
  • Intermittent epistaxis.
  • Petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages in the nasopharynx.
  • Prolonged gingival bleeding time, prolonged clot retraction, impaired platelet aggregation in response to agonists.
  • May see a mild anaemia secondary to blood loss.
  • Normal PT, APTT, platelet count.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define vasculitis.

A

Pathologic process involving inflammation and necrosis of blood vessel walls. Occurs secondary to primary toxic, infectious or neoplastic disease processes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

List aetiologic agents of vasculitis in horses.

A
  • Equine Viral Arteritis virus.
  • Purpura Haemorrhagica (most often secondary to Strep equi ss equi infection).
  • Equine Infectious Anaemia virus.
  • Equine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (Anaplasma phagocytophylum infection).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

List clinical manifestations of vasculitis in horses.

A
  • Skin and mucous membranes most commonly affected.
  • Well-demarcated areas of dermal or s/c oedema that may progress to skin infarction, necrosis and exudation.
  • Hyperaemia, petechial/ecchymotic haemorrhages, ulceration of mucous membranes.
  • Secondary cellulitis, thrombophlebitis, laminitis, pneumonia reported.
  • May occur as primary problem in any organ –> lameness, renal dz, colic, ataxia, dyspnoea.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe diagnostic test findings in cases of vasculitis in horses.

A
  • Skin histo: neutrophilic infiltration of venules in the dermis and s/c tissue with nuclear debris in and around vessels and fibrinoid necrosis.
  • CBC/chem: may be WNL or may see anaemia, neutrophilia, hyperglobulinaemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia, normal platelet count, inc CK, inc creatinine.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the pathogenesis of vasculitis in horses.

A

Immunologic mechanism suspected e.g. Ag-Ab deposition in vessel walls w subsequent complement activation and chemoattractant prod –> neut/macro release proteolytic enzymes –> vessel wall necrosis –> haemorrhage, oedema and infarction of tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the infectious agents which have been implicated as aetiologic agents in Purpura Haemorrhagica (PH) in horses.

A
  • Strep equi ss equi.
  • Strep equi ss zooepidemicus.
  • Rhodococcus equi.
  • Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.
  • Strep equi ss equi vaccination.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

List clinical signs of PH in horses.

A
  • Most often in young to middle aged horses.
  • Develops acutely within weeks of resp infection.
  • Well demarcated s/c oedema of the limbs.
  • Anorexia.
  • Lethargy.
  • Fever.
  • Tacchycardia.
  • Haemorrhages on MMs.
  • +/- reluctance to move, colic, epistaxis.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

List clinicopathologic findings in cases of PH in horses.

A
  • Anaemia.
  • Neutrophilia.
  • Hyperglobulinaemia.
  • Hyperfibrinogenaemia.
  • Inc CK and AST.
  • Rarely thrombocytopaenia.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe typical histopathologic findings in skin biopsies of horses with PH.

A
  • Diagnostic finding: acute leukocytoclastic or non-leukocystoclastic vasculitis with vessel necrosis.
  • Dermal and s/c haemorrhage, protein rich oedema, dermal infarction, arteries infiltrated by neutrophils +/- hyaline thrombi.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of PH in horses.

A
  • Type III hypersensitivity reaction.
  • Strep equi: primarily IgM or IgA to Strep M protein; Ag-Ab complexes lodge s/c vessels or throughout the body.
  • May see infarcts in kidneys, GI walls, skeletal muscle, spleen in addition to skin lesions.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Outline treatment and prognosis of PH in horses.

A
  • Address primary cause e.g. Strep –> penicillin at least 2wk.
  • Suppress immune response: prolonged corticosteroid therapy.
  • Hydrotherapy, limb bandaging, walking.
  • +/- IVFT and nutritional support.
  • Prognosis fair with early and aggressive therapy.
  • Potential complications: skin sloughing, laminitis, cellulitis, pneumonia, diarrhoea.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe the Equine Arteritis Virus.

A
  • Order: Nidovirales.
  • Family: Arterivirdae.
  • Genus arterivirus.
  • Enveloped RNA virus.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How is the EAV transmitted between horses?

A
  • Maintained in accessory organs of the male repro tract in stallions (ampulla, vas deferens).
  • Transmitted in fresh or frozen semen from asymptomatic carriers via natural service or AI.
  • Aerosol from respiratory, urinary or repro tract secretions from acutely infected individuals.
  • Fomites.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

List the clinical signs of EAV infection.

A
  • CSx dev 1-10d post-infection.
  • Pyrexia, lethargy, anorexia.
  • Oedema: limbs, periorbital, supraorbital, vetral, mammary gland, scrotal.
  • Stiffness.
  • Rhinorrhea.
  • Epiphora.
  • Conjunctivitis.
  • Rhinitis.
  • Abortion.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of EAV infection.

A
  • Virus rapidly localised in LNs and macrophages –> various tissues –> localised in vessels in endothelium, medial myocytes, pericytes.
  • Causes vasculitis with fibroid necrosis of tunica media, vascular and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, loss of endothelium, dev of fibrinocellular thrombi.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Outline methods for diagnosis of EAV.

A
  • Serology: >4x inc 3wk apart.

- Virus isolation or PCR on sperm, resp secretions, aborted foetus, placenta.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Outline vaccination requirements for EAV.

A
  • Must submit serum to the USDA prior to vacc to prove seronegative status, as serology does not distinguish between vaccination and natural exposure.
  • MLV vaccine; isolate post-vacc in case of shedding.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the causative agent of Equine Granulocytic Erhlichiosis (EGE)?

A
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
  • Formerly known as Erhlichia equi.
  • Gram negative rickettsial bacteria that have a tropisms for neutrophils and eosinophils in horses.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Describe the epidemiology of EGE.

A
  • Reported in USA, Canada, Israel, Europe.
  • Most cases Autumn to Spring.
  • No latent/carrier state in horses.
  • Vectors: Ixodes pacificus and I. scapularis (USA) or I. ricinus (Europe).
  • Potential reservoir hosts: mice, chipmunks, deer, wood rats, cervids, lizards, birds.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

The pathogenesis of EGE is unkown as this time. Describe the proposed pathogenesis of EGE.

A
  • Tick bites horse.
  • A. phagocytophilum enters blood or lymph stream then infects and replicates in neutrophils and eosinophils.
  • Cytolysis, inflammation, cell sequestration/destruction/ consumption –> pancytopaenia.
  • Both CM and humoral IR develops with immunity persisting >2y.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

List clinical signs of EGE.

A
  • Reluctance to move.
  • Fever.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Lethargy.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Limb oedema.
  • Petecchiation.
  • Icterus.
  • Weakness.
  • Ataxia.
  • Recumbency.
  • Dz is self-limiting and non-fatal so long as secondary complications do no occur e.g. bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Outline diagnosis of EGE.

A
  • CBC: anaemia, granulocytopaenia, lymphocytopaenia, thrombocytopaenia.
  • Blood smear: stain w Wrights stain –> org turns blue; min 3 morulae (granular aggregates) in cytoplasm.
  • PCR is buffy coat.
  • Serum IFA titre: >4x inc in paired titres.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Describe necropsy findings in horses that have died from EGE.

A
  • Petechiae and ecchymoses of the s/c tissues.
  • Oedema of the ventrum, limbs, prepuce.
  • Proliferative and necrotising vasculitis, thrombosis and perivascular cuffing in the s/c, fascia, kidneys, heart, brain, lung, ovaries, testes.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Outline treatment and prevention of EGE.

A
  • Oxytet/doxycycline for 5-7d –> rapid response.
  • May be self-limitng if un-tx and resolve in 2-3wk.
  • Px excellent if no secondary complications.
  • Prevention: tick control.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Define thrombocytopaenia in the horse.

A
  • Platelet count
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

List clinical signs of thrombocytopaenia in the horse.

A
  • ## Multiple sites of small vessel bleeding –> petechial/ ecchymotic haemorrhage on MMs, nictitans, sclera.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Outline treatment of thrombocytopaenia causing life-threatening haemorrhage in horses.

A
  • Administration of fresh blood or PRP used immediately.

- NB do not store blood in glass –> platelet adhesion.

32
Q

List causes of thrombocytopaenia in large animals.

A
  • Shortened lifespan most common in LA: DIC, vasculitis.
  • Hypoplastic anaemia w thrombocytopaenia.
  • Myelophthisic dz (replacement of BM by neoplastic or inflammatory cells): reported but rare.
  • IMTP: primary (idiopathic) or secondary (drug admin, infection, neoplasia, other immunologic disorders); reported in horses secondary to EIA, lymphoma, IMHA.
  • Alloimmune thrombocytopaenia of neonates: horse and mule foals and piglets; severe dec platelets, inc bleeding time, n PT/APTT; definitive dx: inc quantities of platelet-assoc IgG or C3 or anti-platelet activity.
33
Q

Define Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).

A

Secondary disease characterised by widespread fibrin deposition in the microcirculation (–> ischaemia) and development of haemorrhagic diathesis caused by the consumption of pro-coagulants and hyperactivity of fibrinolysis.

34
Q

List clinical signs of DIC in large animals.

A
  • Can vary widely from diffuse thrombosis –> ischaemic organ failure to haemorrhagic diathesis.
  • Overt bleeding rare in cattle and horses.
  • MODS more common in cattle and horses.
  • Renal involvement common.
  • Colic can occur from GI microthrombi.
  • Pulmonary involvement –> tachypnoea, dyspnoea.
  • Cerebral signs uncommon in large animals.
  • Horses: laminitis, thrombosis of peripheral vv.
  • Horses may get chronic compensated form –> chronic low-grade pro-coagulant stimulus.
35
Q

Outline results of coagulation tests in large animals with DIC.

A
  • Results vary; as Dz progresses see following results.
  • Prolonged TT, PT, APTT.
  • Inc D-dimers and FDPs.
  • Fibrinogen and platelet count: WNL or sl dec.
36
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of DIC in large animals.

A

i) Generation of excessive pro-coagulant factors in the blood or contact of blood w abnormal surfaces –> excessive thrombin prod –> ischaemia e.g. LPS stimulates mono/macro –> prod of pro-coag factors: platelet activating factor, tissue factor, Pgs, ILs, TNF.
ii) Counter-balance fibrinolytic system is activated; liver and spleen overwhelmed and unable to remove FDPs and activated clotting factors from circulation.

37
Q

Outline treatment of DIC in large animals.

A
  • Treat underlying disease e.g. Sx for strangulated SI, ABs for sepsis.
  • Combat shock and maintain tissue perfusion: IVFT, flunixin; +/- plasma.
  • +/- LMWH (controversial).
38
Q

List the aetiologic agents known to cause Piroplasmosis in horses.

A
  • Babesia caballi - intra-erythrocytic parasite similar to B. bigemina, pear-shaped, forms acute-angled pairs.
  • Theileria equi (more pathogenic) - parasite with lymphocytic and erythrocytic stages; intraerythrocyte parasite divides into four cells to form a Maltese cross.
39
Q

Describe the epidemiology of Equine Piroplasmosis.

A
  • Widely distributed through tropics and subtropics; less in temperate areas.
  • Both parasites transmitted by ticks of the genera Dermancentor, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus.
  • Once infected horses remain chronic carriers.
  • T. equi can be transmitted transplacentally.
  • Incubation period 5-28d.
40
Q

List clinical signs of Equine Piroplasmosis.

A
  • Fever, depression, anorexia.
  • Haemolytic anaemia and haemoglobinuria.
  • Jaundice.
  • In-coordination.
  • Lacrimation.
  • Mucoid nasal discharge.
  • Swelling of the eyelids.
  • Frequent lying down.
  • Death.
41
Q

Describe diagnostic test findings in horses with Piroplasmosis.

A
  • CBC: anaemia, parasite in RBCs stained w Giesma stain; T equi may see moncytosis and eosinopaenia.
  • Haemoglobinuria (may be absent w B. caballi).
  • Serum: cELISA (official test OIE/USDA).
  • Whole blood: PCR.
42
Q

Outline treatment and prognosis for horses with Equine Piroplasmosis.

A
  • Imidocarb; T. equi more refractory to tx than B. caballi.
  • Good Px if Dx and Tx early.
  • Higher doses of imidocarb can cause transient colic in horses.
  • Control of tick infestations.
43
Q

What bacteria is responsible for most Leptospirosis infections in horses in North America? What is its most common maintenance host? What serovar is considered by some to be the host-adapted species in horses?

A
  • Leptospira pomona kennewick.
  • Skunk is most common maintenance host.
  • L. bratislava is considered by some to be a host-adapted spp in horses while others think it is pathogenic.
44
Q

What disease can be caused by Leptospirosis in horses?

A
  • Uveitis and immune-mediated keratitis.
  • Placentitis.
  • Abortion.
  • Stillbirth.
  • Renal disease: tubulointerstitial nephritis, pyuria, rarely ARF.
  • Haemolytic anaemia.
45
Q

List clinical signs of Leptospirosis in horses.

A
  • Fever.
  • Anaemia.
  • Jaundice.
  • Abortions during late-term gestation.
  • Signs of renal or ocular dz.
46
Q

Outline diagnosis of Leptospirosis in horses.

A
  • Serology: microscopic agglutination titre; 1:6400 significant or rising titres over 2-3wk period.
  • Infected tissues: IFAT.
  • PCR.
  • Histology.
  • Bacterial culture.
47
Q

Outline treatment options for Leptospirosis in horses.

A
  • ABs: ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline.
  • Anti-inflammatories if ERU or IMMK.
48
Q

Outline methods for prevention of Leptospirosis in horses.

A
  • Control exposure to shedding hosts, infected animals and contaminated fomites.
  • Infected horses can shed in urine for up to 14wks.
  • Isolate pregnant mares from other horses.
  • In endemic areas isolate horses w titres of 1:6400 or higher.
  • Clean and disinfect contaminated areas.
  • Vaccination on farms w endemic abortions or ERU.
  • Attempts to decrease shedding w ABs not successful.
49
Q

Describe the Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) virus.

A
  • Family: Retroviridae.
  • Genus: Lentivirus.
  • RNA virus.
  • Lentiviruses are integrated into the host’s genome and therefore infection is lifelong.
50
Q

What tests for EIA are approved by the USDA?

A
  • The Coggins test: agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID).
  • 4 ELISAs: detect Ab directed at the transmembrane glycoprotein (gp45) and/or the p26 Ag.
  • No test based on detection of viral nucleic acid are USDA-approved.
51
Q

Describe clinical signs of EIA.

A
  1. Acute phase:
    - High fever.
    - Thrombocytopaenia.
    - Malaise.
    - +/- petechial or ecchymotic haemorrhages on MMs.
    - May go in to DIC and die.
    - Rarely leukoencephalitis and enterocolitis.
  2. Chronic phase:
    - Similar signs as above interspersed with periods of clinical quiescence due to waves of viraemia.
    - Periods of stress may precipitate clinical dz.
    - +/- weight loss, dependent oedema, ill-thrift, anaemia.
  3. Inapparent phase:
    - Occurs once viraemia is immunologically contained.
    - No Csx –> inapparent carrier.
52
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of EIA.

A
  • Lentiviruses use an integrated DNA intermediate to usurp host cells, replicate its genome, make viral proteins and assemble proteins into virions that bud from the cell.
  • EIAV can generate several viral variants that differ genetically from previous ones –> escape from neutralising AB and cytotoxic T cell responses and thwarts attempts to develop vaccines.
  • EIAV can replicate in monocytes, dendritic cells. tissue macrophages and endothelial cells (may –> endothelial damage and subsequent thrombosis/vasculitis).
53
Q

Describe clinicopathologic findings in horses with EIA.

A
  • Anaemia due to intra- and extra-vascular haemolysis and BM supression.
  • Thrombocytopaenia and hypofunctional platelets.
  • Hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, polyclonal B cell proliferation.
54
Q

Describe necropsy findings in horses that have died from EIA.

A
  • Splenomegaly.
  • Hepatomegaly.
  • Lymphadenitis.
  • Pronounced hepatic lobular architecture.
  • Echymoses of mucosa and viscera.
  • Dependent s/c oedema.
  • Mononuclear cell infiltrate in periportal regions of the liver, spleen, LNs, meninges and lungs.
  • Haemosiderophages in spleen, LNs, liver, BM.
  • Immune-med glomerulonephritis.
55
Q

Outline methods for prevention and control of EIA outbreaks.

A
  • High-risk states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana.
  • All horses should have at least yearly AGID/ELISA.
  • Horse owners should require negative tests for new arrivals to property and practice good fly control.
  • If a seroreactor is ID all horses on property are quarantined until all are negative on two tests 30-60d apart.
  • Seroreactor (depending on State reg) is either euth or quarantined for life and ID by USDA brand/lip tattoo.
56
Q

Define immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA).

A
  • Anaemia associated w prod of autologous Abs against the patient’s own RBCs. Abs combine w complement and Ags on the RBC membrane –> rapid removal of affected cells from circulation and their destruction.
  • Can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary (more common in large animals) assoc w drug admin, viral, protozoal, bacterial or rickettsial infection, neoplasia or in assoc w other immune-med disorders e.g. lupus.
57
Q

List clinical signs of IMHA in large animals.

A
  • Variable depending on degree of anaemia and animal’s primary dz.
  • Marked anaemia (PCV depression, pale MMs, variable icterus, tachycardia, tachypnoea, intermittent fever.
  • CSx of primary dz (if secondary): in horses most commonly PH, lymphoma, other neoplasma, PLE, chronic bacterial infections.
58
Q

Describe clinicopathologic abnormalities in large animals with IMHA.

A
  • Pronounced, progressive anaemia.
  • Blood smear: may see erythrophagocytosis and autoagglutination.
  • Ruminants: if >3d see evidence of regenergative response.
  • May see moderate neutrophilic leukocytosis.
59
Q

Describe diagnostic tests for IMHA.

A
  • Direct Coombs test: detects presence of anti-erythrocyte Abs and/or complement on the RBC membrane.
  • Indirect Coombs test: detects anti-erythrocyte Ab in the serum.
  • Positive reaction at cold temp indicates IgM Abs.
  • Positive reaction at body temp indicates IgG Abs.
    NB in ppl and dogs 1/3 w IMHA have a neg Coombs.
  • Direct immunofluorescence flow cytometry has been reported to determine classes of Ab bound to erythrocytes in horses and foals.
60
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of IMHA in large animals.

A
  • Rarely primary, usually secondary to another dz/drug.
  • Initiating factor unknown but may incl damage to RBC membrane resulting in lack of recognition of RBC as ‘self’ or stimulation of immune system by other source may result in prod of Abs w cross-reactivity w RBCs.
  • Ag-Ab reaction and complement fixation –> structural and functional changes in RBC membrane –> intravascular erythrolysis or (more commonly) rapid removal of RBCs by reticuloendothelial system in liver and spleen.
  • Partial phagocytosis of affected cells may result in spherocyte formation (can be difficult to ID in LAs).
61
Q

Describe treatment and prognosis of IMHA in large animals.

A
  • Identify and tx underlying cause: e.g. remove drug if drug-reaction, ABs in bacterial infection, no tx if neoplasia/EIA.
  • Interrupt immune response: glucocorticoids e.g. 0.1mg/kg dex 3-5 days then wean over 10-14d; one successful report in a horse w cyclophosphamide and azathioprine.
  • Supportive care: quiet restful enviro, good nutrition, vitamin suppl; blood transfusion only if anaemia is life-threatening and immune response can be controlled.
62
Q

List oxidising agents capable of inducing Heinz body haemolytic anaemia in horses.

A
  • Red (Acer rubrum), sugar and silver maple leaves.
  • Phenothiazines.
  • Wild and domestic onions.
  • Methylene blue.
  • Acetylphenylhydrazine.
  • Brassica family e.g. rape or kale.
  • Lymphoma (single case report).
63
Q

List clinical signs of Heinz body anaemia in horses.

A
  • Vary w specific toxin, amount ingested, time course of dz process and secondary complicating factors.
  • Weakness, lethargy, anorexia, exercise intol.
  • MM pale and variably icteric, cyanotic or muddy.
  • Tachycardia and tachypnoea.
  • +/- colic.
  • +/- brown discolouration of blood.
  • +/- decreased urine production.
  • Pigmenturia (haemoglobinuria, methaemoglobinuria, bilirubinuria).
  • May see sudden death.
64
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of Heinz body anaemia in horses.

A
  • Heinz bodies are formed by precipitation of oxidatively denatured Hg.
  • Normal Hg undergoes oxidative stress; protective mech incl prod of reduced forms of NADPH and glutathione.
  • Pathogenic process (e.g. gallotannins in RBC which are potent oxidising agents, or Se defic –> dec glutathione peroxidase anti-oxidant) –> RBC reductive capacity overwhelmed –> oxidative damage to RBCs –> RBCs less deformable than n –> removed by RES in spleen.
  • Gallic acid in red maple leaves also causes methaemoglobinaemia i.e. oxidative change of Hg iron to non-functional ferric state –> loss of O2 carrying capacity of RBCs.
65
Q

List clinicopathologic abnormalities in horses with Heinz body haemolytic anaemia.

A
  • Acute and profound anaemia.
  • Blood smear: Heinz bodies (round, oval to serrated, refractile granules at RBC margin or protruding from cells; best seen w New Methylene Blue or Crystal Violet); eccentrocytes; anisocytosis w regeneration.
  • Inflammatory leukogram.
  • Coombs test: negative.
  • Methaemoglobinaemia (red maple tox).
  • Hyperbilirubinaemia.
  • +/- haemoglobinaemia, haemoglobinuria, azotemia.
66
Q

Outline treatment for Heinz body haemolytic anaemia in horses.

A
  • Remove source of toxicity.
  • IVFT - reduce chance of ARF.
  • Whole blood transfusion - if indicated clinically.
  • NSAIDs to manage pain.
  • InO2 if poor oxygenation.
  • Red maple: methylene blue and corticosteroids assoc w death; vitamin C - not associated w impr survival.
67
Q

What is the prognosis for horses with red maple toxicity?

A
  • Guarded.
  • Mortality rate: 60-65%.
  • Potential complications of hypoxia, hypoperfusion and inflammation: ARF, colic, laminitis, pyrexia.
68
Q

Describe intravascular haemolysis associated with cutaneous burns in horses.

A
  • Reported in horses with burns of >25% body SA.
  • Plasma shows haemolysis along w abnormal RBC morphology, inc osmotic fragility, haemoglobinuria, azotemia and pigment nephropathy.
  • Suspected to be assoc w prod of hydroxyl radicals by complement-activated neutrophils.
  • In humans early tx w free-radical scavengers and fluid therapy, together w supportive and wound care, control of pain and inflamm and sepsis prophylaxis have proven beneficial.
69
Q

List clinical signs of Anthrax in horses.

A
  • Acute intestinal form: colic, diarrhoea, fever, depression, fatal septicaemia.
  • Localised form may occur following insect trans: massive oedema in the neck followed by ventral oedema.
70
Q

List the aetiologic agent of Lyme Disease in horses.

A
  • Borrelia burgdorferi.

- Spirochete.

71
Q

Describe the epidemiology of Lyme Disease in horses.

A
  • Tick-bourne infection; Ixodes scapularis > I. pacificus.
  • Tick feeds on wild animal reservoir incl white-footed mouse, California kangaroo rat, dusky-footed wood rate, then transmit to horses, humans, dogs, cats.
  • Exposure/infection rates high (50%) in horses in NE US, Midwest, Texas and California.
72
Q

List clinical signs of Lyme Disease in horses.

A
  • Non-specific incl fever, stiffness, lameness in >1 limb, muscle tenderness, hyperaesthesia, swollen joints, behavioural change.
  • A. phagocytophylum and B. burgdorferi can co-exist in Ixodes ticks –> concurrent infection in horse.
  • Experimental exposure has not proven dz but has proven seroconversion and shedding and seroconversion of in contact controls.
73
Q

Outline diagnosis of Lyme Disease in horses.

A
  • Serology: ELISA, IFA, Western Blot; dx of active or recent infection: titres >300 kinetic ELISA units.
  • Culture from blood, urine, CSF difficult.
  • PCR on skin, LNs, fascia, sk muscle, organs.
74
Q

Describe treatment of Lyme Disease in horses.

A
  • Tetracycline, doxycycline or ceftiofur for 3-4 wks.
  • If CNS dz IV penicillin and ceftriaxone have been used.
  • Recommendations for vacc in clinical setting are lacking.
75
Q

Describe the clinical presentation of C. pseudotuberculosis infection (‘Pigeon Fever’) in horses.

A
  • Three form: ulcerative lymphangitis, internal abscesses, external abscesses (most common).
  • Ulcerative lymphangitis: severe cellulitis involving lymphatics in 1 or more limbs –> lameness, fever, lethargy, anorexia; often becomes chronic –> limb oedema, lameness, weakness, weight loss.
  • Internal abscess: 50-60% had previous external abscesses; liver > lungs, mesentery, mediastinum, kidneys, diaphragm, spleen, pericardium, blood, uterus; anorexia, lethargy, fever, tachycardia, wt loss +/- colic, pale MMs, ventral/limb oedema, ventral dermatitis, ataxia, haematuria, nasal discharge, abortion; fatality 30-40%.
  • External abscess: >50% cases firm, painful swelling –> thick capsule, deep abscess, hard to drain; once draining est usually heal in 10-14d; fever 25% cases, non-healing wounds, lameness, ventral dermatitis > depression, anorexia, other prob; 91% completely resolve –> immunity; 9% last >1y or recur.
76
Q

Describe treatment of C. pseudotuberculosis infection in horses.

A
  • Principles of therapy:
    i) Allow the abscess to mature.
    ii) Establish drainage.
    iii) Collect and properly dispose of infective exudate.
    iv) Lavage the wound with an antiseptic solution.
  • Do not tx w ABs prior to drainage of external abscesses.
  • Internal abscesses: min 4-6wk ABs (susceptible to nearly all, but consider intraceullular location).
  • NSAIDs to control pain and inflammation.