Equine Neurological ID Flashcards
Which 2 viruses cause neuropathy by damaging the blood brain barrier?
EHV-1,4
Equine infectious anaemia
Which 2 viruses have primary neurotropism (directly affect CNS)?
Rabies
Borna virus
Diagnosis of a Neurological viral disease is based on…?
- History
- Clinical exam
- CSF analysis and serology
- Medical imaging and functional testing
- Post mortem examination
What are common signs found in a clinical examination?
- Fever: coincides with replication of virus at entry site
- Normally symmetrical, multifocal or diffuse lesions
How would the appearance of CSF given an indication that something is abnormal?
Yellowish colour (normal is clear) would show an increased protein conc
What are general treatment recommendations for a neurological disease?
- Fever + neuro signs = isolate
- quiet, darkened stable
- deep bedding with padded walls
- if recumbent turn every 4-6 hours
- NSAIDs
- Antiviral therapy
- Antigen-specific therapy
Which strain of Equine herpes virus is known as the Alpha herpes virus?
EHV-1
What are the signs of EHV-1?
- Ataxia in hindlimbs
- Cauda equina signs: atony of bladder, flaccid tail and anus, perineal hypoalgesia
How is EHV-1 diagnosed?
- Virus isolation/PCR: nasal swab, CSF, buffy coat
- Serology
- CSF analysis
Vaccination is available for which strains of EHV?
1 and 4
- ineffective against neurological form
Which strain of EHV affects the eyes?
2 - causes keratitis (corneal inflammation)
Donkeys will be affected by which strains of EHV?
6-8
How is rabies transmitted?
By salvia infected bite wounds
Describe the pathogenesis/spread of rabies in the body following an infected bite
- Access to peripheral nerve
- Gradual movement centrally
- Replication in spinal/dorsal root ganglion
- Rapid spread in CNS
The incubation period of rabies is very variable (9days -1year) what is this dependent on?
- Virus strain
- Host species
- Proximity of inoculation to CNS
