Tetany And Tremors 2

Question 1

Botulism

Answer 1

3 syndromes
Forage poisoning (ingestion of toxin)
Wound botulism - direct infection/inoculation
Toxicoinfectious botulism (shaker foal syndrome)

Question 2

Forage poisoning

Answer 2

Ingestion of toxin in contaminated feeds
Type B is most common, type C is associated w dead animal contamination
Toxins bind to neuromuscular junctions and inhibits release of acetylcholine
**round bale hay

Question 3

Wound botulism

Answer 3

Cause by type B
Castration, injection abscess, umbilical infection
Infection toxin is absorbed into systemic circulation and binds to receptions at neuromuscular junction and inhibits release of acetylcholine

Question 4

Toxicoinfectious botulism

Answer 4

Type B
Foals - ingest bacterial spores
Spores proliferate in gastrointestinal tracts & release toxins
Toxins absorbed into systemic circulation binds to receptors into systemic circulation, binds to receptors at NMJ and inhibit release of acetylcholine

Question 5

Clinical signs of botulism

Answer 5

Generalized skeletal muscle weakness
Dysphagia - food coming out the nose
Generalized smooth muscle weakness
- decreased pupillary light reflex, borborgmi
Muscle fasiculations/tremors
Dyspnea

Question 6

Differentials for botulism

Answer 6

EPM - equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
EMND - equine motor neuron disease
EH1M
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (1/4 horses)
Rabies

Question 7

treatment for botulism

Answer 7

Anti serum
Wound or Toxicoinfectious - treat with penicillin
(Do not use procaine penicillin or aminoglycosides)
Supportive care, deep bed/sling

Question 8

Prevention for botulism

Answer 8

Type B vaccine is available
Often given to pregnant mares
Initial series includes 3 doses/month
Annual vaccination given at 6 weeks before foaling