The pictures arent pretty, and the condition is serious. But what truly stinks about foal diarrhea is that in more than half the cases, veterinarians never identify the underlying cause. Yet, according to Nathan Slovis, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, CHT, director of the McGee Center at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Kentucky, that scenario is changing. Developing technologiesand even the use of certified sniffer dogs that can identify Clostridium difficile in humansare making it faster and easier to diagnose whether the culprit is viral, bacterial, protozoal, or something else.
Twenty percent of foals will get some form of infectious diarrhea, Slovis said during his presentation at the 2020 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held virtually. And because so many possible causes exist, veterinarians often find themselves treating symptoms without really knowing what theyre up against. Pathogens such as rotavirus, clostridium, and salmonella can proliferate in neonates with lethal speed. Fortunately, veterinarians can now use real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to swiftly identify viruses, bacteria, and protozoa by amplifying fragments of genetic material in blood and fecal samples. Slovis explained that by recording how many cycles it takes to replicate the DNA to a trillion copies, the test also offers a way to quantify infectious loads.
For too long, veterinarians had to rely on what they could see under the microscope or what they could culture in a petri dish. Cultures are often misleading, because potentially harmful bacteria can be found everywhere, even in perfectly healthy horses. Real-time PCR has been a diagnostic game-changer in both human and veterinary medicine, he said.
Routinely treating foals with antibiotics has become controversial, Slovis acknowledged. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, and theres growing concern about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains of salmonella. Genetically engineered bacteria-eating viruses known as bacteriophages hold future promise for treating some of these antibiotic-resistant infections, but more research is needed.
Antibiotics do change the gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiome, leaving researchers to wonder whether they simply make diarrhea worse. Nonetheless, Slovis generally favors giving sick foals a broad-spectrum antibiotic even when he suspects and confirms rotavirus.
Neonates are different than adults, he said. Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) occurs in 50% of foal diarrhea cases. Because endotoxins can be deadly, his strategy is to quell any primary or secondary bacterial infections before the foals body is overwhelmed.
Slovis also made a strong pitch for vaccinating pregnant mares against rotavirus and salmonella. A two-dose vaccine for Salmonella typhimurium and agona (conditional license in Kentucky) can be given to mares at nine and 10 months of gestation or to foals of unvaccinated mares during their first month of life. The rotavirus vaccine requires three doses administered at eight, nine, and 10 months of gestation.
Studies show the rotavirus vaccine:
Unfortunately, the currently available rotavirus vaccine only protects from the G3 strain, not the G14 strain thats becoming more common in Kentucky and elsewhere, Slovis said. He hopes a pharmaceutical company might be persuaded to work on a vaccine offering crossover protection between these two equine strains.
Rotavirus hits young foals hard and fast, with a one- to two-day incubation period. The virus invades the GI tract and impacts the production of lactase, which interferes with milk digestion, leading to diarrhea and painful bloating. Using PCR is the best way to diagnose it. Immunoassay tests can also be helpful, he noted, but they must be validated for horses, because human rotavirus antigen tests can provide false negatives in equines. Therapies include providing fluids, ulcer medication, pain relievers, and lactase to support digestion, reduce bloating, and calm the bowels.
Rotavirus shedding can continue for up to 10 days after the babys manure firms up, and the virus can persist in the environment for up to nine months, he cautioned. Bleach is not an effective disinfectant against the virus, whereas alcohol and hydrogen peroxide formulations are, he said.
Bacteria can also plague young foals, with C. difficile, C. perfringens, and Salmonella common culprits. Slovis warned that types A and C of C. perfringens are associated with fatal foal necrotizing enterocolitis (damage and death of cells in the small intestine and colon), so theres no time to waste. By the time a positive culture comes back from the lab, it could be too late. Again, he said PCR is the new gold standard for identifying bacterial loads, possibly providing results within hours.
Lateral flow enzyme immunoassay tests that screen for both antigens and toxins are also useful. Theyre quick and easy, but sometimes produce ambiguous results, such as indicating positive for antigens but negative for toxins.
We used to believe that if we didnt see that a test was positive for a C. difficile toxin, then it wasnt significant, Slovis said. Yet after studying many antigen-positive/toxin-negative foals (all of which had diarrhea, and all which responded to the antibiotic metronidazole), he found PCR tests confirmed more than three-quarters of them did have C. difficile infections.
Yet PCR isnt the only trending diagnostic development. Slovis noted that canines are being trained and certified to sniff out C. diff and other infections. These special technicians, however, are currently in short supply in human medicine.
Hygiene is hugely important in preventing or reducing foal diarrhea outbreaks. If barns are potentially infected, he suggests foaling mares outdoors until all stall surfaces, tack, and equipment have been thoroughly disinfected. Foaling kits should contain only single-use items and equipment that can be sterilized between uses. Slovis also recommended using disposable udder wipes to cleanse the mares udder and hindquarters before her baby nurses. A bath before or after foaling might also be in order. He also emphasized proper handwashing for those handling mares and foals. Soap and towels (preferably touchless), along with hand sanitizer, should be within easy reach and installed where they wont be contaminated, which means not just sitting on the counter next to the sink.
His recommendations also include:
Not every case of foal diarrhea is preventable. But faster, more accurate diagnostics reduce guesswork regarding treatment, leading to better outcomes for babies.
Read this article:
Using Dogs and DNA to Diagnose Diarrhea in Foals The Horse - TheHorse.com
- Merck Veterinary Manual - September 13th, 2024
- Scituate Animal Hospital - September 13th, 2024
- DVM Program - School of Veterinary Medicine - September 13th, 2024
- UW-Madison highlights veterinary medicine on 175th anniversary tour - WXOW.com - September 13th, 2024
- Merck Animal Health Partners and AVC Foundation to award scholarships to future bovine veterinarians - The Fence Post - September 13th, 2024
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The CVM continues push to hire innovative faculty - Clemson News - September 13th, 2024
- Kays Foundation commits more than $500,000 to Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine - Arkansas Online - September 13th, 2024
- A Crisis in the Veterinary World - The Plaid Horse - September 13th, 2024
- Kays Foundation Commits More than $500K to College of Veterinary Medicine - NEA Report - September 13th, 2024
- Project Street Vet and Sheriffs Office Unite to Aid Homeless Pet Owners in Oceanside - Angels in Medicine - September 13th, 2024
- LSU Vet Med pays tribute to pets and their people with giant purple and gold sculpture - The Advocate - September 13th, 2024
- The ideal place to take reptiles pulse - DVM 360 - September 13th, 2024
- 6 veterinarian team at McAfee Animal Hospital bring a loving family atmosphere to the workplace - Valpo.Life - September 13th, 2024
- Just one thing: Allocating practice owner time productively - American Veterinary Medical Association - September 13th, 2024
- Careers in Agriculture: Love of working with animals develops into veterinarian career - Agri-News - September 13th, 2024
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) Vets Australia: Heroes of The Pet World - Catster - September 13th, 2024
- Does Your Dog Need Glasses? From Removing Cataracts and Performing Surgeries to Restore Vision, Veterinarians ... - PR Newswire - May 14th, 2024
- Unveiling the Secrets of Veterinary Success: Dive into the Latest Issue of Business by Vet Candy! - Vet Candy - May 5th, 2024
- Nonprofit raising money to save dogs in need of lifesaving medical treatment - Sunbury Daily Item - May 5th, 2024
- What does a veterinarian do? - CareerExplorer - March 29th, 2024
- Veterinary Medicine Overview - CareerExplorer - March 29th, 2024
- 6 in 10 pet owners surveyed in the UK, Austria and Denmark believe their pets should have access to the same healthcare treatment options as humans -... - March 29th, 2024
- 7 horses died in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. What is being done to prevent deaths and injuries? - PBS NewsHour - May 9th, 2023
- A Career in Veterinary Medicine - AAVMC - February 24th, 2023
- Building the next generation of veterinary professionals (FCL Feb. 22, 2023) - FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX - February 24th, 2023
- Veterinary Hospital | School of Veterinary Medicine - September 20th, 2022
- AAFP, EveryCat release guidelines on diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis - American Veterinary Medical Association - September 20th, 2022
- Don't Fall Behind on Your Continuing Education this Autumn! - DVM 360 - September 20th, 2022
- Using Acupuncture to Pinpoint The Source Of A Horse's Problem - Lancaster Farming - September 20th, 2022
- Stalking Allegations Against Retired Oregon City Veterinarian Lead to $245,000 Lawsuit - Willamette Week - September 20th, 2022
- TheraVet Announces Its Participation in the 2022 ESVOT Congress With 3 Scientific Communications - Yahoo Finance - September 20th, 2022
- Senate committee sets nomination hearing for top food safety official - Food Safety News - September 20th, 2022
- Helping osteoarthritic cats live their best lives - DVM 360 - September 20th, 2022
- Research shows what is driving shelter overpopulation - Vet Candy - September 20th, 2022
- Undergrad publishes theory on immune dysfunction in space | Cornell Chronicle - Cornell Chronicle - September 20th, 2022
- Tuskegee University is named HBCU Institutional Leader by Fulbright Program - Tuskegee University - September 20th, 2022
- New understanding of 'superantigens' could lead to improved staph infection treatments - University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine - July 25th, 2022
- NC State commits multiple Animal Welfare Act violations, animals suffering and dying - N.C. State University Technician Online - July 25th, 2022
- Pets are also feeling the heat this summer. Here's how you can protect them - CBC.ca - July 25th, 2022
- Oregon's a small world: Politics and vetting veterinarians - Portland Tribune - July 25th, 2022
- Heat emergency with your pet? Don't be surprised if your ER visit requires a drive - News 3 WTKR Norfolk - July 25th, 2022
- Cats Injured in Wildfires at Risk of Deadly Blood Clots - Sierra Sun Times - July 25th, 2022
- Inner Nature: The medicine/poison cabinet | The Unionville Times - The Unionville Times - July 25th, 2022
- 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' Star Peter Ostrum Pursued an Ivy League Education After He Left Acting - Showbiz Cheat Sheet - July 25th, 2022
- New Veterinary Hospital Gets New Name Thanks to Generosity of PVM Alumnus and His Wife - Purdue Veterinary News - February 14th, 2021
- Bovine production-medicine expert joins TTU School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty - KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com - February 14th, 2021
- Bovine production-medicine expert joins Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine faculty - KAMR - MyHighPlains.com - February 14th, 2021
- Animal Science and Engineering Researchers Partner to Improve Veterinary Procedure - University of Arkansas Newswire - February 14th, 2021
- Brushing your dog's teeth helps with overall health - Chicago Daily Herald - February 14th, 2021
- ZooMontana's wolf Simpson diagnosed with rare condition, to be sent out of state for surgery - KTVQ Billings News - February 14th, 2021
- Speaking for our canine patients: How to find and communicate signs of chronic pain - DVM 360 - February 14th, 2021
- Roy C. "Curt" Moore - The Gazette - February 14th, 2021
- Diversity Learning Cafs Continue in the New Year - Purdue Veterinary News - February 14th, 2021
- The dean of the UC Davis Medical School discusses the vaccination rollout, patient care - The Aggie - February 14th, 2021
- Veterinary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing Market Size Worth $10.4 Billion By 2028: Grand View Research, Inc. - PRNewswire - February 14th, 2021
- Purdue Trustees Approve Naming of New Vet Hospital - Hoosier Ag Today - February 9th, 2021
- Veterinary medicine, motherhood, and a pandemic - DVM 360 - February 9th, 2021
- Ohio State veterinary researchers hope to prevent the next pandemic - The Columbus Dispatch - February 9th, 2021
- A world leader of veterinary medicine in Newry and caring for children in the Western Trust: GetGot reveals exciting and rewarding new jobs - The... - February 9th, 2021
- Do pets need to get the COVID-19 vaccine? - WFMYNews2.com - February 9th, 2021
- Texas A&M Researchers Discover Energy Drinks' Harmful Effects On Heart - Texas A&M University Today - February 9th, 2021
- Online presentation to discuss medical care of wild birds - Cheboygan Daily Tribune - February 9th, 2021
- Dog food recall cites trace of deadly toxins - Arkansas Online - February 9th, 2021
- Texas A&M Veterinarians Presented With First-Of-Its Kind Case - Texas A&M University Today - February 7th, 2021
- Veterinary Medicine Market Research Report by Mode of Delivery, by Product, by Animal Type, by End-user - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact... - February 7th, 2021
- What are the odds?: UC Davis veterinary students discover they were adopted from the same Chinese province - KTXL FOX 40 Sacramento - February 7th, 2021
- New forensic programs investigate deaths of unclaimed dogs and cats - American Veterinary Medical Association - February 7th, 2021
- American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia - American Veterinary Medical Association - February 7th, 2021
- Veterinary Medicine Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2026 | Bayer Animal Health, Merck Animal Health, Virbac - NeighborWebSJ - February 7th, 2021
- UT's Aligncare Program works with Knoxville organizations to help COVID-19 patient and his assistance dog on New Year's Eve - UT Daily Beacon - February 7th, 2021
- What are the odds?: 3 UC Davis students discover they were adopted from same Chinese province - WGN TV Chicago - February 7th, 2021
- Keeping the Horse's Hindgut Happy The Horse - TheHorse.com - February 7th, 2021
- When will veterinarians get COVID-19 vaccines? - American Veterinary Medical Association - February 7th, 2021
- Appointments, honors and activities - Purdue News Service - February 7th, 2021
- Researchers at Ohio State University are studying COVID-19 in animals and the environment to identify future pandemic threats - WKYC.com - February 7th, 2021
- Hemp Feed Coalition submits the first ingredient application in the United States for hemp to be federally approved as a feed ingredient for poultry -... - February 7th, 2021
- A Corpus Christi native survived a shark attack in the Caribbean. Here's how you can help. - KIIITV.com - February 7th, 2021
- IDEXX and the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine Announce Landmark Initiative - Conway Daily Sun - January 31st, 2021
- The role of cannabis in veterinary medicine - Vet Candy - January 31st, 2021
- New Year Begins with Special Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion in PVM - Purdue Veterinary News - January 31st, 2021