Since December 3, 15 horses have turn out to be acutely sick at a Quarter Horse breeding farm in Vermilion Parish County, Louisiana. Two horses died inside 48 hours of onset of scientific indicators. Ten horses had been euthanized throughout the identical time-frame resulting from speedy decline. Two horses are nonetheless alive on the LSU veterinary educating hospital.
The scientific indicators started as muscle tremors within the postural muscle groups. The tremors shortly progressed to the entire physique. The horses would repeatedly go down and show indicators of agitation. Within three hours, the horses progressed to lateral recumbency. They had been unable to roll into sternal or stand. A couple of of the horses demonstrated decreased tongue tone. Motor perform to all 4 limbs is unbroken. The horses will typically paddle violently whereas laterally recumbent, however they’re conscious of voice and contact throughout these episodes. Their temperatures are regular and coronary heart charges are reasonably elevated with no arrhythmias or murmurs.
A preliminary investigation into the incident has recommended that contamination of a standard feed supply is accountable. Botulism is the suspected wrongdoer. Alfalfa cubes produced in Colorado are a possible supply.
Owners of horses displaying related signs ought to contact their veterinarian instantly. Veterinarians ought to report any suspected optimistic horses to Dr. Rose Baker on the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Louisiana State University.
