This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » EHV-1 (Equine Herpes) Myeloencephalopathy »
  Discussion on Research Summary: Prognositc and clinical features of a EHV-1 outbreak
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 19, 2007 - 12:47 pm:

Here is an interesting study that would you evaluate the risk of your horse developing neurological disease during a EHV-1 outbreak. Notice that febrile horses over 5 years of age whose fever peaks after the 3rd day of fever are more likely to go on to develop neurological disease. Also important is that though it took more than 6 months is some cases all of the survivors of the neurological disease went of to completely recover.
DrO


J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;21(1):157-65.
Outbreak of neurologic disease caused by equine herpesvirus-1 at a university equestrian center.

Henninger RW, Reed SM, Saville WJ, Allen GP, Hass GF, Kohn CW, Sofaly C.
University Equine Veterinary Services, Findlay, OH 45840, USA.

BACKGROUND: Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) infection causes neurologic disease in horses. However, risk factors for the disease and long-term prognosis are poorly characterized. HYPOTHESIS: There are identifiable risk factors for equine herpes-1 myeloencephalopathy. ANIMALS: The entire population of 135 horses housed within the equestrian facility. METHODS: A descriptive study investigated the clinical, serologic, virologic, and management aspects of an outbreak of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy. RESULTS: Out of 135 horses at the facility, 117 displayed signs of EHV-1 infection. Forty-six horses developed neurologic deficits characterized by symmetrical hind limb ataxia and weakness. Twelve horses that developed neurologic deficits became recumbent and did not survive. The development of severe neurologic deficits during the outbreak was associated with the presence of residual deficits at the 6-month examination. Within 1 year of the outbreak onset, all horses that survived had returned to an exercise level comparable to that experienced before the outbreak. Factors associated with the development of neurologic disease included age of > 5 years, location in the south or arena stall areas, and highest rectal temperature on day 3 or later of the febrile period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Being > 5 years of age, having had a rectal temperature of > 103.5 degrees F, and highest rectal temperature occurring on or after the 3rd day of the febrile period were the factors most predictive of the development of neurologic disease and death. Data obtained during this outbreak substantiate previous findings relating to clinical aspects and diagnosis of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC