This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Swellings / Localized Infection / Abscesses » Pigeon Fever, Dryland Strangles, & Distemper »
  Discussion on Pigeon fever
Author Message

Posted on Saturday, Dec 18, 1999 - 5:10 pm:

Mare was off feed, not drinking much water,
holding tail up as in heat, showing depression,
and back legs were swollen. Now seems better, but
has swelling in left side of chest. What do you
think this is and what treatme

Posted on Sunday, Dec 19, 1999 - 9:24 am:

Hello Sharon,
There are so many possibilities that anything I say would just be a guess. Blunt trauma and associated swelling, abscess, tumor are all possible. If it were infection I would expect continued fever unles on antibiotics. Consider having a veterinarian look at it for a diagnosis. Why do you suspect Pigeon Fever?
DrO

Posted on Monday, Dec 20, 1999 - 12:10 am:

Dear Dr. O,
Today the swelling is localized in the left chest
and getting larger like it's coming to a head. She
seems to be feeling better (more alert and has a
better appetite). I suspected pigeon fever
because of where the swelling is and had heard of
a few recent cases in the area. Thanks for your
input. Plan to call vet. tomorrow.
S

Posted on Monday, Dec 20, 1999 - 7:29 am:

Good,
If the swelling is cool and there is no lameness you probably are looking at superficial trauma and asociated edema. THough not causing problems these pockets will sometimes get so large as to require draining to resolve.

If the area is hot and painful and lameness is apparent, deep trauma or abscess is likely. Let us know what the outcome is.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 22, 1999 - 12:36 pm:

Hi,

Our vet. suspects pigeon fever and has advised us
to apply hot packs and/or possibly Ichthamol(sp)
or Neumatizine(sp) to bring it to a head. Will
keep you posted. Thanks! ss

Posted on Thursday, Jan 6, 2000 - 12:31 pm:

After applying hotpacks and shaving the area, a
soft area appeared which finally came to a head
the size of an egg. It broke open and is draining
this morning. Using warm water and betadine. Any
other suggestions? Tha

Posted on Friday, Jan 7, 2000 - 1:25 pm:

Hello SHaron,
Remember the drippings represent a long term contamination so do all you can to clean up thoroughly afterward.

As long as the abscess has good ventral drainage I think what you are doing makes good sense. The bigger the drainage hole the better.

Maybe one point: If your water is very warm the btadine will evaporate rapidly away. You see this as the solution goes from brown to clear. I believe when the color is gone so is the betadine (povidone). If this is happening either cool the water some or switch to chlorhexidine, it is more stable in warm water I am hoping.
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2001 - 12:30 pm:

This is a test.

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2001 - 3:25 pm:

I assume I should reply to let you know I received email notification so the test worked. Thanks!
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