Botulism poses a severe risk to horses as they are one of the most sensitive species to the effects of the bacteria’s toxin. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat Causes the Deadly Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The spores of C. botulinum <\/em>survive in the environment’s soils for several years and propagate well in moist conditions with an acidic pH and low oxygen saturation. The bacteria has a worldwide distribution, making it a risk to all domestic animals. Soils that contain decaying carcasses are high-risk sources of environmental contamination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The bacteria produce a neurotoxin that blocks the signals between neuromuscular junctions resulting in progressive weakness and paralysis. The condition is not common, but it boasts a high mortality rate unless owners take drastic, intensive measures to administer anti-toxins and provide intensive nursing and supportive treatments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The three main ways horses become infected with the bacteria include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The botulism bacteria toxin affects the nerves and the muscles by blocking the nerve impulse from reaching the muscle receptors. The signal does not conduct the muscle fibers, which prevents the contraction signal, thereby resulting in flaccid paralysis of the muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Signs to watch for i<\/a>nclude the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the condition’s progression, the horse will remain bright and alert as their mentation is not affected. The horse will want to eat and be fully aware of their surroundings. The severity of symptoms depends on the concentration of the ingested toxin. <\/p>\n\n\n There are seven different serotypes of the toxin produced by C. botulinum<\/em>. There is a link between serotypes, geographic distribution, and feed sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Listed below are the various serotypes of the botulinum toxins of most concern in horses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n A veterinarian will diagnose botulism based on clinical symptoms but must exclude neurological conditions such as viral diseases, tick paralysis, or toxicities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the vet identifies the infection source, they can confirm if the bacteria is the cause. Laboratory tests may not yield diagnostic results due to low serum toxin levels. A bio-assay mouse test requires a high volume of plasma or serum to detect the toxin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The intestinal contents of foals with suspected Shaker Foal disease may contain C. botulinum spores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The grain test is a basic test to determine if a horse has botulism. Horses suffering from botulism have problems grasping food with their tongue and lips. If a horse takes longer than two minutes to finish around 8 ounces (220 grams) of food, it indicates difficulty eating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If a horse dies after showing signs of muscle weakness or paralysis, the vet may perform a post-mortem examination if botulism is suspected. Autopsies do not always reveal significant physical abnormalities. The vet can still send a sample from the gastrointestinal tract to test for the bacteria if botulism is suspected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Botulism requires intensive treatment, which is very costly. Horses with mild symptoms may recover with symptomatic treatment and supportive care, but horses with severe botulism symptoms require anti-toxin administration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A polyvalent plasma anti-toxin that covers the neurotoxin serotypes A-E costs between $2,500 to $3,000 per unit, and the trivalent plasma, which covers only A to C, costs around $1,000 per unit. A single dose is necessary to treat a horse, and the anti-toxin offers protection for over 60 days after administration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Secondary complications such as aspiration pneumonia require supportive management with antimicrobials or fluid therapy. Padded stables with minimal activity are best to reduce muscle activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The prognosis of botulism depends on the level of intoxication a patient experiences. Horses with subtle symptoms make a full recovery with symptomatic treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cases that result in several days of recumbency or acute symptoms often have a guarded prognosis and high mortality rate. The longer a horse suffers from botulism symptoms, the worse the muscle weakness becomes. Muscle loss associated with botulism may take weeks to recover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the symptoms do not receive treatment promptly – the risk of death becomes exponentially higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Preventing botulism is difficult, but through good husbandry practices, owners and stable yard managers can decrease the risk of exposure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Botulism vaccines available provide insufficient protection for horses in endemic areas. The killed vaccine, also known as a toxoid, solely prevents botulism from C. botulinum<\/em> serotype B. There is only one vaccine licensed for use in the United States, and it offers no cross-protection for serotypes A or C. Horse owners cannot entirely rely on vaccines for botulism in horses to keep their stable yard safe from the bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Foals usually receive colostrum antibodies from the vaccinated mare. All foals born to unvaccinated mares in C. botulinum<\/em> endemic regions run a high risk of developing Shaker Foal Syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The vaccine protocol for equine botulism falls into the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To prevent botulism through good husbandry, stable managers must safely store and regularly inspect forage to detect any decaying vegetation or animal carcass contamination of feed. Owners should avoid any fermented forage, haylage, or silage as well. Strict bird and rodent deterrent protocols ensure that feed remains clean and uncontaminated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Botulism in Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Different Botulinum Toxin Serotypes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Veterinary Diagnosis Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Available Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the Outcomes of Equine Botulism?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preventative Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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