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Discussion on Preventing salmonella in high risk situation?
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Member:
Mnims
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2002 - 6:37 pm:
Hello, board. I am adopting two PMU colts that are enroute from Canada as I write. Both colts came from one farm, and have been quarentined with foals from two other farms. Of the 180 foals that have already been delivered (i.e., not my shipment) several of them have contracted salmonella, two have died.
As we know, salmonella may have simply been lurking in their GI and they sucumbed when they became stressed, so I am trying to not freak out about this. However, I would like to know what kind of preentative action I can take to help my my two guys from getting sick. Thus far I am guessing:
1. hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (add 'lytes to their water after their first big drink)
2. Reduce stress as much as possible: gentle contact, no change in feed, etc.
3. Isolate from everyone else.
Do you think I should add probiotics? I assume NO propholactic antibiotics? Anything else?
Thanks so much. The boys won't arrive until 9/29/02 so I have a little time to prepare.
Marina
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 25, 2002 - 7:16 am:
Hello Marina,
I think all your ideas are good. I would not just offer electrolyte water alone but put up two buckets and let the colts decide which they prefer. You are correct prophylactic antibiotics are contraindicated. Start these guys on a good quality grass hay and just a bit of concentrate then build the concentrate slowly. Best is to contact the farmer and mimic the diet they were on up there.
The use of probioics is not clearly indicated, for more on probiotic use see » Care for Horses » Nutrition » Probiotics and Yeast Culture Products.
DrO
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Member:
Mnims
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 25, 2002 - 11:17 am:
Thanks so much. I am having them vetted/cultured the day after they arrive. Still, I am a nervous wreck. They are currently on 50/50 hay and a little bit if plain oats, so I figure free choice grass hay the first few days, a little oats gradually if they want.
Dr. O I apppreciate your consistant help and willingness to offer an opinion. I am in contact w/a vet but I just want to make sure I have all my bases covered. Your site is a treasure! :-)
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