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Discussion on Actinobacillus in a horse
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Member:
Stumc861
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Posted on Friday, Jan 3, 2003 - 10:11 pm:
A horse in my barn developed a small, hard swelling on the elbow of her front leg. The vet lanced and debrided it, she was put on antibiotic flush. The wound was not healing properly and more of a workup was done. The owner said the organism has been identified as actinobacillus, which is related to TB, she said. Apparently, this type of infection is almost unknown in horses, although common in other livestock, at least here in California. My questions are: Does Dr. O have any experience with this organism in horses? and How contagious might this be? I realize the second question may not be answerable, unless someone does have some experience with this in horses, but I thought I would ask anyway, just in case. Thanks. Susan
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 4, 2003 - 10:43 am:
Hello Susan,
Did he say what specie of Actinobacillus it is? I will assume it is equuli but the answers differ depending on specie.
This organism is a normal inhabitant of the horses digestive track so fecal contamination of the wound is the probable cause. No, this is not considered a "contagious" disease but environmental contamination plays a role in infecting other wounds and new born foals are susceptible to a fatal enteritis.
DrO
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Member:
Stumc861
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 4, 2003 - 12:46 pm:
I don't know the species, but will ask. Is it possible for the horse to become infected without a preceding external injury? Thanks for the prompt response. Susan
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 5, 2003 - 8:05 am:
Unlikely, unless he has problems with his immune system. Primary infection is mainly a problem in newborns.
DrO
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