We Suddenly Lost Our Dog To Hemangiosarcoma
Aiken Animal Quarantined For EHV-1
Clemson University animal health officials quarantined an Aiken County animal after it tested positive for a neurological disease associated with equine herpesvirus, or EHV-1.
The animal was quarantined Feb. 13 after displaying clinical signs including lethargy. Testing by nasal swab confirmed the disease on Feb. 22. The infected animal and its pasture mates will be monitored throughout the quarantine period.
"The infected animal is no longer showing clinical signs with resolution of fever and was likely beyond the infectious stage of the disease by the time we were alerted. Also, the owner of the infected animal is being cooperative, following biosecurity recommendations, and the facility is well-suited for quarantine. This is really a best-case scenario to keep this disease isolated," said Michael Neault, S.C. State veterinarian and director of Clemson Livestock Poultry Health.
Animal disease investigators have established that the infected animal and its pasture mates have not come into contact with other equids.
EHV-1 is the primary cause of the neurological disease EHM, or equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy. No currently licensed vaccines are labeled for the prevention of EHM.
The disease can be fatal and is mostly spread by direct horse-to-horse contact. Horses may appear to be perfectly healthy yet spread the virus through nasal secretions. The disease can also be spread through tack, wipe rags and other grooming implements, feed and water buckets, and people's clothing.
What To Know About Horner's Syndrome In Cats
Horner's syndrome is a neurological condition that affects cats, dogs, horses, and various other animal species. It causes issues with the muscles in the face and the appearance of the eyes. If your cat has Horner's syndrome, you may notice that one of your cat's eyes looks sunken, as if it has slipped back into the eye socket. Eyelid movements may be affected, as well.
The syndrome is usually related to an underlying illness or injury. Your cat's recovery will depend on what caused the syndrome.
Horner's syndrome is usually a symptom of a problem with the cat's sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous response is part of the autonomic nervous system, which triggers automatic physical reactions. Breathing, heart function, and digestion are all autonomic functions.
The autonomic nervous system is also responsible for how cats' eyes function. For example, nerves signal your cat's pupils dilate and contract due to changing light. When a cat has Horner's syndrome, the nerves don't carry signals properly. Your cat's eyes and the muscles in their face won't function typically, which results in the characteristic appearance that comes with Horner's syndrome.
Horner's syndrome in cats is usually caused by an injury or illness that has damaged the nerves leading to the face. Some causes for Horner's syndrome in cats include:
Your vet will need to figure out what is affecting the nerves in your cat's face. They will ask you about any recent injuries or illnesses. They will also examine your cat's eyes, ears, chest, and neck. Your cat may need X-rays to check if there are any growths or tumors causing the neurological symptoms.
In some cases, Horner's syndrome is idiopathic, which means there is no known cause.
The signs of Horner's syndrome in cats include changes to the way eyes look and function, such as:
Upper eyelid droops. The muscles around your cat's eyes will relax, and their eyelid will look droopy, as if the eye is half-closed. The cat may not blink with that eye, or blinking movement may be slow.
Eye appears sunken. As previously mentioned, the relaxation of the facial muscles will cause the eyeball to move back into the eye socket. It makes the cat's eyes sunken or hollow looking.
Pupil is smaller than usual. The black part of your cat's eye will look very small as if they are sitting in bright light. The pupil won't dilate or get larger, even if the light changes.
Third eyelid looks irritated and protrudes. The third eyelid in cats is sometimes called a nictating membrane. It sits in the inside corner of your cat's eye and serves to protect and clean the eyeball. You may notice it when your cat blinks or if their eyes are partially open during sleep. In cases of Horner's syndrome, the third eyelid is visible even when the cat's eyes are open. It might look irritated or inflamed.
Horner's syndrome usually only affects one eye, but it can affect both.
The treatment plan for your cat will depend on the cause of neurological problems. If an injury or infection is causing the issues, your vet may prescribe medicine to clear up an infection or reduce inflammation.
If there isn't a known cause for Horner's syndrome, your vet might suggest watchful waiting, where you monitor your cat for any changes over time. Many cases for Horner's syndrome clear up on their own without treatment, so watchful waiting might be all that's needed. It may take several months for the symptoms to fade, though.
If your cat has difficulty blinking, you may need to give them eye drops. Lubricating drops will keep the eye moist and protect it from damage. Your vet might also suggest phenylephrine drops to dilate the pupil and improve your cat's vision.
If your cat has a cancerous tumor or another type of lesion, you and your vet will need to discuss treatment options. Your cat may need surgery or chemotherapy. Sometimes, Horner's syndrome is associated with a serious degenerative nervous system condition called feline dysautonomia. Your vet will suggest treatment or options for keeping your cat comfortable if that is your cat's diagnosis.
More Than 320 Cases Of Equine Encephalomyelitis Detected In 7 Argentine Provinces
Tuesday, December 12th 2023 - 10:51 UTCFull article
Vaccines are available, Senasa said Argentine health authorities have confirmed the detection of over 320 cases of equine encephalomyelitis, a malady that is transmitted through mosquito bites and is spreading rapidly nationwide and also onto neighboring Uruguay.
The disease, which might rarely affect humans, is considered an "international public health threat" because of its "high potential to cross borders", according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In this scenario, Argentina's National Service of Animal Health and Agrifood Quality (Senasa) reported that there were 324 outbreaks of equine encephalomyelitis in 7 of the country's 24 provinces. In addition, at least 35 animals have died.
In cases of infection with the Western variant, humans do not usually show signs, as it develops very mildly in adults and with very few deaths. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Meanwhile, in equines, the mortality rate can reach 90% in the case of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis variant, and is between 20 to 30% for Western Equine Encephalitis, while the rest of those affected can convalesce and, in some cases, be left with sequelae.
Most infections result in mild clinical symptoms while patients with neurological signs require close monitoring, it was explained.
The affected animals were found in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Chaco, Corrientes, Córdoba, Santa Fe, Formosa, and Entre Ríos. In addition, there are samples under study from the provinces of Neuquén, Mendoza, Misiones, and Santiago del Estero.
In September 2016, Senasa ordered that vaccination was up to the animal's owner or treating veterinarian. However, given the latest episodes, organizers of events involving horses should require their vaccination 15 days prior to the displacement.
Senasa also confirmed Monday the arrival of 300,000 doses of equine encephalomyelitis vaccine -Eastern and Western variants- and hoped availability would increase in the coming days.
Distribution priority will be given to the districts with the highest number of positive notifications and to areas with favorable ecological conditions for the presentation of the virus and the registration of equine stocks.
Vaccination must be carried out by licensed veterinarians who must sign the animal's documents. Animals vaccinated for the first time need a booster dose between 3 and 4 weeks later. The vaccine is valid for one calendar year and the antibodies reach protection level 14 days after injection. Convalescent or recovered animals that have shown neurological symptoms or those in which the disease has been confirmed should not be inoculated.
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