The following information was taken from the Colorado State University Veterinary Report and Dr Darling.
Pigeon fever was once considered a California problem, but it is a world wide issue. It is known by any names-pigeon breast, breastbone fever, false strangles, dryland strangles, or dryland distemper.
It is caused by cornybacteruim psuedotuberculosis.
It can infect any horse of any sex, breed or age, though usually young adults are most vulnerable. Dunny is 4 years old.
Our volunteers can come (as long as we have no more strangles outbreak) because they will not be working with Dunny. He is in the upper barn area, isolated. He can see other horses and talks to his herd, Star and Dancing Drum, but he is not near anyone. Frankie and Moon Dancer are not happy about having to give up their stall.
The sunset was beautiful tonight.
We are ready to take on pigeon fever. Look out Corynebacterium psuedotuberculosis. Home At Last will defeat you.
Congratulations to Tawnee and Jason for their Post certificate.
The bacteria is not transmissible to humans, but people can carry it on their shoes, clothing, hands, or tools to other horses. It is not as contagious as strangles.
It lives in the soil and weather is thought to be the reason it becomes active. Our warm muggy days have been perfect for its growth. The bacteria enters through wounds or mucus membranes.
The disease has three forms: external abscesses, internal abscesses or limb infections called ulcerative lymphangitis which usually affects one leg at a time. This is what Dunny has. It is a form of lymphodema.
Sores can develop along the chest, the midline, the groin or the back. There are usually deep external abscesses.
Hot packs or poultices are used to encourage the opening of abscesses . The draining fluids are then disposed of to prevent others from being infected. Bute is used to keep the horse comfortable. Antibiotics are usually not recommended. There is no vaccine.
Clinical symptoms include lameness, lethargy, fever (Dunny had all three), weight loss, deep abscesses, and multiple sores- sometimes internal. You can see the poultice on Dunny's leg. He has no open sores yet. The poultice will help open the sores.
Pigeon fever is not caused by pigeons, but rather because abscesses are often formed in the pectoral muscles which swell and resemble pigeons' chests.
Hot packs or poultices are used to encourage the opening of abscesses . The draining fluids are then disposed of to prevent others from being infected. Bute is used to keep the horse comfortable. Antibiotics are usually not recommended. There is no vaccine.
Clinical symptoms include lameness, lethargy, fever (Dunny had all three), weight loss, deep abscesses, and multiple sores- sometimes internal. You can see the poultice on Dunny's leg. He has no open sores yet. The poultice will help open the sores.
Pigeon fever is not caused by pigeons, but rather because abscesses are often formed in the pectoral muscles which swell and resemble pigeons' chests.
Recovery time is 2 weeks to 77 days.
The prognosis for Dunny is good. There may be scars where the abscesses were. Some horses experience a recurrence.
Others in the herd may get this as the bacteria live in all of Northern California soils. We will have to watch the herd carefully.
Others in the herd may get this as the bacteria live in all of Northern California soils. We will have to watch the herd carefully.
Dr Darling will be back to lance the abscesses if they do not open on their own.
Our volunteers can come (as long as we have no more strangles outbreak) because they will not be working with Dunny. He is in the upper barn area, isolated. He can see other horses and talks to his herd, Star and Dancing Drum, but he is not near anyone. Frankie and Moon Dancer are not happy about having to give up their stall.
The sunset was beautiful tonight.
We are ready to take on pigeon fever. Look out Corynebacterium psuedotuberculosis. Home At Last will defeat you.
Congratulations to Tawnee and Jason for their Post certificate.
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