Page 108 Notes - Veterinary Infectious Diseases (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Page 108 notes on equine infectious diseases and related pathogens.

Purpura hemorrhagica

Type III hypersensitivity with immune‑complex deposition in vessel walls causing vasculitis; manifests with urticaria, edema of extremities, petechia and ecchymoses on mucous membranes, and may include anemia, hyperproteinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperglobulinemia, and neutrophilia.

Guttural pouch empyema

Purulent material in the guttural pouch; signs include chronic nasal discharge, dysphagia, leukocytosis, swollen/tender lateral throat area, and nasal reflux; management includes daily catheterization and saline lavage; surgical drainage if inspissated.

Cranial nerves crossing guttural pouch (CN VII, IX, X, XI, XII)

Cross the medial guttural pouch; the sympathetic trunk and internal carotid artery also cross the medial pouch, while the external carotid crosses the lateral pouch.

Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus

Most common infectious cause of infertility in the US (not abortion); inhabitant of external genitalia of mares and stallions; predisposed infections occur with risk factors; treated with penicillin.

Taylorella equigenitalis

Contagious equine metritis; rare in the U.S.; no overt disease but can lead to infertility; should never breed a horse that has had a prior infection.

Rhodococcus equi (Corynebacterium equi)

Pneumonia in foals aged 2–6 months; while Streptococcus spp. are the most common pneumonia agents in foals, Rhodococcus can cause disease; signs include cough, fever, wheezes, abdominal tucking, weight loss, tachypnea.

Diagnosis of Rhodococcus pneumonia

Transtracheal wash showing gram‑positive pleomorphic rods (described as Chinese letters).

Radiographic finding in Rhodococcus pneumonia

Abscesses within lung fields, typically caudodorsal distribution.

Treatment for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia

Erythromycin (given four times daily) plus rifampin; duration around 2 months; newer antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin) can be used and may require twice-daily dosing.

Lawsonia intracellularis

Very common in pigs; also affects weanling-age horses; causes thickening of the small intestine with hypoproteinemia and ventral edema; signs include lethargy, intermittent diarrhea, and weight loss.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (pigeon fever)

Ulcerative lymphangitis of limbs and pectoral region with possible internal abscesses; diagnosis via SHIT test; findings include leukocytosis, hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperglobulinemia; treatment includes hot packing and draining abscesses; antibiotics may prolong disease.

SHIT test (synergistic hemagglutination inhibition test)

Diagnostic test used to detect internal abscesses due to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

Pigeon fever

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection causing ulcerative lymphangitis and chest/pectoral abscesses; internal abscesses may occur; treatment focuses on draining abscesses and hot packing; antibiotics can prolong disease by delaying abscess formation.

Pigeon fever treatment principle

Hot packing and draining abscesses are primary treatments; antibiotics can prolong the disease process by delaying abscess formation.