Page 107 – Equine Infectious and Bacterial Diseases (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key diseases, concepts, and management points found on Page 107.

Balanoposthitis

Inflammation with papules, pustules, and ulcers on vestibular mucosa, vulvar skin, and the penis/prepuce; usually self-limiting and resolves about 2 weeks after infection; transmitted venereally; prevention via sexual rest until lesions clear.

Equine viral arteritis (EVA)

A togavirus infection transmitted venereally (carrier stallions can infect mares) and by aerosol; can cause abortion in pregnant mares; signs include vasculitis with edema, conjunctivitis, rhinitis; foals may have severe respiratory distress, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and death within 12–24 hours; immunity lasts 1–3 years after vaccination; vaccinated animals cannot be distinguished from infected by serology.

Equine adenovirus

Upper respiratory tract infection that can cause lower respiratory disease in immunocompromised foals (e.g., failure of passive transfer or combined immunodeficiency); most common cause of death in foals with these conditions due to fatal pneumonia.

Equine influenza

Orthomyxovirus infection transmitted via aerosol; highly contagious with rapid spread, fever, and coughing; diagnosis by nasopharyngeal swab for virus isolation; serology requires paired titers for confirmation.

Endotoxemia

Systemic response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria; signs include fever or hypothermia, leukopenia, tachycardia, tachypnea, obtundation, and gut motility changes.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria detected by monocytes/macrophages; excessive signaling can trigger a cascade of physiologic reactions (inflammation/sepsis).

Fistulous withers

Draining lesion over the supraspinous bursa (between the 2nd–5th thoracic vertebrae); causes pain, heat, and swelling; may rupture and drain; treatment includes flushing the fistula and antibiotics.

Poll evil

Inflammation of the bursa adjacent to the nuchal ligament.

Strangles (Streptococcus equi ssp. equi)

Mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph node abscessation; diagnosis by bacterial culture; management emphasizes isolation; lance abscess ventrally; avoid antibiotics to prevent prolonging disease and risk of bastard strangles; vaccination available (IM associated with soft tissue reaction; intranasal now common); complications include purpura hemorrhagica and guttural pouch empyema.

Purpura hemorrhagica

Immune-mediated vasculitis that can occur after Strangles infection or vaccination, causing systemic petechiae and edema.

Guttural pouch empyema

Pus accumulation in the guttural pouch; a potential complication associated with respiratory infections and Strangles.

Strangles vaccine

Vaccine to prevent Strangles; intranasal formulation is now common due to reduced risk of soft tissue reactions compared to some IM formulations.