Horse Health Alert

Recent drought causes spike in infections among horses in Missouri,
MU equine veterinarian says.

Philip Johnson, a professor of equine medicine and surgery in the University of Missouri (MU) College of Veterinary Medicine, says he has seen a large spike in the number of Missouri horses infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, a bacterial infection that can cause painful swelling, abscesses and inflammation in the legs, chests and abdominal cavities.

“Under normal conditions, this disease is uncommon in Missouri,” Johnson says. “However, likely because of the extremely dry weather Missouri has experienced in the last six months, we have seen an abnormally large number of cases pop up throughout the state. The disease is contracted through abrasions in the skin, as well as by bites from flies and ticks.”

Johnson says horse owners should keep a wary eye on their horses for swelling in their chests or swollen abscesses and sores on their legs. Infected horses may also show behavioral signs of sickness such as lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. If an infection is left unattended for too long, it could result in horse lameness and even death if the infection moves into internal organs.

“It is very important for horse owners to monitor their horses’ health carefully,” Johnson says. “They should call their veterinarians as soon as they see any potential sign of infection, so that the veterinarians can accurately diagnose the condition. The earlier the infection is detected, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.”

Johnson also recommends that owners quarantine any horses they believe might be infected. Draining abscesses can spread the disease to healthy horses. He says that treatment typically involves draining any abscesses close to the surface of the skin and allowing them to heal. He only recommends the use of antibiotics if the abscesses are deeper under the skin or if the infection has moved to the internal organs of the horse.

Editor's Note: Adapted from a news release provided by MU News Bureau.

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