March 20, 2008 Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) has been diagnosed at a Saskatoon boarding stable  Reportedly eight horses have been found with the disease, with two being admitted to the WCVM Large Animal ward.  As of this date no horses have died from this outbreak. Stringent biosecurity measures are recommended practice  for all horse owners. Horse owners and stables are strongly encouraged to develop an emergency action plan to  address any untoward disease outbreak to allow effective implementation should such an occasion arise. These  outbreaks are always unexpected, and it is best to be prepared. Consult a veterinarian with any concerns regarding the health of a horse. Be especially vigilant for signs of  illness resulting from increases in the normal temperature (38.5C or 101.5F rectal) of the horse as well as signs  of neurological involvement. The following was suggested by veterinarians from the WCVM to stablers who are combating  the EHV-1 virus in their horses.: How to check your horse:  To check for neurologic symptoms, watch for signs of stumbling or weakness in the back legs,  particularly when on flat, dry, familiar surfaces. A lot of the horses are being detected at very early stages, by  performing neurologic tests like these. Circle the horse in smaller circles, and watch for splaying hind legs, or  stepping on itself. Back the horse with a blindfold or with it's head up so it can't cheat by watching. Blindfold  the horse and get it to walk. Walk the horse and have someone pull the tail to one side or the other-a horse with normal  strength should resist and keep walking straight, not be pulled sideways by the tail. Only do these things if you are  safe to do it, do not put yourself at risk of injuring yourself or your horse.  Horse Care for the affected horse: For a fever, Bute (directions per bottle) or even Aspirin (5g dose, once a day) can help. Aspirin may also help the  stocked up legs. Use the proper dose, and only use one or the other (not both), and ask the WCVM if you want some great  big Aspirin tablets. Walking, cold hosing, and wrapping may help the stocked up legs, but they will usually clear on their  own in a few days. Some people are choosing to administer Vitamin E to their horses, the theory is that it may reduce  free radicals which may play a role in the disease. The dose is somewhere between 5000 IU and 8000 IU depending on the  size of the horse.  Help reduce continued spread of virus by changing your clothes between barns, washing your hands and your boots between  outside and inside. "

Copyright:  Alberta Equestrian Federation

5/17/2008 : 3:33:53 AM