Potomac Horse Fever

Skipitgirl · Postby **Skipitgirl** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:27 am

My mare was just diagnosed thru blood work with Potomac Horse Fever. Is there anyone here who has gone through it? I know she will lose her foal and has a high chance of laminitis. Just wondering if anyone has any insight. WOuld soaking her feet in ice as a precaution ward off the possible laminitis. Trying to get her through the diarhea and anorexia right now. She has lost about 100 pounds in the last week and a half (yes it is poossible!) Good news is she is bright and alert. Thanks in advance.

Jenny · Postby **Jenny** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:22 pm

Good luck with her, I hope she make a speedy recovery. I have no advice, I have never had any dealings with it.

Bohemia · Postby **Bohemia** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:47 pm

Is your mare located in Ohio? There have been some cases in Pennsylvania, and I had my in-foal mare vaccinated against it in August. There was a case at the Fair Hill Training Center, and the farm where my mare is boarded is near there. Sorry I can't offer you any advice, just was curious as to where she's located.

Laurierace · Postby **Laurierace** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 3:45 pm

I went through this once many years ago. My horse recovered completely with no laminitis. It was a long couple of days though, the horse was at the race track. The track vet put a catheter in but I had to administer the fluids. That was back before they had the two gallon bags that they have now so I was changing the bag over 60 times per day. Icing the feet never hurts, may or may not help. Fluids are the key though. I don't think its a given that she will abort but it certainly is a possibility. I hope you have a healthy mare in no time and she goes on to deliver a miracle foal in the spring.

griff · Postby **griff** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:00 pm

Does anyne know where in PA the Potomac horse fever was found?/

Also, is it OK to vaccinate an in-foal mare for Potomac Horse Fever now.. The foal is due 04/01/2009

griff

Bohemia · Postby **Bohemia** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:52 pm

If you read my post, one case of Potomac Fever was discovered at Fair Hill. Yes, it's okay to vaccinate an in-foal mare; I did in August.

Derby Lyn · Postby **Derby Lyn** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:50 pm

I have never had PHF at my farm, but some friends have dealt with it. We always get it in this area b/c we live by some marshes. The people that water with their ponds always get it (from the snails). Just keep her hydrated as much as possible. Alot of horses pull through. Actually the first one I ever heard to die from it happened this year with an AQHA stallion.

She might not abort so don't give up yet. In the cases here I have never heard of any of them getting laminitis but it doesn't hurt to ice her feet-especially if it makes you feel better. About half of the horses that get PHF here have been vaccinated for it.

Good luck and it really sounds like she will pull through.

Skipitgirl · Postby **Skipitgirl** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:54 am

Ok yes she is in Ohio. There is another mare a mile away with it too. We all lost power last Sunday (ours was restored yesterday!) due to high winds. We both had water trucked in from the Fire Department as our wells didnt run without power. My other 6 are not showing any signs neither are the rest of their herd (9). Both mares are in foal. THeirs is geriatric and mine has always been a difiicult kjeeper suffering from colitis a few years ago. Anyway, so far so good this morning. No fever and no heat in her feet. Vet will be back this afternoon for her medications.

madelyn · Postby **madelyn** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:05 am

I found this article regarding Potomac Horse Fever
http://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/ ... er/PTH.htm

Interesting that vaccination is not completely effective.. and that the culprit is the water supply.

Karie · Postby **Karie** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:08 am

i have had 2 cases in the last 2 years.. one recovered fine and one died.
I hate PHF..
Good luck..
I iced and iced my colt last year.. but he died.. it was bad.

Skipitgirl · Postby **Skipitgirl** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:21 am

And yes she was vaccinated in March.

Jenny · Postby **Jenny** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:52 am

I live in a very marshy area. The even have the Marshville Heritage Festival every year, and we don't get it here. Strange. I asked my vet about it and he said it is extremely rare. Good luck.

Skipitgirl · Postby **Skipitgirl** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:13 pm

Just an update

mare is wanting to eat today and is still drinking great. Vet came and checked her again this afternoon and foal is still alive. No signs of laminitis so hopefully...............

Jenny · Postby **Jenny** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:58 pm

Great news!!!

Marli · Postby **Marli** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:53 am

Potomac Horse fever is not seen often and water areas/wetlands are the culprit.

A horse friend of mine in Pa. had a horse contract it- first signs were fever/lethargy, went off feed and then heat in the feet. Laminitis can be involved. She actually made an area where she scratched up the ground and made a mud hole for the horse to stand in (hosed with cold water).

Horse went through protocol of meds and did recover. It's worrisome for sure!