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Clostridial Diseases of Horses: A Review

Francisco A Uzal1, Mauricio A Navarro2, Javier Asin1

  • 1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino Lab, University of California-Davis, San Bwernardino, CA 92408, USA.

Vaccines
|February 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Clostridial diseases in horses are categorized into enteric, histotoxic, and neurotoxic groups, primarily caused by toxin-producing bacteria like Clostridium species. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the presence of these bacteria in healthy animals.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Equine Health

Background:

  • Clostridial diseases represent a significant threat to equine health.
  • These diseases are classified into enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic categories.
  • Toxin production is a key factor in the pathogenesis of clostridial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the major clostridial diseases affecting horses.
  • To provide an overview of the causative agents and clinical characteristics.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges associated with these diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clostridial diseases in horses.
  • Categorization of diseases based on affected systems and pathogenicity.
  • Summary of key clinical signs and etiological agents.

Main Results:

  • Enteric/enterotoxic diseases include Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile infections.
  • Histotoxic diseases encompass gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis.
  • Neurotoxic diseases include tetanus (Clostridium tetani) and botulism (Clostridium botulinum).

Conclusions:

  • Clostridial diseases in horses are diverse, with distinct clinical presentations and causative agents.
  • Accurate diagnosis can be complicated by the presence of some clostridial species in healthy horses.
  • Understanding these diseases is crucial for effective equine veterinary care.

Keywords:
Tyzzer diseasebotulismclostridial diseasescolitisenteritisenterocolitisgas gangrenehorsesinfectious necrotic hepatitisreviewtetanus

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