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Nursing care
Nursing care is predominantly aimed at
supporting the patient and treating them
holistically rather than just concentrating on
the body system affected by the disease.
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The patient may have an increased
temperature but they will often feel
cold. Rugs, bandages and a deep
bed should be used to keep them
warm and comfortable.
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A depressed patient will benefit from
lots of TLC so grooming them at least
twice daily is very important.
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Boredom can be addressed by
providing licks and stable toys to keep
the patient entertained.
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The one foodstuff horses will always
take an interest in, even if they are
poorly, is grass. It is sometimes helpful
to pick grass and feed it to the patient
from the floor.
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Any hard feed should be soaked to make
it easier for the patient to swallow and
reduce the chance of choke developing.
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In cases of 'strangles', hot compresses
(surgical gloves filled with warm water)
can be applied to abscess sites to
encourage maturation and bursting.
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Any discharge should be cleaned away
as regularly as possible. Vaseline can
be applied to prevent the discharge
scalding the skin.
Equine contagious diseases
The following are a few examples of equine infectious diseases
that are encountered in the UK.
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increased temperature
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depression
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reduced appetite
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nasal discharge
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coughing
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abscesses in the lymph nodes.
A number of lymph nodes in the head
can develop abscesses, however if
abscesses develop in the throat they
can make it difficult for the patient
to breathe and swallow. This is where
the name 'strangles' originates.
SPRING 2014 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
18
INFECT IOUS HORSE
Causes upper respiratory tract disease.
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Equine influenza
Causes respiratory infection in foals aged
1-6 months old.
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Rhodococcus equi
Causes diarrhoea in foals aged three
days to five months.
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Rotavirus
Causes rapid weight loss, lethargy,
inappetance, throat latch and limb
oedema, mild colic and diarrhoea
in weanlings.
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Lawsonia intracellularis
Both forms cause respiratory disease.
EHV-1 also causes abortion, neurological
disease and eye conditions.
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Equine Herpesvirus 1 and 4
(EHV-1, EHV-4)
Causes respiratory infection.
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Streptococcus equi
(strangles)
Causes colic, diarrhoea and weight loss.
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Salmonella
Causes patchy hairloss.
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Ringworm
Clinical signs
Nursing the equine isolation case
The most common condition that requires barrier nursing is
Streptococcus equi
. or 'strangles'. Every effort is made to treat the
patient at home, however if the patient cannot be successfully
isolated at the yard it may be admitted into a veterinary hospital
for treatment. 'Strangles' is caused by a bacterium,
Streptococcus
equi
. and this is spread from horse to horse as well as tools,
equipment, tack, owners and their clothing.
In some cases of infectious disease, patients
may also require intravenous fluids and assisted
feeding. This treatment would normally be
administered at a veterinary hospital. It is
important to be aware that in infections such as
Streptococcus equi. the bacterium can survive
in the environment for long periods (up to nine
weeks) on wood if temperature and humidity
are optimal. This is why barrier precautions and
stringent disinfection techniques are essential
to ensure the bacteria are contained and
eradicated once the patient has recovered.
It is very important that the disinfectant used is
active against the particular disease-causing
agent. If you require any information on barrier
nursing or disinfectants please contact your
local practice who will be able to advise you on
these subjects.
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If the patient is suffering from respiratory
disease, a dust free environment must
be provided. Bedding should be dust
extracted and the stable well ventilated.
Soaked hay or haylage should be fed
to reduce exposure to dust, moulds or
fungus. All food should be fed from the
floor to encourage drainage of mucus.