botulism

Question 1

epidemiology

Answer 1

drinking stagnant water

infected rodent mixed into feed

discarded canned foods

haylage or round bale hay

toxicoinfectious botulism spores are ingested and toxin produced in GIT

Question 2

pathogenesis

Answer 2

impairs transmission at all peripheral cholingerigc sites especially neuromuscular junctions

progressive flaccid paralysis of striated muscle

Question 3

clinical signs in horses

Answer 3

first sign-loss of tongue tone

flaccid tetraparesis

dysphagia

ileus and constipation

tremor associated with muscular weakness

death from respiratory arrest

Question 4

shaker foals

Answer 4

C. botulinm in stomach ulcres release toxins

foals tremble violently before reutrning to lateral recumbency

Question 5

dx

Answer 5

no definitive diagnosis likely

isolation of botulism toxin-serum, gastric contents, feed

Question 6

treatment

Answer 6

botulism antitoxin-hyperimmune plasma given early

supportive care-feeding via stomach tube, deep bedding

Question 7

control

Answer 7

vaccine for type B

keep feed bunks clean

avoid access to ponds with stagnant water