I'm an animal lover of all types, mainly my horses. Health is always a concern since we have domesticated them, and they depend on us for so much in their daily lives. My horses have been to shows, trail rides, around the country, 4-H projects and to school for show and tell. It is up to us, the owners, to provide for their welfare.

Alerts for Pigeon Fever in our area (Northern California) from the veterinarian and various horse clubs I belong to have been circulating. I don't have statistics for other parts of the country. All animal owners can benefit from this article.

Feel free to print and keep a copy for future reference, I put one in my barn for quick reference should one of my animals show any signs of illness.

Track appointments & health care: Planners/Desk/Wall Calendars.com

Fri.,16 Oct 2009, 09:31:56 -0700; In the past few months, we have been treating a high number of horses infected with Pigeon Fever. Pigeon Fever is a highly contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. These bacteria live in the soil and can enter the animal’s body through wounds, abrasions, and skin that has become irritated from fly bites. A horse of any age, breed or sex may become infected. To help you better understand Pigeon Fever we have put together a fact sheet below. Please call us with any further questions or concerns you might have. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment for our veterinarians to diagnose, evaluate and treat your horse that has contracted Pigeon Fever. It’s always safest to err on the side of caution with this disease

Pigeon Fever in Horses NAME: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The disease is commonly referred to as Pigeon Fever because pectoral abscesses can cause the horse’s chest to swell like a pigeon.

VACCINE: There is no vaccine at this time

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS: Abscesses can form ANYWHERE externally and internally on your horse. External abscesses can form anywhere on your horse’s body but are most common on the chest, belly and sheath. Symptoms of an external abscess may include swelling and sensitivity to touch at the site, fever, lethargy, stiffness, and/or lameness. Symptoms of an internal abscess are more subtle, and blood-work may be necessary to diagnose the problem.

FEVER: Horses may or may not have a fever with this disease.

*TRANSMISSION: The mode of infection is via skin wounds and abrasions. Flies can act as mechanical vectors, carrying the infectious bacteria from the environment onto the horse’s skin.

INCUBATION PERIOD: Horses can become infected with Pigeon Fever but not develop abscesses for weeks or even months. Once an abscess forms it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to mature and drain. New abscesses can form after others have healed, so it is very important to continue monitoring your horse after its initial recovery.

CALLING THE VETERINARIAN: Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm, treat, or assess the status of your horse’s Pigeon Fever. Surgical drainage is recommended for mature external abscesses. The doctors sometimes use ultrasound to locate the center and depth of an abscess. They are able to see if an abscess is encapsulated and ready to be lanced, or if it should mature longer prior to drainage.

NO ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics are not normally prescribed because they do not alter the course of the disease; in fact, they may prolong it. Evidence suggests that if antibiotics are administered before any abscesses form, this increases the risk of internal abscess formation.

SIGNS OF INTERNAL ABSCESSES: Approximately 8% of horses with external abscesses will develop internalized infection from bacteria circulating in the bloodstream. Most horses afflicted with internal abscesses have already suffered from external abscesses. However, horses can also acquire internal abscesses without ever having had visible Pigeon Fever sores. If your horse has been exposed to Pigeon Fever and begins to loose weight, or their health seems to decline, call your veterinarian to rule out an internal abscess

*TREATMENT: Hot compresses can be applied to help draw an abscess to the surface. As soon as an abscess is soft and superficial, it can be lanced, drained and flushed with antiseptic solution. Lanced abscesses tend to heal better and are easier to flush than abscesses that burst on their own. Flushing is done to remove the infectious bacteria and speed the healing process. Flushing should be done twice daily until there is no more pus, then once daily as the abscess cavity gets smaller.

*DEALING WITH INFECTED HORSES*Very Important: Ideally, it is best to separate infected horses from uninfected. Remember that incubation periods vary, so check over your entire herd daily. Use buckets lined with disposable bags to collect infectious pus and dispose of it away from other horses and where it won’t attract flies. The same goes for infected bedding; use bleach to disinfect pitchforks, wheelbarrows, your shoes…etc!

RECOVERY: It can take a few weeks to a few months for a horse to recover from Pigeon Fever. Often, multiple abscesses will develop and drain before the disease has run its course.

**PRECAUTIONS: Monitor your horse DAILY! Call your Veterinarian if you suspect that your horse has Pigeon Fever. Use fly spray, fly masks and fly sheets. Use ointments with fly repellent on open wounds or irritated skin.

PROGNOSIS: Most horses recover fully without complications. A small percentage can develop internal abscesses which can occasionally be fatal. With good veterinary care and being involved with your horse’s daily treatment, your horse should recover just fine!

 End NCV Alert.

If you plan to trail ride, show or be at social events with your horse, avoid using public areas if possible. Horses love to rub and itch on posts, water tanks or anything they can reach when  hot and sweaty. Don't share buckets, blankets, cinches and brushes. If you do, wash them when you get home with Betadine, Clorox or an approved disinfectant.

If your horse becomes infected, avoid using peroxide on any open wounds. Horses pH levels are different from ours. It can cause proud flesh and bleeding, rubbing alcohol is drying and it stings. Only use first aid items specifically indicated for horses or the vet has recommended or prescribed. Some treatments can make it worse, don't use a product if you are not sure of it's intended purpose.