Equine Herpes

A detailed Summary of Equine Herpes

Nearly every animal carries at least one species of the herpes virus. Many carry up to four or five species of the virus. There are five species specific to horses. Diseases, and symptoms, associated with herpes viruses range from relatively mild to potentially deadly. These viruses are generally a "silent presence in the horse," and infections or flair ups generally go unnoticed. However, in certain situations the virus can cause violent outbreaks (Bonner). Signs, or symptoms, of outbreaks vary depending on the strain of the herpes virus. Proper management of the virus in the attacked population can increase the probability that attacked horses will recover. Although precautions can be taken to decrease the chance of outbreak, there is no 100% way to prevent the virus.

The three most common types of the herpes virus are Equine Herpes Virus -1 (EHV-1), EHV-3, and EHV-4. They are all in the family Alphaherpesviruses. These are the fastest growing and most virulent types of the virus. The virus is not air-borne. It is spread through contact between horses, including direct touching, sharing common air space, by human contact from horses to horse, or by touching or moving organic material aro

EHV-1 infection in pregnant mares may result in abortion (Kohn). In pregnant mares the virus may travel from the lungs and infect the cells in the lining of the uterus. The inflammation of the blood vessels that supply the placenta can starve the fetus, and as a result cause abortion. Some mares exposed to the virus may show signs of respiratory infection, however many never appear ill. The abortion can take place as early as two weeks after exposure, and up to four months later (Bonner).

There is no specific treatment, or cure, for the neurologic form of EHV-1. Supportive therapy and nursing care are vital to the horse's survival. Supportive therapy includes IV fluids and bladder catheterization. "The antiviral drug Acyclovir has been used empirically, but efficacy is unknown. The drug is expensive" (Kohn). Because this is a virus it is difficult to tell if the medicine is helping, or if it has run its course on it's own. Many anti-inflammatory agents are used in to try to minimize damage to the spinal cord. These include Banamine and DMSO. Nursing care needs includes keeping horses quiet and minimizing stress. Moving horses to a restricted, secluded area will decrease stress and allow horses to rest and recouperate. Horses should also be moved to a larger stall, or open area, so there is adequate space for them to move around, and less around them to injure themselves on should they fall. For those who can't stand on their own, they made need a sling to help them stand. It is healthier for the horse if they can remain standing through the infection. In most outbreaks, horses that remain standing have a good chance of beating the virus. However, full recovery may take weeks, months, or years. Six weeks is a common length of time diagnosed for those highly inflicted with the disease to fully recover motor skills. Horses that display extreme and rapid progression of neurologic symptoms have a poorer survival rate, although some may live with intensive care. "Should these horses survive, recovery can take several months; non-recumbent animals appear to have a complete recovery, whereas animals which were down often have some degree of residual neu

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