Potomac Horse Fever

Potomac horse fever (PHF) is a common cause of equine colitis in endemic areas. Until recently, the only causative agent known to cause PHF was  Neorickettsia risticii. However, N. findlayensis has been isolated from affected horses. Horses typically become infected upon ingestion of Neorickettsia spp.-infected trematodes within aquatic insects. The most common clinical signs include diarrhea, fever, anorexia, lethargy and colic. The d iagnostic test of choice for PHF is PCR of blood and feces. Tetracyclines remain an effective treatment. Supportive care, including fluid therapy, colloid administration, NSAID and anti-endotoxin medication, and digital cryotherapy, is also necessary in some cases.
Source: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research