Equine ehrlichiosis in northern California: 49 cases (1968-1981)

• DOI: 10.2460/javma.1987.190.04.445
• Publication Date: 2025-02-06T18:25:39Z
• Authors: John E. Madigan; David Gribble
• Keywords: Ehrlichiosis

Summary Case records of horses with equine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia equi) at the University California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and Ackerman Creek Large Animal Clinic were analyzed for evaluation clinical signs, time onset, hematologic values, response to treatment, recovery. Equine was found be seasonal in foothills northern California, higher incidence than reported previously. The developed fever, anorexia, depression, limb edema, icterus, ataxia. Hematologic changes leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, inclusion bodies neutrophils eosinophils. Diagnosis made by observing characteristic bodies, using a standard Wright's stain. Mortality low, although complications opportunistic secondary infection injury due ataxia did develop. Treatment tetracycline resulted prompt improvement within 24 hours. Chronic cases not detected. should differentiated from diseases similar signs including encephalitis, liver disease, purpura hemorrhagica, infectious viral arteritis.