Page 665 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• reduce the immune response

• reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels
VetBooks.ir • provide supportive therapy and good nursing care.

This is achieved by using:
• antibiotics which are continued for several days after the patient appears to have

recovered

• corticosteroids to dampen the exaggerated immune response
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and the inflammation

• diuretics may be given at the start of treatment.

NURSING CARE

Good nursing is essential. The horse should be kept in a warm dry stable with a clean,

comfortable bed. Shavings tend to stick to the weeping sores more than other bedding
materials. Weeping areas should be gently cleaned. Rugs should be avoided if possible as
they can cause pressure sores. The limbs may be lightly bandaged to reduce oedema and

prevent bedding sticking to the exudate. Gentle exercise in hand may help to decrease the
swelling.

Horses that experience difficulty eating and drinking should be given fluids intravenously
or by nasogastric tube.

Prognosis

With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the prognosis is fair. However, in severe cases,

even with the best of care, 30–50% of affected horses and ponies will die. Respiratory
distress, diarrhoea and a poor response to initial treatment are all poor prognostic signs.

SINUSITIS

In the horse’s head there are several air-filled spaces which are collectively called the
paranasal sinuses. These are lined with mucous membrane which continually secretes mucus.

This is cleared by mucociliary flow and drains via small holes called ostia into the nasal
passages. From here it evaporates, runs from the nostrils or is swallowed. Sinusitis is the term

used for inflammation of the sinuses. It is usually caused by bacterial infection.