LSU Vets Successfully Treat Equine Coronavirus Case

Vets at Louisiana State University (LSU) have treated the first case of equine coronavirus reported in Louisiana.
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This month, staff at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine successfully treated the first case of equine coronavirus, an emerging disease of global concern for both the veterinary and equine communities, reported in Louisiana.

In 2013, the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University (which runs tests for equine coronavirus) received 144 samples, 38 of which tested positive or were suspect. Positive samples have originated from several states, including New York, Missouri, South Carolina, and Vermont. Outbreaks have also been confirmed in Europe and Japan.

A little less than 30 years ago, equine coronavirus was known as a pathogen (an agent causing disease) of foals and immunocompromised adult horse causing anorexia, lethargy, and diarrhea. But beginning in 2000 isolated cases of coronavirus in previously healthy adults with well functioning immune systems were reported, and in 2011 multiple outbreaks of equine coronavirus began to be reported in the northeastern United States.

The most common symptoms of equine coronavirus are signs of mild to moderate colic, changes in manure consistency (ranging from soft to liquid), anorexia, and high fever. Though the disease is rarely fatal, complications from dehydration, nutrient loss, and secondary bacterial infections are common and can negatively impact the prognosis. Clinical signs usually last from one to four days with supportive care. Treatment usually consists of fluids, anti-inflammatory therapy, and antibiotics if there is a high risk of secondary bacterial infection. There are currently no vaccines available against the virus

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