Acute leptospirosis in horses : a retrospective study of 11 cases (2015-2023)
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Date
Authors
Ramsay, Lynette
Eberhardt, Christina
Schoster, Angelika
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Reports of leptospirosis in horses are limited.
OBJECTIVES : To describe the clinical and diagnostic findings of acute systemic leptospirosis
in horses.
ANIMALS : Eleven client-owned horses presented to an equine hospital because of
acute onset of disease between 2015 and 2023.
METHODS : Retrospective case series. Horses diagnosed with leptospirosis by 1 or more
of urine PCR, serologic microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and histopathology.
RESULTS : Common clinical signs included lethargy (10), anorexia (10), fever (9), tachypnea
(9), abnormal lung sounds (9), and epistaxis (6). Acute kidney injury was present
in all cases. Evidence of pulmonary hemorrhage and liver disease was found in
8 (73%) and 6 (55%) horses, respectively. In 6 (55%) horses, kidneys, lungs, and liver
were affected. Urine quantitative polymerase chain reaction for detection of pathogenic
Leptospira spp. was positive in 6 (55%) cases. On serology Leptospira interrogans
serovar Australis, Autumnalis, and Bratislava accounted for 86% of all titers ≥1 : 800.
Overall case fatality rate was 4/11 (36%). Main findings on necropsy were tubular
necrosis, interstitial nephritis, hemorrhage in the alveoli, pulmonary edema, periportal
hepatitis and necrosis, cholestasis, and cholangitis.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE : Leptospirosis should be considered as a
differential diagnosis in horses with evidence of acute systemic inflammation and acute renal injury, epistaxis, or hepatic disease. For increased likelihood of identifying
positive cases, both MAT serology and urine PCR should be performed.
Description
Keywords
Hepatic involvement, Leptospira, Lung bleeding, Systemic disease, Horse (Equus caballus), SDG-03: Good health and well-being
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
Citation
Ramsay, L., Eberhardt, C. & Schoster, A. Acute leptospirosis in horses: A retrospective study of 11 cases (2015-2023). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2024; 38(5): 2729‐2738. DOI:10.1111/jvim.17184.