title: Botulism.
abstract: Equine botulism is being recognized with increasing frequency by veterinarians throughout North America. Muscular weakness and dysphagia that progress during a period of 1 to 4 days, in the absence of laboratory derangements that indicate the presence of systemic disease, are suggestive of botulism. A tentative diagnosis usually is based on the presence of the following findings on physical examination: delayed pupillary light response, mydriasis, ptosis, generalized weakness, decreased tail tone, and slow prehension of feed. Definitive diagnosis requires detection of botulinum toxin in plasma, serum, gastrointestinal contents, or body tissues. Early treatment with antitoxin generally results in a favorable outcome. Botulism in foals and adult horses can be prevented by vaccination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, USA.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Whitlock
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buckley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000992:Antitoxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000097:blood; D001906:Botulism / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003014:Clostridium botulinum / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006736:Horses; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000992:Antitoxins; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D001905:Botulinum Toxins