Anaplasma Rhabdomyolyse bei Pferden Anaplasma rhabdomyolysis is a muscle disease in horses caused by Anaplasma bacteria, leading to muscle damage, stiffness, and weakness, often requiring veterinary intervention.

Anaplasma Rhabdomyolysis in Horses

Alt. Names: Equine Anaplasmosis, Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis, Tick-borne Fever in Horses

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Definition of Anaplasma Rhabdomyolysis in Horses

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an intracellular bacteria that causes several non-specific symptoms (for instance, horse lying down), posing problems in differential diagnosis. Usually, symptoms appear few days after tick exposure.
The exact mechanism by which A. phagocytophilum induces rhabdomyolysis is unknown. Interferon g has been shown to be critical for the induction of histopathologic changes in mice, even in the absence of substantial bacterial load and despite its ability to avoid killing by innate immunity, A. phagocytophilum paradoxically induces some innate responses that have been documented to contribute to tissue injury.

Symptoms of Anaplasma Rhabdomyolysis in Horses

  • Lameness
  • Rolling
  • Kicking / Biting Stomach
  • Lethargy
  • Recumbency
  • Repeated Stretching
  • Stiff
  • Fever
  • Tremors
  • Yellow Gums
  • Underweight
  • Depression
  • Swelling in one leg
  • Swelling in all four legs

Treatment of Anaplasma Rhabdomyolysis in Horses

The disease is treated using appropriate antibiotics. The severity of the disease is variable; many horses recover after 14 days without treatment.
However, rare fatalities have occurred that are believed to be associated with secondary infections. Horses with severe signs and neurologic signs may benefit from injectable corticosteroids. Recovered horses develop immunity for at least 2 years and are not carriers.

Prevention of Anaplasma Rhabdomyolysis in Horses

There is currently no vaccine for this disease. Immunity is acquired after infection and normally lasts around two years following an active infection.
The most important aspect of disease prevention is tick control by routinely checking your horses for ticks and removing them. Topical products are also available that can help against ticks.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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