Kryptokokkose beim Pferd Titelbild

Cryptococcosis

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It is a rare disease in horses, but when it does occur, it can cause serious health problems and even death.

Horses can become infected with Cryptococcus through inhalation of fungal spores from the environment, and once the fungus is inhaled it can travel to the lungs and cause respiratory tract infections. The fungus can also disseminate to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system, skin, and bones.

The fungi are found in soil and bird droppings (especially those of pigeons but also from chickens, canaries, parrots, cockatoos, parakeets, sparrows, starlings, and turtledoves).

Symptoms

  • Coughing
  • Difficult breathing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Tilted head
  • Swollen head
  • Circling
  • Abnormal gait changes

Common in

  • Pastures / Stables with bird droppings
  • Australia

Treatment

Treatment of equine cryptococcus typically includes the use of antifungal medications. In addition, supportive care including oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and nutritional support may be necessary in severe cases.

Prevention

There are currently no preventative measures against Cryptococcosis.

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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