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(Equine Metabolic disease). LACTATION TETANY OF MARES Transit tetany of mares, Eclampsia of mares. Definition :. It is a metabolic neurotic disease of lactating mares characterized clinically by stiffness in gait and tetany and biochemically by hypocalcaemia.
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(Equine Metabolic disease) LACTATION TETANY OF MARES Transit tetany of mares, Eclampsia of mares
Definition: • It is a metabolic neurotic disease of lactating mares characterized clinically by stiffness in gait and tetany and biochemically by hypocalcaemia. (Tetany:a condition marked by intermittent muscular spasms, caused by malfunction of the parathyroid glands and a consequent deficiency of calcium)
Incidence, occurrence and predisposing factor: 1- Most cases occur in lactating mares, either at about the l0th day after foaling or 1-2 days after weaning. 2-Mares have a heavy flow of milk. 3-Pregnant mares subjected to hard physical work or exercise (stress of work). 4-Pregnant mares during or after prolonged transport (stress of transport).
Etiology and pathogenesis • 1- The basic constant biochemical finding is lowserum calcium level (hypocalcemia) in which serum calcium level ranges between 4-8 mg% • 2- Hypo- or Hypermagnesemia have been observed in some cases.
Clinical signs Clinical signs are related to the degree of hypocalcaemia, because: 1- When serum calcium level is higher than 8 mg%, the only clinical sign is increased excitability. 2- At levels of 4-8 mg %, there are tetanic spasms. 3- At levels less than 4 mg%, there are recumbency and stupor (state of unconsciousness).
The clinical signs proceed as follow: 1-Profuse sweating 2-Muscular fibrillation particularly of the masseter and shoulder region 3-Trismus (spasmodic contraction of Muscles of mastication) 4-Normal pulse in early stages, but later becomes rapid and irregular.
5-Rapid, violent respiration accompanied with wide dilation of nostrils. 6-Normal temp. or slightly elevated. 7-Dysphagia (unable to swallow) 8- OLiguria or even anuria and constipation.
9- Difficulty in moving, stiffness in gait and incoordination. 10-Within 24 hours, the animal goes down then tetanic convulsions develop and death may occur about 48hrs. after onset of illness due to respiratory failure.
Diagnosis • I- History • II- Clinical signs. • III- Laboratory diagnosis: • Estimation serum calcium level usually between 4-8 mg% (normal around 10 mg%) • IV-Therapeutic diagnosis • Response to treatment with calcium preparations • Differential diagnosis: Tetanus and Laminitis
Laminitis & Tetanus Tetanus
Treatment and prevention • I/V administration of calcium solutions, such as20 % C.B.G (calcium borogluconate) usually results in full recovery. Administered slowly (over 20 min) at 250- 500 mL/500 kg, diluted at least 1: 4 in saline or dextrose, and the cardiovascular response should be closely monitored. If arrhythmias or brady-cardia develop, I/V treatment should be discontinued immediately.
Once the heart rate has returned to normal, the infusion may be resumed at a slower rate. • If the horse does not improve within 1-2 hours of the initial infusion, a second dose may be given. • Some horses require repeated treatments over several days to recover from hypocalcemic tetany. N.B: • One of the earliest signs of recovery is the usually followed by of large volume of urine.
Prevention: • Single IV or S/C. 10 millions I.U. crystalline vit. D immediately after foaling and repeated at weaning time for lactating mares. • A balanced feed ration should be provided to supply adequate amounts and rations of calcium and phosphorus throughout gestation • In times of increased calcium demand such as lactating, fasting should be avoided and high quality forage as Alfa Alfa or calcium –containing mineral mixes should be provided. • Stress and fasting during transport should be minimized.
In endurance horses water and electrolyte deficits associated with porolonged exercise and sweating may be prevented by provision of a sufficient water supply and electrolyte supplementation