Fall Disease Alert – Lawsonia intracellularis

A reminder to keep an eye on your young horse population this fall:

Late summer and fall is the time of year to look out for signs of Equine Proliferative Enteritis (EPE), a potentially serious disease. EPE is caused by the bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis and usually affects young horses (foals, weanlings and yearlings). While these bacteria infect the small intestines, the most common clinical sign first seen is edema under the jaw or down the legs. Other clinical signs to watch for include fever, colic signs, diarrhea, loss of body condition, and lethargy. Since these are non-specific signs of a problem, if any of these are noted it is important to work with your veterinarian to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Please give us call if we can help you with this problem or any of your horse health needs.