Culture came back negative, but vet still isn't convinced it isn't pigeon fever. As it has progressed, it looks less and less like pigeon fever and more like a bit combined with cellulitis, however I'm still taking precautions until a decision is made either way.
Here's a link to an information page about pigeon fever: http://oregonvma.org/care-health/pigeon-fever. There's many links from reputable sources on google. There's conflicting information, but I try to stick to veterinary sources, or sources like TheHorse.com
I'm not sure who the anonymous commenter was, but I encourage you to do some research. The pus coming from the wounds is highly infective, and it can survive in the soil up to 55 days. Horses can be contaminated through a fly bite, but also through the bacteria entering open wounds, or through the mucous membranes on a handler's clothing, hands, footwear etc. Therefore it is prudent to take additional measures beyond fly spray if a horse with pigeon fever is being treated on the premises.
I would do the exact same thing. When I was working at two different barns and one had a contagious disease, I had to keep two sets of cloths and make sure I went to the sick barn last. It is important to keep your horse health. I probably wouldn't take my horse to that place until the horses had all been healthy for at least a month if not more. It is not worth losing training or shows for one BO. A bleach solution might work on the bottom of your soles if you have to be there for some reasons but I wouldn't take your horse their if you can avoid it.
ReplyDeletePigeon fever is incredibly scary stuff. *shudder*
ReplyDelete