EFFECTS OF TRANSPORTATION, SURGERY, AND ANTIBIOTIC-THERAPY IN PONIES INFECTED WITH SALMONELLA

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (1) , 46-50
Abstract
Seventeen ponies were infected with S. typhimurium and then 15 were variously stressed by transportation and/or surgery and 9 were given oxytetracycline. Indications of Salmonella reactivation occurred in all the stressed ponies. Diarrhea due to a reactivation of the Salmonella infection did not develop until > 3 days after stress, although maximal shedding of organisms occurred within 24 h. A neutropenia generally occurred within 24 h after stress and lasted .apprx. 5 days. A rectal temperature > 39.degree. C usually did not occur. An increase in serologic titer was noticed in about half of the ponies. Transportation had a major role in reactivating the Salmonella infection, and 1 pony died of peracute colitis. The use of oxytetracycline prolonged the excretion of Salmonella; therefore, this drug should not be used after stress, particularly transportation, in ponies that have diarrhea or are known to be Salmonella carriers.