What is Potomac Horse Fever?- Diagnosis, Symptoms and Herbal Supplements
ABSTRACT
Potomac horse fever is an acute form of enterocolitis resulting in fever, mild colic and diarrhea in horses. It can even result in abortion in pregnant female horses (mare). Potomac horse fever or PHF is caused by Neorickettsia risticii. Main clinical sign of PHF is acute colitis which is caused due to infection of large and small colon. This disease affects the horses usually in summer, early spring and early fall. In this article you can learn all about the Potomac horse fever and its herbal treatment by Planet Ayurveda.
INTRODUCTION TO POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
PHF or Potomac horse fever is a sporadic, seasonal, severe but acute form of colitis in horses caused due to infection of Neorickettsia risticii, which is a gram negative bacteria. Usually it is reported in the areas of Canada, United States, Europe, and India. Any breed of horse may get affected, however the young horses are more prone to it.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
As per Ayurvedic concepts the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, their balance is necessary for the maintenance of health. Any imbalance in any of these doshas can cause disease. PHF is also caused due to the vitiation of the tridoshas usually the Pitta dosha is involved..
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
The different signs and symptoms of Potomac horse fever are
- Initially the symptoms are mild involving anorexia and depression
- Diarrhea which ranges from mild to severe form as the time passes
- Abdominal discomfort
- Sepsis
- Dehydration
- In female pregnant horses, abortion may occur
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Enlarged spleen
CAUSES OF POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
N risticii is the causative agent, it is a gram negative bacteria. This organism is found in the freshwater snails, stoneflies, caddisflies, damselflies and dragonflies. The infection occurs due to the ingestion of any of these aquatic insects which carry the organism. After the infection, 10-18 days are incubation periods. This bacteria is also present in the stool of the experimentally infected horses. However the horses that are clinically ill are not contagious and can be placed with other healthy horses.
DIAGNOSIS OF POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
Typical clinical signs are the first base of diagnosis of the disease. Further blood and fecal samples are taken to confirm the diagnosis by the isolation of the organism. Serological testing is usually not confirmatory as many times the antibody titre is falsely high in the healthy horses as well. Also the culture of organisms is time taking and many times not available in the nearby laboratory. Hence the mostly used test is real-time PCR assay where the organism is detected within 2 hours. The PCR should be performed on both the stool as well as blood sample.
TREATMENT OF POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
Conventional treatment of PHF includes prescription of oxytetracycline which is to be given in early phases of infection, if diagnosed. This shows results within 12 hours where all the symptoms start to improve gradually. Antimicrobial treatment should be given for 5 days only. If the infection is severe fluids and NSAIDs are to be given.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
Ayurvedic treatment aims at balancing the tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha by the use of herbal remedies and other Ayurvedic modes of treatment. Also there are certain dietary changes which are done as per Ayurveda during the treatment for best results.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
Planet Ayurveda, the herbal pharmaceutical manufactures herbal medicines and products not only for humans but animals as well. All of these remedies are purely herbal and vegetarian and also free from preservatives, chemicals, dye, colors, yeast, additives etc which makes the quality of product more superior than similar products available in the market. You can avail these herbal remedies in different parts of the world through the official distributors of Planet Ayurveda or also can directly order from the main branch located in Mohali. For PHF, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies to treat the condition naturally.
Products List
- Giloy capsule
- Ashwagandha capsule
- Halorhena + capsule
- Digestion support
- Mahashankh vati
Products Description
1. Giloy capsule
It is the single herb capsule prepared from Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy). Giloy capsules help to boost immunity that prevent infections and also fight with them to eliminate the causative agents from the body.
Dosage- Give 6 capsules twice daily with or after meals
2. Ashwagandha capsule
It is the single herb capsule prepared using the standardized extract of herbs possessing numerous therapeutic properties, i.e. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha capsules give strength to the body, fight weakness and help in treating the underlying ailment.
Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily with or after meals.
3. Halorhena + capsule
Halorhena capsules are the single herb capsules which are prepared using standardized extract of herb called Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). Halorhena + capsules helps in treating diarrhea and re-establishing digestion.
Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily with or after meals
4. Digestion support
Herbs like Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Pippali (Piper longum) are used in the preparation of these herbal capsules. As the name suggests, Digestion support capsules restore the digestion and treat the digestive issues.
Dosage- Give 2 capsules twice daily with or after meals
5. Mahashankh vati
It is the combination of medicinal herbs and minerals that synergistically work to impart the digestive, analgesic, antipyretic and appetizing effect on the body. Mahashankh vati is prepared from Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Nimbu (Citrus limon), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Saikharika (Achyranthes aspera), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Samudra lavana (Common salt), Saindhava lavana (Rock salt) etc.
Dosage- Give 6 tablets twice daily with or after meals
Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com
CONCLUSION
Potomac horse fever or PHF can be dangerous for horses if not treated timely. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the complications. Herbal remedies mentioned above can help in treating the infection and symptoms naturally.
