Theiler’s Disease

Theiler’s Disease

Basic Information image

Definition

Disease characterized by acute severe hepatic necrosis, most commonly related to recent (within 1–3 months) administration of equine biologic products

Synonym(s)

• Serum-associated hepatitis

• Serum sickness

• Idiopathic acute hepatic disease

Epidemiology

Species, Age, Sex

• Adult horses are overrepresented.

• Females are overrepresented likely because of the practice of administration of tetanus antitoxin in the periparturient period.

Risk Factors

• Recent administration of tetanus antitoxin, particularly to a lactating postpartum mare

• Recent plasma or blood transfusion or administration of an equine-originating biologic

Contagion and Zoonosis

• Despite reports of outbreaks, no horse-to-horse transmission has been documented.

• Hypothesized similarity to hepatitis B virus in humans, although supportive evidence is lacking

Geography and Seasonality

The incidence of disease may be greater in the summer and fall.

Associated Conditions and Disorders

Clinical signs of Theiler’s disease can be indistinguishable from those of acute hepatic failure caused by toxicosis, infectious hepatitis, or immune-mediated hepatitis.

Clinical Presentation

Disease Forms/Subtypes

• Fulminant acute hepatic failure with signs of hepatic encephalopathy is the most common presentation.

• Rarely, an insidious onset of hepatic failure is reported.

History, Chief Complaint

Important historical consideration includes recent (4–10 weeks prior) administration of any biologic product of equine origin (eg, tetanus antitoxin, whole blood, commercial plasma). Owners may observe lethargy, anorexia, stupor, blindness, circling, bruxism, icterus, and fever.

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  4. Black Widow Spider Toxicosis

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Theiler’s Disease

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