bacterial meningitis

Lindros · Postby **Lindros** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 6:05 pm

We lost a 16 day old filly today (due to bacterial meningitis). Yesterday morning she exhibited neurological signs, she also had diarreah. Her temperature was 103.7 F. The day before she was fine. She had two seizures before we sent her off to the clinic. (Always a horrible sight.)
Any thoughts?

henthorn · Postby **henthorn** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 9:18 pm

It sometimes happens in newborn humans, too. Likely reduced immunity as a newborn. I suspect the bacteria are from birth or from your mare. You'll have to ask the vet if any other measures are warranted to protect your herd.

So sorry!

camohn · Postby **camohn** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 5:11 am

We have only had one foal get that ( foal was born dead)/was there at birth. The only thing I can think of is that during her pregnancy the mare got a tiny puncture wound on her foot that got missed at first and turned into a nasty infection. Dunno for sure but I am just guessing the infection (which went from "a little off in one foot" to massive cellulitis up to her shoulder in the course of a day) got systemic.

Lindros · Postby **Lindros** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:32 pm

Update: the meningitis was caused by salmonella! The farm has lost 2 more foals due to multiple septic joints cause by salmonella. And 'what a surprise'... the farm is poorly managed.
Sorry... just hate to see horses suffer for no reason.