?Lymphoma in horses - update with good news #23 Lawsonia

[csaper58]

@demidq

We have another test back, with a positive antibody titre to Lawsonia. This a bacteria that grows inside the cell, (intracellular), and is usually an infection of foals and young horses. Rare in older horses. The titre is 1/250, which I think is fairly high, but significance of antibody varies with the infective agent.
Waiting for a call from the Vet school to have them interpret the significance. It would be so nice if it turns out this is totally treatable!

Well, I have never rooted for Lawsonia before. There is a first time for everything!

Jingling!!!

[hoopoe]

Demi you and your vet are doing a great job of diagnosing this situation. continued good wishes

[demidq]

Info back from the vet school- taking the clinical picture, initial low serum protein, ultrasound results and high antibody titre, the consensus is that mare most likely has Lawsonia and we should treat . YAAAYY!
Next decision- clarithromycin with rifampin is the best treatment but that class of antibiotics can cause fatal inflammation of the colon in adult horses. The tetracycline class is better tolerated but may not be as effective. Sigh, nothing is straightforward, but at least we have a curable illness instead of a death sentence! I feel 10 years younger!

[hoopoe]

I am sure they will give you the best and most thoughtful advice. This is good news all around!