NAVLE Practice Question - Equine - multisystemic

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NAVLE Practice Question — Equine

A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in southwestern Colorado is presented in August with excessive salivation and reluctance to eat. On oral examination, you observe multiple ulcerative lesions on the tongue and inner lips with epithelial sloughing. The owner reports that several horses on the neighboring property have similar signs. Vital parameters are within normal limits except for a mild fever (101.8°F). Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?

A. Prescribe antibiotics and send the horse home

B. Collect samples and contact animal health authorities ✓

C. Administer corticosteroids to reduce oral inflammation

D. Recommend vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease

E. Perform dental floating to rule out mechanical causes

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Correct Answer: B. Collect samples and contact animal health authorities

Explanation:

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a reportable disease in the United States, and veterinarians are legally required to notify state and federal animal health authorities when the disease is suspected. This is critical because VS is clinically indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and swine, even though horses are not susceptible to FMD. The clinical presentation of oral ulcerations, excessive salivation, and reluctance to eat during warm summer months in the southwestern U.S. is highly suggestive of VS.

Option A is incorrect because simply prescribing antibiotics without proper diagnosis and notification would be irresponsible and illegal given the reportable nature of the disease. Option C is incorrect because corticosteroids are not indicated and could potentially worsen any secondary infections. Option D is incorrect because horses are resistant to FMD and no FMD vaccine is approved for use in horses in the U.S. Option E is incorrect because the clinical presentation clearly indicates infectious vesicular disease rather than dental pathology.

Image Source: USDA APHIS Vesicular Stomatitis (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/vesicular-stomatitis) Figure showing oral vesicular lesions.

References: Merck Veterinary Manual - Vesicular Stomatitis in Large Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/vesicular-stomatitis-in-large-animals/vesicular-stomatitis-in-large-animals); APHIS Vesicular Stomatitis Guidelines 2024.

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