Ayurvedic View on Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)- Intestinal bacterial infection in Horses

Abstract

Potomac horse fever is an acute, fatal infection of the intestines. This bacterial disease can affect horses of any age, sex, and breed. Though it is a non-contagious infection, it still tends to spread to horses in a particular region due to the same cause. This is an infection of the intestines but the severe outcomes of this disease can develop laminitis-like issues in horses. Toxins from the tissues get absorbed into the bloodstream directly. In this article, we will discuss the causes of the occurrence of this bacterial infection and how these bacteria travel in the animal’s body. Also, we will see many abnormal symptoms related to it, along with the ayurvedic medicines for the management of Potomac horse fever.

Introduction

Potomac horse fever is a bacterial causative illness that affects horses. Potomac horse fever is also known as Shasta River curd. The mortality rate of this disease is low to high depending upon the severity of the virus. The incubation period of the disease is one week to three weeks respectively. The Potomac horse fever occurs in horses that ingest infected water-born insects containing Neorickettsia risticii bacteria such as mayflies, dragonflies, etc.

The bacteria is too fatal to cause abortion in pregnant mares, even after several months of the infection. To avoid this bacteria accumulation in the surroundings, make sure to clean the water buckets or sources from where your horse usually drinks water. Since the river is the main source of these bacteria, you should prevent your horse from coming in contact with river water and avoid drinking it. PHF vaccines are recommended yearly to prevent this bacterial infection to an extent.

Ayurvedic Aspect

Hygiene is the main and important factor to keep diseases away from us. Hygienic food and water free from any source of contamination are recommended for human and animal drinking and other uses. In Ayurveda, many diseases are listed to occur due to the presence of infectious viral, bacterial, or fungal parasites in the basic daily necessities like- drinking water. This Krimi imbalances the body doshas and different organs functioning, once they enter the body. These bacteria replicate and enter into the bloodstream to cause more issues in the body. Ayurvedic medicines are recommended to kill these bacteria and recover the abnormalities caused by them in animals.

Causes

Potomac horse fever is caused by –
Neorickettsia risticii (gram negative bacteria)
This bacteria is also commonly known as Ehrlichia risticii.

This bacteria directly reaches the horse’s stomach along with fresh drinking water indirectly.

Symptoms

Horses affected with Potomac horse fever can show a variety of symptoms. The common symptoms that can be seen are

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Malaise
• Loss or reduced appetite
• Laminitis
• Colitis
• Dehydration

Diagnosis

Observing the symptoms, a diagnosis is made to confirm the presence of causative agents in the body or bloodstream of horses.

• Stool culture
• PCR test
• Blood culture

Treatment

Treatment includes the use of various medications and therapies in horses according to the symptoms shown

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Intravenous fluid therapy
• Ice boots to prevent Laminitis
• Vaccination is the only source of early prevention

Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Potomac Horse Fever

Planet Ayurveda offers natural herbal products that are prepared in its Ayurvedic pharmacy. The company has been preparing and serving the nation for approximately more than 20 years. The products are now internationally transported to treat many diseases. Products used in the treatment of Potomac horse fever are

Products List

1. 1. Giloy Capsules
   2. Ashwagandha Capsules
   3. Halorhena + Capsules
   4. Digestion Support
   5. Mahashankh Vati

   

   Products Description

   1) Giloy Capsules

   These capsules are prepared from the standardized natural extracts of the marvelous ayurvedic herb- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). It is well known as amrita in ancient texts. It has great antipyretic properties that are used to ease high-grade fever in Potomac horse disease. This herb increases the killing ability of bacteria in the body. These capsules will help increase the overall immunity of the horse which can make him energetic again. The antiperiodic and antispasmodic properties of this herb help to prevent further complications of toxic bacteria. Giloy is predominantly used to cure every type of fever very effectively.

   Dosage- Give 6 capsules twice daily

   2) Ashwagandha Capsules

   These capsules are manufactured by using the natural extracts of a famous rejuvenating ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha acts as a nervous tonic that strengthens the body physically as well as mentally. Consumption of these capsules by the horse will ease the symptoms of lethargy, fatigue, and muscle ache completely. It helps improve all the body functions and body abilities. It promotes good sound sleep by balancing hormone secretion throughout the body. It makes horse fitness full and reactive.

   Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily.

   3) Halorhena + Capsules

   This capsule preparation contains extracts of the herb Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, kapha, and vata dosha vitiation properties. It controls water loss from the body in stools. The capsules will recover diarrhea like symptoms in Potomac fever. These capsules promote the regeneration of damaged intestines linings by curing certain metabolic disorders associated with them. They also control bleeding due to any cause in stools. It has natural healing properties.

   Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice a day.

   4) Digestion Support

   These capsules support digestion due to the presence of a mixture of herbs such as Amla (Emblica officinalis), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Jeera (Cyminum cuminum), Dhania (Coriander sativum), etc. These capsules remove the coating of excess aam dosha and kapha dosha from the linings of the stomach, which promotes adequate secretion of digestive juices into the stomach. These capsules improve appetite by resolving gas, acidity, and constipation-like issues. It also protects the stomach linings by increasing the mucus production inside the stomach and intestines.

   Dosage- Give 2 capsules twice daily.

   5) Mahashankh Vati

   These tablets play an important role in improving abdominal problems including gas and hyperacidity. These tablets contain very beneficial herbs and Bhasma of many minerals including swarna (gold), abhrak (Mica), etc. It allows the natural ph balance in the stomach that strengthens the intestines and improves overall stomach health.
   Dosage- Give 6 tablets twice daily.

   Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

   Conclusion

   Thus, Ayurveda provides a complete side-effect-free treatment for recovery from Potomac horse fever and strengthens your horse’s stamina. To book your appointment with the doctor please visit us at www.planetayurveda.com