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Symptoms of EIA
The clinical symptoms of EIA are variable and include:
- fever
- anorexia
- depression
- swelling of the underside of the belly and legs
- muscle weakness and wasting
- jaundice of mucous membranes
- infertility
- vulnerability to other diseases
EIA has three phases:
Acute - during this phase the virus is active, multiplying and harming the immune system. The acutely ill horse has heavy concentrations of the virus in its bloodstream.
Chronic - the animal has high concentrations of the virus in its blood but may alternate between remission and disease states.
Inapparent Carrier - the horse carries the virus but shows no apparent signs of illness. Stress or disease may trigger an acute episode.
If you suspect that your horse may have contracted Equine Infectious Anemia, contact your veterinarian immediately!