The acute horse may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are very general and he will not show as positive on the EIA test for a month and a half. As you can see, this is a very difficult disease to diagnose and may comprise of one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

• Fever (normal temperature of a horse is (99.5 to 101.5 degrees F).
• Sudden fluctuations in the horses temperature (this may exceed 105 degrees F).
• Weak pulse and/ or an irregular heartbeat.
• Rapid breathing and sweating.
• Decreased appetite and weight loss.
• Horse appears depressed.
• Bloodshot eyes and a watery discharge.
• Swelling of the lower chest, abdomen or legs.
• Abortion in the mare.
• General weakness resulting in a wobbly or rolling type gait
• Mucous membranes appear pale or yellowish in color

Although most horses surrender rapidly to EIA, some infected horses do appear to recover. Horses that have contracted the EIA virus are carriers of the disease and at times of stress may become ill with the disease again. To insure that your horse is not harbouring the virus a simple 'Coggins test' is preformed.

Contact your veterinarian at the above first signs for advise and information.