Source:  PVH News Release/Charlotte Graeber

Pilchuck Discharges EHV-1 Patient After Horse Tests Negative for Virus

Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital (PVH) has confirmed that the horse the hospital has been treating for EHV-1 neurological disease has been discharged. After testing negative for the virus on three occasions, the horse was released from PVH’s isolation facility, and he will remain at a private home until his home facility is released from quarantine.

Wendy Mollat, DVM, DACVIM, who has been leading PVH’s efforts in caring for the EHV-1 patient, along with educating and communicating with area horse owners about the virus, said, “I would like to thank our clients for their continued support during this outbreak. We are pleased to report that our patient has been discharged and wish him and his owner all the best.”

In Washington state, there have been a total of six cases of EHV-1, in Thurston, Spokane, Chelan, Asotin, and Whitman counties. No tests are pending on suspect cases in Washington, and no horses have died in Washington during this outbreak.

Jim Bryant, DVM, DACVS, PVH’s equine medical director, added, “I commend Dr. Mollat and all our staff who provided this horse with excellent patient care while maintaining the utmost in quarantine and biosecurity.”

He continued, “Through their efforts, Pilchuck was not only able to care for the needs of this critical patient, but we also were able to stay open and provide care for all the other elective and emergency cases in the area.”

For more information on cases of EHV-1 in Washington, check:  Washington State Agriculture, Hot Topics  The USDA is monitoring the outbreak nationally.

About Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital

From the newborn kitten to the elderly horse, Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital’s experienced veterinarians provide compassionate and innovative care, tailored to each animal’s individual needs. Offering comprehensive primary health care, emergency care, integrative medicine and referral services, Pilchuck includes a companion animal department with 24/7 emergency services, an equine hospital and ambulatory department with 24/7 emergency services, and an integrative medicine and rehabilitation center. For more information, call 360.568.3113 for companion animal services, 360.568.3111 for equine services and 360.568.3112 for integrative medicine. Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital – the future of veterinary medicine in your community today. Online at www.pilchuckvet.com.