Festus's diagnosis

[FurstPlaceMiniatures]

Sometimes if you pinch their neck a few inches away from the injection site, and keep it in your fingers until after the injection is done, they think it's "already happened." Tapping the other side of their neck pretty good will help a lot in most cases too.

The thing that works magically on cows for an unknown reason is to slap the inject site before you give it. Not a big epic mean one, but make sure she feels it. I don't know what kin dof shot you are giving, and it is hard to give a 30cc super thick kind of shot using the method, but they always stand better for some reason after a light pop. However, cows are a lot easier to fool than horses!

 

[dixie_belle]

Well, here we are, two days after his diagnosis and Festus is still with us. Last night I put him in a stall as there was a chance of rain. I didn't want him out in the damp or getting wet if he wasn't feeling well. This morning I go out to the barn, calling to him as I go and don't you know I hear a hee-haw in return. It didn't sound just right, sorta like he is little hoarse (and we all know he is a little donkey.....I just couldn't resist the pun). He was up and quite bright eyed, his breathing is still very loud and raspy but certainly no worse than the first day. (probably not any better, either) I let him out to be with his buddies and the first thing he did was roll in the dust,, which is his most favorite activity of all time. He had eaten about 1/2 flake of hay and had a really nice, normal poop. All of this is a good sign, in my book. And we've still got three days of shots to give him.

The vet called yesterday and was surprised he was still with us. I'm actually hoping that this is a case of mis-diagnosis (possibly because I am still in denial). I'll keep them all up close to the house again today in the run in and continue to check on him every hour. Vet says if he takes a sudden turn for the worse to call him and he'll come right out.

There is a condition called subcutaneous emphysema that sounds a lot like what Festus has. Anyone had any experience with this?

 

[FurstPlaceMiniatures]

In cattle, yes, Horses, no.

Every now and again, one of my girls will come down with it. No real treatment other than anitbiotics. However, at least in my cattle, it never seems to come alone. It's always seems to happen after somebody has a very rough freshening, or had respiratory issues as a calf, then had some other illness that weekend her immunity. Usually we ship the girls that have it.

I would get a second opinion at this point. It never hurts. Has he had dexamethasome to help open his airways at all yet?

 

[MyMiniGal]

Glad he is still with you. That has to be a good sign. Still praying for him and you. Thank you for keeping us updated.

 

[HGFarm]

I too have a gut feeling that a 2nd opinion might be worthwhile. It seems such a vague diagnosis and general statement..... and what I am reading doesnt really seem to be matching some of what he is showing??? Sure hope he pulls through this. Yes I would take the eating, rolling because he likes it, etc... as a good sign so far. Hang in there Festus!

 

[FurstPlaceMiniatures]

I had a vet tell me once clostridium and coccidia are blanket terms used by a lot of vets for "I don't know," because they can have a wide variety of symptoms. I'd have a hard time believing your little guy could get it if he wasn't knee deep in manure.

I'd definitiely get a second opinion.

 

[LittleRibbie]

I would have to agree, a second opinion wont hurt.

Hang in the Festus, we're still praying for you.

 

[dixie_belle]

Today's shot was a non event. I put him in a stall about an hour before the big event so he could settle down some and be comfortable. Then hubby and I went out there with a bowl of fresh cut apple slices (his most favorite thing in the world). Don't you know, he knew something was up. He'd put an apple slice in his mouth but wouldn't chew - just waiting to see what we were up to. Smart fella. I snipped the lead rope on his halter and just sorta did it. He didn't jump, I got the entire dose in him and the only down side was that maybe I poked myself with the needle when I tried to put the cover back on. Oops! Hubby suggested I go right in and put some antibiotic ointment on it. Um.......it IS an antibiotic. Sigh. We get to do it again tomorrow so hopefully I can give him a shot, get it all in him and not on hubby, not get pulled around and not stick myself with the needle or get stomped on. Then again, maybe I'm asking too much.

But here's the latest. He is eating. Still breathing like a snoring husband. No discharge from nose or mouth or eyes. Eyes seem bright and alert. He has vocalized several times today (which he didn't do for a day and a half) but it is certainly not normal sounding. I keep telling him to clear his throat or blow his nose but no luck on that so far. LOL

Tomorrow I may actually let them all out on the grass for an hour or so. The horses are getting a little stir crazy being in the dry lot and, although I have been taking each of them for a walk for an hour each, and letting them eat green grass, they may all benefit from being able to run.

Having a sick animal is worse than having a sick child. He can't tell me what is wrong or how he feels or even if he is feeling better. I'm just trying to go by what I can see. I've been checking on him every hour for three days now. I can't possibly do more than I am doing. I'm real encouraged by the fact that he hasn't gotten any worse.

 

[FurstPlaceMiniatures]

Just another thought.....

I had a cow once who would sound like she was choking 24/7. It was ridiculous. Not labored but extremely loud, snore like breathing like you described. Otherwise fine.

Turns out she had some sort of damage in her airway, that didn't hinder her, but made her very loud! Best guess was she got head buttted at the bunk. Maybe its something like that? Praying like crazy for your boy! He's been on my mind a lot!

 

[AnnaC]

Many thanks for keeping us all so regularly updated - sounds as though Festus is doing well under the circumstances which is such good news!

I dont think it would hurt him and his friends to be let out for a bite of Dr Green - Festus may well find the grass easier to eat rather than hay anyway.

I too would think seriously about a second opinion, especially as your vet seemed 'suprised' that Festus was 'still alive'! I am a little doubtful that you have the correct diagnosis????

Good luck, prayers and hugs for you and Festus.

 

[CMC]

Dixie Belle I am so sorry your little guy is sick. I am not sure if this would be of any help but maybe worth something.

You mentioned that his breathing is labored??? As if he had stuffed nose? We had a case of flue go through our barn last year. One of the yearling fillies got terribly congested and our vet did not think she would even make the trip to New Bolton. She told us just to keep her comfortable. She prescribed a medication but our pharmacy did not have it on hand and had to order it. One of the Sisters went online and did some research. What she found out that inhalators and vaporizers are used for horses with chronic bronchitis. There is a mixture used with several essential oils which we obviously did not have on hand. But Eucalyptus oil was used the largest amount in the mixture. So we ran to Wal-mart, got vaporizer with little pads containing menthol.... bottle of Eucalyptus oil and then set up a "tent" in the fillies stall. We had nothing to loose but to try. At first when we stood her over the vaporizer she was suffocating. But slowly after an hour she relaxed. She got through the night and we were hopeful. We stood her over the vaporizer for one hour two times a day. When we called our vet the following day she really expected us to tell her that the filly did not make it. She was ASTOUNDED to hear that she made it and was in fact improving. It took about a month and now she is fine.

So maybe you can try your Festus with the vaporizer if you think it may help his breathing. Please keep us posted as to how he is doing!!!