Fever???

[Candice]

Its Saturday, I'm at the mercy of the "on call vet". My two 9 mos old babies are sick. It came on suddenly Thursday evening and first thing yesterday morning I called my vet. At that time my filly was running around 103.5 deg and my colt was running 101.8. She had soft stools and zero appetite. His stools were fine, but no appetite. Hay or grain. Doc orderded smz's, banamine (orally), electrolytes and probiotics.

I should also mention that about a month ago we had a strange virus hit our barn in which all of my horses lymph nodes enlarged, a couple mares had breathing difficulties (rapid respirations) and heat intolerance. The babies merely had mild swelling and seemed fine. No one had any fever or any other symptoms. Doc figured they were all fighting something off very hard. The babies had just had their 2nd rhino flu vaccine when this hit. With this going on Doc was reluctant to give the 3rd dose or give the mares pneumabort.

This past Tues The babies were transported to the University hospital so the colt could have corrective farrier work done. The filly went along for moral support. It was about 4 hrs away one way.

Doc thinks perhaps the stress of the trip allowed this virus to take hold and is hitting them hard. The filly has been fever free since yesterday ranging from 101.4 down to 100.4 just a bit ago. They have had two doses of antibiotics so far.

My colt however climbed to 105.1 last night. Within 2 hrs was down to 103.5. He's been holding there until just a bit ago when he was 104.1.

Both are eating grass hay. Neither will touch their grain. They've been off grain since Thursday morning. They are drinking and both have normal stools and seem to be urinating as usual. Gum color is good. Last night my colt had pretty heavy respirations, but with that High of a fever I'd expect that.

Both are lethargic and what I call "glassy eyed". periodically they will look bright and alert and then just fade back out.

With it being the weekend, is a call warranted or should I just wait it out.

I'm amazed to see my filly still looking so "not right" . I don't know what I'm dealing with and that is the scary part.

Any ideas???

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

I have had fevers of 105 and over only twice. Once was strangles the other was a virus. We had one who was over 106.5 ...

I found personally that dypyrone works better for fever reducer then banimine (most vets can have a compound pharmacy make it for you) especially when being used long term as in a week or so - in a pinch you can use some alcohol on the topline and the chest but I dont really like to do that unless it happens to be pretty warm out as well.

It is scary when they have high temps like that but if your meds are bringing it down you should be ok

 

[Candice]

Thanks, The stress and worry is driving me insane. I know fever is the body's defense, but still. I've owned horses for 3/4's of my life and in that time this is only the second time I've encountered a fever. I just wish they'd start eating normally again. I hate hanging their feed buckets and have them look at me like its full of manure and turn away totally repulsed. These two are normally little piggies. They are nibbling grass and their hay intake is good so we'll see.

Thanks again,

 

[wendi leigh]

The only time I had a foal with a fever over 105, was when she picked up Salmonella at the University of PA hospital. Luckily, she didn't have any other symptoms of the disease other than the fever. You might want to consider isolating the babies until you know what's going on with them. JMO. Hope they are feeling better real soon!

 

[Jill]

Hi, Candice --

I've really not dealt with fevers here, but those fevers do sound high enough (and in young horses, too) that I'd be calling the vet even on the weekend. A lot of times when I call my vet, he/she (practice has 4) will listen to what's going on and often advise me to do this that and the other, to monitor, and give them an update later. It may be that your vet can just advise you to treat with something and what to expect next, vs. needing to come out at this point.

Good luck,

Jill

 

[nluszcz]

Call the vet DAILY if the fever is over 103. Every 12 hours. A fever of over 103 for just a short time (less than 2 weeks) PERMINENTLY an infertile colt will make. Higher fevers for shorter time can cause other major problems (organ/brain damage over 105-106).

 

[Miniv]

I would agree with the the above post. Any fever at 103 or above that is sustaining, I would pounding at my vet!

MA

 

[Candice]

Update***

I did call Doc last night. Ruck's fever hit 105.8 and I lost it. Being that he'd already had the banamine the only thing Doc could advise me to do was to apply cool (lukewarm) compresses to his head. I was able to get him to drink a bit and he was still nibbling his hay. About an hour later he was down to 104 but looking like he might be starting to colic. That was a fright but he did settle. His respirations were so heavy I didn't stand a chance trying to hear any gut sounds. Felt just plain helpless!! By midnight he was down to 102.5 and this morning down to 100.8 . He still looks miserable, but is starting to nibble a little grain.

My filly (Rose) has been fever free since yesterday. Last night she nibbled a little soaked beet pulp out of my hand but refused grain. This morning she nibbled a little grain. She still doesn't look right to me. I'm going to hold off on the banamine for her today, thinking that may be tearing up her stomach.

This has just been awful. He has to go back up there on the 28th and I'm scared to death!!!

Hopefully the worst is over. Getting ready to check temps and give more meds and let them out for some sunshine for a bit.

 

[Flaxenacres]

You can also sponge bath them with Isopropyl alcohol to try to get the fever down. Also you made the right call by calling the vet! Lorie