need some advise

[Yankee Mom]

I would like some feedback on what you think is going on with my 2 year old gelding. This morning went out to feed and after eating all his feed, I opened the door to let him out and he kinda stumbled, he continued out as usual I did stop and look him over but thought maybe he had layed on his leg wrong or something like that. I continued to observe him all morning long, everything seemed the usual. Walking around and eating the hay I had put out that morning. I had to go to the store and I always stop and give the boys a treat or just a friendly hello, just like usual they both came walking toward me when my little 2 year old just dropped on his side! I ran over and he laid there for a moment and then rolled over to get back up. He did get back up and just stood there. I waited a few minutes and led him into the barn and looked him over, checked his hoofs and everything I could think of. Took his temp and it was 101.4. Called the vet and he told me to monitor him the rest of the night. Feces is a lit

tle loose compared to normal, Loud grumbling sounds from stomach, slight clear runny discharge from nose. Took temp at 4:00 was 101.7, then at 6:00 was 102.7, then at 8:00 was 102.1. Ate all his feed tonight at dinner, eating his hay as usual. Nothing has changed no new feed or hay or pasture. Vet said to call him in the morning with update, but I am worried NOW! Has anyone ever experienced this before? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[CLC Stables]

This sounds like a locomotion nervous system problem. I am a little alarmed at your vet being so passive about this.

Motor skill issues like this should be taken very seriously as it COULD be a sign of many illnesses one being west nile, and more involved.

 

[eagles ring farm]

bumping you for more input

 

[Marty]

Your vet is unbelievable to say the least to be so passive about your report to him.

I'm not an alarmist usually but this would cause me to run, not walk to the nearest vet clinic with a vet that would show me some interest. This is not one of those times when I would just "wait and observe" by no means.

My first thoughts are EPM as it fits the profile or even West Nile but of course this can be any number of things and your horse should have been seen by now in my opinon.

I'm wishing you the best for him. Good luck with this.

Here's some info:

http://www.yourhorseshealth.com/epm/signs.html

 

[Miniv]

With both the lack of motor skills and his temp going above normal, I'd be on my vet like a dirty shirt.

This could be something such as EPM or West Nile (as suggested already), that if caught early can be brought under control much easier. Your vet should at least be getting a blood test done!

Keep us posted.......

MA

 

[Jill]

I agree that the vet needs to come out and look him over and draw blood.

One of my mares, Lou, has had two episodes in the past 18mos that we have seen, where she will kind of shake and stagger, and foam a little at the mouth. Never has fallen. Both times were at feeding and the vet came out both times. The first time, I truly thought she was dying. However, the vet arrived w/in 45 minutes each time and she was nearly normal by the time the vet arrived. In fact, had we not seen her to begin with, we would not have picked up on any differences. I do not know if it's happened other times and we have not been around to see it happening.

Bloodwork was done with Lou and everything came back normal. Some of the things I thought it "might" be was EPM or WNV (though vaccinated) but it's apparently neither in Lou.

 

[Little Wee Horse Farm]

My first thot was EPM, but I'm no expert. My vet said that virtually ALL horses HAVE EPM, but very few ever show symptoms. It's everywhere in their environment so easy to pick up. He worked with a university and the state on a study. Now, go ahead, someone needs to argue with me about that statement, or I won't feel right!

:

Since EPM is a neurological condition, it came to mind when you spoke of staggering & stiff legs, also loss of control of the limbs. (collapsing) Also, as to the loud grumbling sounds from the gut, there is a colic, "gas colic" that presents with loud rumblings. Of course, I don't know how it would relate to the other symptoms.

Also, sorry, but the first thing I do when I suspect a horse is ill is get the grain away from them. If it ends up being a colic of some kind (there are MANY different presentations of colic), then feed would only make things worse. This horse sounds like it really needs to be seen by someone other than your regular vet. Some vets get very busy (and tired) & try to handle things by phone........ok sometimes........deadly sometimes. Not trying to scare you, just realistic from what I know personally. (not a problem with my current vet, believe me, he's wonderful. The old vet is no longer welcome here.)

I am not a vet -- and some of you know why I'm putting that statement on here. Gremlins.