Roo update

[natisha]

Roo is still sick with fevers but they are somewhat better. When he's due for more banamine he walks like a stiff old man, little baby steps, no limp, no warm feet, no swelling or anything obvious.

BUT, tonight I found some ticks on him, under his jaw. Could he have lymes or some other tick borne disease?
His white count was low more indicative of a virus than a bacterial disease.
Tomorrow we will get a tick panel drawn on him. I know it only shows antibodies (exposure) but maybe starting him on antibiotics right away is the way to go. Of course it depends on what the vet says- :rolleyes:

[oursarge]

Good luck, hope he feels better. My vet says horses don't get Lyme but I have heard from others that they do. My guys have had ticks on them, the stable horses have been covered in them, none have gotten sick but that's not saying they can't. It's better safe than sorry. I really hope he will be feeling better real soon. Poor baby.

[natisha]

Good luck, hope he feels better. My vet says horses don't get Lyme but I have heard from others that they do. My guys have had ticks on them, the stable horses have been covered in them, none have gotten sick but that's not saying they can't. It's better safe than sorry. I really hope he will be feeling better real soon. Poor baby.I think horses can get lymes but there are other things they can get from ticks. His joint soreness is what really worries me.

[oursarge]

Hope you find out what it is. Poor baby. I hope it's nothing tick related. I hate those miserable things, I wish we could find a way to kill them all. Ticks are what killed my Noah and force me to put Frontline on Puppy when I don't trust that it won't hurt her but yet I don't want her to get Lyme either. It's a no win situation. Only good thoughts for Roo, hope he gets relief from the medication.

[cheval]

My grandpa always called it 'tick fever'. But horses can get lyme disease. The stuff you are describing sure sounds like lyme's.

http://www.netpets.com/horses/healthspa/lyme.html

http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=209

[Scout1026]

Hope he gets better soon!

[natisha]

My grandpa always called it 'tick fever'. But horses can get lyme disease. The stuff you are describing sure sounds like lyme's.

http://www.netpets.com/horses/healthspa/lyme.html

http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=209Yikes, it sure seems like it. The day I had the vet out I originally called because he acted 'dumb'. He needed reminders for little things, like how to walk outside, where to go etc.
Thanks everyone, for the good thoughts & the information.

[cheval]

Let us know as soon as you find out anything. Sending good luck hugs to you both!

[lisakaye]

Horses do get Lymes disease. There is also a vaccine for it. Easter has had it and is due for her booster next month. I have a very close friend who nearly lost her horse from Lymes. He was so ill he spent over a week in the vet clinic on IV treating it. He is no longer rideable. Please be careful. I hope everything works out for Roo and the vet can get this figured out quickly.

[CaddoCinnamon]

I hope Roo feels better soon.

[natisha]

I'm having the vet out again this morning & we will be starting Roo on antbiotics as if he had lymes or some other tick disease.
His temp was 101.9 this AM so he didn't need banamine but he was walking very slow. His mentation appears normal, not so 'duh?'

[CaddoCinnamon]

I hope they can pin point what is going on with Roo. You are in my prayers Natisha.

[oursarge]

Hope all will be well and I'm sure you will update. I want to know why my vet told me [and other vets have too] that horses don't get Lyme when they do. Now I am going to have to question him on that, I have enough of problems here, if I can prevent something I want to. I took 2 ticks off of Puppy this a.m.. I hate those miserable things I wish there was a way to kill them all. Hugs to Roo.

[natisha]

Roo is still sick. He's been started on Doxycycline, gastrogard & banamine when his temp is >102.5

The vet was out yesterday at 12 PM & gave him IV banamine for a temp of 104.9. 1hr & 15 minutes later Roo had an episode of fast heavy breathing, like he had just ran 5 miles, sweat was pouring out, his eyes were bugging, he looked terrible. I had the owner bring him into the barn & sponge him repeatedly with tepid water while I frantically called the vet. She said that sometimes happens when a horse's temp drops quickly- sure enough his temp was down to 102.6 in an hour. I guess the fast respirations are the body's attempt to get rid of the extra heat. This lasted about 30 minutes then Roo was OK. It sure freaked me out though.

He is to get 45 pills 2x day. The pills were like pebbles, took 3 minutes to crush one pill. I figured that would be 4-1/2 hours per day of pill crushing-no way.
After driving around looking for a coffee grinder without luck, I gave up, called Walgreens & they had the med in capsule form.
So, I called the vet & she called in a prescription for the capsule under Whiskey's name. Whiskey has a prescription plan at Walgreens so we saved $66 & I won't need carpal tunnel surgery from crushing pills or get forearms like Popeye.

On a good note, Roo's owner had not seen him for almost 2 years & I think this episode may turn that pattern around. When I first called him about Roo being sick he was driving to work, made a U-turn & showed up 20 minutes later wearing dress clothes. He stood there all dressed up with fancy shoes in a sandy paddock holding his horse. I don't think my socks even matched.

[oursarge]

Hope Roo is better today. He has been through so much and I imagine your stress level is over the top. I don't know how an owner can not come see their horse for that amount of time, seems pointless to have a horse except you can say "I have a horse" glad he showed up when needed though.

Sarge had to take Prednisone, 20 pills a day [Thankfully they melted in water] and Doxycycline, 45 pills a day. They were tiny and pink. They would not melt. We just threw them in his food dish with a little extra sweet feed which he doesn't normally get and his other things and he ate them right down. Glad you found another way to give him the meds rather than crushing them. When I've had to crush I used paper towels and a hammer. Didn't do a great job but then back then he wasn't picky, he'd eat Bute right out of my hand. He won't do that anymore, now we can't disguise it so we need the paste, we put that beween 2 cookies. Sometimes he'll eat it sometimes we have to put it in like wormer. He will not touch the powdered stuff like he used to. That's all done now though since his eye is done. He will just get a pain killer in case and some MSM.

Our vet clinic is 45 mins away, town is 30 so alot of times the vet will just call something in if it's something he can diagnose over the phone. Molly needs an inhaler, my man said he would not ask our Dr for a prescription for it. I told him wait 'til he sees the price. $200. later Molly had her inhaler and now we have a prescription for her [In my name and I might use it sometimes because I have trouble breathing because of allergies] so insurance will cover it. Hugs to Roo, hope the meds work for him and he's back to normal.

[natisha]

Roo's temp is 98.3. I could tell by touching him that it was down. He looks very bright.
He's still not walking right but in a different wrong way. He's lifting his knees & hocks higher than normal
especially on turns

Thanks Oursarge. It's nice to know you're right next to me as Roo goes through this.
Mike did better too this morning ;)
HE is still sleeping. I think she likes her own bed.

[CaddoCinnamon]

I am glad to hear that his temp is normal now. I hope this is the start of him making a full recovery now. With no more mishaps. Hang in there Natisha.

[natisha]

Thanks Caddo. I've been running around in circles with this horse. Maybe he was going to get better on his own? It's hard to believe that one dose of antibiotics could make such a difference but I know when I needed them I felt better pretty quick too.
He was just so sick yesterday.

[CaddoCinnamon]

That is always a good thing. I know when mine are hurting or off I like it when they are getting better and back to normal.

[natisha]

That is always a good thing. I know when mine are hurting or off I like it when they are getting better and back to normal.Yes, it is a relief. He will still need lots of watching & meds. He's not out of the woods yet but we can see a clearing ahead.

[CaddoCinnamon]

That is always a good thing. I will keep you and Roo in my thoughts.

[oursarge]

I am so happy that he seems better. Our neighbor's dog has Lyme and when they give him the meds he gets better pretty fast. It does come back but then goes way when treated again. I keep checking back because I have been so worried. It is a lonely feeling when there is a sick horse [or any animal] and it's not your normal illness and the vet gives you medication [Not saying your vet did this but a lady vet we had for a 2nd opinion and was scared of my horse did this. She is by the way an Equine Vet only, one that is scared of horses. NICE. Unfortunately her diagnosis was right.] and says "Good Luck" because they had no luck putting the meds in the eye so how will I do it? I sort of blame myself because he lost his sight so fast because no matter how we tried getting the glaucoma drops in he would not cooperate almost rearing at some points because the drops are painful from what my mother says [She uses the same drops]. My reg. vet gave us an idea and it worked a couple times then Sarge got too smart and would shut his eye so how do you get drops in a shut eye? We tried but I don't think what needed to get in got in so this is probably partly my fault but it would have been the same outcome sooner or later. He seems fine and I am doing better but the first day I found out I was devistated. I've been dealing with it all summer and the stress has been almost unbearable. The vet keeps telling me Sarge is doing better than I am and I'm dealing way better now since I see he is his same bratty self and running and jumping and playing. It's good he's doing that so loosing the sight in that eye has not bothered him that much.

I know what it is to have a sick horse, I wish I didn't but I do and the scary thing is I am at the point I think I don't know enough I probably should not even have them, I doubt myself at every turn.

ANYWAY this isn't about me but it seems I have made it to be, sorry about that. Hugs to Roo, glad Mike is getting better at helping [He might need a hug too!] and glad HE is home, bet it has been great having her home.

Hope today Roo makes a great recovery and by tomorrow he's back to himself, he sounds like a real nice horse. Hope you can get some rest and find some socks that match!!!!

[natisha]

[He might need a hug too!] Oh if only it were that easy:p

[oursarge]

Well you can try!!!!

[Remali]

Gosh, Roo has been thru the mill.... glad to hear things are getting better. If it is tick disease, sounds as tho it may be..... that stuff can really get nasty. I wonder if horses can get anaplasmosis? When my dog Bentley had it he got so ill, so quickly, it was frightening, after one day on the doxycycline he had a tremendous improvement, but before that I was afraid I was going to lose him. Roo's lucky to have you watching over him.

ETA: I checked around.... did some reading.... horses can indeed get anaplasmosis.... I was reading about a case where the horse's symptoms sounded a heck of a lot like Roo's.... high fever, etc., in the article they stated that within hours of starting the doxycycline the horse's temp dropped to near normal. It was the same way with Bentley too, doxycycline saved his life (he was such a sick doggie, his hind legs had even become paralyzed). Hoping Roo is back to good health very soon!

[Bessie13]

Gosh, I just caught this thread. I am sorry for what you are going through. Boy, what a lucky boarder you have to be able to rely on you! Not often do BO's treat horses like their own. You hear horror stories.

So glad he is seeing the clearing for the trees. Please keep us posted and hugs and prayers to all of you. Yea for Walgreens :). My mare has a profile at the local grocery store pharmacy.

[cheval]

Wow, the vet isn't finding anything? That sure seem concerning about the heavy breathing coming and going. I sure hope he feels better?

The owner hasn't seen the horse in two years? Sounds like some of our boarders. :(

[natisha]

Gosh, Roo has been thru the mill.... glad to hear things are getting better. If it is tick disease, sounds as tho it may be..... that stuff can really get nasty. I wonder if horses can get anaplasmosis? When my dog Bentley had it he got so ill, so quickly, it was frightening, after one day on the doxycycline he had a tremendous improvement, but before that I was afraid I was going to lose him. Roo's lucky to have you watching over him.

ETA: I checked around.... did some reading.... horses can indeed get anaplasmosis.... I was reading about a case where the horse's symptoms sounded a heck of a lot like Roo's.... high fever, etc., in the article they stated that within hours of starting the doxycycline the horse's temp dropped to near normal. It was the same way with Bentley too, doxycycline saved his life (he was such a sick doggie, his hind legs had even become paralyzed). Hoping Roo is back to good health very soon!We don't know for sure what he has. The original idea of a mystery virus didn't hold water for me due to his joint pain, not muscle pain. I tend to be kind of aggressive when it comes to horse care. I seldom take a wait & see approach. Luckily this vet is one who will listen.
The doxy is amazing, one dose & he was so much better that I thought he was getting better on his own & that maybe I jumped the gun demanding extra treatment (anyone know how to get rid of the italics? I hit something & the tool bar things won't change it back)
Thanks for the input, it's good to know that a positive outcome is probable.

Roo's temp is staying down, he trotted today but he is still moving funny.

[natisha]

Gosh, I just caught this thread. I am sorry for what you are going through. Boy, what a lucky boarder you have to be able to rely on you! Not often do BO's treat horses like their own. You hear horror stories.

So glad he is seeing the clearing for the trees. Please keep us posted and hugs and prayers to all of you. Yea for Walgreens :). My mare has a profile at the local grocery store pharmacy.Thanks, it's been 5 days of hell. Good thing I'm on vacation but I may need to fire my vacation planner.

I boarded my horse for many years at some nice places that still would call with "Your horse blah blah. Bye" I spent many long nights sleeping in a cold car so I could check my horse when needed. I put up with dirty or dry buckets, crap hay, finding old wounds etc. What I didn't experience my friends did.
I vowed to myself that when I got my own place I would never treat the horses or people like that. I feel honored that someone entrusts their precious animal to my care. I don't charge for medications or treatments & the only time I have raised my board was when I wanted to hire help (HE) so I could maintain the high standard of care without burning myself out. Even then I asked the boarders first, they all agreed.
My place isn't fancy & you may have to occasionally ride around a sheep but my boarders never have to worry about their horses' general well being, something I did for years.
I know of places that charge $650/month that I wouldn't want my horses at.
It's not hard to do the right thing.

[natisha]

Wow, the vet isn't finding anything? That sure seem concerning about the heavy breathing coming and going. I sure hope he feels better?

The owner hasn't seen the horse in two years? Sounds like some of our boarders. :(Yes, I'm a little disappointed that I had to suggest a diagnosis & treatment but no matter as long as something works.

Roo is retired here, he's 8 & has been here about 4 years.He's (was) perfectly healthy. It's a long story.

[natisha]

Just came in from checking Roo. No fever, still walking slow but better. However, he's grinding his teeth, not all the time but every few minutes. He's not colicky.
Any ideas?

[oursarge]

How is he this a.m.? Hope he's OK, this has been rough on him and you. I really hope that the medication will make him all better very soon.

[natisha]

How is he this a.m.? Hope he's OK, this has been rough on him and you. I really hope that the medication will make him all better very soon.Thanks, he's doing much better. No banamine since Saturday. No teeth grinding this morning but his gait is still not right. Yesterday he was dragging his toes then would lift his hocks & knees really high with each step, he's not doing that today.
Still awaiting the last lab results-maybe tomorrow.
I'll talk to the vet later.

[oursarge]

Well glad he's better than he was. It'll be interesting to see what the test results say. I hope it's something simple that the medication will take away. I worry about the walking part but that seems to be improving too so that's another good thing. Hopefully it just takes time for the anti biotics to work all the way, when ever my vet gives me anti biotics he tells me don't expect a real lot of improvement for 3 days.

I am really doubting my vet now though, I love him, he's so good to us but why did he tell me horses don't get Lyme? That is upsetting me especially since that's how I lost Noah. I will have to ? him on that and just hope my guys stay OK. Poor Sarge can't take much more. Hugs to Roo.

[Dakota Sunrise]

Awe, poor Roo.:( I was really hoping he's be all better by now. I hope he gets well soon. It's scary when you don't know what's wrong. (((Hugs))) to you and him!

[natisha]

So far, so good.:)

[oursarge]

Good to hear, I was wondering about him.

[Remali]

What did the lab tests show?

[natisha]

What did the lab tests show?I haven't heard yet. I hope it's good news so he can get off the meds because he is becoming a beast. :)

[oursarge]

Hope you find out soon. Sounds like he's doing better which is great.

[natisha]

good news .. All labs came back normal. Roo is done with treatment.
Most likely diagnosis is Lymes Disease.

[Remali]

Glad you know now, and good thing the vet treated him for that..... Lyme is nasty stuff. Roo is way cute!

[natisha]

Glad you know now, and good thing the vet treated him for that..... Lyme is nasty stuff. Roo is way cute! Yes, I'm happy too. The only thing that bugs me about this whole episode is I was the one who had to tell her what I thought it was & to request treatment be started.

[JackieB]

Yes, I'm happy too. The only thing that bugs me about this whole episode is I was the one who had to tell her what I thought it was & to request treatment be started.

I wouldn't hold that against her. I'm sure you are a very informed client. We are sometimes onto a diagnosis before our vet because we know how to research it.

[natisha]

I wouldn't hold that against her. I'm sure you are a very informed client. We are sometimes onto a diagnosis before our vet because we know how to research it.I don't blame her. She told me she had never seen that before. However, now she has another that she thinks may be the same thing but the horse has been sick for 2 weeks already & the owners are wait & see types.
However Tom gave her back the hard to crush pills so maybe she will give them to those people for their horse.
She has also said she has been calling other vets & studying this disease so I'm sure she will be the area expert in no time.
So, perhaps there is some good in all this.

[oursarge]

Yes, I'm happy too. The only thing that bugs me about this whole episode is I was the one who had to tell her what I thought it was & to request treatment be started.

This is the story of my life with everything, mostly myself though, seems anything serious I have had I have had to tell them what is wrong with me. With the thing I have now I have 3 Drs thinking it's something different and I am in pain most of the time. It's driving me nuts. I think I'm going to need a stronger pain killer or I'm going to start to drink! My man went to the Dr the other day and pointed out some spots he has on his legs, Dr asked him if he had ticks on him, he said quite a few, now he's on the anti biotics for 3 weeks just in case it's Lyme.

Glad things turned out good for Roo. Hugs to him. Are the anti biotics finished now? Is he walking better? He sounds like such a nice horse I am only wishing the best for him and having you as a foster mother is a very good thing.

[Bessie13]

Wonderful! Glad he is finally diagnosed and you can begin his treatment and life of leisure again. Although, he seems to have had that even in his down time :).

[natisha]

This is the story of my life with everything, mostly myself though, seems anything serious I have had I have had to tell them what is wrong with me. With the thing I have now I have 3 Drs thinking it's something different and I am in pain most of the time. It's driving me nuts. I think I'm going to need a stronger pain killer or I'm going to start to drink! My man went to the Dr the other day and pointed out some spots he has on his legs, Dr asked him if he had ticks on him, he said quite a few, now he's on the anti biotics for 3 weeks just in case it's Lyme.

Glad things turned out good for Roo. Hugs to him. Are the anti biotics finished now? Is he walking better? He sounds like such a nice horse I am only wishing the best for him and having you as a foster mother is a very good thing.Yes, he's done with the antibiotics unless he spikes a temp or looks sore again. He is a nice horse unless you have to give him oral meds when he is feeling good.

[natisha]

Wonderful! Glad he is finally diagnosed and you can begin his treatment and life of leisure again. Although, he seems to have had that even in his down time :).Thanks, his treatment is done. I insisted we start it before we really knew what it was as it couldn't hurt & it was Tom's $$ ;)
Yes, Roo has it pretty good.

[CaddoCinnamon]

That is good that he is doing much better now.