a colic case that turned out not to be...

[Orchardbeck]

This morning I fed my mare as usual, but noticed she had come out in hives over night, pretty bad as it happens, but she often has allergic reactions to things so I wasn't too worried.

What did worry me though was when she put her nose in her bucket, and didn't eat anything. Likewise with her hay, didn't touch it.

I watched her whilst I was skipping out, and she was pawing the ground, biting the rubber mats, and really swishing her tail, periodically, as if she were having spasms of pain.

I immediately assumed the worst, that being colic, and the rash being a side effect, and called the vet out.

By the time the vet got here, her face and eyes were really swollen, almost so much I could hardly get her headcollar on. He checked her pulse and gut sounds which were normal, so no colic, but said she could have been reacting to the pain of the swellings. Her lips by this point were huge, and she was standing really dopey - she almost let him open her mouth without sedation which is a big deal...

He injected her with painkillers - again she didn't flinch which she normally would- I asked about antihistamines or steroids and he mumbled something about Piriton, but that was it.

About 10 mins after she started to nibble her hay again, so she must have felt better, but she gave me such a scare, especially after my mum lost her older mare to colic a few years back.

I feel a bit stupid for assuming it was colic, plus all my husbands' family (farmers) made me feel a bit daft for overreacting - not intentionally, but I always feel that they think I worry too much about my horse and consequently spend too much money. Bit peed off with the vet too who immediately ignored me straight after - I had loads of questions, and started sucking up to my father in law - I often wish I still used my old vets (before I got married and moved) as they investigated stuff properly and weren't obsessed about keeping prices down in order to keep the farm's cattle work!

I'm not even sure why i'm posting this, just felt a little bit stupid and frustrated I guess!

 

[Flame_]

Oh dear, I'd feel narked as well. Its possible your vet is just an arrogant git but IMO usually when professionals scuttle off before you have chance to ask any questions they are doing it because they have no idea about what the right answers are!

I hope your mare comes right and it doesn't happen again. If it does, my first thought would be get another vet.

 

[Littlelegs]

We had a similar type thing a few years ago with daughters loan pony. It was displaying classic colic symptoms, but really chronic runs & submerging its head in water, & wouldn't let me near its mouth, when usually you could do anything with it. And from how aggressive it was obviously in lots of pain. Vet was stumped too. It turned out to be some idiot that had tipped garden waste over the fence, including geranium & other bulbs. Poor thing had burnt its mouth & was having trouble digesting the plants he'd eaten too. Then obviously the burnt mouth was why he wouldn't graze or touch hay, leading to the colic symptoms. The hives too were put down to an allergic reaction to something in the garden waste.

 

[MrsMozart]

Good that it was treatable reasonably easily.

You didn't panic. The horse had to have something done and you're not a vet; it makes perfect sense for you to call him out.

Not answering questions is not on. It's part of the service, or should be!

Hope she continues to improve and that all is well.

 

[Montyforever]

Not a bad thing to call out a vet for that or even just for peace of mind! My mare started showing colic signs and I called them out and she poo'ed just as the vet arrived but was still very upset, and it turned out to be spasmodic colic so she had an injection and painkillers and immediately relaxed if I hadn't called them out and just left her after I saw her poo I think she would have stressed herself out so much and made everything worse!

 

[maree t]

Even without the colic you did exactly the right thing calling the vet for an allergic reaction. we nearly lost one of our dogs whose face and tongue were swelling up. We made an emergency dash for the vets who said she had maybe another 10 minutes before the swelling completely closed her throat.
I have also had a severe reaction and ended up in hospital which has probably made me a bit more stressy about it.
Shame you couldnt have discussed it afterwards.

 

[Queenbee]

This morning I fed my mare as usual, but noticed she had come out in hives over night, pretty bad as it happens, but she often has allergic reactions to things so I wasn't too worried.

What did worry me though was when she put her nose in her bucket, and didn't eat anything. Likewise with her hay, didn't touch it.

I watched her whilst I was skipping out, and she was pawing the ground, biting the rubber mats, and really swishing her tail, periodically, as if she were having spasms of pain.

I immediately assumed the worst, that being colic, and the rash being a side effect, and called the vet out.

By the time the vet got here, her face and eyes were really swollen, almost so much I could hardly get her headcollar on. He checked her pulse and gut sounds which were normal, so no colic, but said she could have been reacting to the pain of the swellings. Her lips by this point were huge, and she was standing really dopey - she almost let him open her mouth without sedation which is a big deal...

He injected her with painkillers - again she didn't flinch which she normally would- I asked about antihistamines or steroids and he mumbled something about Piriton, but that was it.

About 10 mins after she started to nibble her hay again, so she must have felt better, but she gave me such a scare, especially after my mum lost her older mare to colic a few years back.

I feel a bit stupid for assuming it was colic, plus all my husbands' family (farmers) made me feel a bit daft for overreacting - not intentionally, but I always feel that they think I worry too much about my horse and consequently spend too much money. Bit peed off with the vet too who immediately ignored me straight after - I had loads of questions, and started sucking up to my father in law - I often wish I still used my old vets (before I got married and moved) as they investigated stuff properly and weren't obsessed about keeping prices down in order to keep the farm's cattle work!

I'm not even sure why i'm posting this, just felt a little bit stupid and frustrated I guess!

I have only read your post, but I would be peeved too at the vets response or lack of it. I would be very possible for the stress and discomfort that your mare was feeling to have triggered a bout of colic, so no I do not think you are stupid for assuming that. I am glad she is feeling better and that she is out of the woods so to speak. Sorry you had such a bad day, but do not feel stupid... it was quite a natural reaction. Furthermore, for years I have trusted in rude and arrogant vets, but they knew their job, so I put up with their lack of decency and manners. I have now moved to a practice where I have both talented, experienced and knowledgeable vets who are warm, caring and take the time to explain, and involve the owner. Believe me, I know just how valuable this is. Perhaps discuss with OH, and consider going back to the vets that you are happier dealing with. Do not let anyone intimidate you. xx

 

[[100323]]

When we came home after a day out our mini shetland looked like he had colic. He kept collapsing and rolling, but we were not sure. As it was one of the hottest days of the year, and he was very hairy we decided to treat for heat stroke. The only places we could get close to skin were his muzzle and inside his thighs, so we sponged him down there, after a while he started licking the sponge water so we offered him very wet alpha and chaff which he liked. Then we offered him water with a little salt and sugar in. Over the next half hour or so he had several small bowls. Within the hour he was fully back to normal and eating and drinking again.
I shudder to think if we had got back later. The ponies had access to good shade under trees and water while we were out, but it was an extremely hot day, I am glad we got it right.