A Second Opinion??

[steffielu]

My horse has had a recurring abscess on his lower jaw (submandibular gland area) that has been dragging on since March this year. It has periods of rest, and then other times it becomes very hot, massively swollen, and explodes, draining pus for about a week, then it closes up again. He has had blood tests (negative for any virus inc. stangles) scans (no foreign bodies in there) swabs (the pus is non-bacterial) x-rays (teeth seem fine) and about 5 courses of antibiotics, god knows how much bute, but still the area is swollen and sore. My vets who have treated him throughout have drawn a blank, and basically have told me that he is going to have this for life, and there is nothing they can do.
Which wouldn't bother me if it wasnt for the fact he wont be ridden (i can tell hes painful in the mouth) and its obviously sore, and he seems to find chewing difficult.
Is it worth getting the opinion from another vetinary surgery? Bearing in mind all 6 vets from the other practice have looked at him and cant seem to find a cause.
Also has anyone else had a problem like this? Any alternative therapies that may be useful?
Thanks 4 reading, sorry for rambling on but im geeting more than a little upset!

 

[lizzie_liz]

Am surprised that you are upset. Have they got any idea what is causing the problem?
It may be worth getting a second opion from another practise, is there one near you which specialises in horses?

 

[OWLIE185]

Get your horse reffered to the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket or one of the two large equine practices there.

 

[Claireg9]

Maybe try Peter Green, it is one of the best vets and they have brilliant equipment, there must be something someone can do!
it just hasnt been obvious to the eye.
also look up mouth specialist vets that might know more about the problem. have you tried surfing the net for possible prognosis, type in his symptons!
you might just come up with something the vets havent thought of.
Good luck and big hugs xx

 

[steffielu]

Thanku! Been scouring the net for ages, but all it comes up with is strangles!
Where is Peter Green based? Good idea about the mouth specialists, although dentist didnt have any idea either when he came..but its another thing 2 try!
Thanku!

 

[lizzie_liz]

just realised i miss a not out of post...
sorry
was meant to say
am not surprised you are upset

 

[steffielu]

Lol! thats ok..was thinking that was a bit mean lol!

An update..it seems to be a little less swollen now, as hes been on bute for his leg (which hes injured, yes its a walking disaster!) Hmm..very odd!

 

[AmyMay]

The horse I currently have on loan had a problem just like this - that went on for a long, long time.

The tooth was eventually extracted and the problem solved. I would definately get a second opinion at horspital. The fact that the problem keeps reacurring means that there must be some underlying problem that is not showing up - and exploratory surgery may be needed in the first instance so that you can see how to progress.