Boggle- USA bound!

[jhoward]

No Bog was never around cattle in the USA. Atlas is at a barn with cattle but never nose to nose.

But Bog had his “episode” in October 2023 so they never shared the same cattle type environment. Unless a tick bit bog and then bit atlas?

But either way, bogs symptoms were 100% a neck thing. It was clear by the end.

I personally don't think it's a tick (what do I know ). But it doesn't matter some ickle swamp monster has clearly had a munch on both which from the papers I've read is really common could be a nat/tick
Could be a parasite from the grass.
(I asked about a dung sample back along)
I do m think it is true awful luck and not a thing you could of/would of /may of done would change the outcomes you've seen.

Perhaps when you get bored of your job equine science should be your next goal

 

[jhoward]

Also my Colorado vet says no to steroids right now. So just the antibiotics.

Not steroids but a anti inflammatory wouldn't be a no...

 

[Michen]

Not steroids but a anti inflammatory wouldn't be a no...

Ya he’s having banamine.

 

[Jojo2go]

I'm not it's a different thing...

It's spread by ticks that latch onto any mammal. Blaming it on a horse being close to cattle is pointless, considering the number of deer in some parts of North America. Your cats or dogs could carry it into your yard just as easy as anything else.

Edited to add:

One of my nephews picked up Lyme while on vacation in Cape Cod when he was young. Unfortunately the doctors around here (much farther north) were not familiar with the symptoms as it hadn't spread here yet. It took a few years for him to finally be diagnosed. He wasn't near any animals while he was there, but likely picked up a tick while wandering around through the country side.

 

[Michen]

tbh guys I’m not going to blame it on anything. My friend doesn’t even think it’s Lyme based on her review of the results because of the titer that he’s showing (too tired but in crude terms I think it’s not the neuro one or one that would indicate a neuro response or whatever) But it’s still a positive so I’ll treat anyway.

Kinda giving you guys the update as I have it as working with two very different vets.

I’ll still pick up the other antibiotic from Colorado and get him on it on Sunday tho, he’s on the doxy in the mean time.

 

[splashgirl45]

No knowledge to impart but just wishing you and Atlas good luck x

 

[Slightlyconfused]

No knowledge to impart but just wishing you and Atlas good luck x

Same. Wishing you both good luck xx

 

[Amymay Again]

Same. Wishing you both good luck xx

Same here xx

 

[View]

M, how you are still putting one foot in front of the other I just don’t know.

But none of this is in any way your fault. Your determination to do right by all of your companions has always shone through the pain. It is just such absolutely sh1tty bad luck.

Your plan for Atlas is sensible, and positive vibes for him.

But a virtual big hug for you. Just keep looking after you, because if you don’t how can you look out for their best interests?

 

[AlinFaolan]

Michen, I am soo sorry you’re going through this, you are an amazing person and Atlas is very lucky to have you as an owner, you undoubtedly will do the best by him.

 

[Michen]

I think the only reason I am putting one foot in front of the other right now is because I’m not there.

I had really hoped for some substantial improvement by now- a week on. He is more comfortable in his movement for sure (or got used to it?) but still very ataxic.

My gut is still telling me this thing is EPM, don’t know why. Got another tube of the crazy expensive drug to keep him on it a little longer incase.

 

[jhoward]

I think the only reason I am putting one foot in front of the other right now is because I’m not there.

I had really hoped for some substantial improvement by now- a week on. He is more comfortable in his movement for sure (or got used to it?) but still very ataxic.

My gut is still telling me this thing is EPM, don’t know why. Got another tube of the crazy expensive drug to keep him on it a little longer incase.

I suppose ...and not to take anything away from atlas but we need to give you a forum style grilling about the man!

So...how long have you known him.
How did you meet.
Does he ride?
Drink?.
Have children?
Any crazy x's lurking anywhere in the state?

What are his intentions towards you? Cause I'm fairly sure a plane load of forum members would pop over and duff him up if ever needed ...

 

[Michen]

I suppose ...and not to take anything away from atlas but we need to give you a forum style grilling about the man!

So...how long have you known him.
How did you meet.
Does he ride?
Drink?.
Have children?
Any crazy x's lurking anywhere in the state?

What are his intentions towards you? Cause I'm fairly sure a plane load of forum members would pop over and duff him up if ever needed ...

Haha ok well I over share already so whatevs. Met early Jan, he can ride but basic, he drinks but probably less than me at this point, no kids or crazy’s that I know of.

He’s my age, sold his tech company a couple of yrs ago and went back to MIT to finish his degree as he’d dropped out to run it. Speaks 4 fluent languages and is kinda the most European type of American you could meet, well travelled yadada.

Most of all I have a lot of respect for him which I need otherwise I start to misbehave haha. But he’s inherently kind and we get on like we’ve know eachother years.

But, very early days, so who knows. I like him far more far quicker than any of my longer term boyfriends, though .

At least there’s a little happy in amongst the s*** show even if it doesn’t last haha.

 

[jhoward]

Haha ok well I over share already so whatevs. Met early Jan, he can ride but basic, he drinks but probably less than me at this point, no kids or crazy’s that I know of.

He’s my age, sold his tech company a couple of yrs ago and went back to MIT to finish his degree as he’d dropped out to run it. Speaks 4 fluent languages and is kinda the most European type of American you could meet, well travelled yadada.

Most of all I have a lot of respect for him which I need otherwise I start to misbehave haha. But he’s inherently kind and we get on like we’ve know eachother years.

But, very early days, so who knows. I like him far more far quicker than any of my longer term boyfriends, though .

At least there’s a little happy in amongst the s*** show even if it doesn’t last haha.

Sometimes people aren't ment to stay but served a bit of a purpose / teach us a lesson.
Just enjoy him lol life really is not to short.

How is the wine over there is it as bad as our supermarkets trying to sell low alcoholic Australian rubbish?

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Haha ok well I over share already so whatevs. Met early Jan, he can ride but basic, he drinks but probably less than me at this point, no kids or crazy’s that I know of.

He’s my age, sold his tech company a couple of yrs ago and went back to MIT to finish his degree as he’d dropped out to run it. Speaks 4 fluent languages and is kinda the most European type of American you could meet, well travelled yadada.

Most of all I have a lot of respect for him which I need otherwise I start to misbehave haha. But he’s inherently kind and we get on like we’ve know eachother years.

But, very early days, so who knows. I like him far more far quicker than any of my longer term boyfriends, though .

At least there’s a little happy in amongst the s*** show even if it doesn’t last haha.

He sounds great! What fun.

 

[Michen]

Yeah he’s a wonderful human and a huge help right now. Not that I’ve even asked him to be one but he wants to so for the first time in my life I’m accepting it.

 

[Ahrena]

You deserve it!!

 

[only_me]

Haven't been on in a while (it appears around 200 pages since last on lol) but sorry to hear about Atlas. I'm glad you have a half-answer & getting some treatment. If you are still after another thought (and if it wasn't covered in the blood panel) I had something similar in the alpaca and thought worth sharing. From watching your videos, he looks very similar to how my alpaca was last winter.
Incredibly odd, but she became ataxic, stiff and almost tucked up but moving weird. Generally neurological symptoms, everything else working and no injuries. Gave pain relief, no change at al.

It turned out after a few tests that Alpaca was diagnosed with Ricketts!! Low in Calcium and Vitamin D. I would have assumed pasture but the other 2 she lives with had no symptoms! After a winter's course of injections she is back to normal self.
It's unlikely you will have Vit D issues unless Atlas came from an area that had more daylight compared to now but could be worth checking calcium levels in pasture etc. as calcium defo does weird things to the human body as much as animals.
Hopefully though this treatment will pick him right up!

Edited to say - You had mentioned Atlas didn't really like the paste - I have a half feral donkey who I give meds/wormer etc when needed by hollowing out a carrot and putting the paste inside. Works very well!

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I think it’s almost impossible to avoid Lymes in parts of the USA. My sister lives in Virginia and her horses and various other animals have had it more than once. She’s also got it and had to have some pretty nasty antibiotics. She’s still got it. Ticks are just everywhere and it’s not anyone’s fault least of all yours. Hoping for a good outcome for you and Atlas .

 

[Denali]

@Michen Look into IV antibiotics. Sad fact is Lyme (not lymes) disease has been slow to diagnose across the US.

I remember going to college in 2000 in Ohio and that being a rare disease. Meanwhile I’m hearing this as person who first contracted it at age 7. Had already done the rounds with my horses….. I digress.

Look into IV treatment. Lyme is horrible but it is manageable. Good luck and you haven’t done anything wrong.

ETA: I’m a Lyme disease expert as I can self diagnose I’ve had it that many times and treated my horses that many times.

 

[Michen]

Gosh I do not want to go back to Az…picking up various things for Atlas from my barn and the vets today before flying back. I have to head out again on Tuesday for a day or two so I guess I’ll properly think/look at him after that to decide what next.

I don’t want to go to my barn, it’s going to be so upsetting… it feels like the “end”.

 

[Equi]

It is going to be hard for sure, I totally sympathise with you. One breath at a time x

 

[Michen]

Got the vitamin E and the drugs from my vet. I think it’s hard because not only is it probably losing Atlas it’s also likely closing a chapter of my life. And I’m not even sure if I’d have definitely gone back to Colorado, or if I did for how long, there’s so many variables but it’s like it’s all unraveling and being forced on me which is very different.

I’m already thinking WTF do I do with all my stuff, water troughs, a million blankets, truck, trailer etc.

There’s so many logistics it’s kind of overwhelming.

One things for sure if/when I lose Atlas I will not be importing a nice little event horse from the UK I will be buying a sports car with a warranty and enjoying something that doesn’t have the capacity to completely break your f****** heart. I don’t even care how soulless and bratty that sounds lol.

 

[JenJ]

Ok, so... assuming the worst happens and you do let go of Atlas. The end of a chapter mostly means the opening of a new one. For which, dare I say it, given your recent new friendship, the preparation may have already begun.

I appreciate that the potential new changes feel like they're being forced on you, but if I know anyone that can make a forced option into the best opportunity, it's you. Really. You rise to the challenge, time and again, and do so with enough grace and aplomb to make the rest of us think it was your intention all along. You have a drive and motivation that the rest of us can only wonder about.

With regard to all your stuff? It's not urgent to deal with that. You have what you need. You also have friends there who can take care of it for you. Sell it all. Get them to sell it all. Bin it all. Just don't worry about it all. Anything you want to keep can be looked after by your friends until such time as it's convenient for you to collect it.

With just you, Pepper and your shiny new car, with or without new boy in tow, you have a freedom that has previously been unknown to you. Go enjoy it.

And if the worst doesn't happen and the outcome for Atlas is good? You still have most of the above, just a bit less freedom, but a bit more cheeky face.

 

[Equi]

As said you don’t need to worry about that stuff immediately. One thing you could do is load up as much as you can get into your trailer and park it up somewhere safe and just forget about it for a while. Sell the truck. Go wherever you want whenever you want to. You’ll likely need to hop to Oxford now and then

 

[Ahrena]

One day at a time right now. The stuff can wait, and as previously said, you have friends who will help you sort it all.

 

[Michen]

Ok, so... assuming the worst happens and you do let go of Atlas. The end of a chapter mostly means the opening of a new one. For which, dare I say it, given your recent new friendship, the preparation may have already begun.

I appreciate that the potential new changes feel like they're being forced on you, but if I know anyone that can make a forced option into the best opportunity, it's you. Really. You rise to the challenge, time and again, and do so with enough grace and aplomb to make the rest of us think it was your intention all along. You have a drive and motivation that the rest of us can only wonder about.

With regard to all your stuff? It's not urgent to deal with that. You have what you need. You also have friends there who can take care of it for you. Sell it all. Get them to sell it all. Bin it all. Just don't worry about it all. Anything you want to keep can be looked after by your friends until such time as it's convenient for you to collect it.

With just you, Pepper and your shiny new car, with or without new boy in tow, you have a freedom that has previously been unknown to you. Go enjoy it.

And if the worst doesn't happen and the outcome for Atlas is good? You still have most of the above, just a bit less freedom, but a bit more cheeky face.

That’s a really kind and generous thing to write and you’ve said some of the things I guess I was inwardly thinking. Even if it did make me extremely snotty on the plane! I have screenshotted it and will try to remember what you said when I feel anything but. So thank you.

I have to keep my head straight, I don’t have the luxury of being able to hide under a duvet with work and life as much as I’d love to. My mum is here for a month and I don’t want to ruin her once a year trip by being a mess.

And work is important. It has to pay for all this!

As said you don’t need to worry about that stuff immediately. One thing you could do is load up as much as you can get into your trailer and park it up somewhere safe and just forget about it for a while. Sell the truck. Go wherever you want whenever you want to. You’ll likely need to hop to Oxford now and then

Thank you, all good points.

One day at a time right now. The stuff can wait, and as previously said, you have friends who will help you sort it all.

Did you ever think that our life drama would get worse in our thirties than our twenties? Least we lived through all that together

 

[LadyGascoyne]

That’s a really kind and generous thing to write and you’ve said some of the things I guess I was inwardly thinking. Even if it did make me extremely snotty on the plane! I have screenshotted it and will try to remember what you said when I feel anything but. So thank you.

I have to keep my head straight, I don’t have the luxury of being able to hide under a duvet with work and life as much as I’d love to. My mum is here for a month and I don’t want to ruin her once a year trip by being a mess.

And work is important. It has to pay for all this!


Thank you, all good points.



Did you ever think that our life drama would get worse in our thirties than our twenties? Least we lived through all that together

Oooh buy a (ford not horse) mustang! My husband bought one and I borrowed it while he was away. It is NOT made for UK roads but goodness it is fun.

 

[Michen]

Haha I often rent them when travelling, but I’m not sure I want the horse symbol anywhere near me for the foreseeable .

Oooh buy a (ford not horse) mustang! My husband bought one and I borrowed it while he was away. It is NOT made for UK roads but goodness it is fun.

 

[Michen]

Still hard to be too miserable when you get these views . Straight off the plane to see Atlas, I purposely haven’t asked the barn how he is so I suspect the same.