Brain tumours in horses

[Bertie10]

Hi
Sorry- this is a really serious post, but one I desperately need some information on.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience of brain tumours in horses, particulary the symptoms involved.
Thanks in advance
Bertie10

 

[fatpiggy]

No direct experience, but in all the cases I've heard of the horse has turned nasty and unpredictable very rapidy. Do you suspect your horse has a tumour? My horse has epilepsy and I was told it was likely caused by a tumour - that was back in 1996 and she is still with me and getting more cuddly by the day (at last!)

 

[jojoebony]

Hi Bertie 10

My mare had a brain tumour.
First symptom was when we were out on a fun ride, she took off with me big style. It was 10 miles (so they said but we think it was considerbly longer), we galloped atleast 70% of the way completely out of control (I couldn't even stop her so I could get off). Got back to the wagon and she hadn't even broken a sweat.
Then she started producing milk.
She then had a number of moderate nose bleeds.
Finally, she started having seizures which left her paralysed for several minutes at a time and in the end were becoming more regular and lasting longer.
I never saw the seizures myself thankfully but did note how strange it was for her to be lying down in her stable when people were about (something she hadn't done for the previous 5 years) and appeared rathe dazed afterwards.
She also developed a sensitivity to loud noises and would colic with stress during fireworks/thunder.

The thing is most of her symptoms could have been explained seperately - she had a history of bolting, she often rubbed her head in the stable so I thought she'd just knocked her nose, she'd been out with a donkey colt, not known to me at the time.
Apparently seizures can occur if there is a problem with the kidneys (or liver - don't quote me on that!).

There was a post about this a month or so ago I think? Which had some good info in.

PM if you want any more info although not sure how much help I can be?



Jo

 

[kerilli]

i've known a few horses which had them.
one was a pony which, with no prior problems at all, suddenly reared straight over backwards at a hunter trial.
another was a horse which would suddenly bolt and jump anything it was aimed at in order to get back home. it also started napping in the weirdest way, e.g. 3/4 way round a hack, it would start napping in the opposite direction from the yard.
i think the diagnosis tends to be very poor, and to be totally honest, however much i loved the horse, if it was seriously suspected then in the interests of safety (my own, other people's, the horse's) i would probably have the horse p.t.s.
really hope this has a positive outcome for you.

 

[only_me]

this may be of use:

web page

I believe the most common symptom is sudden change in behaviour, and also they may become very head shy and not allow you to touch their ears.

 

[Birker2020]

Yes I have heard that kidney infections can cause all sorts of 'mental' problems in both humans and animals although I am not sure why. My friends Mum who was in a care home was very agressive when she had a kidney infection and so was my friends Nan so I would rule out any chance of kidney problems by blood testing/urine samples first and foremost.

 

[merlinsquest]

Urine infections send the elderly totally doolally!!!

Brain tumour symptoms.... well, as said before, one horse would bolt for home.... the other rearing over backwards

 

[onemoretime]

Not had experience of my own horses but a while ago there was a pony round here and it would suddenly lie down and have a fit on the ground, even on the road one day with the traffic coming past. The fits gradually got worse and they had to have him PTS. As others have said it usually starts with change of behaviour. Are they able to scan horses brains now a days. Probably have a job to find some of them!!!

I hope it all turns out alright for you they are such a worry arent they.