Elderly Shetland unwell

jillygem

jillygem

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Hello,

I have a 30+ shetland who has very little teeth. She is managing to keep weight on for the past few years by nibbling short grass and getting daily feeds of chaff, soaked barley rings, sugar beet and vits. She has been doing great for the past few years keeping weight on well and bright within her self.

This evening went to feed her and found her shaking, looking rather tucked up and showed signs of rolling. She is unintrested in eating and is drinking a large amount of water. She is not however showing other signs of Colic such as kicking at her stomach or looking round etc. Her temperature is 38.6 o C and is shaking her head around quite alot. Her droppings are very loose and has urinated. I have taken her into the stable and am keeping her warm to see if there is any change.

Anyone have any idea as to what could be wrong with her? I have a bad feeling this is her body finally shutting down. (and yes i will call the vet!)

Thanks
 
It sounds like colic. As she is not eating and has a high temp she must be in pain somewhere and definately needs a visit from the vet. Hopefully its something a few jabs can sort out. Fingers crossed for you x
 
jillygem said:
Hello,

I have a 30+ shetland who has very little teeth. She is managing to keep weight on for the past few years by nibbling short grass and getting daily feeds of chaff, soaked barley rings, sugar beet and vits. She has been doing great for the past few years keeping weight on well and bright within her self.

This evening went to feed her and found her shaking, looking rather tucked up and showed signs of rolling. She is unintrested in eating and is drinking a large amount of water. She is not however showing other signs of Colic such as kicking at her stomach or looking round etc. Her temperature is 38.6 o C and is shaking her head around quite alot. Her droppings are very loose and has urinated. I have taken her into the stable and am keeping her warm to see if there is any change.

Anyone have any idea as to what could be wrong with her? I have a bad feeling this is her body finally shutting down. (and yes i will call the vet!)

Thanks
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i would get the vet as soon as poss!!bless her-
 
Update on little Blacky - Temperture back to normal, pooing normal, and munching away as if nothing has happened! :-)
By the time the vet arrived she had improved by about 50 %, temp slighly down, no more shaking and nibbled at some chaff although still didnt look bright in herself. Definatley not colic, vet thinks she has had some sort of fit but the cause is unknown. Hopefully just a one off but will get bloods taken tomorrow to be on the safe side. It has been very muggy and warm today so she may have not been drinking enough water. Keeping her in the stable tonight (loads of rubber matting and straw bed big enough for a 18hh!) as is pouring down and can keep a good eye on her there.
Poor little thing, i swear she has more lives than a cat. Got her when i was 3 (20 years ago!) and had been a brood mare and ridden before hand so god knows what her real age is!

Thanks for you concerns x
 
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