Epileptic type fits, any ideas or experiences.

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mik

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A person here has a pony here that has had a 'fit' today, classic reaction braced front legs, panicky need to turn and glazed eyes, etc, lasted 5 min.
The owner thinks he has been 'building up' to the attack this week by having tiny spasms when he is in shade/sun situations. I didn't see the attack or these pre attacks, I saw him 2 days ago and he looked dehydrated, which I mentioned to her, and suggested a salt lick in his stable, she said the stable groom removes it because he wees copiously when he has one. I said nevertheless use mine, but she did not do so.
Ok so the vet will be taking blood etc and we are beginning the journey to see what it is. I have never dealt with this type of spasm before.
Any experiences, what to look out for and possible causes will be very very useful.
Thanks
 
I am thinking West Nile virus, as we have it in our area, I think I shall call the guys that come and check from the local council, they will do a blood test faster than the local vet, who says he has never heard of epilepsy in horses. Good start, new vet search needed I think.
 
Thanks leflynn, really useful and interesting. You are a star! Vet is is an idiot, my vet is in AbuDhabi, I shall chat to him later and see if he knows someone else who can come and do more tests!
 
Oh horses can most certainly have epilepsy- I own one and if Derek Knottenbelt says its epilepsy, then only God could tell me otherwise! Don't believe the old wives tales about seizures being very rare in horses because they definitely aren't.

By all means have all the tests done, but don't be surprised if they come back completely clear. Have a complete neurological work up done. Could he have Cushings? I keep records of cases and know of two that were triggered either by the light, or flickering lights as in riding under trees in the sun. I would say this type of trigger is very rare though.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss further.
 
Thanks fatpiggy, I am telling all this to the owner and translating all the details I can for her, I didn't think of Cushings, I will have a look at that as well. Thank you again. I feel this will be a long haul!!
 
Not sure on age, about 8, due worming this month, end of, will check, we were talking about worming practice the other day, he is stabled as many are here in spain, he is 1/4 horse x pony who knows!!
No clear, oh it was the wormer, or he is older etc. Difficult one, but the attacks have been building up in a way, from involuntary head shakes in shade. Apparently there may be some back issues, the physio will be our next week.
 
my horse takes fits when hes really really panicked or scared, and sometimes completely collapses and convulses. luckily hes only collapsed once. scary when it happens though. i hope the pony is okay and you find out whats up!
 
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Thanks guys, it is a strange thing and has escalated over the last weeks from involuntary head shaking when he enters shade, to a full on attack. All the investigations will begin this week, he has spent the last 2 days out in the paddock with some friends and is flanking an older mare, so he is safe.
 
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