Help.. what could cause this?

Crazy_Caz

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 January 2008
Messages
471
Location
Kent
Visit site
My daughter returned from her ride on her 20 year old gelding, untacked him and left him to stand for a couple of minutes... she thought he seemed a bit blowy... but rugged him up and turned him out... when she went to feed him a bit later, he seemed to be breathing really heavily with his head down, wouldnt touch his dinner or hay... we called the vet which by this time was about 10pm.. who said everything seemed normal and gave him some ventipulmin...said was probably an allergic reaction...

When she went up the stable in the morning he seemed to be worse again in his breathing so again the vet came down but this time everything seemed abnormal, she couldnt hear his heartbeat so we rushed him up to the clinic for a heart scan and there appears to be fluid in the heart chamber, they managed to remove some of the fluid which is blood.... they are going to run the blood to see what it is and scan again in the morning to see if more fluid/blood has emerged... has anyone heard of this and what could it possibly be?? is there is any cure... what do we expect....
 
I have been doing some reading tonight and have come up with Aortic Rupture...?? prognosis isnt good.... anyone had this happen to their horse???
 
I've no experience of anything like that but i just wanted to say that Im sorry and i really hope you get a diagnosis soon & get him all better xxx

was it the same vet who saw him the next day? X
 
Yes same vet came in the evening and again the next day.... I am hoping the prognosis is good but I have to say I doubt it is... I originally collected this horse for a friend when he was an unbroken 5 year old.. she had him for 10 years and then as she had moved onto a bigger younger horse only sold him to me as she knew me.... we have had him 5 years..... I am still hoping for a good outcome....he is much loved...
 
Well the fluid they drained was blood. They re scanned and it hadn't come back although some fluid had gone into his chest from the procedure but he was breathing better but still quiet. We are bringing him home today and he will be on bute for a week. Then take him back up for a scan. But they still do not know what caused it :(
 
Fingers crossed for you, i hope that he recovers, sounds like he is a lovely boy & much loved.

Sending hugs & get well vibes :-)
 
Top