Horse is fitting after head injury- what are my chances?

Bryndu

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Hi,
I am soooo sorry to hear this....

It will depend on which part of her head she hit as to what may be happening.

I would suggest as others have that although your vet is doing a super job...that specialist help is sought...unless of course your vet is a head trauma specialist :)

Also...and I hate to put this thought in your head....did she hit her head because she was having a fit?

I sadly have experience of a horse who had a brain tumour.

Wishing you and your girl al the best.

Bryndu
 

High Hope

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Hi guys
She's still fitting this morning, though not as badly.
She's had the strongest painkiller and opiates the vet can give her.

IF she perks up/ shows the slightest improvement, this afternoon I'll throw some more mannotol at her, and play it by ear.

If she doesn't, I'm going to call it a day.

She's not fighting it anymore. She's just given up :'(

Vet this morning was one of those perky just out of vets school types- he would be happy to give her a week of this.

I can't (won't) watch my horse in pain and frightened for an entire week on the tiny chance she might eventually improve :(
 

popsdosh

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Hi guys
She's still fitting this morning, though not as badly.
She's had the strongest painkiller and opiates the vet can give her.

IF she perks up/ shows the slightest improvement, this afternoon I'll throw some more mannotol at her, and play it by ear.

If she doesn't, I'm going to call it a day.

She's not fighting it anymore. She's just given up :'(

Vet this morning was one of those perky just out of vets school types- he would be happy to give her a week of this.

I can't (won't) watch my horse in pain and frightened for an entire week on the tiny chance she might eventually improve :(

Head injuries take a long time I would listen to the vet inflamation just doesnt put itself right that quick it took one of mine 3 weeks to come right and its fine.
 

Merrymoles

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No matter how good your vets, you know your horse better than anyone and what is fair and what is not.

My thoughts are with you and my hopes are that she does show some improvement but it sounds to me as though you are thinking sensibly and have got your head around this awful situation.

I have no experience of this and can offer only my moral support but will continue to keep everything crossed for you.
 

Wagtail

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Hi guys
She's still fitting this morning, though not as badly.
She's had the strongest painkiller and opiates the vet can give her.

IF she perks up/ shows the slightest improvement, this afternoon I'll throw some more mannotol at her, and play it by ear.

If she doesn't, I'm going to call it a day.

She's not fighting it anymore. She's just given up :'(

Vet this morning was one of those perky just out of vets school types- he would be happy to give her a week of this.

I can't (won't) watch my horse in pain and frightened for an entire week on the tiny chance she might eventually improve :(

You are doing the right thing. I really feel for you. I really hope she pulls through, but you are right, this must be hell for her and it's not humane to let her suffer much longer if there is no improvement. x
 

On the Hoof

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So sorry to hear about this OP..an awful situation . Last year a horse at our yard hit his head very hard, lots of fitting and colic..but he came through it, had three fractures , massive swelling affecting sinus cavity ..it has taken a year but he is now well and rideable. Only you can decide about your horse but just wanted you to know that it is possible to come back from this..it may depend on whether their is brain injury I guess...no expert I'm afraid but have got my fingers crossed for you both x
 

alliwantforchristmas

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Terribly, terribly sorry to hear this. I really hope for a good outcome for you and your horse. I have absolutely no experience to offer, just wish you all the very best ... such an awful and difficult situation.
 

Orca

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I'm so sorry to read this, OP.

As others have said, you know your horse best. You are also there with her and able to see the extent of her current condition - none of us are. I'm keeping everything crossed that she shows changes for the better but if not, then I support your thoughts on how best to proceed 100%, whatever they are. I would maybe seek a second opinion before making any final decisions, particularly if you feel young vet was maybe a little too keen to see the wood for the trees and because of that, don't have faith in his prognosis but whatever you decide, it will be the right thing for her, no doubt. I'll be thinking of you both.
 

Dazed'n'confused

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I really wish I had some words of comfort for you, what an awful situation.
There's no right or wrong decision in these cases, we have to do what we think is best for the horse at the time...
Sending hugs because I know I'd need one in your situation..
 

Goldenstar

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This is awful , but you are the best person to decide when enough is enough, don't hesitate to get advice from whatever vet you trust most beforehand even if they have not been dealing with it .
 

Alec Swan

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……..

She's not fighting it anymore. She's just given up :'(

…….. :(

The horse is yours and she's your responsibility, and a responsibility which you accept. Well done you. I understand that the temptation will be to clutch at straws, when we're given hope, but it sounds to me as though you are preparing yourself for what may well be the inevitable.

Is she standing, is she feeding and is her gut still working? If she's constantly fitting, then the chances would be slim I understand.

I understand your predicament and you're in my thoughts. Keep us up-dated, please.

Alec.
 

Pearlsasinger

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I am so sorry for you and your horse and really hope that you see some improvement this afternoon.

I would be making the same decision as you, possibly after a conversation with a senior vet. How on earth does this morning's vet think the horse is going to manage with neither food nor drink, lying down for a week?
 

Goldenstar

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How awful for you. She will seem very 'out of it' if pumped full of opiates. However, remember it's your call. Stay strong. X

This is very true I was shocked when I saw mine after KS surgery and under the effects of morphine then I remembered how it made me feel .
 

YorksG

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OP I am so sorry to read that she is has not stopped seizing yet. Whatever the cause, she sounds to be in a bad way, if human she would be aneasthatised and in ICU, but I can't see how that can be done with a large animal which needs all its other systems to continue working :(
Whatever the outcome my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
 

High Hope

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Thank you for all your comments.
For 2 hours after the vet came she was down and lightly fitting,
For the last 45 mins she's been stood up, last 15 mins she's been eating her haylege and looking brighter.
I'm trying not to be too optimistic, but so far she's improving well

My partner came up with me today, he won't leave me on my own (thank god)
 
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