In two minds whether to call the vet. What do you think?

[0ldmare]

I noticed last night when I put some hay out for the horses that my young mare (7 year old) wasnt interested - unusual as she is a demon for chasing the other horses wanting all the heaps to herself

. Anyway didnt think too much of it.

(There is very very little grass on the paddock which is why I am supplimenting it with hay and a little food)

Today went out to give them a little feed in the paddock and she wouldnt eat it

. Unheard of. So I went and got a small scoop of the ultimate favourite food without HiFi and she ate a few mouthfulls and then walked off

. She chewed them really slowly which made me think that it might be her mouth/teeth, but had a good look and couldnt see any obvious problems. Her teeth were done about 9 months ago (usually 6 months, but I was away when the dentist came round our area last time) She seemed sort of half asleep and just wanted to go back to snoozing.

This is normally the greediest horse in the world! She is too fat so I am not panicing. What do you think? Should I call the vet or wait and see if whatever it is passes. She doesnt appear to be uncomfortable - the farrier came today so she was on the yard for about an hour or so and I would have noticed if she was colicy or anything. Just cant decide!

 

[Amelia27]

well I'm the world's biggest worrier so I'd probably at least call the vet to see if he/she thinks it's worth a visit. I'd probably want some bloods run just to make sure

 

[cellie]

Why dont you ring the vet before you call him out.Mine doesnt mind hes always very accommodating and happy to give advice over the phone.Might be better to catch something early before it gets worse if its feed related or colic.Hope shes ok

 

[scotsmare]

As above ring the vet and describe the problem - they can then advise accordingly. Better safe than sorry and hope she's ok soon.

 

[TGM]

I would at least ring the vet and discuss the horse over the phone. I'm not one for calling the vet willy-nilly, but one of the telling signs of ill-health is a marked change in normal behaviour, and I always worry when a greedy animal goes off its feed.

Before you ring the vet, make a note of any other factors - does she seem to be doing normal droppings, has she got a temperature, etc.

 

[AmyMay]

Does she have a temerature??

 

[0ldmare]

Thanks for your replies, I have left a message for the vet and am waiting for her to call me back. Poor little horse, she looks very depressed.

 

[saskia295]

Yes, call the vet. Firstly, your horse is acting out of character so that's a big clue. Also, I am of the opinion that if you're in two minds whether to call the vet or not you should just call them - if it's nothing they can reassure you, if there's a problem, they can address it immediately.

But if you don't call, delaying treatment (if needed) is always going to be worse than if you got 'it' asap.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Like AmyMay says I'd start by checking the obvious signs eg temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate, are her mucus membranes pink, can you hear gut sounds, any new cuts, heat in her feet, drinking ok, jaundice. Then I'd bring her in and monitor closely and have a word with the vet. Big change in character always needs to be checked out. Any new horses in the field? Or an old friend moved away? Fingers crossed.

 

[0ldmare]

Just taken her temperature and its 39.5 so a bit on the high side. I spoke to the vet and she thinks its probably just a virus. She told me to syringe her with 2 sachets of Bute now, another 1 Bute this evening and then 2 in the morning to try to bring the temperature down. If she isnt looking a lot better the vet will come out tomorrow.... blooming horses

 

[Shilasdair]

[ QUOTE ]
Just taken her temperature and its 39.5 so a bit on the high side. I spoke to the vet and she thinks its probably just a virus. She told me to syringe her with 2 sachets of Bute now, another 1 Bute this evening and then 2 in the morning to try to bring the temperature down. If she isnt looking a lot better the vet will come out tomorrow.... blooming horses

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope your horse gets better soon...
S