Lyme Disease

[S_N]

A friends horse possibly has Lyme Disease, it's the only thing that the vets (equine practice) can come up with the fit the symptoms. He has had bloods taken and run on Friday and this was this mornings thought. More tests to confirm will be carried out. Now I know this disease is usually something that humans and dogs get (sometimes deer as well I believe?) and that it is a bacteria carried by ticks. It is rare in horses and having never come across it, I was wondering if anyone else has and how they coped with it? I've done some googling, but there is nothing like hearing first hand from people. Many thanks!

 

[Ravenwood]

There have been a few cases around here of horses contracting Lymes Disease. This is carried by deer ticks and as you know we have an awful lot of deer round here.

The horses were treated with anti biotics and recover quickly if caught early. Hope your friends horse has a speed recovery

 

[Muckmeister]

My dad has it. It was discovered very late, when he was beginning to lose the feeling in his fingers. The damage done to the nerve ends cannot be repaired, nor can they fully get the infection cleared up (because it was discovered so late). However, it is under control with regular tests and antibiotics as required. I understand if it is diagnosed early the infection often clears fully.

 

[S_N]

Thank you both for your replies - sorry to hear about your Father's late diagnosis MM. It's good to hear that they now have it under control!

 

[freddiesmum]

A horse I know was imported from Portugal and developed the signs of Lyme's Disease a few years later - very rare. As he had had it in his system for so long he had to have a huge course of antibiotics which resulted in most of his neck turning into one enormous sore. However after much TLC he has recovered and now back working again.