Lyme's Disease in horses

Orthe's Daystars

Orthe's Daystars

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Hi guys Does anyone have experience with horses contracting Lyme's Disease through deer ticks? We live in the New Forest (great) but which is considered to be one of the worst parts of the UK for this horrible illness. Equines born or raised on the Forest seem to have good immunity, the problem kicks in when, as I did, you bring a horse into contact with the bacteria that is transmitted by the deer ticks. I bought a lovely cremello gelding (originally from Ireland) to our yard where the deer population is rife. He's been fine for 1st 3 months then early September he started to show some of the classic symptoms of Lyme's - especially lethargy, gut problems, "starey coat" and just looking & feeling lousy. Time for vet - bloods taken & come back elevated white blood cell count ie infection going on & showed positive for the Lyme's bacteria. Put onto 10 day course 2 x daily potent antibiotic plus Protexin to help gut symptoms. He's looking brighter today & poo much firmer so will continue until vet comes to re-test. Reason for post - any info on what else I could be doing to help him fight this? Vet hopes that because we got him treated so quickly he may make quick recovery - any thoughts? Very fond of little horse & want to help him asap - so please post with any helpful ideas. Thanks in advance!!!
 
Faracat said:
Caught early, the antibiotics should sort it. My cat had Lymes and that was all that was needed for him to fully recover.
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I agree. Haven't had it in the animals, but we've had to treat several of the children, and there should be no on-going problems if antibiotics are given promptly.
 
My sister lives in Virginia and recently all three of her horses have tested positive for Lyme's it is rife there and you have to constantly check yourself for deer ticks when you are there I had one attach itself to my hip and one crawling down my neck as they are even in the bushes - damn things!!

I think antibiotics are the main thing to make sure he gets. I know with hers they have caused foot/ lami issues and she really has to keep a close eye to manage them. I will ask her if there is anything else that she can recommend.
 
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