Sick with worry neurological issues

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Laurac13

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Hello lovely people, sorry long ramble
I haven’t posted on here for a long time But always look in daly, since my boy had a bad suspensory injury which I’m pleased to say he recovered from and has been in ridden with for the past 2 years
We now have a much much bigger challenge and I’m terrified and in bits and cant stop crying
Merlin was absolutely fine until last Tuesday when he walked over to me stopped for a wee and then walked over with a very odd hind leg action which then looked more normal the more he walked albeit stiff
I had the vets out the next day 8th July He was tucked up and walking oddly behind, lots of assessments and bloods taken originally they thought he may have tied up but bloods said he hadn’t. He was given a pain killer injection and steroid injection and was left with danilon
The next night he was so much worse he had no spacial awareness and struggled to find his water butt in the field he was twitching all over and wobbly especially twitching his head. I called the vet she said she would come out in the next morning 10 July
She assessed him again the issue was now in all 4 legs not just the hind legs, he failed the wobblers tests he didn’t know where his legs were and had weak balance
She established there didn’t seem to be an issue in his neck and it’s very likely a brain lesion
We discussed a scan but he’s not a good loader traveller and no longer insured and she said a brain lesion is not likely to be operated on anyway and it wouldn’t be safe to travel him
He was given a SAA snap test which showed a severe inflammation response I was told he had deteriorated rapidly and to spoil him he would not live longer than a week He was given 100 steroids a day and vit E and anti epilepsy / nerve pain drug
So I spent loads of time with my gorgeous boy last weekend, who I’ve owned since he was 3 giving him loads of hugs and telling him how special he was
He remained stable over the weekend and actually started to know where his feet were. The vet cane back Tuesday and was amazed that he had made significant improvements She took bloods for another SAA snap test we were hoping for a decline in the result but it’s still saying severe inflammation response
I’ve been advised to reduce the steroids to see what happens so I reduced them last night there’s no massive change yet but he seems quite sleepy and not as bright in himself
I am not really sure why I am posting but if anyone can give me any hope? or ways to deal with the all they worry as it’s actually making me sick I’d be very grateful
Merlin is such a kind gentle horse he’s only 9 yrs old and it’s so unfair to happen to him, he winnies everytimr he sees me my heart is breaking
sorry about any grammar issues I’m writing this through tears falling
Thank you
Laura
 
TheMule

TheMule

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Laurac13 said:
Hello lovely people, sorry long ramble
I haven’t posted on here for a long time But always look in daly, since my boy had a bad suspensory injury which I’m pleased to say he recovered from and has been in ridden with for the past 2 years
We now have a much much bigger challenge and I’m terrified and in bits and cant stop crying
Merlin was absolutely fine until last Tuesday when he walked over to me stopped for a wee and then walked over with a very odd hind leg action which then looked more normal the more he walked albeit stiff
I had the vets out the next day 8th July He was tucked up and walking oddly behind, lots of assessments and bloods taken originally they thought he may have tied up but bloods said he hadn’t. He was given a pain killer injection and steroid injection and was left with danilon
The next night he was so much worse he had no spacial awareness and struggled to find his water butt in the field he was twitching all over and wobbly especially twitching his head. I called the vet she said she would come out in the next morning 10 July
She assessed him again the issue was now in all 4 legs not just the hind legs, he failed the wobblers tests he didn’t know where his legs were and had weak balance
She established there didn’t seem to be an issue in his neck and it’s very likely a brain lesion
We discussed a scan but he’s not a good loader traveller and no longer insured and she said a brain lesion is not likely to be operated on anyway and it wouldn’t be safe to travel him
He was given a SAA snap test which showed a severe inflammation response I was told he had deteriorated rapidly and to spoil him he would not live longer than a week He was given 100 steroids a day and vit E and anti epilepsy / nerve pain drug
So I spent loads of time with my gorgeous boy last weekend, who I’ve owned since he was 3 giving him loads of hugs and telling him how special he was
He remained stable over the weekend and actually started to know where his feet were. The vet cane back Tuesday and was amazed that he had made significant improvements She took bloods for another SAA snap test we were hoping for a decline in the result but it’s still saying severe inflammation response
I’ve been advised to reduce the steroids to see what happens so I reduced them last night there’s no massive change yet but he seems quite sleepy and not as bright in himself
I am not really sure why I am posting but if anyone can give me any hope? or ways to deal with the all they worry as it’s actually making me sick I’d be very grateful
Merlin is such a kind gentle horse he’s only 9 yrs old and it’s so unfair to happen to him, he winnies everytimr he sees me my heart is breaking
sorry about any grammar issues I’m writing this through tears falling
Thank you
Laura
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Given his age, I'd be inclined to keep up the high dose of steroids as he has responded to them symptoms wise at least and carry on giving him a chance. Good luck, I hope it works out well for him and you
 
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Pearlsacarolsinger

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I am so sorry. It is horrible to be faced with prospect of losing a horse so young. I think I would ring the vet to discuss keeping him on the high dose steroids, if she thinks that is safe, or the lesser of two evils. Sometimes they just do get mystery illnesses and all you can do is support them through the symptoms, while hoping that the horse's body will heal itself in due course.
 
poiuytrewq

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My horse had a neurological problem. It came on very suddenly and was more acute but for less time than yours.
I understand completely how scary and awful it is. At one point mine was given an hour to improve or pts.
It was a terrible first few days, I took time off work and literally sat with him.
He did get over it though, we still have no real idea what happened to him. He’s slightly different personality wise but came back into full work. Including hunting, lessons etc
He is now retired just recently but for other reasons.
Everything x’d for you
 
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Laurac13

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Thank you very much posters For your comments it’s good to hear advice and experience and support I do appreciate it x
I think your right mule he needs to stay in high dose steroids I’ll speak to the vets
Poiuytrewq your post has given me some hope I’m so pleased your horse made it through it must have been such a scary time for you thanks for sharing your experiences x
 
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Laurac13

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Hi ycbm
Thank you for your reply I did mention that to the vets would his full blood test he orginally had rule that out? His temperature and heart rate is normal
We are located south east near the sea and I did wonder about a midge bite from overseas he’s grey and they are attracted to him despite the fly sheet and spray
 
ycbm

ycbm

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Laurac13 said:
Hi ycbm
Thank you for your reply I did mention that to the vets would his full blood test he orginally had rule that out? His temperature and heart rate is normal
We are located south east near the sea and I did wonder about a midge bite from overseas he’s grey and they are attracted to him despite the fly sheet and spray
Click to expand...

As far as I know it's a specific test that I would have had to pay for if my vet had wanted it. It was decided that he didn't have enough symptoms of an infection. Your vet may have made the same decision but it wouldn't hurt to ask.
.
 
poiuytrewq

poiuytrewq

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ycbm said:
As far as I know it's a specific test that I would have had to pay for if my vet had wanted it. It was decided that he didn't have enough symptoms of an infection. Your vet may have made the same decision but it wouldn't hurt to ask.
.
Click to expand...
EHV is a separate test yes. It also takes a painfully long tome for the results. Mine was tested at the time and I had to let local horse owners know.
 
Keira 8888

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I am so sorry - what a horrible time it must be. Sending you both a huge hug. Although inflammation still v high its positive that he has already shown a small element of recovery. As a human with neurological problems I CAN say, that sometimes love and positivity have a sinister way of helping you to defy all the odds. You being right there by his side is a powerful thing. Good luck xx
 
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paddy555

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might be a wild guess but one thing that jumped out at me was EMND or something along those lines. Then I read that vit e was included in the cocktail of treatment given before the slight improvement and I wondered.
The link below tells you about neuro muscular diseases.

In your position I would be asking my vet to run your story through one of the vet schools probably starting with Kathy McGowan at Liverpool (Leahurst) I think that would be the best way to make progress.







https://cvm.msu.edu/research/facult...g-laboratory/selecting-a-vitamin-e-supplement
 
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Laurac13

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Keira 8888 said:
I am so sorry - what a horrible time it must be. Sending you both a huge hug. Although inflammation still v high its positive that he has already shown a small element of recovery. As a human with neurological problems I CAN say, that sometimes love and positivity have a sinister way of helping you to defy all the odds. You being right there by his side is a powerful thing. Good luck xx
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Thank you Keira much appreciated x I did have a talk with him last Sunday and then he seemed to improve a bit I am sure he is my old horse Of a life time who I lost on 2005 reincarnated but that’s a whole new story which I’ll post about another day. I think your doing a really good job with Prince in the situation you’re in xx
 
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Laurac13

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paddy555 said:
might be a wild guess but one thing that jumped out at me was EMND or something along those lines. Then I read that vit e was included in the cocktail of treatment given before the slight improvement and I wondered.
The link below tells you about neuro muscular diseases.

In your position I would be asking my vet to run your story through one of the vet schools probably starting with Kathy McGowan at Liverpool (Leahurst) I think that would be the best way to make progress.







https://cvm.msu.edu/research/facult...g-laboratory/selecting-a-vitamin-e-supplement
Click to expand...
Thank you paddy I’ll certainly look into this anything that is a possible issue I’ll explore fully x
 
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