Sudden weight loss

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lout

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hi there
Im just after peoples thoughts/experience here.

My elderly neighbours horse has suffered significant sudden weight loss. and I mean SUDDEN! over the course of 4 days or so this horse went from being described as very well covered to emaciated.

The horse is around 18 years old and is a Clydesdale.
He has wintered out for several years but has been brought in due to his current condition.

My neighbour hasnt had the vet out and to my knowledge hasnt checked his temperature. The chap who is seeing to him is doing various drenching things and old fashioned hocus pocus! The horse is pissing diarrhea and as a result is drinking up to 7 buckets of water a day. he is however bright enough in himself and eating plenty. he has been like this for at least 2 weeks.

Before I pop over to see how he is doing (someone else is seeing to him every day) I just want to know your thoughts.

My thoughts are to get the vet out to do tests - like liver function, kidney function etc.........but trying to persuade my neighbour to do this is very difficult.

what do you think?
does anyone have any similar experiences?

thanks
Louise
 
Sounds like he needs the vet asap he wont last too long if he continues to lose weight like that .Thank goodness hes drinking he will dehydrate really quickly.Even if hes not your horse you could still ring a vet for advice thats what I would do.My friend lost he horse in 10 days after this sort of sudden weight loss. Let us know how he is
 
Dear god. If that's true this horse needs emergency veterinary attention or he'll be dead in a week. He could have grass fever, botulism poisoning (from poor haylage or silage), internal tumours, kidney failure, or a severe and sudden metabolic disorder similar to diabetes in humans. The owner needs a brutal reality check. Report to the RSPCA might help but this sounds too far gone to me. Poor poor horse.
 
I agree completely. to me its a no brainer - either have him PTS straight away or get the vet out.
Ironically the RSPCA did call out about 3 days before this happened. they were happy with their findings. Its a tricky one for them - dealing with an elderly man who will not admit that he cannot cope. he says all the right things. but what he says and what he does don't tally up sadly.
Last winter I helped to clear up a mite issue with this old horse and this year another helpful local is doing the honors. I felt that I was helping the old man neglect his horses if that makes any sense? so I have stood back a little this year.
I took photos of him before Christmas so when I get down to have a nosey (he is in a locked barn) I will be able to compare. Im probably best off trying to catch the guy whos seeing to him as the old man will listen to him and not to me.
Last year I nagged and nagged him to get the vet out to a dreadful weeping sore on the horses leg - I nagged him for weeks and suggested that he gave the horse to someone who could care for him. Then one day this other guy popped round and said 'get the vet straight away, im getting my wagon to take him over to mine so i can deal with him!' no argument!!! arghhhhhhhhhh!!!! I was a bit gutted that the horse bounced back after the summer to be honest.

oh, and botulism poisoning/grass fever - that would effect the other ponies too wouldn't it?

thanks
 
i personally think it sounds like it has been poisoned by something get the owner to call the vet and if she dont call the rspca because not having a vet out to something like this is cruelty. try to advice them to give the horse very small meals every couple of hours a very bland diet of just fibre!
 
Lout - it wouldn't necessarily affect all neds, no. But I was just running through some of the horrendous things it would have to be for a horse to drop that much weight in such a short time. Very, very difficult position for you to be in. Any chance you could get the number of the guy that turned up and sorted the situation last time? Or try the RSPCA again and show them the photographic evidence? And the poor horse itself! Well done you for trying to help x
 
just to let anyone know who reads this - the horse died eventually.
He had a dose of antibiotics which did no good - and then 3 days after blood tests were taken he collapsed and had to be PTS.

So, to others who have a similar problem - get the bloods done ASAP. It might not save the horses life but will save you from prolonging his suffering.
 
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