Vets struggling to diagnose

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Jojo66

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So my lovely 28 year old tb mare is at the vet clinic and they haven’t yet found what’s up. Four days ago she started with the thumps and was very poorly. Vet came out within the hour and her heart rate was 80 with a temperature of 39.9! Treated with antibiotics and anti inflammatory injection. Bloods taken and low white blood cell count indicated infection.
Day 2 vet repeated jabs and heart and temperature now normal but my mare was just not interested in food or anything much. Vet did peritoneal tap which although discoloured tested negative for peritonitis. Gave her fluids via tube.
Day 3 heart and temperature fine but still not eating much and very dull so admitted to the clinic for scans which didn’t show anything. Peritoneal tap repeated and sent off for more detailed tests which we are waiting on.
Day 4 all checks still fine but just not interested in eating much
Has anyone ever experienced anything like this or has and advice. I’m thinking of bringing her home tomorrow and see how we go but concerned about her lack of appetite and dullness
 
I personally wouldn’t bring her home until you have more information. It’ll be so stressful for you and you could well end up taking her back if she doesn’t improve. They can also ensure fluids are adequate. I’d let your vets decide when she’s well enough.
 
meleeka said:
I personally wouldn’t bring her home until you have more information. It’ll be so stressful for you and you could well end up taking her back if she doesn’t improve. They can also ensure fluids are adequate. I’d let your vets decide when she’s well enough.
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Thanks - that’s what my other half says.
 
I'm going to sound hard, so sorry in advance.
At 28 how much would you put her through, if tests are inconclusive could she be depressed being away from home and may improve with being bought home.
Also I think an open and honest discussion with your vet about how far to investigate, how much to put her through and prognosis.
I know it's difficult and I do hope her appetite returns.
 
nagblagger said:
I'm going to sound hard, so sorry in advance.
At 28 how much would you put her through, if tests are inconclusive could she be depressed being away from home and may improve with being bought home.
Also I think an open and honest discussion with your vet about how far to investigate, how much to put her through and prognosis.
I know it's difficult and I do hope her appetite returns.
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That’s been in my thoughts all along and until faced with making that decision I’d totally agree. It’s so difficult when she’s been such a fantastic horse to me for 20 years. I’m so torn but edging towards bringing her home. Will have a chat to the vet tomorrow
 
The only experience I have with symptoms like yours has either been viral infection or a blocked stomach….could the vets scope her to see if stomach clear?Im sending get well soon vibes.
 
Goldenstar said:
I too would be thinking about calling it a day , I would get her home assuming that’s not stressful for her let her have a day to settle and get it done but doing at the vets may be the best option
I think you should talk to vet frankly about your thoughts today, a good vet will be able help you make your decision .
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Thanks - I’ll have a good chat with her this morning
 
I'm very sorry, but I think with so many stories around about horses going on into their 30s it's easy to lose sight of the fact that 28 is a very old horse, especially for a thoroughbred. Most don't make it that far even when diseases of old age are what sees them off.

In your shoes I think I would take pride in having got her to a grand old age but not put her through any more treatment.
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Scan will not pick up a gastric impaction. You need a gastroscope for that. Food could be seen in his oesophagus.

Sadly that is was ended the life of my pony. They cleared it with coke but it was back with 5 weeks so his stomach had stopped working. I had him PTS as it was a ticking time bomb and eventually he would colic again and his stomach was at risk of rupture.

He was eating and pooing but not drinking much water and had a very bad colic where I almost lost him. This lead to the investigation.

I hope this is not the problem with your horse.


Jojo66 said:
Thanks - she was scanned and it was clear
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I had something similar a few months ago with my 23YO - completely off her food, temp of 39.9, HR of 70. Constantly stood with her head drooped.
Belly tap was ok, abdominal ultrasound showed some inflammation of intestines. Bloods were all fine except protein which pointed towards acute inflammation.
She had 4 days of injections of painkillers and antibiotics, then 5 days of oral antibiotics. By the 3rd day of injections she was showing a marked improvement and was back to herself by day 5.
We never found the cause behind it though.
 
Indieanna6 said:
I had something similar a few months ago with my 23YO - completely off her food, temp of 39.9, HR of 70. Constantly stood with her head drooped.
Belly tap was ok, abdominal ultrasound showed some inflammation of intestines. Bloods were all fine except protein which pointed towards acute inflammation.
She had 4 days of injections of painkillers and antibiotics, then 5 days of oral antibiotics. By the 3rd day of injections she was showing a marked improvement and was back to herself by day 5.
We never found the cause behind it though.
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That sounds exactly the same - she is now home on oral antibiotics and very much improved but not 100%. The scan shows some fluffiness around the colon which is either inflammation or lymphoma so we wait and see. I totally understand 28 is a fab age but she looks and acts so much younger that I can’t throw the towel in just yet. If she goes downhill I will give her the respect she deserves. Thanks everyone
 
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