Virus that Keeps coming Back?! *Worried about my boy*

3Beasties

3Beasties

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Some of you may remember that Charlie had a bad virus last year that resulted in him having a couple of months of work. The virus had been around for a while (maybe over 6 months) but it wasn't noticed as he was looking well (shiny coat, good weight etc) but he just wasn't himself and over a period of time had become very nappy and reluctant to work.


He came back into work in September and seemed to have fully recovered from is virus, he had got his spark back and had got over his nappiness.

However now I am sure it is back, since around Christmas time he just hasn't been quite right, at first I put it down to the awful weather but over the last few weeks I have been wondering if his virus has come back
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He's looking ribby, is very quiet and seems to have lost his 'spark'. The funny thing is he is going brilliantly when I school him but seems to tire very quickly.


I had his back done last week and the Chiro noticed how different he looks from when he last saw him (just before his last virus was diagnosed), he also thought he was de-hydrated and said I should get him checked for Ulcers (something I know nothing about so any info on those would be good).


I have the vet coming out on Tuesday to sedate him for his teeth so I will get them to re-take his bloods and give him another 'MOT'.

What I was wondering is if it is another virus -

Why would he keep getting them?

Is it something I am doing wrong?

Anything I can do to prevent them?


He's never been a sickly horse but he seems to be making up for it now
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Ask your vet what he thinks and if blood tests are worth doing - they might show something up. A tonic of some sort might be helpful but give it after the bloods are taken. If he's not out in the fields yet, it may be the end of winter blues and he's ready for some time at grass.

Hope it's something and nothing.
 
Thanks Brighteyes, the vet said I should get his bloods re-checked after a few months anyway, that's how his virus showed up last time.

He is out during the day and in a big barn at night with plenty of hay, it has been a tough winter for him as it's the first one he has been away from home, the yard is much higher (and colder) then at home where he usually winters so I don't think that's helped much.

I can't help worrying about him, I hate seeing him look so depressed
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Get the vet to run his bloods again before you make any desicions - if its ulcers the only way to confirm that is by having him scoped.

This winter has been harder on them than most as it has been so much colder then the recent past and so much snow
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. I think they will all cheer up hugely when the grass starts growing again
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- mine are hungry all the time at the moment despite eating what seems like their own bodyweight in feed/hay!!
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I gave him Eichanecea when he had his time off to recover but I didn't keep him on it, I might look into using it full time if this is going to be a reoccurring thing!
 
also I ALWAYS feed aloe vera juice when I suspect a virus it is just fabby stuff. Get it from holland and barrat 2 bottles at 200ml day and I always have a happy bouncy pony again
 
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