Weird illness - any ideas

[Evie91]

I haven't read all the replies, and it could be a large number of things, pain response included, but if there's any chance that your vets think it might be neurological I would recommend getting some decent quality video of one of these episodes and getting your vets to send it to Richard Piercy at the RVC. He is absolutely the go to man in the UK for anything neurological and odd.

Thank you going to ask about a referral.

 

[Evie91]

Sorry I’ve I’ve missed this bit but has the vet done a neuro work up?
We had a horse who had very odd symptoms but quite intensely and only lasted a day at the worst, then he recovered over a week so I’m not saying the same as yours but neurological issues can present so differently and dramatically.
It must be terrifying for you, really hope you get to the bottom of it all

No nothing neuro yet, not convinced that’s where the issue is, but still worth mentioning. Thank you

 

[Evie91]

Tbh at this stage I probably wouldn't try any supplements or herbs in case it makes it worse. If his reaction was less dramatic then it would absolutely be worth a go.

I have one with a sensitive stomach and I tried him on the oily herbs last year and although he looked great on them, I thought they'd upset his stomach a bit although this year he's doing brilliantly on them. But for yours I just wouldn't think it's worth the risk at the moment.

Aah good point, think I’ll speak to the vets before I change anything. Another supplement has been suggested so will ask whether worth considering

 

[SO1]

A bit outside the box but have you tested for tape worm as that can cause colic symptoms.

 

[Evie91]

A bit outside the box but have you tested for tape worm as that can cause colic symptoms.

Thank you - not tested but wormed

 

[SO1]

Thank you - not tested but wormed

Test I had a pony that was regularly wormed who still had got a very bad case of tape worm and the vets thought at one point he might have had stomach cancer or a heart condition and it got to the point where I said test for everything and it turned out he had a very bad case of tapeworm and once treated much to the surprise of the vet his symptoms went.

I have know several horses with colic symptoms who were wormed where it turned out to be tapeworm.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Test I had a pony that was regularly wormed who still had got a very bad case of tape worm and the vets thought at one point he might have had stomach cancer or a heart condition and it got to the point where I said test for everything and it turned out he had a very bad case of tapeworm and once treated much to the surprise of the vet his symptoms went.

I have know several horses with colic symptoms who were wormed where it turned out to be tapeworm.

Good idea and saliva tapeworm tests are not expensive to do, we use poo post or Westgate labs x

 

[Evie91]

Test I had a pony that was regularly wormed who still had got a very bad case of tape worm and the vets thought at one point he might have had stomach cancer or a heart condition and it got to the point where I said test for everything and it turned out he had a very bad case of tapeworm and once treated much to the surprise of the vet his symptoms went.

I have know several horses with colic symptoms who were wormed where it turned out to be tapeworm.

Thank you - sounds worth a try! And as Trakkey said inexpensive, added bonus!

 

[Ratface]

Haven't read all the replies so apologies if im repeating...

I had a horse with a suspected brain tumour who experienced full seizures. She also often had a small colic episode at the same time, I imagine due to the stress and tiredness.

Can you video these episodes and send it to your vet? I did this and my vet shared the footage with senior vets who all agreed on them being seizures.

I still have the video if you'd like to see it...? I find it quite distressing to watch but I'm happy to share if it helps you at least rule it out, but I'd bear in mind that their are different types of seizures and they affect different horses in different ways.

Either way, I really hope you are able to find a cause, and hopefully treatment, very soon .

Many years ago, I stabled at a yard where the owner's horse showed very similar symptoms. He was later diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to be pts.
Sending hope and gentle hugs your way.

 

[SEL]

Thank you - not tested but wormed

That's actually a very good point. It is worth doing an Equisal test and checking that you don't have a high count even though you have wormed.

I used to livery next to a horse who had some odd behaviours. Very bad tempered and would appearing colicky at times.

The owner was not a fan of the "new fangled testing rubbish" but one year we all had to do a test and his result was horrendous and took a year before it stabilised (I'm pretty sure the lack of poo picking meant he was getting reinfected). His personality and gut issues both changed for the better over that year.

 

[Baroque]

A friend's TB suffered from megaoesophagus and it presented initially very much as you are seeing in yours. More usually, in megaoesophagus, the choke symptoms are more apparent but in hers we saw almost exactly what you're seeing, with her mare looking more colicky than choking. If you see what you mean?

I hope you get to the bottom of this quickly, it must be horribly worrying.

 

[Grassy]

Sounds like a seizure to me. I had a pony that just suddenly fell over & then after a bit got up & was normal, I wasn’t there, another livery was holding her for her teeth. It happened again & she stumbled forward in the stable & hit me, my head smashed into the brick pillar by the door & the back of my head split open & I was taken to hospital, they said if it was my temple I would have died. Vet suspected a brain tumour & she was PTS. Please be careful handling him & I wish you well .

 

[sanjo]

Good Evening all, posting in desperation really. Have a poorly horse, he is receiving vet treatment but currently stumped by his symptoms. Posting on here in case anyone has experienced anything similar. None of my friends or contacts have ever experienced this and I feel stuck and desperate to help my beautiful boy.
Horse is ex race tb, 7 years old, perfect happy hacker, lives out 24/7 (as his preference - doesn’t like being stabled), going into third winter living out (previous two has thrived), has field shelter, rugs, companions, hard feed and hay, lives in large field with natural shelter and field shelter, automatic water trough, plenty of space, little mud, was ridden four times a week - mainly hacking, some jumping and schooling. Up to date with all usual checks. Horse is having vet care and I’ve tried to keep concise- he has had everything thrown at him to try and address this (not literally!).

So probably 8 weeks ago horse had what I’m now describing as an ’episode’ came into stable fine, then almost immediately began to choke. Treated with airwaves and was fine, week or so later same thing then progressed to colic symptoms- walked horse around, he threw himself on the ground, rolled once, eyes glazed over, teeth exposed and I thought he was dead! (as did professional who was with me at the time), unmoving for five minutes, got up shook himself and completely fine. Vet phoned - just monitor as seemed fine. Two days later another episode, bought in from field immediately showing colic signs, vet called, horse walked, throwing himself on the floor, laying still, jumping up. Vet attends, on examination no signs of colic (no spasms, no elevated heart rate), given pain relief.
Horse scoped has some ulcers, now six weeks into treatment and ulcers (including hind gut) 75% better. Horse continues with episodes. Has lost significant amount of weight. Episodes usually begin with horse lying flat out in field, gets up, paws the ground, refuses to eat, throws himself around Or he seems like he is suffering from mild choke but isn’t (hard to describe). Last two episodes he’s been put on the walker and seems ok after about an hour. This horse has always loved his food but now barely eats - is stood at the hay bar but picking strands rather than stuffing his face.
My concern is that although the ulcers are getting better I’m seeing no improvement in him and he continues to lose weight (obvs no longer riding). Professionals involved are stumped, he continues with ulcer treatment and weekly vet visits ( for injections). Vets are discussing next steps but unsure where to start. He’s had blood tests - all fine, heart fine, wormed, teeth fine (checked two weeks ago even though he wasn’t due). There’s probably a lot more I haven’t gone into (as want people to read and give advice, not get bored and log off). There is no pattern, happens all times of the day (assume sometimes they are missed, these are the only ones we know about), no correlation with being fed (or not), no two episodes are exactly the same although each time he does refuse food and seems off for a few days afterwards (quiet).
anyone got any advice, seen anything similar?

Hi Evie
This sounds scary and heart breaking in equal measure.
I had an experience with a much loved horse where she would lie down or roll around very dramatically out of nowhere, no warning and no other signs of colic. Often with tack on or when I was grooming her. No other symptoms.
This happened for a few months and eventually was admitted to the vet hospital in Potters Bar. She was opened up and it was a strange case of twisted gut that much to my utter sadness, could not be fixed. That was 30 years ago and there have been many advancements since then.
I do hope it’s not the same but lying down, as he is doing, is clearly a sign that he is in a lot of pain.
If you have insurance I’d ask him to be admitted to a vet hospital for specialist examinations.
Lots of hugs x

 

[PeterNatt]

This may sound seriously crazy but get your vet to check his sheath for maggotts!

 

[Evie91]

Thanks all for your replies. He’s off to Newmarket Horsepital so hoping they can give me some answers. He’s only seven and the best happy hacker (and fast canter, small jumps!) and such a lovely, kind horse with character, there’s nothing about him not to like. He had a hard time racing and really deserves a happy and healthy retirement.
Thanks to all who have shared their experiences and sent good wishes! Hoping for a Christmas miracle!

 

[Evie91]

P.s sure the vets will love me but I’ve taken note of all suggestions and done my own google research , really want no stone left unturned.

 

[AmyMay]

Good luck. Really hope for a happy and positive outcome x

 

[Dave's Mam]

Fingers crossed for a good result.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Best of luck!