West Nile Virus - has anyone had any experience of this ?

Gasper

Gasper

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My boy is currently in the Equine Hospital suffering from as yet unconfirmed West Nile Virus.

Ten days ago he had what we thought was mild colic, full recovery and no treatment needed. Fast forward a week and I went to bring him out of his stable and he wasn't right. His gait was stilted and he appeared very stiff and uncomfortable, trembling lower lip but otherwise ok. Didn't ride just kept him under observation. Vet came out gave him some pain relief , etc. no temperature, other obs ok. Following morning he was trembling all over and high reaction to any stimuli.

Transferred him to equine hospital for tests where he's been since Thursday afternoon. Waiting on test results coming back from America but he's no better.

Does anyone have any experience of this virus. Reports I've read show 33% risk of mortality, 50% full recovery and 17% recovery with continuing issues.

I am beyond worried, particularly as he's 19 years old.

Strong coffee and chocolate are all I can offer :-(
 
How worrying for you, I hope he gets better soon.

Sorry, I have never come across it so can't offer any help, just a hug.
 
Thank you, I think it's just a waiting game at the moment, but I feel so helpless. I followed the trailer to the hospital on Thursday , took two hours but I could see his head all the way there. When they took him off the trailer he wouldn't go into the hospital for the groom but followed me in like a little lamb.
 
Just in case anyone's interested from a very bleak outlook on Friday night /Saturday morning my little superstar appears to be fighting back and is now out of intensive care. Going to see him tomorrow so fingers crossed.

Still waiting on test results coming back but vet is reasonably confident he's on the mend.
 
Good luck to your boy. WNV is a scary condition and one which can come and go and possibly cause long term consequences. Where I live there is only a small risk of WNV so I don't vaccinate for it. I don't know any horses around here who have contracted WNV but I do know 2 people who have and they said it was incredibly debilitating and they had setbacks for a few years afterwards.
 
Thanks equinus, and Spring Feather our vet has only heard of two cases here in the last few years. I'm aware there can be relapses and in a pushing 20 year old it's worrying particularly in a punishing climate like we have. But waiting on the test results and we will work on a care plan for him.

So excited I'm going to see him tomorrow !
 
Finally got the test results back yesterday and it is confirmed as West Nile Virus. Gasper was released from the equine hospital last week and is now on box rest. All twitching, etc has stopped and he is nearly back to normal. He has a sore spot on the inside of his off hind which he goes berserk if you go anywhere near but other than that is back to his cheeky self.

Was seriously unimpressed on his return to the yard to find his stable disinfected , painted and his previous sand bed replaced with wood shavings. I on the other hand am delighted as it's the cleanest he's ever been ! Result .

Still unsure as to whether we will face any recurrence.
 
Keep positive. Glad he's home now and seems to be out of the woods for the time being. WNV is a strange condition and it can go either way. Hopefully your boy will continue to go from strength to strength.
 
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