Worried Sick about my Horse and not sure the Vet 'Gets It'

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PercyMum

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Now I usually support and agree with my vets 100%, but I really feel that this time they are not really listening to what I am saying. I'd really appreciate your thoughts so if you could just hang in there with me, I'd be grateful...

15yo ISH gelding lacking impulsion, increasingly sluggish to ride and won't take the contact forward and genrally not 'right'. Doesnt want to jump or go for a blast out (usually is a crazed beast when it comes to both of these activities so odd to start with). Have teeth, back and saddle done - all fine.

Starts making a noise in canter. Sounds like an asthmatic is the best way to describe it. Call vet, vet says its a virus, give him 2 weeks he should be fine. After 2 weeks, no better and noise now starting in trot. All other symptoms remain. Call vets back who refer to senior parter who has him in for tracheal scope, bloods, swabs, lameness check. All fine, nothing lurking anywhere. Told to take him home and bring him back into work, probably had virus now over it and should be ok. Take him out for a hack and he is literaly dead on his feet. He is always a bit trippy in front in walk but this time falls over (properly over) about 3 times so now I am really worried. Its like he doesnt have the strength to catch himself.

By now I have noticed he isn't drinking very much and despite the better weather and 20-odd kg of haylage I am still piling into him every night, he still isnt putting weight back on (has been wormed regularly too). Also very sleepy, not rolling in field (LOVES rolling) and seems panicky and fearful of any sudden change and is petrified of other horse, despite other horse never doing anything to him. Also going suddenly lame in random feet for a few strides, then fine. If he knocks his feet, he literally falls over. All sounds like pain to me...

Call vets back and update them on the above who refer to Liphook who then suggest a dynamic scope but the earliest they can do is 17 Jun. I have think and my gut tells me the noise when working is a symptom of something else. I know my horse and he is sick, and is getting sicker. I explain this to them and they agree - only to tell me to bring him in for an appointment to 'have a look'. I point (very politely)out that dragging him an hour and a bit up the motorway when he is clearly feeling like s***e for bloods/scope etc when its already been done is probably not the best plan so I really feel he needs to come in for a proper investigation or go back to my own vets, not just go up there for a quick prod to then come back again. Phone original vet who says its now in Liphook's hands. Liphook yet to come back to me but last they said is that the medic needs to see him - for a general check.

AAARRRRRGGHHH! I feel like they think I am a stupid silly little girl! He is ill, I can tell he is ill and I don't think they are taking it seriously enough. This horse has come through the most god-awful injuries with a smile on his chops. I have NEVER seen him like this. I just don't know what to do. I am worried sick - he has been through hell and back with me and I cannot bear seeing him so down.

Thanks for getting to the end - what do you think?
 
I would be worried too. I'm a great believer in 'listen to the horse' or 'follow your gut feeling', which is what you are doing. Is there another equine practice you could get him referred to, sooner than Liphook? Or just for a second opinion?
 
I think I agree that your horse sounds like he has a serious problem. However I'm not sure what the best course of action is. Is there a vet at your usual practise that you particularly trust? Failing that, a 'third opinion' from a different practise?
 
I am so sorry to hear about your horse. I agree, the vets need to take it seriously and do a full investigation!
If I were you, just keep calling them until they fit you in ASAP. Maybe try and get the number of the specialist they have said you need to speak to and explain everything to them and see what they suggest as they will probably at least be able to offer some advice until they can come and see him.

I really hope you get it sorted, I think if it continued and they still aren't listening I would look at getting a second opinion.

Good luck!
 
I think you know when your horse is not right, the falling over sounds really worrying. Will Lip hook not take him for investigation sooner given what is now happening?
Talk to the senior partner at your own vets, explain all the new symptoms that are showing now, if they and Lip hook won't act faster, I think I would consider calling in a different equine vet.
Do hope you get some help it is understanbly very worrying for you.
 
I have no idea what is wrong, it sounds very worrying and I am surprised nothing has shown up so far, the bloods should be expected to show if he has an infection anywhere.

I would be furious with the regular vets, just because they have referred him does not mean they no longer have responsibility for him and if you ask them to attend they should, even if they have no idea what is wrong and feel they can do no more, it cannot be in his best interests to travel just to undergo the same tests that can be done at home.

The panicky behaviour and nervousness can be because he feels unwell and vulnerable so is trying to keep out of trouble, he probably is not resting fully for the same reason which will make him feel worse but being a horse you cannot put them to bed and tell them to relax.
 
I have been referred to Liphook a couple of times and am now registered with them,have always found them really helpful.Have you tried ringing Liphook direct and explaining the situation to them.Unfortunately if your vet thinks you are being an overprotective mummy-which we all would be-they may not explain the worry and seriousness of it to Liphook who may not feel there is a rush.I really would give Liphook a call,if you explain that don't feel you are being taken seriously and are really worried about the horse-I am sure they will try and help a lot sooner.Good Luck.
 
Thanks - I was beginning to worry that I was being unreasonable or stupid. Its difficult for the vets, I understand that, as all the little things I am describing are just that - little. But he is not right at all. I just feel something nasty is lurking and it needs dealing with NOW, not a load of procrastination on the part of the pro's while they dither about discussing it between themselves.
 
be positive said:
I have no idea what is wrong, it sounds very worrying and I am surprised nothing has shown up so far, the bloods should be expected to show if he has an infection anywhere.

I would be furious with the regular vets, just because they have referred him does not mean they no longer have responsibility for him and if you ask them to attend they should, even if they have no idea what is wrong and feel they can do no more, it cannot be in his best interests to travel just to undergo the same tests that can be done at home.

The panicky behaviour and nervousness can be because he feels unwell and vulnerable so is trying to keep out of trouble, he probably is not resting fully for the same reason which will make him feel worse but being a horse you cannot put them to bed and tell them to relax.
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Thankyou - the last bit is exactly what I think but all the vet said was 'hmm'. This horse is usually bombproof - and I mean, bombproof. he doesn't do silly or panicky. He could be a police horse he is so blinkin sensible and at the moment he throws himslef around if you go to put his headcollar on...
 
I'd call another vets surgery out and get another opinion, the symptoms your describing aren't good especially as your saying they are getting worse, nothing worse that nobody listening to you is there! :(
If it was me, I'd be doing some searches on the net on the symptoms, although as with people it usually comes up with some horrific problems so just be aware if you do google! but it may give you some ideas of what it could be which you could suggest to your vets.
Hope you get some answers soon, follow your instincts you know him more than anyone!
 
Has his heart ever been tested/checked? Heart issues can mimic respiritory issues.

Hopefully Liphook will be able to help, or maybe look to get up to Newmarket?

Big hugs xx
 
Sounds like a mare I sold several years ago I like to keep in touch with the owner if I can after about 6 years of owning her she caught a virus, was diagnosed with EMS and became lethargic and in a terrible state in spite of being on meds and a special diet
Further investigation discovered no EMS and a very low b12 count low bloods both red and white counts now diagnosed with an ME type post viral syndrome. At deaths door ready to be pts they tried interferon it did perk her up a bit but still under a death sentence she was turned away while a decision could be made and while she was still lethargic she got very slowly less sick. She is now healthy and back to work and having the time of her life but it took nearly 3 years before she was completely better.
I hope this isnt the case with yours the vets should listen to you though
 
Sounds almost like he has a respiratory problem (and something else?) and therefore isn't getting enough oxygen, hence the sluggish behaviour. I wonder, if he is having problems breathing, it may be worse when he lies down, so rolling and sleep would be on his things not to do list! Have you noticed if he's lying down at all? Poor horse sounds like he's exhausted.
 
If your gut instinct is telling you something, always act on it. I agree, try Liphook direct or failing that try another practice. Sounds worrying tho, hope you get him sorted soon!
 
I would be equally concerned.
If Liphook are unable to immediately accommodate your horse I would have your horse referred to Rossdales in Newmarket who you will find are a very fine and sympathetic equine hospital and who I hold in the highest of regard.
 
Beausmate said:
Sounds almost like he has a respiratory problem (and something else?) and therefore isn't getting enough oxygen, hence the sluggish behaviour. I wonder, if he is having problems breathing, it may be worse when he lies down, so rolling and sleep would be on his things not to do list! Have you noticed if he's lying down at all? Poor horse sounds like he's exhausted.
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He does lie down at night but usually he properly sparks out. The last time I saw him lie down he was just kind of sat on his chest, which is unusual for him. He does the flat-out dead horse impression usually.

I think the oxygen thing too. But said this and again, no-one seems to be listening :mad:
 
Just a few thoughts, is he eating normally but not drinking that is how I read the OP, could he be dehydrated? If he is eating well give him very sloppy feeds at regular intervals with some electrolytes in this will help get his fluid levels up, dehydration can have an effect of all functions and can make them seem wobbly and getting plenty of fluids in will do more good than harm anyway even if he does not really need them he will just pee more as long as his kidney function is good.

The breathing is obviously related but it may be a symptom rather than the cause as nothing showed on the scope, heart must have been checked at the same time I assume nothing was wrong that could be heard.
 
be positive said:
Just a few thoughts, is he eating normally but not drinking that is how I read the OP, could he be dehydrated? If he is eating well give him very sloppy feeds at regular intervals with some electrolytes in this will help get his fluid levels up, dehydration can have an effect of all functions and can make them seem wobbly and getting plenty of fluids in will do more good than harm anyway even if he does not really need them he will just pee more as long as his kidney function is good.

The breathing is obviously related but it may be a symptom rather than the cause as nothing showed on the scope, heart must have been checked at the same time I assume nothing was wrong that could be heard.
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Yes, heart checked and that was fine. Liphook just called back. Just said that the previous tests didnt show anything so they are not sure what to do. Original vet said he was very bright - but he was in an unfamiliar place and he hates the vets so he would not be acting normally would he???!!! Now trying to get hold of original vet to sort out what the hell is going on.

Thanks for the electrolyte idea - I will try that.
 
I would be worried too. I think vets sometimes seem to lack the sense of urgency we feel as owners - we love our horses and want it fixed NOW. They are more methodical and work through the options exploring every possibility. I suppose it is a good thing really as panic won't help but i do realise, and know from personal experience, how frustrating it all is. It does sound as if they are exploring all avenues in turn, just not quickly enough. I'd keep hassling for an earlier appointment at Liphook.
Vibes for your boy. Hope he picks up soon.
 
Are there any fields of Oil Seed Rape flowering near were you keep him? If I were you I would actually go to Liphook and let them run everyting again...you never know what they may find and at least they have a fresh starting position
 
Really feel for you.

My advice would be to call Liphook direct and explain the urgency. If they can't get him in sooner, call round to find somewhere that can then ask your vet to email them the referral straight away!

You are the client and the one paying so put your foot down and say you arent happy waiting as he is unwell. You know your horse better than anyone.

I'm sure someone will fit you in.

I hope everything is OK. Let us know the outcome.
 
No advice to add to whats already been said but I definately agree with following your gut instinct 100%.
I really hope he is sorted soon...sending positive vibes your way :) xx
 
Thanks all. I'm crapping myself. I lost my little mare nearly a year ago - and that started because my gut told me she wasn't right. Turned out she was a Wobbler and that was a fight to get anything done and I only got her sorted once she collapsed. That started as 'little things' that just didnt seem right and look how that ended up. Nothing the vets could have done tbf.

I am not sure I could face having something so awful happening to my gorgeous boy and am just so worried that its somthing that can be addressed NOW.
 
I think you should follow all the advice on here and phone whoever people recommend.

In the meantime, you can do whatever you can to look after what sounds like a sick horse.

So the electrolytes suggested, making sure he is adequately hydrated, sloppy feeds ect.
Keep him warm and comfortable.
If the other horses are scaring him, any chance of turnout on his own in an adjoining paddock?
Or even giving him a few days box rest? (is that sensible, don't know)

I'm sure people will have better suggestions than me about this.
 
can you speak to liphook and say that you know that everything so far has been inconclusive and understand that they therefore aren't sure what to do but that you would like to take him in for a full work up asap regardless?
 
Temperature check ours had a virus became very unhappy abs was told it was a virus, turned out to be strangles. Many don't get full blown symptoms so you would never know they had it expect for being off colour. We reckon the whole yard got it but only one became so ill he nearly died. Anyway check your horses temperature. It's the best sign to see how I'll it is.
 
has the horse been checked for Aneamia it will cause cause tiredness and the lack of oxygen will cause breathing difficulties , also I believe if your vet is not helping your horse he is failing in his duty of care ,ask him if he can send some one from an animal hospital to check your horse ,say he is not fit to travel ,don t be fobbed off .

I know how hard it is to feel helpless ,and I hope you get the help you need .
 
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