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Mysterious Horse Illness

1K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  Elsie 
#1 ·
My mare, who is 6 years old, has been having all sorts of troublesome symptoms. All started with a bit of anxiousness and spookiness, which I figured she was just having a "day" as she does occasionally, but it never lasts more than a day... this has been going on for 2 months now.

She has had a variety of things done in the past month to help her through this troublesome time, such as saddle-fit, chiro, teeth checked, and a physical. She is utd on all shots and coggins. Also been treated with Ranitidine for suspected ulcers. I saw 0 improvement in her while on that. Vet and I are still working on figuring this mystery out so vet is involved. I then was recommended a Bute trial, in which i tried, and I almost completely had my horse back! it was amazing! After being on the Bute for 2 days and eating it with NO ISSUE, she suddenly decided to stop eating her grain except maybe a few bites. After this, I had to inject the Bute orally to finish the trial. She was still almost off her grain but still eating some nibbles. Was still almost back to my old laid back horse!

It has now been 2 days since off the Bute and new symptoms have appeared, along with the old ones back. She is suddenly kicking, biting, and pinning her ears when I put pressure under her flanks, at the backside of the barrel. She is fine if I pet her there and touch her teats (these are things I have practiced and she is groomed there often). Now, when I start putting the slightest bit of pressure there, she becomes easily agitated, as if it hurts bad.

She has never been a disrespectful horse, easily corrected if gotten out of line on the ground and while riding. She has never offered to kick anyone or bite and i have owned her for 3 years.

What do these symptoms sound like to you? Vet said maybe a cyst, ulcers (maybe the Ranitidine did her no good), or some join pain (even though she isnt lame). These are the things we are going for next. Starting her on joint meds tomorrow.

I am tired, agitated myself, and just need answers :/
 
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#9 ·
No but that is on the list as one of the next things!

That was my first thought too, some reproductive issue. It must be horribly painful if you got such a dramatic result from a Bute trial. She needs some kind of pain relief until you get a diagnosis and treatment plan, but she will need some gut support too as many of the antiinflammatories can cause GI problems. I would take her to a University equine hospital so you'll have many eyes and top diagnostic equipment at her disposal.
I'm glad you got to see a tiny window of pain free living for her, it's nice to know your old friend is still in there. I hope she'll be back to her normal self in no time!
I am glad too, but leaves quite an open door for what is going on. I will look into the equine hospitals and gut support!

If the Bute helped then its almost certainly pain related but unfortunately Bute can cause stomach ulcers so you might now be seeing side effects of that as well as the return of whatever the original pain was
The region you're indicating is more indicative of hindgut ulcers than stomach ulcers - rantidine and antacids won't help with them
If you're confident that ulcers weren't the problem then in a 6 year old mare the most likely cause is an ovarian cyst or she struggles with oversized follicles
Magnesium supplements can really help mares who get cranky when in heat but use a supplement with a guaranteed analysis so you know what she's getting each day. It will also help with stomach ulcers as its an antacid
I will add the magnesium supps to my list to try. We are thinking it may be something with her reproductive system as well. Thank you!

Are you in a location where Lyme disease could be a possibility?
Yes we are... Will add this to my list as well as options. Sure hope it isnt though.

I'm wondering if she is starting to cycle this year for the spring fling as I call it...
For whatever the reason, seen many a mare get so ouchy and miserable as winter is waning and spring approaches...hormonal changes and swear it starts mid December ramping up in issues...as the daylight lengthens so does their witchiness and unpredictable whatever.


Have you considered Regumate or something similar that is birth control for horses, needs careful monitoring and administered but can make the spooky, anxiety and reactive horse quiet{er} when their hormones are controlled.
That though is something to discuss with your medical professional, aka vet, for her being a candidate and does she fit the profile of one who could benefit...
:runninghorse2:...
I have not tried this, but will look more into it. It looks very expensive, but i need to try anything I can. T



Thank you everyone. I will try to keep you all updated.
 
#4 ·
That was my first thought too, some reproductive issue. It must be horribly painful if you got such a dramatic result from a Bute trial. She needs some kind of pain relief until you get a diagnosis and treatment plan, but she will need some gut support too as many of the antiinflammatories can cause GI problems. I would take her to a University equine hospital so you'll have many eyes and top diagnostic equipment at her disposal.
I'm glad you got to see a tiny window of pain free living for her, it's nice to know your old friend is still in there. I hope she'll be back to her normal self in no time!
 
#6 ·
If the Bute helped then its almost certainly pain related but unfortunately Bute can cause stomach ulcers so you might now be seeing side effects of that as well as the return of whatever the original pain was
The region you're indicating is more indicative of hindgut ulcers than stomach ulcers - rantidine and antacids won't help with them
If you're confident that ulcers weren't the problem then in a 6 year old mare the most likely cause is an ovarian cyst or she struggles with oversized follicles
Magnesium supplements can really help mares who get cranky when in heat but use a supplement with a guaranteed analysis so you know what she's getting each day. It will also help with stomach ulcers as its an antacid
 
#8 ·
I'm wondering if she is starting to cycle this year for the spring fling as I call it...
For whatever the reason, seen many a mare get so ouchy and miserable as winter is waning and spring approaches...hormonal changes and swear it starts mid December ramping up in issues...as the daylight lengthens so does their witchiness and unpredictable whatever.


Have you considered Regumate or something similar that is birth control for horses, needs careful monitoring and administered but can make the spooky, anxiety and reactive horse quiet{er} when their hormones are controlled.
That though is something to discuss with your medical professional, aka vet, for her being a candidate and does she fit the profile of one who could benefit...
:runninghorse2:...
 
#11 ·
UPDATE!!!!!!
Okay everyone, it’s been a while. A lot of money has been spent... but my vet decided to try a Caslick, because she had a long vulva, and she believes she’s sucking air and getting uncomfortable with the irritation. We have a lot more options to try after that, but it is a start!
 
#13 ·
Ah shame. I hope for both your sake's that the problems are over. It is never nice to see one's horse partner in so much pain.


Out of curiosity, were the ulcers and Lyme disease and any other diseases or sicknesses been ruled out from the blood work that was done?
 
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