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  Discussion on Unknown toxin in pregnant mare
Author Message
Member:
Jdunton

Posted on Thursday, Feb 6, 2003 - 12:28 pm:

A friend has a pregnant mare that was just diagnosed with some kind of e.coli bacterial infection cause by some sort of toxin that we have not yet identified. She was very dehydrated, diarhea, not eating, temperature of 103, elevated heart rate and laying down 24/7. Blood tests revealed her white blood cell count at 2 and her fibrinogen levels over 1200. She also had some sounds in her lungs. She stayed at the vet until her temperature was down and she was rehydrated and eating. The foal had a lot of movement so it was assumed to be ok so far. She is due to foal in a month and a half. They brought her home and are giving her penicillin, banamine and something else that I am not sure of. After a few days home she started getting swelling around her head and belly. She needs to go back to the vet, but they don't have the funds to get her back in. The bill was already quite high. Is there anything that can be done at home to help out her immune system and swelling? They have been in contact with the vet, but I am afraid the horse isn't going to make it since they aren't taking her back in. I feel bad for the mare and foal. Is this similar to salmanella? And do you have any advise for the owner of this mare?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Feb 7, 2003 - 11:31 am:

The title to your post suggests that you may misunderstand the toxin thing, it is the E. Coli that releases the toxin. The same principles apply as in the article on Salmonella and Colitis, Joy. I hope there is something in there to help them.
DrO
Member:
Jdunton

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2003 - 2:57 pm:

Hello again,
I had thought that this mare was doing ok. Since I hadn't heard anything from the owners. But i checked on her yesterday and she is in bad shape. She is very underweight. So bad that it looks like she might not pull through. She is started to bag up finally, so I am thinking that she may foal within a month. I am wondering if the mare will even make it that long, and if inducing is something to consider. She was put on penicillin and banamine and an iv for dehydration and endotoxemia, and was improving, but since has gone back downhill. If the foal should be foaling within a month, would there be a chance of inducing in order to at least save the foal? And if so, what would the complications be?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 26, 2003 - 12:12 am:

You have to be closer than a month for a fair chance at saving the foal. For more information see » Equine Diseases » Reproductive Diseases » Birthing Problems » Induced Labor, Parturition, or Birth.
DrO
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