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Discussion on AF in Miniature Horse filly
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Member:
amylacy
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Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 10:04 am:
I have a Miniature Horse filly, aged 1 year and 10 months, who was recently diagnosed with possible AF. It came to light when I had a vet out to do some dental work on her and he was doing a pre-sedation exam on her. He declined to sedate her at that point, and recommended that I take her in for ECG and cardiac ultrasound for further diagnosis.
She had been evaluated just three weeks prior when receiving her vaccinations and had no sign of any problem at that time. She is showing no signs of distress at this point.
This filly had some real health challenges up until six months ago. She had chronic severe diarrhea and also some respiratory issues. All of these problems have been cleared up, and I am not feeling too much like giving her a dangerous dose of anything.
I had hoped originally for this filly to be a driving horse, but I am completely fine with her being a broodmare as well.
My questions:
Is there any research indicating this might be a hereditary issue?
Is this a common problem for miniature horses? Any data on conversion success rates in miniatures? And what is the safest method? The vet I talked with about it seemed to think she might not be a good candidate, due to her size for some reason. She weighs approximately 200 lbs.
Apparently WSU is performing a procedure using electrical stimulation that is pretty successful and safer than chemical conversion. They are about five hours away for me so it is possible for her to go there. What are your thoughts on this type of procedure?
If I do not attempt conversion, can she lead a reasonable life as a broodmare?
Is it very unsafe for horses with this condition to be sedated for routine procedures such as dental work?
Thank you for any information.
Amy Lacy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 8:56 am:
Hello Amy,
1) Not that I am aware of.
2) Not that I am aware of.
3) Considering a ten hour round trip and the overall safety and success of chemical conversion I would attempt the chemical first.
4) With successful conversion this little horse can lead a absolutely normal life.
5) I would be careful with the use of those sedatives with specific action on the heart, like xylazine and detomidine. I would first convert then sedate. If you are not going to convert try ace and/or butorphanol, and carefully titrate the dose to the lowest needed to accomplish the job.
DrO
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Member:
amylacy
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Posted on Sunday, May 27, 2007 - 3:53 pm:
Well I got to test out the sedation issues last night during an emergency call.  My filly was laying down at an unusual time and didn't seem inclined to get up, so I decided to take her temperature. I lifted her tail and there was a tangerine-ball sized pink balloon coming from her vulva. PANIC. She did have to be sedated, and did okay on it. Turns out she has a large polyp in her vaginal canal and that is what was popping out. I tried to find something here on the site about this new problem, to no avail. Any thoughts on polyps in this area??? My poor filly.
At any rate, I am now considering attempting conversion more strongly than I was. I am so worried to lose this nice filly, she is everything I will be striving for in my breeding program from a conformation and movement standpoint.
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