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  Discussion on R.Equi Success Story
Author Message
Member:
Goodie

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 14, 2004 - 10:59 pm:

I thought that with all the sadness that this disease can cause, someone out there would like to hear a bit of good news.
The farm I manage sends mares to farms in other states to breed and birth their racing stock. For the first time in 12 years, we were notified that the 3 mares we sent out this year all had R.Equi positive foals. These were our KY stock and very valuable. We did not know that the farm our stud was at had a R.Equi problem in the past when we shipped out the mares. We followed our stud to the farm. When the first call came in, we were told that the oldest filly was spiking a 105.6 temp and was shipped to a special facility after the local vet mis-diagnosed the situation. All 3 mares and babies were shipped immediately upon verification of the disease. We lost the oldest filly within 2 hours of shipping. The other two fillies were diagnosed and immediate treatment of 1200mg Rifampin and 1200mg Zithromax daily was begun. One of the mares of the live fillies coliced on her babies medication (mentioned in the provided information by horse advisor) and was sent to another facility for surgery. Within 2 weeks of the initial diagnosis of our live babies, we were able to transport all 3 mares and 2 live babies back to our farm to a special barn and pasture created just for them. With daily medication, TLC, temp taking, TLC and patience, the youngest filly was given a clean bill of health within a month on her Fibrogen levels, lung x-rays, CBC's and temp. After a week off of her medication, she started gaining a bit more weight and playing with her dam. The second filly was on stall rest with her dam and after 45 days of the same dedication, she also received a clean bill of health like her cousin. They are both active, gaining weight, inhaling everything in sight, playing and competing, and driving their mothers nuts like they are supposed to. It has been 2 weeks since the last of the medication for the last baby and the temps, breathing, and activity levels are normal. Both babies are proof positive that dedication and patience along with medication and great vets, an R.Equi positive baby can survive and thrive after such a devistating illness. Although we still mourn for the oldest baby, we have learned a LOT about how to treat, look for and the long term care for the babies, moms and surroundings. Don't give up if you have a positive R.Equi baby. Just keep up the medication and dedication to the thing we all love the most, Horses.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Jul 17, 2004 - 6:51 am:

Thanks for the heads up Taara. Your story underscores the importance of early diagnosis and to find this disease you have to look for it.
DrO
Member:
Goodie

Posted on Saturday, Jul 17, 2004 - 8:31 pm:

The best part for me is knowing that I can now detect signs and get a head start for next year's crop. I already have a list of signs to watch for, procedures to follow and ideas on how to curb the spread of this disease on my farm.

Thank you for the articles. There may be a lot of them, but each one covers something just a little different that can really help anyone out there willing to learn.

Today my "Rhode" babies were playing tag to keep away from the flys. It was so neat watching them play after all they have been through.
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