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  Discussion on Neurological? Seizure? Tumor?
Author Message
New Member:
jessam

Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 6:33 pm:

Like many others here I am new and trying to search for an answer so please bear with me. I have a 24yr Arab mare who has been having what I call some kind of seizure or imbalance always seem to be brought on by some anxiety or fear. Ive witnessed her go into a spasm and try to move but cant when she gets frightened of something. One time she was running up the hill with the other horses, and I stood and witnessed her have a seizure like episode, where her head came up, her eyes rolled back, and her legs got very wobbly and she collapsed. She got right back up and proceded to go up with the other horses but was very uncordinated. Vet was called out and blood work was done on glucose, insulin, thyroid and Lyme. Lyme was neg, Was diagnosed IR and a risk for founder, and low thyroid. The mare has been in good health, good weight, sheds out, never foundered. Does have fat deposits over eyes now but not cresty. This doesnt explain to me the reason for the seizure episode. She has since had 2 more mild episodes, but hasnt collapsed. I read most of the posts on seizures and neuorlogical disorders, but there doesnt seem to be anything written on her type of attack. I understand she is aging and could have a tumor somewhere, but if I should be looking in some other direction, as to nutrition imbalance or something else, that could possibly cause this kind of spasm I would be gratefull for any advice anyone could give. Right now Im feeding low starch feed, magnesium supplement, Vit E with selineum, joint supplement and hay. I have limited her pasture and also bought a grazing muzzle. She gets very depressed when she wears this, and hardly moves. She just is not the same horse and Im thinking she may need to go to rest. Any help or advice anyone has I am open to hear. Thank you for your help, and I apologize if Im not clear on everything hear. I should mention the vet had no answer for me.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jun 1, 2008 - 11:05 am:

Hello jacque,
From your description your horse's condition could be epilepsy, which means "seizures of undiagnosed cause". To read more about this condition see, Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Seizures & Fainting » Seizures and Epilepsy. Once you have studied the article you should engage your veterinarian to see if he has other thoughts and depending on your goals consider therapy.

As for a horse in good condition and no history of founder needing a muzzle and other related treatments I would have to ask why? For more on hypothyroidism and insulin resistant related diseases of Cushings and Metabolic SynDrOme see the respective articles at Diseases of Horses » Endocrine System.
DrO
New Member:
jessam

Posted on Sunday, Jun 1, 2008 - 11:40 am:

Thank you SOOO much for your professional opinion. Its so nice to have someone in your field to help me understand some things. Using a muzzle and limiting grazing was suggested by the vet. With my understanding of her formula she has rated this horse as extreme risk of founder because of the insulin resistance and low thyroid. We do have approx. 10 acres of pasture with only 4 horses on them. The grass looks quite good but alot of different type weeds. Nothing to my knowledge is toxic but that doesnt mean there isnt. Although no other horses have exibited any problems. This is only the 2nd year living here. I live in northeastern PA. I have read quite a bit in your seizure discussions and articles. What a great resource this is. I will study the Cushings Metabolic articles next. I truly appreciate your help. I will also call my vet and discuss with her what options I may have for the seizures if this is what occurring.
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