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Discussion on Polyneuritis equi? Can a horse recover from this disease?
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New Member:
lok43
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 5, 2009 - 7:45 am:
Nov 2008 My horse began to dribble urine so we called the vet out immediately. He had a full bladder and feces so the vet emptied him manually. She tested him for signs of neurological damages and he showed signs that something was wrong neurologically. They treated him with DMSO intravenously and inflammatory meds. He showed some improvement but not much. We called out another vet for a second opinion and he told us he had the exact symptoms of Polyneuritis equi. He also tested him for nerve damage and said he has lost some feeling in his hind legs. All of his meds are done and he looks ok except from behind. He has lost all muscle tone in the back, he has paralysis of the bladder, rectum and tail. I have read the disease can be nursed and the horse will live longer but there have been no cases of recovery. We have been nursing him by emptying his urine and feces everyday. His personality has started to change indicating he is uncomfortable and does not want to be messed with. It is now Feb 2009 and before we make our final decision on what to do with him. I want to know if anybody had any experience with this disease and if the paralysis of his back end would ever heal. The disease is so rare and there isn't much info on it. Pleas advise. Thanks Lisa
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 8:10 am:
Welcome Lisa,
I am afraid the information in the article on prognosis is current and accurate. I wish I had better news of some kind. The problem is the immune system is attacking the nerves and treatment is directed at impairing immune function and slow down the attack but when discontinued the disease will start back up.
DrO
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New Member:
lok43
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 10:54 am:
Dear DrO
Thank you for your confirmation on what I have researched and found about this disease. This has been a difficult journey with our horse, Amos and a difficult decision to make with him but I haven't found anything positive on this disease. Thanks again. Lisa
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 1:30 pm:
I am very sorry to hear of your horse's situation, Lisa.
How lucky your horse is to have such loving care at this difficult time.
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New Member:
lok43
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 2:26 pm:
Thanks so much, Vicki.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 3:08 pm:
What a terrible illness; I had never heard of it before. I'm so sorry that you and your horse have to go through such a thing.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 8:59 pm:
Lisa, I'm sorry to welcome you under such circumstances. I hope Amos is reasonably comfortable; and wish you peace with your decision.
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Member:
hollyw
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Posted on Friday, Feb 6, 2009 - 9:24 pm:
Amos isn't very old, is he . . .
and I'm sure you planned on having him around for many years. One thing that I have found helpful is to know that to have had a few good years with love is better than a lifetime without it. You have been doing amazing things in your care of Amos. I'm sure he knows he is loved. In his short life, he is blessed to have found you as his family. Not everyone would have cared for him as faithfully or as well.
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New Member:
lok43
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 7, 2009 - 10:29 am:
Thank you everyone for your kind words. We did plan on having him for a long time. he is only 10. He is a very sweet horse and he has been very good to us. My two girls are heart broken but they understand what has to be done for Amos's sake. We will miss him very much. Everyone have a blessed day and though I do have peace about my decision I am very sad about it. Sincerely Lisa
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 7, 2009 - 3:45 pm:
Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about Amos and his problems. Holly put it so well, you have cared for him faithfully.
Thinking of you and your two girls - it is always so hard to make these decisions for our animal friends.
Lilo
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