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  Discussion on Older mare with persistent fever
Author Message
New Member:
sass

Posted on Thursday, Aug 19, 2010 - 6:27 pm:

I sure hope I have this under the right Topic, let me start with what was printed, maybe you can understand it better then I.

Initial examination/diagnostics performed,
Sugar was quiet and lethargic upon initial examination, Her physical exam parameters were within normal limits. She had a body condition score of 5/9. Her abdomen appeared moderately tucked up and guarded. Re breathing exam was well tolerated. No abdominal lung sounds were auscultated. A mild increase in abdominal effort was noted. A transabdominal ultrasound was performed and revealed a mild increase in Peritoneal fluid volume. A soft tissue mass, approx 11 cm in length, was imaged in the right cranioventral abdomen. Rectal exam revealed multiple firm masses in the root of the mesentery. Trans-rectal ultrasound revealed the presence of soft tissue masses in the root of the mesentery. An abdominal tap was performed yeilding cloudy fluid sample. the total cell count was with in normal range limits. while the total protein was elevated at 5.4 g/dl Cytology of the fluid revealed an inflammatory profile (51% neutrophils) No abnormal or cancerous cells were noted. based on these finding we suspect that masses identified are a form of intestinal tumor, likely lymphoma or adenocarcinoma.

Naxcel- 1.5 grams, in the muscle once a day for five days
Dexamithasone 30 mg (15 cc) in muscle once a day for 2 days, followed by 20 mg in the muscle once a a day for 3 days,

from there.. once she was home

we had to stop the dex because her temp was going up , there was no signs of colic and even when her temp was high, she didn't stand and mope, she browsed around and tried to pick at her hay.

I don't understand all of this, exactly, and what it means as far as longevity on her part. While im sure she had the mass's for alot longer, would you say shes got a chance for improvment to go a little longer pain free? I guess we just don't understand what we are trying to do with the meds that shes on.. she is now on Doxycycline and a banamine to keep her temps down as it tends to rise over nite, I know a thirty year old horse doesn't have alot of time.. but i guess we don't know what else to do to make her comfortable or to see if we could perhaps help her come back to where she was before this started .. is it at all possible to do this? of course we would not put her thru surgery.. but if there are any other suggestions to make her comfortable.. or other treatment.. does this sound like a correct regime to have her on at this stage? It came on so sudden,. it was a little hard to digest , she was in seemingly good health and bright and eager to eat. right now she just doesn't seem to have the interest in eating. Why would the temps insist on rising as the blood work comes back normal other then slightly elevated WBCs? sorry for all the questions.. just trying to figure out where to go from here.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, Aug 20, 2010 - 11:49 am:

Hi Gayle,

I'm surprised you haven't received any answers yet. Obviously, you need Dr.O or someone with a lot more medical experience than I have to answer your questions, but - I was wondering if the vet gave you any ideas on what the masses in her abdomen are? What caused them? Are the cancerous? With the fever, is there a chance she could have pigeon fever that has internalized? What are you feeding her? Do you have her on a senior complete feed, or have you tried that? Wish I had some answers. I have a real soft spot for sweet old mares!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Aug 20, 2010 - 7:01 pm:

Hello Gayle,
Using an ultrasound they have found tumors in your horses abdomen. They do not know if they are infectious (abscesses) or cancer. A ultrasound guided needle biopsy of one of the tumors may answer this question and in turn provide answers to many of the questions you pose in your post that we do not have enough information here to answer with any confidence.

The purpose for the medications you list is to treat a potential infection, relieve inflammation, and lower fever.
DrO
New Member:
sass

Posted on Friday, Aug 20, 2010 - 10:32 pm:

Hi, and thanks Sara, she is on senior feed, and we tried her on the new strategy Healthy edge, she seems to like that better, I don't think pigeon fever is in NJ is it? Ive never heard of it being here..

Dr O, would not lymphoma/adenocarcinoma be likely to cause some form of colic? I thought it was rather odd that she showed no colic during this whole episode ,If , for instance, they were abscess's, is it possible she could fight them off with the doxy and return to normal ? or is even that not a likely outcome.. I know its impossible to tell over the Internet.. just hoping she could be like she was even a month ago, her weight was fine and she was fine...well at least we thought..
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, Aug 20, 2010 - 11:52 pm:

If you go to the CDC site, it might say if Pigeon Fever is in NJ. I live in UT so am not of much help! It's been bad in the SW the last couple of years. I mentioned it because it's one of the few reasons I can think of for a horse to have numerous tumors, and it can really make a horse sick, esp. if it's internalized.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 8:39 am:

The lack of colic does not rule out neoplasia Gayle and as to whether the doxy will eliminate the abscesses depends on how sensitive the organism is to your treatment regimen. Both of these questions are best addressed with a ultrasound guided biopsy of the tumors.
DrO
New Member:
sass

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 2:26 pm:

I would like to thank everyone for the input, and all the help Dr.O, but sadly this morning Sugar took a turn and went into a colic, assuming the "mass" shifted or ruptured, but within a short time went from eating with her buddy, to straining to pass manure-and colic, she laid down and the vet then arrived and we had her euthanized as she had clearly decided to leave us in spite of our best efforts. She will be missed, she was an inspiration and a very brave ,stoic horse. If a horse could be ALL heart, she was certainly that. I wish we could turn back time, but she did not suffer. Thank you all very much.I would also like to express my appreciation to Smart Pac. I Had ordered more supplements that were not going to be used and were unopened}, and Smart pac said they would gladly refund the price of the supplements and to please donate them . what a great company they are. So they will be a donation from Sugar..
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 2:40 pm:

I'm sorry Gayle. I was hoping for a better outcome for Sugar. Like Sara I love the old mares. Sounds like she was one of the good ones and had a good life with you.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 2:54 pm:

I'm so sorry. It is good to know she won't suffer any more. It is so hard to loose a horse you love; I've been there many times over the years. Take heart in knowing you did all you could for her and gave her a good life. No one can ask more.

Great to know about Smart Pak. Good for them.
Member:
shirl

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 3:48 pm:

Dear Gayle,

Deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Your beloved mare is now happy, free of pain and at peace over the Bridge.

Hugs, Shirl
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 5:12 pm:

My condolences Gayle. Is it possible to have a necropsy done? I find knowing what happened helps with a loss.
DrO
New Member:
sass

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 6:18 pm:

Thank You , to all who posted, Dr O, the truck took her already, she is to be cremated,so at this point I guess necropsy is not an option. The fact she did not suffer is comforting in itself. All her people were with her, and she was in her own field where she loved to be, and a nice day,with her horsey family close by... so I guess I can't ask for much more than that.
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 - 7:52 pm:

Peace be with you and Sugar.

All my condolences
Rachelle
Member:
frances

Posted on Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 - 7:08 am:

So sorry for your loss Gayle. Sugar was much loved during her life, and her end was truly peaceful. That counts for a lot.

Big hugs.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 - 2:08 pm:

So sorry to hear about your losing Sugar. You can take comfort in knowing that she had a good life with you and did not suffer in the end.
Lilo
Member:
zoey

Posted on Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 - 3:21 pm:

My sympathy to you, I had a near death experience and the Spirit came to me on a big white horse, so I know there are horses in heaven,, Sugar is free of all her pain and running with God's herd.
Member:
canter

Posted on Monday, Aug 23, 2010 - 7:36 am:

Gayle,

My deepest sympathies to you over the loss of Sugar. Sounds like her end came, filled with love, dignity and respect. None can ask for more.

Fran
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