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Discussion on Weight loss, weakness, nose bleed, can't walk without signs of struggle
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New Member:
tmelo06
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Posted on Friday, Oct 1, 2010 - 10:51 pm:
We were given a quarter horse and was told that he was able to be ridden but couldn't compete because of a symptom he had in his leg. We chose to take him and figured with light riding he would be ok. Unfortunately he is losing weight and having difficulty walking(as if he has to really struggle to lift each leg). Then today he got a light, short term nose bleed. We have wormed him but that has not made a difference. He was on straight pasture before we acquired him and now is on pasture and oat hay. He has also developed a problem urinating. He still drinks water which I hope is a positive point and still has an appetite. Please help
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Friday, Oct 1, 2010 - 11:41 pm:
A bit more information would be really good. He probably needs a good "going over" with a vet. It would be helpful to know his age, overall condition. We need a description of his urinating problem and an idea of how much water he is drinking.
If a vet goes over him, you'll get pointed in the right direction, instead of chasing theories that different people throw out at you. That can get really expensive.
The weather hasn't been all that great for pasture this year. Depending on his age, and the condition of his teeth, he might not be getting the required nutrition from forage alone.
My instincts would be to get a good equine senior feed and introduce it SLOWLY....maybe a cup a day for awhile and a GRADUAL increase. Then, get the EXACT things you need to treat narrowed down by a vet. In the long run, it's cheaper that way.
Best of luck to you: making a horse's life easier can be so enjoyable....and a noble commitment.
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New Member:
tmelo06
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 - 12:04 am:
Unfortunately we took on this horse and then I got laid off my job. What timing?! Each Vet I call wants at least $3,000 just to see him.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 - 11:03 am:
Terrina, if a good deworming and good nutrition will not get this horse back in good health and you are without funds to pursue his medical problems I would strongly recommend you find a home for the horse where these problems can be investigated by a professional.
I would note that many horses will not maintain weight on pasture and oat hay alone and require concentrates to keep in good condition.
From the information you provide there is no way we can make a stab at what may be troubling this horse, there are just too many possibilities. If you would like to read more about the specific problems you list these are the articles I would recommend you study that will give you information on how to solve these problems:
- HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Weight Loss in Horses » Overview of Chronic Weight Loss
- HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Respiratory System » Nose Bleeds: Epistaxis
- HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Weakness, Exhaustion & Overheating
- HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Urinary System » Normal Urination and Urinalysis in Horses
DrO
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 - 11:10 am:
Hi Terrina and welcome to HA. I thought our vet was overpriced!!! It is getting harder and harder to support these majestic animals, but I find it hard to believe just a good physical exam would cost $3000 Maybe $300 with a blood draw are you sure you heard them right?
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 5, 2010 - 12:34 am:
You can probably do this, Terrina. The vet price just doesn't seem right. I used to live right outside NYC, in NJ, and the farm call was about $200. Not many places charge like NYC and northern NJ. Call an equine vet and ask the price of their farm call.
Meanwhile, study Dr.O's articles, and I would recommend his worming articles, also. And please, try to introduce an equine senior concentrate or some nebulous concentrate like "Kwik".
Again, describe the urinating problem and try to assess how much water he is drinking.
You might be able to do this, Terrina, just don't get overwhelmed. Horses are good and honest, and will try like the dickens to get well for you.
You managed to find this site, now use all the articles and discussions to your advantage.
We'll all be thinking of you!
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