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Discussion on Ataxia, weight loss
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New Member:
ellebell
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 - 9:31 am:
My friend has a sick mare and no access to the internet so please weigh in with comments if possible.
17 year old mare with bilateral ataxia and symptoms consistent with EPM but tested negative for it. Mild ataxia started in August/September. Seemed to go away. Foal weaned a month ago. Mare was lame then and mildly ataxic. Then she got worse quickly, lost weight. Her vet doesn't want to treat the mare, saying she has poor prognosis, but gave no diagnosis.
The mare has been on bute and prevacox for the last few days, showing mild improvement.
Any comments/suggestions appreciated.
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 - 10:30 am:
Kansas State University has a teaching clinic - I don't know where you are located so don't know what kind of trip it would involve but - - - if your friend wants to find out what is wrong with her mare - it would behove her to get the mare there as soon as possible - I don't think she will get the same brush off from them that she got from her vet. It could be the mare has a very poor prognosis - but it could easily be something that is treatable with a correct diagnosis. Good luck.
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 - 10:31 am:
Forgot to mention that University Clinics are usually a lot less expensive than using a vet.
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 - 12:37 pm:
Some toxins cause ataxia and weight loss, including some weeds.
In some such cases neurological damage is permanent.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 - 1:40 pm:
I agree with Cheryl - your friend needs a diagnosis before deciding whether or not her mare can be treated, and what is the best course of treatment. I would seek a second opinion, whether from another local vet or a local teaching clinic/university. Even if the mare cannot be treated, then at least your friend can decide whether or not euthanasia is the kindest course of action.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 - 4:06 pm:
Did they run blood work on the mare? What are her vitals? Good place to start anyway I would definitely get a second opinion if possible.
What is her Body Condition? My IR horse can act like this if he is getting to much pasture/sugar, and like Vicki Z. said toxins...many possibilities.
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