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  Discussion on FM....well, sort of
Author Message
New Member:
Wildwest

Posted on Thursday, Nov 17, 2005 - 10:25 pm:

This is my first post/new member. I recently rescued a 17yr Arab mare that was to be put down over an unexplainable condition. I was told that a DVM found the above, but I am suspect. At first sight, she appeared easy to diagnose, but as I dug deeper, results were contradictory. I am told she was kicked about 8 months ago in the left buttocks and the condition I am about to describe was the result of that trauma. I can feel a knot the size of a marble about midway down the left SMT. The top third of her left bicep is very tender. I can find no knots or swelling anywhere on the right side. When she walks, she slaps both her legs down somewhat like FM, but perfectly equal-laterally. She has trouble maneuvering (balance)her rear legs such as for a side step, etc. She can trot or run with the best of them still showing some gait problems, but hardly detectable. She also prances beautifully for the stallions (with no detectable problems). On both sides, her SMTs, biceps, etc. are as soft as those of my healthy horses. She will let me stretch her legs any way I like and her range of motion and flexibility is the same as in our healthy horses. I invited out a DC with equine training to get her opinion. She found some subluxations around the SI and L5 which she described as substantial and performed an adjustment which she was pleased with. Sure enough, the mare improved instantly, both in her stride and general attitude/appetite. The DC's prognosis was that there was enough misalignments there to cause the gait issues, but that it would take easily 10 adjustments and lots of exercise before we would see any real progress. There has been one more adjustment and the mare's appetite and general attitude improved even more. In the subsequent week (to date), the degree of her lameness seems to change with the direction of the wind, however it is always identical on both sides. Some days is looks as bad as when I first brought her in, other days I can see definite control.

Opinions?

And last, I need HER help! I'd sure like to see her get down and roll around. She has the space, but has not rolled in the couple weeks I've had her (clean white fur). Any ideas on stimulating this such as causing a back itch or something?

Thank you all so much. Jim
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Friday, Nov 18, 2005 - 12:54 am:

Jim,
Until Dr. O writes back...Welcome to HA. You will really enjoy the wealth of information and people on this forum.
I hope your mare is feeling better...I am partial to grey arabs as I have one myself....Good on you for saving her! It sounds like she has a great life already!
Take care and have a great night.

v/r
Corinne Meadows
New Member:
Wildwest

Posted on Friday, Nov 18, 2005 - 2:34 pm:

Connie,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I only wish I could wrap a CT around her butt! Then we'd know for sure! Meanwhile, whatever her outcome, I will have gained an incredible amount of knowledge from this experience that I'm sure will someday benefit one of our 4 legged friends not privileged enough to have received the care of a talented DVM. If you would like to see pics and follow her progress, feel free to visit her very own webpage at https://hometown.aol.com/wildwest2a/flag.html

Jim
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Nov 19, 2005 - 10:06 am:

My apologies Jim, I wrote a response and sent it yesterday morn just as NCDOT cut my phone line. I should not complain they had me up and running by the afternoon and on top of that I have a copy of the post from yesterday, so here goes:

The problem in the left rear seems straightforward you have the history, physical findings, and clinical signs to support fibrotic myopathy. So what is happening on the right? There seem to be a couple of possibilities here. Possibly there is a non-reported injury on this side with a scar you cannot palpate or perhaps you are seeing something different than fibrotic myopathy? The bilateral nature and improvement in gait suggest this is possible. A mature FM would not respond to spinal adjustments or even stretching exercises. Perhaps there are secondary stiffness issues than might improve.

Let's be clear here no one can feel or see subluxations of the vertebrae of horses, at least not of one that can stand. The normally irregular findings of the vertebrae in healthy horses in combination with the very thick epaxial musculature makes this impossible. Though this terminology is commonly used by equine chiropractitioners it is of uncertain meaning so it is difficult to explain the improvement you see with the "adjustments" since the pathology remains unknown. Perhaps there are muscles with spasms (one definition I have found for subluxations) responding to the massage that accompanies the adjustment? Maybe the improvements are the normal result of better overall care?

My horses like to roll when placed on soft clean bedding or first turned out to pasture.
DrO
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Sunday, Nov 20, 2005 - 11:57 pm:

Jim,
How is your rescued girl doing this week. I visited your web page she is beautiful. Great health history you have provided and great song...I still have Should have been a Cowboy playing on my computer.
I see you are looking for volunteers to help walk her doing the work day...where are you located?

Prayers for your mare.

v/r
Corinne
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Sunday, Nov 20, 2005 - 11:58 pm:

Ooppps typo...I meant during the work day!
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Monday, Nov 21, 2005 - 12:00 am:

I see in your profile you are in CO...We are hoping to move there in April. I would love to help walk her if you still need it....if we get stationed anywhere near you all.
New Member:
Wildwest

Posted on Monday, Nov 21, 2005 - 12:13 pm:

Hi Corinne,

Zachi; Its a slow process. I would say she's a little better. The most improvement came right away. I've done my share of neglected and abused rescues, but this, my first with this complex of issues. After reading my first response from Dr. O ,I need to remember to use the right words when talking to a DVM...<smile>. He was right on track and confirmed the mysteries that we are experiencing. Nuts, I was hoping we'd all missed something fundamental. It wouldn't be the first time. I have shown great skill at times of missing the obvious. Yes, I'm looking for a couple volunteers. These short days make it difficult to have a career and keep a routine for Zachi. I live in Parker, SE of Denver. I need some one that has handling experience with an injured horse, or yearlings, either which can blow up on you and you need to stay gentle and be able to bring them down quickly.....and if we make it to April, I'd LOVE any help you could offer! Jim (and Zachi) her progress page: https://hometown.aol.com/wildwest2a/flag.html
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