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  Discussion on Any hope for older wobblers?
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Member:
Fototrop

Posted on Thursday, Nov 24, 2005 - 2:20 pm:

I have just sort of adopted a 16 year old OTTB mare. She showed some mild uncoordination in the hind upon a vet exam. Turning in a tight circle to the left, she didn't easily step over with the right rear; she could be pulled from side to side by her tail when walking; and I've noticed recently that her neck seems stiff, i.e., she doesn't want to turn her head, tends to turn her whole body. She has been pretty much ignored in a pasture on bad round bail hay for the past 3 years. She had rain rot badly, was quite thin and was wheezing, probably from the mold spores as she has no other signs of heaves. The vet said she was concerned about a possible neurological problem but she didn't elaborate. I guess I'm a bit disappointed that the vet wasn't clear about this, but I don't know what I would have done if she was. This mare would have ended up slowly dying from neglect and very poor quality feed if I hadn't taken her. I will be having the vet out again to check out this suspicion of mine, but please, has anyone had any success taking care of an older horse with wobbles? What about acupuncture? Should I be thinking about any other possibilities? I got her for my 9 year old daughter to ride as she is very well trained and easy to ride. We also get very attached very quickly. I'm sick over this. Can anyone offer any hope?
Pam
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Thursday, Nov 24, 2005 - 4:53 pm:

Pamela, my first thought is EPM . . .
I am glad you took the mare. It is the right thing to step in and provide whatever we can if we have the ability to alleviate suffering for some person or animal . . . even if it is for just a short while. Hopefully, you will be able to identify the source of the neurological problem, and provide for some treatment . . . at least you will be able to provide for a more comfortable environment for the mare.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Nov 25, 2005 - 7:41 am:

Certainly the first step is better establishing the diagnosis, which consists of a good set of cervical radiographs. If this is Wobblers (cervical instability) she should not be considered safe to ride. If there is no chronic damage to the cord, surgery might help and the article discusses this in more detail.
DrO
Member:
Fototrop

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 - 8:30 pm:

Well, we had the follow up vet visit. Lily has gained about 200 pounds. She can now gallop, slide to a stop, spin, jump, buck and kick. The vet confirmed that she no longer has any signs of neurological problems. It was weakness, plain and simple. She was starving and sick from that nasty round bale. Her lungs are totally clear with no symptoms of heaves. All it has taken is good food twice daily (hay and Triple Crown Senior), fresh water all the time, and a short course of steroids to clear up the inflamation in her lungs from the round bale.
The best part of it is that she is happy. She is now alert, bright eyed and curious about everything around her and starting to be affectionate. I was filling the water tub yesterday and she came over and very gently touched my hand with her nose. She took a drink, touched my hand again and went back to her hay. A very happy ending.
Pam
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 1, 2006 - 7:31 am:

That is most excellent Pamela.
DrO
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