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Discussion on Ehrlichiosis question
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Member:
Stenella
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 27, 2006 - 10:54 pm:
I have a horse whom I am awaiting the results of a blood test, but my vet's suspicions are equine ehrlichiosis. He presents all of the symptoms, on your page. In the meantime, my question is, this: as his temp is ranging from 103 to 107, I have been told by someone (a trainer) that I should be icing his feet. My vet said nothing of this. I'm in Northern CA, and with all likelihood it is the above.
What if anything should I be doing for him, while awaiting the test results. My vet does not want to treat IV Tetracycline, unless sure, and I agree with her. She also said, giving him bute would inhibit the formation of antibodies, which are good for future exposure.
And yes, I've read your page, and thank you for all the info in one spot, it really is a time saver!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 6:34 am:
When you say you have read my page I am uncertain which one you are referring to stenella, and usually will assume that you are referring to the topic you have posted in. Since you have posted in the fever topic let me point out there is also a article on Ehrlichiosis at, Diseases of Horses » Cardiovascular, Blood, and Immune System » Equine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis.
The purpose for icing the feet is to prevent founder which is not a common complication of Ehrlichiosis but can occur with any systemic illness. If your horse has other predisposing factors this might be worthwhile but requires a huge commitment of time and effort, for more on icing and predisposing factors see Overview of Founder.
I do not know of any work to support the idea that giving a NSAID to reduce fever will impair the future ability to respond to challenge and is a heck of a lot easier than icing the feet. In fact as it may keep the horse feeling, drinking, eating, better and prevent serious complications like founder, it may well protect your horse better.
DrO
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Member:
Sswiley
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Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 11:08 am:
My mare just went through the same thing, and please give your horse some bute. It will make him much more comfortable and prevent complications. Especially in this heat.
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Member:
Stenella
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Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 12:26 pm:
Thank you. I made the mistake of posting in the other thread as I had trouble finding how to start a new thread (lack of sleep, most likely). Yes, I did read all of this website's data on Ehrlichiosis, as well as the provided links. Again, thank you. It sure helps having all the pertinent info in one place, at times like this.
I'm still awaiting the results on the titers. My horse is back to eating and the fever has broken, although his demeanor quieter than normal ( I must admit I like the quiet
My vet told me that, as his fever has broken, even if the titers come back positive, she doesn't think it necessary to treat with the tetracycline, as it is a mild case. Is this good thinking?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 8:55 am:
stenella, what does the article say about your question?
DrO
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Member:
Stenella
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 10:44 am:
Gotcha. Dr. O.
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