Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Early Signs of WNV

Since I have one in the pasture recovering from WN I'll give the history.
First this horse was vaccinated in Nov 2001 and had a booster about 1 Aug
2002. On last Monday morning he just didn't seem right. He wasn't stumbling
but he wasn't moving right either. Since it has been wet we checked for an
abscess - none. But he didn't like standing on three legs with me checking
the other one. He was just not walking right. His temp was normal. He was
NOT off his feed. He was extremely sensitive to the touch. He didn't want
his temp taken, nor his pulse taken or his gut sounds checked. 

We called the vet who showed up in about 15 minutes did some coordination
test and diagnosed it as WN and started treatment. Results came back Friday
- positive. As far as vaccinations UF is estimating they are about 70% effective
but if you do get WN and have the vaccination the case will be milder. So
just because they are vaccinated doesn't mean they won't get it and it doesn't
mean they won't require treatment if they do. 

The signs can be subtle. It is neurological so any lack of coordination or
other indications of neurological problems is a sure sign. If you see anything
that is suspicious call the vet. The sooner treatment is started the better
the chances. As Cathy states this is not something you mess around with.
If you suspect it - get it treated.

Truman

CatThom2@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Watch for impaired motor skills........not
> an occasional stumble, but the horse unable to walk a straight line as if
> they are drunk.  They also may grind their teeth. No one knows your horse
> better than you so if you observe these symptoms I would get your vet out
> immediately.  This is not a "wait and see" disease. 
>  
> Cathy