Hi guys, got some information on the horses I wrote about, and thought I'd share it with you if that is okay.
The 8 year old pony named Muffin has a badly abscessed tooth. Her first symptom now they believe was that the pony acquired laminitis. They originally thought it was pasture, but in hindsight decided no, because she had been on it all her life. They believe it was a precurser to the tooth abscess as it went systemic. At one point when I first mentioned her looking for answeres, I found out she had actually gone "toxic" (blue gums and tongue) However, for some reason she was able to rebound! She is a very strong willed pony and they feel she wants to fight this.
However there is a downside I've been told. The tooth is located in a bad place located by the gutteral pouches. If removed it will leave a hole, which in turn may cause other serious complications. So today, an equine dentist is coming out to access the situation. If she can take the tooth out with minimal disturbances to her she'd do it right then and there. If not, they have to make a decision for Muffin based on "quality of life". She would have to be on special feeds and other various restrictions the rest of her life. The people are willing if the pony is. So we'll see what the EQ. dentist and vets say.
As for the 22 year old quarter horse, blood work has been negative, but he is very sick. But...they now think he may have Tick fever. It is touch and go as he is still off feed and just wants to be in the arms of his owners wife. But he is willful also. The vet discouraged putting him down and feels he may recover. He has lost about 250lbs so far.
So, two horses similar symptoms, two different illnesses. It seems that many things can have the same symptoms and yet be very different cases. It must be difficult for you vets out there and very frustrating also.
ANyway, this is just an update because I know of other sick horses. I thought it might help to share what the illnesses were so we can share the information for the benefit of our friends.
