very sick horse

[gnuton]

Somethings wrong with Jazz. Yesterday he was in visible pain, walking stiffly, head dropped to the ground, back hunched. Thought it was colic had the vet in and she did all the colic treatment thing but he's not any better.

If kept in the stall he stiffens up, looks better when you walk him but he is unsteady on his feet. Turns around very slowly with no bend in his body. It looks like his balance is off because he staggers if he moves to quickly. When he walks it looks like he's drunk. He still wants to eat and has pooped, but not nearly as much as usual and I don't think he's peed. Temperature and pulse are normal, I can hear his guts working. Yesterday I was alerted to something being wrong because when I offered him a carrot he wouldn't/couldn't open his mouth though on palpitating his jaw there was no stiffness.

If I had to guess at anything I would say it's neurological. Vet's back in tomorrow but I'm worried sick.

This happened one time before in the winter, he was treated as if he had colic but the vet didn't think it was colic and didn't have any idea what had happened to him because he recovered so quickly but this time he's into his second day.

Does anyone have any idea of what could be wrong? I really hate to see him like this he's such a darling boy.

[zara]

Sorry to hear Jazz isn't well, I'm afraid I can't give you any idea as to what could be wrong but as you say it does sound as if it could be neurological. Let us know what the vet has to say today, really hope he feels better soon; mean while I'll be thinking of you Zxxxxx

[kateflashy]

not wanting to sound like the bringer of dom but it does sound like botulism ,i belive it is fairly common in usa , and there is a vaccine i belive for early stages, , do you feed him hay ledge/ siladge , or wet feeds at all ?

[racaille]

I'm really sorry that I can't offer any ideas but I am sure I can say we will all be thinking of you and Jazz today as the vet comes again. Hope Jazz makes a speedy recovery - I can understand how sick with worry you must be. big hugs

[babymare]

How is Jazz today Gnuton? Thinking of you hun x

[dannyboy]

Any improvement this morning on poor Jazz? I will be thinking of you, hope the vet is able to find some answers and cures. xx

[slinky]

What an awful thing to deal with.
I'm sorry I can't be of any further help.
I wish you all the luck and vibes in the world.
((((((hug))))))

[haffyfan]

No help for you I'm afraid but I hope he's better today and that the vets can work it out. Thinking of you both...let us know how he is when you can.

[joandlad]

gnuton - I hope he's a bit better today. It's horrible when you just want to make them better and don't know how to. From your descritpion I get a very strong feeling that it's something along his spine. Perhaps something is blocking the neurological messages getting through or it is a physical issue eg slipped disc, growth. I hope the vet manages to get to the root of it today. <<Hugs for you both in the meantime>>

[kitcat]

Gunton, I'm so sorry to hear about Jazz being so unwell. Do you have any further news yet? Big hugs to both of you.

[maximum]

how dreadful for you hun.

any news today?

[ceej]

How awful...

have you ruled out impacted colic? Does he eat much roughage or is kept on straw bed - we had a serious case and bits of what you say ring a bell....he got really bad breath too and was grinding his teeth in pain...depending on what they have eaten they can seem drunk (eg if corn this can ferment if impacted and cause drunk like symptoms). Its probably not that, but thought I would mention it....

[flash7]

So sorry to hear your news gnuton. How is Jazz today? Sending you hugs and vibes x

[jack]

my heart goes out to you and jazz i realy hope the vets finds out what is wrong soon so that he can be treated let us know what the vet says good luck

[fimacg]

I hope the vets find out what's wrong, any update?

[spotti]

I'm afraid I'm no use nor ornament on this one, but I really hope the vet finds out what's up and that Jazz gets better soon. Big hugs to the both of you

[Blonde Donkey]

really hope he gets better gnuton

[raymond]

Gnuton I am so sorry to hear Jazz is unwell. Has the vet considered labyrinthitis? possible result of ear infection or I think rye grass can cause it in horses. I was really unwell with it and I know horses can get it too. The symptoms are terrible but it is easily treated with anti biotics. Not sure if that will be the cause - but was first thing I thought of when I read the symptoms x

[ceej]

i just re-read the symptoms and saw the bit about not opeing his mouth - is he vaccinated for tetunus (lockjaw)?

[babymare]

As anyone heard from Gnuton today ?

[brigadier]

Gnuton
So sorry he has these awful symptoms- keep us all updated- everyone is sending you good wishes. Wish we could do more.

[trojanwarrior]

Sorry to hear that Jazz is unwell. How is he today?

[gnuton]

Thank you all for your well wishs and suggestions. He is much better today, he's been eating, drinking, peeing and pooing but he still has pain in his pelvic area. The more I walk him the looser he gets.

The vet can't determine anything without a lot of tests but we're going to try a chiropractor first. He might have hurt his back and he's always had a tender area at his pelvic. I had him adjusted last year and it really helped so I'm hoping it will help him this time.

Thanks again I'll keep you posted.

[kateflashy]

thats good glad he's a bit better hopefully its just a trapped nerve or such like

[haffyfan]

Glad to hear he's a bit more comfortable...hope you get to the bottom of it soon