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Post by greydales on Sept 8, 2011 12:41:32 GMT -1
Well the vet has been, Dan's vital signs are fine. He said sometimes hind end laminitis can present these kind of symptoms, but Dan didn't have any evidence of lami (thank goodness!). He said in cases like this he'd look firstly for neurological/nerve problems, but Dan appeared to be alert and he didn't think it was this. Then he would look for muscular problems, but apart from being a bit stiff on one side (probably due to age) there wasn't anything obvious. He's taken a blood sample for liver testing, if the liver isn't functioning properly then possibly an overindulgence of something like sloes could have caused these symptoms, although he had never heard of it before. Dan came back to life as soon as the needle went in, he's never liked being pulled around by vets and managed to go up!  I'm keeping Dan away from the sloes and see how he goes over the next few days. If he recovers okay, I may put him out in the field again - if he has a recurrence of the problem, it must be due to the sloes! As I said, my fields have never been so dry and the horses are browsing the hedges much more than usual. I'm thinking it very likely it's what affected Cadeby ... Will keep you posted  |
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Post by greydales on Sept 8, 2011 12:43:39 GMT -1
I know when mine have eaten sloes because the stones can be seen in the poos. Hope the vet has some ideas. I've never seen any stones in any of the droppings, so would have thought they would eat the stones as well if they are eating sloes  Usually the crows pick the droppings to bits and spread them around, so I'm sure I'd notice them. |
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Post by cadeby on Sept 8, 2011 13:13:15 GMT -1
Phew - am glad the vet hasn't found anything too sinister  The liver reference is interesting Gill. Cadeby had reduced liver function thanks to ragwort poisoning as a youngster (I hasten to add before she came to live with me!) That could explain why she had such a dramatic reaction to the sloes, compared to other horses who seem to suffer no ill-effects. Or maybe it was just the sheer number she stuffed down her neck  She definitely ate the stones - they were never present in her poo. If your vet doesn't discover anything else, maybe he could investigate the sloe suspicion further? Perhaps Cadeby and Dan have unwittingly discovered a new equine illness??? Typical Hope he continues to improve x |
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Post by corabella on Sept 8, 2011 15:26:07 GMT -1
What a fascinating thread - it is just so interesting what they get up to! I do so hope he continues to recover and there are no ill effects from his hangover.
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Post by leannwithconnie on Sept 8, 2011 15:37:05 GMT -1
Just seen this thread Gill...so sorry Dan has been unwell.
That is really interesting about the possibility that he may have eaten too many sloes . I do hope he keeps making good progress and you get to the bottom of what was wrong.
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Post by greydales on Sept 9, 2011 19:24:27 GMT -1
The vet called today and said that Dan's liver results were slightly elevated but nothing to cause concern. Dan is still 'walking funny', I've put him in a place where he can't get at the sloes but he just seems to stand still most of the day. I put a headcollar on him today and walked him around, he was very wary where he put his feet and was taking very large steps like when I saw him initially. But he's eating and drinking okay. I'll give him a few days to see if he improves and if not will call the vet again ...  |
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Post by harveydales on Sept 9, 2011 19:33:33 GMT -1
How strange. Fingers crossed he gets back to his normal self over the weekend. Such a worry. |
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Post by Debbie on Sept 10, 2011 12:29:24 GMT -1
 I had a positively horrid thought while I was mulling over the symptoms that Dan's been presenting and as he's a grey, there is a potential that an internal melanoma is pressing against the spine somewhere and causing these walking issues. I'm ferverntly wishing and hoping that its naught but something he's managed to eat and he'll come right as rain, but wanted to mention it, as possibly the vet could feel rectally, or maybe scan him  I know Dan is about as enthused as Blossom is about vets, but wanted to mention it.
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Post by chickflick1066 on Sept 10, 2011 14:30:13 GMT -1
Really hope he's okay. Dan is one of my fave DF ponies.
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Post by leannwithconnie on Sept 10, 2011 15:23:08 GMT -1
More get well vibes heading over to Dan. |
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Post by valerie n scout on Sept 11, 2011 6:36:06 GMT -1
poor fella ..I hope you get to the bottom of things Gill..he's such a lovely boy XXX
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Post by cutemangurdi1 on Sept 11, 2011 19:10:47 GMT -1
I hope Dan is showing signs of improvement today, Gill. Sending him a big hug.
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Post by greydales on Sept 12, 2011 6:51:14 GMT -1
Thanks everyone, he seems better today, walking more normally . I'll give him another day or so then turn him out again with the others, and keep a careful eye on him. |
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Post by harveydales on Sept 12, 2011 7:56:29 GMT -1
Oh that's good news. |
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Post by Debbie on Sept 12, 2011 16:53:29 GMT -1
 Hurrahhhh Dan!!! Keep it up m'boy
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Usually the crows pick the droppings to bits and spread them around, so I'm sure I'd notice them.
I had a positively horrid thought while I was mulling over the symptoms that Dan's been presenting and as he's a grey, there is a potential that an internal melanoma is pressing against the spine somewhere and causing these walking issues. 
