This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hi Kay - neurological problems and rolling are close to my heart since I
did have a Morgan mare have to be put down 3 1/2 years ago as the result
of EPM and resultant foundering. And you know my Fjord mare rolls, but
she is just itchy and can be a very rude horse! (No rolls since July!)
EPM is not rolling. It is a stiffness in the hind end that can
result in the horse not knowing where its feet are and it falls down.
There are neurological tests that the vet does (that are probably spelled
out in detail on the internet somewhere). One is spinning the horse in a
tight circle by leading it and seeing if the horse maintains its balance.
Another one is having the horse in the cross ties and crossing one foot
(front or rear) in front of the other. If the horse moves it right back,
good, if it stays there, it is indicative of the horse not knowing where
its feet are. There is also one where a person leads the horse and the
vet pulls on the tail, seeing if the horse resists and pulls back, good,
or if she can be pulled easily to the side or even over. As with
everything else, all of this is based on knowledge of what it should and
should not look like/ feel, and you can scare yourself silly doing this
by yourself. If you are really worried, having the vet out for a
neurological exam might be good.
Valerie
