re: clumsy horse/EPSM
This message is from: Gina Larson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean-- Thank you for the info on ESPM...I will print it and gently give it to my friend. Regardless, I think the horse needs a complete veterinary exam. I couldn't believe how much the article you posted sounded like her horse. At one point this spring, the filly's muscles seemed to atrophy overnight, primarily in her gluteal and thigh areas. She treated her with Panacur at the suggestion of a local 4-H trainer that was visiting her barn, and she did seem to improve. At the time I also suggested she give her a shot of Red Cell at her feedings because she seemed to be so lethargic to me. When I watched her lunge her I noticed the strange gait as well, I thought she almost looked gaited, like a foxtrotter or something, but pony gaited seems to fit this as well. This information is very helpful as I was not making progress finding info on the net (I was also looking into EPM as that was my first thought, but I haven't observed the spasms it describes). The filly is now 3, and yes, I DO agree that she is to young for being ridden (they started her under saddle at two) I know the spine especially is still developing at the time, and both my friend and her boyfriend are heavy riders. I will keep you updated! Thanks, Gina Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: clumsy horse
This message is from: kay konove [EMAIL PROTECTED] I read this post with great interest, as I came to the computer today to write about my four old Fjord mare. She is a fabulous trail horse, very calm. She was backed last summer as a three year old and I intend to pursue training her to drive. However, she is displaying troubling behavior under saddle (once also when ridden bareback). Twice at a clinic and at a show, when she was just standing still, she dropped to her knees to roll. She lowered her head the first time, seemingly to stretch, then she dropped. At the show, there was no warning at all. The rider was not hurt, just frustrated. The mare's movement is excellent. I've been told that she is avoiding what she is being asked to do. Am I overly concerned that it might be neurological? Thanks in advance for the feedback. Kay Brimfield, MA
Potomac Fever
I am sending this post as a warning to all horse owners. We have a 2 year old Fjord Filly who has contracted Potomac Fever. We live west of Red Deer Alberta Canada and were told that we need not vaccinate for this illness as it was not common. Our filly has horrible diarrhea and was very lethargic. We called out vet who came out immediately. He diagnosed Potomac Fever and we have to give her 20 litres of electrolytes by IV along with mega doses of antibiotics. She has been ill for 5 days and we still aren't out of the woods. We still don't know if she will make it. Please pray for her recovery as she is such a sweet little girl. Our vet has seen 4 cases of this illness so far this year - so it isn't as rare as we were told. If your horses get diarrhea and seem depressed - get your vet out immediately. This can kill horses. Sharon Knipe Bentley Alberta
