Nothing you can do, on the road to the bridge.

[RU2U]

Got a great mare. Couple weeks ago I thought kid could ride her for 4-h, but its not gonna happen. Mare isn't doing so hot. She has had cancer twice in the last 12 years. Pulled through both times a little wear and tear, but back again. This time I think its gonna win.

Mare won't eat grain, hay eventually. No apples, no carrots, no desire, little water. Lays down alot. Just worn out. Color good, temp good. Just all the signs of not good. Thought of calling vet, but technically there is nothing he could do. She is 16-17 yr old arab mare. Not suffering, no pain. Teeth are fine, done this fall. Pooping, peeing, just exhausted. Guess is cancer attacked something vital. Could be along road, don't want her to suffer, but just sad to be on that road.

Sucks.

[Louise]

Yes, it does suck. I'm very sorry for your pain. It's so hard to do the right thing, but you are facing that square on, and I'm sure that your mare appreciates your care. Hugs from someone who has also faced what you are facing.

[webmistress32]

yes it sucks. I lost one of the great (horse) loves of my life this summer to cancer.

it's hard to do the right thing but it is the right thing.

I feel your pain <tears>

[Amwrider]

Has the vet been out? Could it be colic? A lot of older horses don't drink much this time of year and their gut slows down. Getting them rehydrated makes a big difference.

[ChocoMare]

(( Hugs ))

Been on that road too, so totally understand and can empathize. :(

Better a day too soon, than a minute too late. :cry:

Give her a carrot cake on her last day.... my app loffed hers. :sadsmile:

[Wellspotted]

Has the vet been out? Could it be colic? A lot of older horses don't drink much this time of year and their gut slows down. Getting them rehydrated makes a big difference.


Just to repeat the question.

Jingles and prayers for you both.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Jingles.

[RU2U]

No distress in any way, everything normal. Breathing alittle shallower than I'd like to see it. Just laying down alot, everything is a effort. Looks tired. She did drink about a gal. of water over night and she is eating hay. Just not typical. More alert this morning, but no interest in going out. Didn't watch the kids get on the bus. Not your typical arab. She acts like an old lady, taking a morning nap, afternoon nap and just tired all the time. Gums look good and pink so not anemic. Just not herself. Food thing is biggy, you know something is wrong when they won't eat their grain, eating less and less every day! Her son came and checked on her, whinnied at her and ran off to play with his friends. She showed interest in him, but she let him go. Chances are if vet came did blood work white count would be elevated, but she is not distressed so why stress her?
Just not herself, and these little things add up to a not so good thing.

[Bluey]

You know your horse best, but sometimes we really should not assume without more data.
A vet exam and maybe bloodwork, even if it just confirms it is something you can't do much for, would be good, on the odd chance that it is something ailing her now that can be helped.

Your call, of course, you know her, but just reading from here, it seems that a little more checking may be in order, covering once more all bases, just in case...

[BelladonnaLily]

I'm confused.

It sounds as if you're convinced she's dying, and there's nothing you can do to save her. That, I get.

Why not get the vet out to decide if you should put the mare down, or give her something for her pain (there's no way you can tell that she isn't in pain...she sounds like a stoic old mare like one I have...from your description it's obvious that she IS in some discomfort)? Horses don't lay down for extended periods and stop eating and drinking if they feel good...

I hope I'm wrong and you're not just planning on letting the mare die a very slow and painful death. If she is dying (she won't last long not drinking or eating...and not drinking WILL soon lead to colic...no doubt that will cause her pain!), why not go ahead and put her down?

I do wish you the best, I just can't figure out what you're doing.

[Iron Horse Farm]

I'm confused.

It sounds as if you're convinced she's dying, and there's nothing you can do to save her. That, I get.

Why not get the vet out to decide if you should put the mare down, or give her something for her pain (there's no way you can tell that she isn't in pain...she sounds like a stoic old mare like one I have...from your description it's obvious that she IS in some discomfort)? Horses don't lay down for extended periods and stop eating and drinking if they feel good...

I hope I'm wrong and you're not just planning on letting the mare die a very slow and painful death. If she is dying (she won't last long not drinking or eating...and not drinking WILL soon lead to colic...no doubt that will cause her pain!), why not go ahead and put her down?

I do wish you the best, I just can't figure out what you're doing.


I completely agree. THis is NOT an age where horses simply die DUE to age. If you think that her WBC count would be up why wouldn't you have the bloodwork pulled and put her on some antibiotics?

[jengersnap]

I'm very sorry to hear your mare is not fairing well.

The above posters are right, if WBC is elevated, why not at least try to treat for infection? Or get the vet to look in her mouth, she could have an impaction going on in there making it hard to digest her grain, thus leading to seeming lack of appetite and eventual lethargy. She sounds like she's a great kids horse and yours would really miss her. Why not get a second opinion for her sake? She might not have to go yet.

[Rodeio]

I'm confused.

It sounds as if you're convinced she's dying, and there's nothing you can do to save her. That, I get.

Why not get the vet out to decide if you should put the mare down, or give her something for her pain (there's no way you can tell that she isn't in pain...she sounds like a stoic old mare like one I have...from your description it's obvious that she IS in some discomfort)? Horses don't lay down for extended periods and stop eating and drinking if they feel good...

I hope I'm wrong and you're not just planning on letting the mare die a very slow and painful death. If she is dying (she won't last long not drinking or eating...and not drinking WILL soon lead to colic...no doubt that will cause her pain!), why not go ahead and put her down?

I do wish you the best, I just can't figure out what you're doing.

You said it way more politely than I could have. Sheesh...

[Ibex]

To the OP, I'm sorry you're going through this :cry:


And where do the rest of you see where she's going to let the mare die a slow death?? She's fought cancer twice already, and I'm guessing as her owner who knows her best, sees the writing on the wall.

[Sansena]

:(

[RU2U]

DO YOU HONESTLY THINK I WOULD LET ANY ANIMAL SUFFER?

I KNow best intentions on all your parts. I am in contact with a vet and we are working on getting her drinking more so she does not block up. Vet knows of situation. He asked us just to observe at this point.

A horse curled up peacefully is not a thrashing horse with colic. I KNOW the difference. I also know this mare for the last 15 years and I know when she is distressed and when she is not.

Now Report from afternoon feeding: She ate two flakes of hay this morning, working on a third. Has drank another inch of water - I feel not enough, stall was cleaned, saw dust added. Made comfy. Brought her buddys back in...watched her nibble some grain, not a whole lot of interst. (Find it odd she'll eat hay, but not grain). Petted her, talked to her, brushed her down, doesn't look like she's been down since 9:00 am. No fever, good color, alert. Getting electrolytes this evening to put in water. Have heated water bucket, I plugged in to help hopefully.

Still pooping still peeing, just a bit lethargic and not her usual self.

Wormed her about a 1 1/2 weeks ago, possibility it could cause symptoms, who knows?

Now if you can think of anything else I can do for this mare, fine. A vet is not going to wave a magic wand at her and cure her. Can't force a horse to eat her grain, nor to drink for that matter. If it comes to giving her fluids, we'll do that if nec. At this point its not. Older horses will lay down, horses with medical problems will lay down more. Doesn't automatically mean colic, doesn't mean they are dying today. May mean a decling in health or she just didn't sleep well last night. We all grow older.

If it was obvious problem we would fix her. Can't fix a lethargic horse. One who just doesn't feel like playing today. Now a horse that doesn't eat her grain, well its a symptom, but by no means is it the problem. I would certainly never let her starve to death. Over the years I have put 4 horses down, I know better then most of you when that time is.

Vet gave the mare 3 mon. to live, when diagnosed with second bout of cancer. Other vet said internally, she is full of cysts. She has now made it 5 years since then. Every day is a blessing and I would never let this fabulous mare suffer. But I also know what is lurking underneath. As a 4 yr old she was diagnosed with cancer again at 9. At 16 we never thought to make it this far, but we will fight for every day we get.

Oh sorry in between taking care of sick horse I opted to tell you people about it instead of those around me. Figured you might understand, might even have a helpful suggestions. Needed to vent and get it off my chest, so I'm not a wreck for the kids. Instead I get mud thrown at me. Gee I could have just gone to my mom and sister for THAT? Oh wait, is that you MOM? Is that you Melissa? LOL

Any good ideas other then what I CAME UP WITH let me know other wise go pick on another thread...I am not in the mood for you people.

[RU2U]

Thank you!

[McVillesMom]

I'm sorry she's not doing well. It sounds like you are keeping a really close eye on her.

Maybe you could try some soaked beet pulp or hay cubes? That would be a way to get a little more water into her, if she will eat it...

I hope she feels better, or if she is destined to go, that she goes peacefully...:sadsmile:

[mjrtango93]

Have you tried putting something sweet in her water to make her want it more? We have some oldens that won't drink their water in the winter without apple juice or TANG in it. Perhaps she just isn't that thirsty and a flavor she likes will entice her? Not sure if it will work since she isn't that hungry.

[BelladonnaLily]

I'm sorry my post upset you, but nowhere in your first 2 posts did you indicate that you had been in touch with a vet. You said you didn't want to "stress" her by having the vet out. You indicated that she wasn't eating much, had only drank a gallon of water and was laying down alot. None are good signs. Sorry to have taken that to mean the mare is in some discomfort.

Now I read that you are communicating regularly with the vet about what is going on, and that is great! That is all that was suggested. I just didn't get that at all from your first 2 posts and responded accordingly.

Your THREAD TITLE is "Nothing you can do, on the road to the bridge", for Pete's sake. On the road to the bridge means you know she is dying. When that is happening, there is absolutely something you can do. If both you and the vet agree that this is her cancer (which I'm not sure how you or the vet know, as he hasn't seen her), and she is indeed dying, you can help the process along instead of waiting for her to suffer more than she is.

I did not set out to pick on you. I am still confused about why you think she is dying, if now she is just showing signs of old age and you are willing to "fight for every day we get" :confused: JMHO. I will go away now.

[Iron Horse Farm]

I'm sorry my post upset you, but nowhere in your first 2 posts did you indicate that you had been in touch with a vet. You said you didn't want to "stress" her by having the vet out. You indicated that she wasn't eating much, had only drank a gallon of water and was laying down alot. None are good signs. Sorry to have taken that to mean the mare is in some discomfort.

Now I read that you are communicating regularly with the vet about what is going on, and that is great! That is all that was suggested. I just didn't get that at all from your first 2 posts and responded accordingly.

Your THREAD TITLE is "Nothing you can do, on the road to the bridge", for Pete's sake. On the road to the bridge means you know she is dying. When that is happening, there is absolutely something you can do. If both you and the vet agree that this is her cancer (which I'm not sure how you or the vet know, as he hasn't seen her), and she is indeed dying, you can help the process along instead of waiting for her to suffer more than she is.

I did not set out to pick on you. I am still confused about why you think she is dying, if now she is just showing signs of old :confused: JMHO. I will go away now.


BelladonnaLily, we seem to be on the same page today!

I'm sorry if I offended the OP, but I DID suggest something! Check a CBC! Try some antibiotics if you "know" her WBC count is up.

I'm glad to hear that she is eating hay.

What kind of cancer did your girl have?

[Blkarab]

I'm sorry she's not doing well. It sounds like you are keeping a really close eye on her.

Maybe you could try some soaked beet pulp or hay cubes? That would be a way to get a little more water into her, if she will eat it...

I hope she feels better, or if she is destined to go, that she goes peacefully...:sadsmile:

Soaked alfalfa and the Tang/apple juice ideas are good ones. I too, think that you should have a CBC pulled and administer antibiotics if necessary, at the very least to fight off any infection that may be causing discomfort.

You may want to look into Red Cell or something similiar to help with her energy level. When my arab mare was ill a couple of years back (not cancerous) we found that the Red cell really helped her get her energy level back. I would not administer without doing the CBC first though. It's not like Arabs to be lethargic, even when they are not feeling their best.

It sounds like you know and love your mare and she's been through a lot. Jingles that she has a peaceful passing when the time is right. Jingles for you too.:sadsmile:

[enjoytheride]

I agree with Belladona. I'm very sorry about your mare and it sounds like she is not doing well, horses can be very stoic and they don't always indicate when they are in pain. It sounds like your mare's quality of life has really gone downhill right now. My BM just put down an ancient mare. She still went in and out happily but she was very lame and wasn't eating her senior. She made a very difficult decision and had the mare put down instead of the mare starving to death or going down outside all alone.

Have your vet out again and see if there is anything he can do. If not, please recognize that one of the greatest gifts we can give our horses that we can't give other people is the gift of ending suffering through putting them to sleep. You don't have to wait until a horse is starving or in obvious pain, and you don't have to wait until she can't get up in a stall and you have to use a tractor to drag her out. You can pick a nice day, take her out to a grassy spot, and have a proper goodbye while she is still there.

[Bluey]

There is a strain of the horse flu going around here right now that has horses very depressed, stiff and sore on all four legs.
The University of CA at Davis is doing an epidemiology study on that and will check blood samples free, trying to see how widespread it is and if it is in clusters.

Your vet could send some blood there, in case that is what ails her and then, supportive treatment is all she will need, some for stiffness and pain and some to rehydrate.

Who knows, maybe that is all is wrong this time around.

[fivehorses]

I haqd 5 horses test positive for lyme this summer, and each showed a totally different presentation.
One, my youngest at 7 was quite tired always, would lay down a lot, and just not that into food(he is normally a hoover). I had no idea. Vet had no idea...thought it was actually an impaction type colic the horse was working on. We won't talk about my vets!!!and their total incompetency.

I don't know if this may be a possibility, but I agree with others, some tests are in order, rather than assuming the worse. By nature I think we tend to assume the worse as a way to prepare ourselves, but I'd want to rule out somethings in case there was a treatment.
Good luck.

[Ghazzu]

I'll play the meanie.
You haven't got a diagnosis on this horse.
You have a constellation of ADR symptoms.
If you don't have the money to spend or don't have the interest in obtaining a diagnosis, then put her down now.
Letting her fall apart like this is not a kindness.

[avezan]

My first thought was ulcers, although that's been on my mind lately. If she is eating hay but not grain, this could be a sign of ulcers. You might try a few days of ulcer/gastrogard. My older mare was not eating well and 2 days of ulcergard and she is eating regularly now. (she is still on the ulcergard, but it made a difference in just 2 days). Just a thought. I hope your hope your mare can recover.

[FindersKeepers]

I guess I'm not understanding all of this either...

I know you've been in contact with the vet, but why not just pull a CBC? Some simple bloodwork is not going to stress her beyond belief. This could be something easy. She could simply be dehydrated. You could run a bag of IV fluids, get her energy level up and her feeling better, and she would take over from there, and rally.

Dehydration is a tricky thing. When you're on the way down you're thirsty. When you hit that point of true dehydration, you don't feel thirsty, you don't want to drink or eat, just lay down and die. The signals to your brain are off.

Dehydration could easily be fixed, and running a bag of IV fluid isn't going to stress her to the point of death either.

I can certainly understand not going to extremes for a terminal horse. I have one myself. But that doesn't mean if she's not feeling well, I don't run some simple clinicals to see if there is anything I can do to make her more comfortable... Having the vet out, a CBC, and a bag of fluids is not that expensive or time consuming for that matter.

[spaghetti legs]

I'll play the meanie.
You haven't got a diagnosis on this horse.
You have a constellation of ADR symptoms.
If you don't have the money to spend or don't have the interest in obtaining a diagnosis, then put her down now.
Letting her fall apart like this is not a kindness.

THANK YOU.

YES YES YES.

[Kat the Horse]

Just want to add, bless you, and you have my prayers. Put my 24 year young Arab mare down this last summer, and I know how you pray for just one more week free of pain and discomfort for them. Sometimes it isn't in the cards for them to live to 30. For my mare, it was arthritis from years of abuse before I rescued her, skinny and leg-sore, five years ago. I could never ride her, but she and I shared lots of walks and talks. I knew when her pain was beyond my humble ability to alieviate, and my vet concurred. They do let you know when the joy of life just isn't there, and they need the kind of relief you won't find in a supplement or monthly injection.

Sometimes it is hard for others to 'let go', to accept there is a time when you know the best thing is not another vet's opinion, or a change in diet, supplement or drug. It's between you and your mare...and you know her...understand her, as well as you do each of your children.

Again, bless you, especially for listening to her needs first.

[Watermark Farm]

Has your vet drawn some blood for a panel? At least take a look at that before you make any decisions. Sometimes we assume one thing when it's another. Or we want it to be one thing when it's another. Good luck.

[RU2U]

Vet is a country vet. Nothing fancy. Incompetent idiot. Great for stitches, great for booboos. Maybe a colic - cause he's good with cows, as long as it doesn't get too fancy. Never legs, screwed up choke- hurt pony, not good with teeth. Lets say I watched his vet new from OSU who specializes in farm animals, but trying to work on horses try to put a horse halter on upside down. They are both cow vets. They don't like to send anything out, bloodwork or that. They are getting into horses because cows are moving away and horses pay the bills. Interesting stories go on and on.

Now OSU is about 2 hours away. I'll make the trip, but in the meantime I'll do everything I can before we go.

Now mare ate yesterdays grain by evening and last nights grain by morning, still not keen interest in grain. Still turning down apples, carrots, treats. Ate most of hay. Will turn out abit today for a hour, just for a walk about. Was down last night. Good thing is she did drink water last night. About 4 gals. So that is a good thing. Looks better today. So you know what, I think she's gonna take a bypass go around the bridge and maybe head to the beach. If you would have seen her the other night, you would have been just as surprised as i was to see her the next morning. She looked like death was knocking - and your right she could have been life flighted somewhere. But I guess I've seen enough to also know when to step back and if an animal or person is not suffering, to let it happen if it is going to. This is a weird thing, neither my husband or I thought to call the vet, mind you it was evening and this we felt was not a rush to the phone get the vet out here immediately. She was peaceful and just layed there with her head hanging gently and no stress, just tired, quiet, content. It was not a ER moment. It was very peaceful, but it also made you think of death. If that also makes sense.

So horse is improving this morning.

OK lets play a game: Horse 18 years old (checked papers last night) mare. History of Cancer. Had cancerous tumors removed as 4 yr old again at 9 (tumor grew back in three days to the size of a walnut when removed) Still don't know why tumor stopped growing and slowly went away. Been bred once at 14. Went to breed again at 16 and vet said too many cysts don't breed mare. Cysts formed between giving birth and 18 mon. later.

Recent history: Been on trail rides, light riding. Enjoys good canter around the pasture most days with the herd (typically out 8-12 hrs). Even More recent: Added fat to her diet cause mare is losing weight as winter comes on on fat for about 3 weeks. Wormed. That week: Slowly loosing interest in grain. Becoming more finicky. Horse has never liked suppliments, but eats grain up within 10 min. usually good eater (now 4#s morn & night), but almost seems like she is losing interest slowly, takes longer to eat 15-20 min. Still eats grain, still whinnys for grain always there for grain. That Night: Horse out for 3 hours HOrse comes in stall, shows no interest in grain, goes to back of stall, looks like she wants to lay down, I put in fresh bedding and horse cuddles up lays down. No stress, good color, good heart beat - not fast, resp. shallower then typical not uncomfortable, good refill, resting quietly, laying like fawn, not stretched out. no interest in grain carried to her, no interest in hay. Gets up while we discuss her. Turns around so she can see us and join in the discussion and lays back down. No signs that this is horse is stressed, in pain - and yes you can tell when a horse is in severe pain, even a minor booboo at our barn, the horses tell you. After 45 min. horse is still content to lay there. 1 1/2hours later, horse is still laying there, sleeping at night check. Quiet content.

Next morning: Horse shows no interest in food. and lets go back to the orig. post.

So what's your diagnosis? SHould we call the vet immediately for a exhausted sleeping horse? Granted he would be here in a heart beat if it was necessary and as he advised me just keep an eye on her and if she needs it call me.



Leading theorys in this household:

Possibly poisonous plant in pasture.
Possible gastric ulcer - no nothing about ulcers because never had a horse stressed enough.
Wormer reaction (wormed aprox 2 weeks before), also wormed 4xs a year for last 15 yrs
Cancer progressing - possible
go ahead and add to the list.

Game plan at this point: See how she does over the holiday. Horse drinking plain water, also give her bucket of electrolytes (finicky eater, don't want her to turn her nose up at water all together). If no improvement by Friday have blood drawn on Monday depending on when the lab can come get it - ask vet . Emergency call if need be.

So its your call what are you going to do?

[mjrtango93]

Since she was eating the hay and leaving the grain.....is there any chance your grain has turned? Perhaps she is the only one finicky enough to turn her nose up at it?

[Beverley]

Good intentions of the other posters notwithstanding, all I'm going to say is, you and your vet know your mare's history and seem to be proceeding appropriately. Yes, it sucks. I think you're going to know what to do and when.

I've known of horses with unknown/undiagnosed cancer to be fine and ridden as usual one day, dead in their stalls the next, only discovering cancer on the necropsy. I've known others who lived with it comfortably for years. Lots of variables in the equation.

I can think of two cats from my youth- one, at about age 18, just quit eating one day. Otherwise content and cantankerous as usual, we just let her be for more than a week, and ultimately put her down because we just couldn't stand watching her starve to death, though as I said she was perfectly content with things. Another had lymphoma, I declined the vet's offer to extend her life by about 3 weeks with chemo. She too was the contrary sort and exceeded the vet's expectancies of survival by a month- but the day she physically couldn't eat any more though she wanted to was the day it was time.

With any animal, I'm not in the habit of seeing how long I can get them to survive. Quality of life comes first. I wish you and your mare well.

[Ghazzu]

I wouldn't presume to offer a diagnosis without more information than you have provided, as well as a CBC and blood chemistry.

Weird little game you appear to be playing here.

[Alexie]

when my boy was dying of cancer this is precisely why i never posted about it

i had seen it before, in fact i saw his mother die of it a decade age, and put his mother through hell trying to figure it out with a newly qualified but very nice vet for no good reason at all in the end

now i know better to leave in peace and make the most of any time left. the vet came and did a thorough exam to make sure it wasn't something easily treatable

he felt is was serious and went through some options

he was honest enough to say it didn't look good, and told me any expensive intrusive treatments were likely to be pointless

we did blood tests only and decided off the results of these alone

it was just obvious that the right thing to do was let him live the rest of his time in peace, and we knew when to let him go - and that time to me, is private - between me and my horse.

it's not open to criticism or judgement by people who have never even met me or my horse.

it's as simple as that :o

[ChocoMare]

when my boy was dying of cancer this is precisely why i never posted about it

i had seen it before, in fact i saw his mother die of it a decade age, and put his mother through hell trying to figure it out with a newly qualified but very nice vet for no good reason at all in the end

now i know better to leave in peace and make the most of any time left. the vet came and did a thorough exam to make sure it wasn't something easily treatable

he felt is was serious and went through some options

he was honest enough to say it didn't look good, and told me any expensive intrusive treatments were likely to be pointless

we did blood tests only and decided off the results of these alone

it was just obvious that the right thing to do was let him live the rest of his time in peace, and we knew when to let him go - and that time to me, is private - between me and my horse.

it's not open to criticism or judgement by people who have never even met me or my horse.

it's as simple as that :o

Ditto. Which is why I never question anyone's decision to put their horse down....only offer sympathy and a shoulder.

THEY live with the horse
THEY see what the horse deals with every day
THEY know the horse!

So, it's THEIR very hard, painful, sad decision to make alone.....for the ultimate good of the horse. :cry:

[2DogsFarm]

First of all let me say I'm sorry you're going through this painful time.
Every day with my 27yo TB, even though his health is good, is a gift & I know that.
I also watched my 15yo TWH go from never-an-off-day to much as you describe your mare in the space of 3 months. So I'm familiar with the kind of pain & stress you're dealing with now.

I think it is really hard to determine tone from the posts you've gotten here in response. To be honest, before I read your post "thanking" others it was in my mind that in your place I'd want a vet's assistance in deciding what to do next. But it seems you have that help so please understand we are all horselovers here and most have gone through something similar.
We are familiar with the heartache and the need for a shoulder to lean on that has a clue.
I believe the posters who suggested a vet only wanted to help.
Wishing peace to you & your dear mare

[trubandloki]

I am confused about one thing. You first say you are working with your vet and you are doing what they suggest to derail the people who say contact the vet. Then you say your vet is totally incompetent. Hmmmm...

I wish your mare the best and I hope she is doing better quickly. To me it sounds like it is time to find an more responsive vet, since you obviously have no faith in the one you are using.

[RU2U]

Waiting for a better vet to move in. You work with what you'e got.

For years I hae been told this horse is gonna die, she doesn't look good. GREAT NEWS IS ITS NOT GONNA BE TODAY!!!! IF I KNEW HOW TO CHANGE HEADING I WOULD!!!

Mare ate all her grain this morning, drank a 5 gal bucket of water. Ate all her electrolites I put in molasses mixture and ate all her hay. She completely rallied this morning. So I was talking to a friend of mine who lives down the street that I haven't heard from in a while and started telling her about my mare while she finished my sentences and told me about her mare. Her mare is only 8. Never had cancer, never been sick, but exhibited same symptoms as my mare about two weeks ago. She also thought her horse was down for the count and was also in the proces of dying, wasn't colic, wasn't founder, just didn't add up to a healthy horse, nothing made sense. Symptoms lasted two days mare came around and is fine.

I've seen cancer and imagined my mare to be similar to what others have written on the board as you've seen here. Just a silent quiet drift away. HA ain't happening TODAY!!!!

My mare went out at 1:30 for a couple hours. Miss Death cantered across the pasture!

SO just to let you know there is a very strange bug going around that is very scary, but it also gives you something to be THANKFUL for.

Thanks all of you for your support. Its been a rough ride these last couple days, bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but I am ever so THANKFUL!

[Alexie]

thank the holy moly goodness for that :D

ETA good job you weren't trigger happy!!

[Elfe]

Get a blood panel done, CBC and chemistry. It's not expensive and will probably give you an answer. My two year old showed some of the same symptoms you are describing. It was thought she was colicking but it turns out she was in renal failure. A week on IV fluids and some after care, she is now back to normal.
You need hard facts for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Good luck !

[Bluey]

Waiting for a better vet to move in. You work with what you'e got.

For years I hae been told this horse is gonna die, she doesn't look good. GREAT NEWS IS ITS NOT GONNA BE TODAY!!!! IF I KNEW HOW TO CHANGE HEADING I WOULD!!!

Mare ate all her grain this morning, drank a 5 gal bucket of water. Ate all her electrolites I put in molasses mixture and ate all her hay. She completely rallied this morning. So I was talking to a friend of mine who lives down the street that I haven't heard from in a while and started telling her about my mare while she finished my sentences and told me about her mare. Her mare is only 8. Never had cancer, never been sick, but exhibited same symptoms as my mare about two weeks ago. She also thought her horse was down for the count and was also in the proces of dying, wasn't colic, wasn't founder, just didn't add up to a healthy horse, nothing made sense. Symptoms lasted two days mare came around and is fine.

I've seen cancer and imagined my mare to be similar to what others have written on the board as you've seen here. Just a silent quiet drift away. HA ain't happening TODAY!!!!

My mare went out at 1:30 for a couple hours. Miss Death cantered across the pasture!

SO just to let you know there is a very strange bug going around that is very scary, but it also gives you something to be THANKFUL for.

Thanks all of you for your support. Its been a rough ride these last couple days, bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but I am ever so THANKFUL!

Reread my post about the kind of horse flu going around, that the U of CA at Davis is asking vets to please send blood from suspect cases, so they can do their studies.
We had two horses at our trainer here come down with that, one was positive, the other negative.
All is free, don't cost you and your vet should take care of that for you.
Your horse may be one more to help solve that puzzle, you never know.
Symptoms were as you describe, to a T, although, as in our two horses, it was only one that really had that bug.

Very glad your mare pulled thru.:cool:

[Sugarbrook]

Jingles for your mare. I hope you and your vet can help her, or make a decision to end her suffering (if the really is suffering). Its hard to tell with your posts.

And, may I say, thank you ALLLLLL (everyone) for being so kind and considerate with my ordeal with Mattie, and then CindyLou. Not once did I get a non-supportive comment!!!!
Just had to say this.