RE: Neuro signs

Seadna — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:19:41 GMT

I've no access to a scope but temporohyoid osteoarthropathy is a good one to remember for dysphagia in the future.

I ruled out all the rest based on the lack of 'classic' clinical signs - for liver there was no jaundice and no access to ragwort, same for grass sickness - pony is stabled (although I know it has happened in stabled horses) and there was no patchy sweating, plus it made faeces at least 5 times between my first and second visit.

When I euthanised the pony it was dark so no chance of a post mortem but I happened to feel something unusual in it's neck so I opened up it's esophagus and it was packed from the larynx right down to the thoracic inlet with beet pulp, which the owner had been hand-feeding it. I can't understand why, but now I understand why I didn't get the stomach tube down - its path was completely blocked up. So...blockage in the stomach? But why the weird neuro signs?

I have the owner dumping her haylage and if she finds anything funky in it I can send it off for testing for botulism but in terms of the other animals in the yard, do any of you have suggestions for what I can run the dead ponies bloods for (apart from liver parameters which I will do)? Owner is terrifed it's something contagious so a basic panel for herpes etc would give her some comfort I think.

Thanks for the help :)

RE: Neuro signs

Joyce Whitehead — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 20:19:38 GMT

We've had a few neuro looking horses and ponies (including seizures) that have turned out to be liver/ragwort associated. So I'd say see If anyone local can run the bloods earlier than Monday. Doesnt sound good though I'm afraid.

RE: Neuro signs

Elisabeth Knappett — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:57:45 GMT

Botulism? Grass sickness? Any history of trauma or temperature?

RE: Neuro signs

Emily Rainbow — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 18:29:59 GMT

Liver? Grass sickness?

RE: Neuro signs

Alastair Welch — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 18:24:09 GMT

Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy?

Scope the pouches, Ceratohyoidectomy can be pretty effective.