Mini Horse Down - Low Temp

[rescueblonde]

My 1-1/2 year old mini stallion went down sometime in the last few hours. He's on pasture with goats but has access to the barn. He is wormed regularly with SafeGuard as per the vet's recommendation.

His temperature is currently 95.5. I was able to get him standing but then his back legs buckled under him and he laid back down. He is not on his side and is still alert. We put a piece of burlap under him and got him standing and walking around. He is now standing and walking on his own. We have him in the barn now with a heat lamp and a blanket. He's eating hay and was also interested in a small handful of 12% sweet feed. He's also been given electrolytes. I called the vet but it is now after hours so I left a message and am waiting for a call back.

His eyelids are pink but his gums look pale. His last dose of SafeGuard was given 2 days ago and his gums were normal then. I suspect stomach worms since I've just recently read that SafeGuard is not recommended for stomach worms anymore and Ivermectin is preferred. I had an alpaca with similar symptoms and she was diagnosed with stomach worms but was successfully treated with Panacur. (I know they are the same) I do have Ivermectin on hand if a shot of that would be helpful right now.

Until I get a call back from the vet, what else can I do?

 

[rescueblonde]

Got his temp up to 98.3

 

[norseofcourse]

Trying to get his temp up is good. Can you hear gut sounds? Check both sides. Listen to one of your others if you're not sure what normal gut sounds would be. Have you checked him for dehydration? (pull up a fold of skin on his neck, let go, it should go back flat pretty fast... if it stays in a 'tent' he's getting dehydrated. You may already know this, but I'm adding it for the benefit of someone reading who might not know and could benefit from the info).

When was the last time a fecal count was done? With all due respect to your vet, worming on a schedule without knowing if you have worms or not, or how effective the wormer is, tends to lead to parasite resistance faster.

Good luck with him and I hope the vet gets in touch with you soon.

 

[rescueblonde]

Gut sounds are normal. He is dehydrated but he has constant access to water and drinks regularly. His last fecal count was done probably a year ago when I got him. Vet still hasn't gotten back to me.

 

[Poka_Doodle]

Wish I could say something to help but I really am not sure.

 

[rescueblonde]

Temp up to 99.1!

 

[Mini Horses]

I would continue with electrolytes & water. He can go without feed longer than water. Do you vaccinate for West Nile, EEE, Tetnaus? If so, when last?

I would be very concerned about staggering, lack of leg stability....and whether he CAN drink. Does he put head in water and not drink, etc? Can he hold balance when he walks or does he stagger? Does he hold head up or more down? If you press on his gum with your thumb, then release, does color come back quickly (few seconds)?

Does he get up when you enter his stall/area or stay down? Is there any excess heat in his feet up to fetlock? Is his pulse fast? Is his breathing regular or rapid, or slow & weak, struggling? Do you hear any raspiness> Observe these things as it could help vet to help you both.

 

[Ferguson K]

I was about to tag you Mini, then saw you had hopped in. Mini is probably the most versed onthe forum with miniatures.

 

[rescueblonde]

The vet is handling another emergency call right now and is not sure when he'll be able to make it here. Ted's breathing is fine. He's up and moving now with no staggering. Pulse sounds normal. No raspiness. He was drinking his electrolyte water on his own. He hasn't laid back down since we got him up earlier. He's been standing and munching on hay. He seems completely normal now. He was given Fluvac Innovator 5 & Rabvac injections on March 9th. His gums are pale but the little bit of color came back quickly when pressed on.

 

[rescueblonde]

His attitude is coming back. He fought me a little on getting his temperature taken and even tried a nip. He's at 99.6 now.