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Discussion on Confused Not sure What the Problem
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New Member:
Jlhill7
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Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 12:12 am:
Hi all. Im new here also a newbie to Horses. Hope someone can help me. When I went to Feed this morning. One of my horses who is seven did not appear to feel good and was not herself. She would not eat her grain or hay. She was very cold everywhere. Had a little clear discharge out of her nostrils. No cough. Dont know on the fever (dont know how to take it). The other horse was fine who is 3. Any ideas. Live in a rural area and vet is out until the tenth. She weighs approx 1200 pounds. Gave her pencillion 25 cc twice a day. Is eating tonight. Could this be poisoned or something else.
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 8:22 am:
Leona, there's a thousand possibilities with what you describe. Can you give us more info? What were the horse's bowel movements like? Is the horse drinking? Gut sounds? How was the horse moving? Respiration?
I think most of us would caution you about giving antibiotics unless you know you are treating a bacterial infection. If the vet is unavailable, do you know someone near with more experience that can evaluate your horse?
I'm sorry I can't give you any answers, but the more detailed info you provide the the members and DrO, the more likely you'll get good info back.
Good luck.
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Member:
Onehorse
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Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 9:12 am:
Leona,
I can't help you with a diagnosis, but can offer you a 'tip' on taking your horses temperature.
You do this by placing a thermometer in the horses rectum. Lift the tail, stand to the side, and slowly insert the thermometer and leave it in for about 90 seconds. It dosn't hurt the horse and chances are your equine won't have any reaction to the insertion.
The 'tip'? Get a thermometer that you can tie a string to at the end that's NOT inserted into the horse. That way if the instrument is inserted in too far or somehow gets 'sucked' in you can pull it out with the string.
I'm sure that somewhere on this site what to do based on the actual temperature can be found.
The questions that Fran posed should be answered promptly so that an evaluation of the situation can be made.
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 9:41 am:
Get one of the RECTAL Thermometers they use on babies. If you can, you can use one of the digital thermometers that have the slexible end. They are big enough to hold on to. That is what I use and it will "beep" when it is done. Put some vaseline on it and be sure to stand to the side in case your horse doesn't like the idea and tries to kick. It is best to have someone hold the horse for you if possible. Normal temp for a horse is right about 100.0 degrees farenheit. 101 and up are red flags, also a low temperature is cause for concern. It might be a good idea to get a good book on basic horse care. If you are very rural, it is your responsibility to learn how to give shots, which apparently you know how to do, and read everything you can on the proper care of a horse. Are your horses current on their vaccinations? Good Luck. EO
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 9, 2004 - 12:38 pm:
Hello Leona,
There is not enough information in your post to know what might be wrong but I am delighted to hear she is feeling better.
Here are a few pointers:
1) Unless you are pretty sure that he has a bacterial infection you should not give penicillin to a horse, see Equine Medications and Nutriceuticals � Antibiotics and Antimicrobials � Antibiotic Use in Horses: An Overview
2) You need to have a veterinarian that makes some type of provision when he is gone to have someone cover his calls or deal with 2 veterinarians.
3) For more on taking your horses temperature and vital signs see Equine Diseases � First Aid � Taking Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.
DrO
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