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Discussion on Back and skin sensitivity, fever
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Member:
Skutyba
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Posted on Monday, Mar 7, 2005 - 10:18 am:
I have a 7 year old paint gelding that has been "off" for about 4 weeks. It started with him not wanting to be brushed. (This is a horse that will stand for HOURS when you are grooming him). There are no signs of any skin problems, healthy, shiny coat, DrOpping winter hair normally. 2 weeks ago, he became lethargic and spiked a 104.5 fever that lasted 24 hours and then was back to normal. 1 week ago, he DrOpped in the stall on me and curled up in a ball. I took him to the vet, CBC, heart, pulse, gut sounds all normal. Extended blood panel covering liver, kidneys, etc, normal. However, he shows extreme discomfort on his back and sides. The vet put him on one gram of bute a day and this has taken the edge off, but he still does not like to be brushed and shows signs of back discomfort when he is touched with any level of pressure. As the bute wears off he becomes lethagic (head down, moves slowly, just hangs out quitely) again. Does anyone have any suggestions or have you seen this before?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Mar 7, 2005 - 7:00 pm:
Lethargy, short high fever, and hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch) of 3 weeks duration, it sounds a like West Nile Virus but is the wrong time of year in the US. Too long for rabies ... perhaps herpes? I do think you are looking at a viral disease perhaps a toxin... I am not in my library tonight so I will research it in the morn but until then the continued bute is critical to keep the horse eating and drinking well and hydration should be lab monitored if there is any question of adequate fluid intake.
DrO
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 9, 2005 - 3:51 pm:
Skutyba,
Besides rabies, mosquito bourne viral encephalitis, and tetanus, these are diseases that can cause hyperesthesia in horses that I can find:
1) Myco(fungal)toxins (though I would have expected elevated liver enzymes)
2) Equine motor neuron disease (We have an article)
3) Swainsona (Darling pea) poisoning (this is a plant from Australia but is used as a ornamental)
If your veterinarian cannot figure this out soon and the horse is getting no better a referral would be in order.
DrO
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