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Post by anonfornow on Dec 16, 2012 15:43:57 GMT 1
Very quick question, there is a horse on my yard that I'm very worried about. He has had ongoing health issues. He has been laying down now because his feet are so painful for the best part of 2 days now. Vet is involved, but hasn't been up today.
I was under the impression that horses could only be "flat out" for a certain amount of time (obviously a few hours snoozing is different!) before their internal organs started to suffer? Might be an old wives tale, but as you are all so knowledgeable I thought I would ask!
Cheers!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2012 15:50:28 GMT 1
I don't know about damage to the internal organs but with a hors ein that much pain I'd hope the vet is keeping a VERY close eye on them  |
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wills
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Post by wills on Dec 16, 2012 16:13:37 GMT 1
I don't know about damage to the internal organs but with a hors ein that much pain I'd hope the vet is keeping a VERY close eye on them This. In this kind of situation the YO really should be stepping in. If thatwas my horse I would be demanding a vet out. |
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Post by jill on Dec 16, 2012 16:44:14 GMT 1
If a vet is overseeing treatment, are you saying the owners aren't keeping the vet informed, or that the vet isn't fulfilling his/her obligations? Have you mentioned to the owners that you are concerned at the length of time he has been off his feet? They may tell you that the vet has said it is ok for a while - you need to be in possession of all of the facts. As far as your original question goes, have you researched it on the net? I don't know the answer but I'm sure it is out there somewhere.
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Post by specialized on Dec 16, 2012 17:24:59 GMT 1
It has always been my belief that horses can only lie down for limited periods as their circulation and respiration will suffer. Usually vets will do everything they can to keep a horse standing, especially if their health is otherwise compromised, to avoid secondary complications.
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Post by bertie666 on Dec 16, 2012 18:59:24 GMT 1
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Post by june on Dec 16, 2012 21:13:52 GMT 1
Having managed a few horses with laminitis they can lie down for considerable periods of time, which appears to be helpful for their feet, allowing them time to mend. Nevertheless, I'd want a vet to be closely involved and to be honest as to the chances of recovery. I probably kept one of mine going too long but others have recovered when they really shouldn't have, so its always a very difficult call. Thankfully I have a vet who is willing to try everything we can think of but is also brave enough to say when we've exhausted the options.
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Post by arizonapye on Dec 17, 2012 0:26:10 GMT 1
I believe its not good for them to be down for extensive periods, best part of 2 days would definately be a concern to me
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calekio
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Post by calekio on Dec 17, 2012 8:07:38 GMT 1
I have a chronic laminitic who we've had some very rough patches with, i know the vets give them sedalin and with may she was on a large dose for her size to encourage her to lay down and it did worry me at time that she was led down a good few hours but in the early stages vet said that was ok... but not for the best part of 2 days... that would have worried me.. even when maddi had her op and she figured out she had to lay down to rest couldnt rest standing up.. she did lay down a lot.. at least half the day during the day for the first week.. again i asked vet if that was ok they said yes as she can't sleep standing up any more....
I think i'd be very worried about that behaviour unless the vet has given it something to encourage it to lay down like sedalin....
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Post by mandal on Dec 17, 2012 9:42:10 GMT 1
I think pressure sores are a risk too. If it's lamiinitis I do hope this is being aggressively addressed with diet, trim, hoof support, bloods for metabolic illness/treatment etc. x ps. Here's a link that might help if needed. www.ecirhorse.com/index.php/laminitis |
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Post by mandal on Dec 18, 2012 12:07:46 GMT 1
How is the horse doing?
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Post by kathrynp on Dec 18, 2012 21:21:08 GMT 1
They can lie down for several days if there is a reasonable chance of recovery. They do need to be turned every four hours day and night otherwise muscle damage will occur in the upper limbs because of compression from body weight and reduced blood flow. If they are down for days at a time they are at high risk of developing pneumonia too because respiratory secretions cannot drain properly.
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Post by anonfornow on Dec 18, 2012 21:25:38 GMT 1
Thanks for the messages. I have read through the links suggested.
I haven't seen the horse today, but I saw him yesterday. He didn't look good. The farrier was there, as was the yard owner. He was down again and very gassy (not a good thing to that extreme). He had been up, but if I am honest I don't think the poor boy is long for this world. It is severe laminitis, his sole has dropped, poor bugger. Looks like everything is being done for him. I will get an update tomorrow.
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