|
|
 Veteran
Posts: 226
 
Location: Middle Tennessee | He feels like a bag of bricks on the end of my reins when I try to ask him to turn lately. He warms up great and has been to the vet recently. Vet found a lung infection but no lameness issues at all.
This horse is very seasoned. I'm thinking its the infection messing with him, but I've never had him just completely ignore my cues on all three barrels.
Could a different bit help?
He is on antimicrobial medicine and I also bought a nebulizer and I'm treating him with Equi-Silver as well (per vet).
Edited by RodeoGirlJodi 2015-02-06 3:06 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
   
Location: Alberta | Are you running him with the infection?......ok you are.......I'd get him healed up from that before I run him.....
Edited by dream_chaser 2015-02-05 4:07 PM
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Vet said it was okay to keep working him. He said to continue my regular routine.
Edited by RodeoGirlJodi 2015-02-06 1:16 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | wow..just wow.....................
m |
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 209
| Not trying to be rude but I would look at finding a different vet or opinion. Lung infections are very serious and I certainly would not be working one if they had one even with medicine and a nebulizer. He probably feels heavy on your hands when you ask him to turn because he is exerting so much energy when his lungs are not 100%. It would be like someone with asthma and no inhaler or training trying to run a marathon. |
|
| |
|
 Unknown Drip
Posts: 5624
Location: Back in MT BABY!!! | Regardless of what the vet said. I would give him time off to recoop. |
|
| |
|
  Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | SMH......Would you run a 200 yd dash with pneumonia? I would be looking for a new vet if mine told me that it was OK to run him with a lung infection.....no, I don't think a different bit will help......getting healthy is the help he needs. |
|
| |
|
Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | Lyric203 - 2015-02-05 3:38 PM Not trying to be rude but I would look at finding a different vet or opinion. Lung infections are very serious and I certainly would not be working one if they had one even with medicine and a nebulizer. He probably feels heavy on your hands when you ask him to turn because he is exerting so much energy when his lungs are not 100%. It would be like someone with asthma and no inhaler or training trying to run a marathon.
This.......he likely has had the infction for a while cause he hasn't had a chance to heal from it....you may have more problems then you want to if you don't let him heal....each to their own, good luck..... |
|
| |
|
 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | I have a gelding who battles breathing issues and displays asthma-like symptoms part of the time. That said, I NEVER run him if he's not breathing well when I work him at home. Too easy to cause big problems with the lungs if you run them with an infection or other issue. Even if my vet told me I could run a horse with a lung infection, I wouldn't. No way no how. |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Running with a lung infection is animal abuse. The reason is you are askng them to run their heart out with inflamed lungs ( this is what happens with any infection) with inflammation comes pain. You are also forcing him to run when he is short of air, this is like making a bleeder run, or asking you to run a marathon with pneumonia, chances are you would want to be in bed with nebulizers, pain killers, and antibiotics, so why not your horse?
Further more since you are running him while all of this is going on, he will develop scar tissue, as each time he is running and unable to process oxygen at a fast enough level, cell die off.
This will in turn cause the horse to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or as others call it heaves. There are different degrees of severity, some horses have to have watered down hay, some cannot be in an indoor arena, time will tell you how bad yours will be if you continue to run your horse while sick
I would be finding a different vet.
|
|
| |
|
Blessed 
Location: Here | Lyric203 - 2015-02-05 4:38 PM Not trying to be rude but I would look at finding a different vet or opinion. Lung infections are very serious and I certainly would not be working one if they had one even with medicine and a nebulizer. He probably feels heavy on your hands when you ask him to turn because he is exerting so much energy when his lungs are not 100%. It would be like someone with asthma and no inhaler or training trying to run a marathon.
I would do a little more research on nebs. and get another opinion |
|
| |
|
Blessed
Location: Here | cheryl makofka - 2015-02-05 10:24 PM Running with a lung infection is animal abuse. The reason is you are askng them to run their heart out with inflamed lungs ( this is what happens with any infection) with inflammation comes pain. You are also forcing him to run when he is short of air, this is like making a bleeder run, or asking you to run a marathon with pneumonia, chances are you would want to be in bed with nebulizers, pain killers, and antibiotics, so why not your horse? Further more since you are running him while all of this is going on, he will develop scar tissue, as each time he is running and unable to process oxygen at a fast enough level, cell die off. This will in turn cause the horse to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or as others call it heaves. There are different degrees of severity, some horses have to have watered down hay, some cannot be in an indoor arena, time will tell you how bad yours will be if you continue to run your horse while sick I would be finding a different vet.
 |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | I haven't ridden him since I've been to the vet. You people just assume. All I said was that my vet said it was okay to continue riding him. Never said I have been.
His turning issues occurred and then I took him to the vet. Haven't ridden since. I was just curious if all of this is coming from the infection or if a new bit may help when it comes time to ride him. |
|
| |
|
 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| RodeoGirlJodi - 2015-02-06 8:56 AM
I haven't ridden him since I've been to the vet. You people just assume. All I said was that my vet said it was okay to continue riding him. Never said I have been.
His turning issues occurred and then I took him to the vet. Haven't ridden since. I was just curious if all of this is coming from the infection or if a new bit may help when it comes time to ride him.
I sort of feel like you're about to get eaten on here, since you really contradicted your first post just now.
That said, I'm glad you're not riding him. Breathing problems are hellish. I would just get him well again before I'd start changing bits. Maybe a full lameness exam when he's at your NEW vet getting his lungs scoped to see if his respiratory system is okay to go might be beneficial.
Why not get him 100% and then see? |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1611
| Had friends who knew their horse was bleeding and treated with some oral antibiotics 3 weeks after they saw blood. I told and told them the horse was bleeding WAY before they ever got antibiotics but the local dog and cat vet said ahh he's fine you can run him just treat with TMZ for a few days.
When they finally after 3 months had a BAL done and cultures he had 3 different kinds of bacterial in his lungs, scaring in his lungs and trach, and he required IV antibiotics to NOT die on them. Please do not run a horse that has a lung infection there is a possibility that his lung infection was actually caused by bleeding. This condition if serve enough can cause your horse to bleed out and die. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1857
| RodeoGirlJodi - 2015-02-06 8:56 AM
I haven't ridden him since I've been to the vet. You people just assume. All I said was that my vet said it was okay to continue riding him. Never said I have been.
His turning issues occurred and then I took him to the vet. Haven't ridden since. I was just curious if all of this is coming from the infection or if a new bit may help when it comes time to ride him.
Don't get defensive, I don't think any one is jumping on you. I think everyone on here is more surprised and can not believe that your vet would tell you that it is ok. You are only doing what the vet told you was ok to do. Good thing you came on here because these people gave you good advise and may have saved you money and your horses well being. I too, can not believe your vet would tell you it's ok.... Did he/she tell you how severe the infection was, upper,lower? |
|
| |
|
Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | RodeoGirlJodi - 2015-02-06 8:56 AM I haven't ridden him since I've been to the vet. You people just assume. All I said was that my vet said it was okay to continue riding him. Never said I have been. His turning issues occurred and then I took him to the vet. Haven't ridden since. I was just curious if all of this is coming from the infection or if a new bit may help when it comes time to ride him.
Great!!!! And now you have been given some very good advice here....... |
|
| |
|
 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | mruggles - 2015-02-05 4:33 PM wow..just wow.....................
m
My thoughts exctly |
|
| |
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I wouldn't be mad at everyone for thinking you've been running him. You're post REALLY makes it sound that way. I'd wait until he's healed before thinking about bits. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | Horse doing well before...now he is sick and not turning well. I don't see the logic in thinking that the bit is the problem.
If he ran well in the bit before...I'd say get him rest and get him healthy. Bring him back easy and use that time to work on responsiveness to cues while not on the pattern.
I am hoping your vet misspoke or you misunderstood. Doing your same routine as far as feeding and care sure. But continuing to work a horse with a lung infection is just doesn't seem right at all. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Looking back, I do see how my first post is unclear.
I feel there must be some sort of confusion in my situation. This vet I go to is the best around. I trust him completely. However, I'm a full time college student and my boyfriend took my gelding to the vet for me when he had the scope done. He also did a blood profile.
Boyfriend said it was a lung infection. Now, after talking to you all, I feel like he may have been confused or misunderstood.
I did talk to my vet afterwards and asked about the treatment protocol and if was okay to ride him. I plan to call him this evening and ask what exactly I'm dealing with and if it is really okay to ride. He is supposed to go back this week to be rechecked.
|
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Hope you get good news when you go back. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Just called my vets office. Waiting to hear back from him with more definitive information. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Okay, finally got things cleared up I believe. Talked to my vet. It was NOT a lung infection. He found signs of the onset of IAD (inflammatory airway disease). He said we caught it very early. He found a slight amount of mucous accumulation.
Have any of you dealt with this before? |
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 253
Location: EDGE OF INSANITY | i'm calling you out!! you edited your original post (6 minutes ago) that originally said that the vet said he had had the infection FOR A WHILE so to keep working him. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Yes I did edit it. All my information came from my boyfriend who took the horse to the vet. He was wrong. I just spoke to my vet and got everything straight. I edited as not to confuse anyone or make myself sound contradictory like before. I get called out for sounding like I'm contradicting myself and then I get called out for trying not to contradict myself.
 |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | horsepoor1 - 2015-02-06 4:13 PM i'm calling you out!! you edited your original post (6 minutes ago) that originally said that the vet said he had had the infection FOR A WHILE so to keep working him.
I'm not one to get into things like this but yes....your original post did say that. |
|
| |
|
Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest |  |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Read above post. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | I don't have any advise just wanted to say I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time here. |
|
| |
|
Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Why was the horse on antibiotics? Didn't the vet give you some sort of anti-inflammatory, like Dex or something? |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | ampratt - 2015-02-06 3:47 PM
I don't have any advise just wanted to say I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time here.
Thank you. I really just come here for advise and I'm getting to the point I don't want to post on here anymore. And I know I've seen others who have felt this way. |
|
| |
|
 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | ampratt - 2015-02-06 3:47 PM
I don't have any advise just wanted to say I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time here.
Ditto. She said her boyfriend got incorrect information, she hasn't been riding the horse, and now she knows the actual diagnosis.
Personally, if I sent my husband to the vet with one of my horses, there's no telling what kind of story he'd come back home with 
OP, I don't have any insight on what's ailing your horse, just hope he gets better! Glad you caught it early! |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | He was put on Equisol initially and the vet is having me pick up another medication this evening. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | Gunner11 - 2015-02-06 3:56 PM
ampratt - 2015-02-06 3:47 PM
I don't have any advise just wanted to say I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time here.
Ditto. She said her boyfriend got incorrect information, she hasn't been riding the horse, and now she knows the actual diagnosis.
Personally, if I sent my husband to the vet with one of my horses, there's no telling what kind of story he'd come back home with
OP, I don't have any insight on what's ailing your horse, just hope he gets better! Glad you caught it early!
Thanks. He took his mare to the vet because she was lame and took mine with him. He was a wreck (this is his first horse) and the vet said he ate about 10 pounds of candy while he was there lol! No wonder he got my story mixed up. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 226
Location: Middle Tennessee | The way I understood it was that he was on the medicine because of the mucous. I am assuming he was put on it to keep an infection from occurring? |
|
| |
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Ok, well I'm glad you got all the info now. I hope your horse gets better soon. |
|
| |
|
 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4553
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Well I had to laugh at some of the posts, here is what I believe is happening. A horse that is trying to catch his breath will lower his/her head. Since your horse is having lung issues lowering the head will make your horse feel heavy. I don't think there is a need to changea bit because of this. Just let your horse heal and I think the issue will resolve itself. Writing and talking to someone in person can really change how one perceive things so here is a cyber hug  take care. |
|
| |
|
Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| cow pie - 2015-02-06 7:06 PM
Well I had to laugh at some of the posts, here is what I believe is happening. A horse that is trying to catch his breath will lower his/her head. Since your horse is having lung issues lowering the head will make your horse feel heavy. I don't think there is a need to changea bit because of this. Just let your horse heal and I think the issue will resolve itself. Writing and talking to someone in person can really change how one perceive things so here is a cyber hug take care.
I agree. Sometimes it's really hard to be clear about something confusing, and we all jump to conclusions. I believe you're doing the best you can for your horse. Don't sweat the small stuff on the board.
Just get him breathing 100%. I wouldn't be shy about looking into all the prescription breather feel goods you can. I have horrible athsma and so I really feel for anybody (man or beast) that just can't breathe right. It hurts so bad sometimes!
Hang in there! |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| RodeoGirlJodi - 2015-02-06 3:03 PM
Okay, finally got things cleared up I believe. Talked to my vet. It was NOT a lung infection. He found signs of the onset of IAD (inflammatory airway disease). He said we caught it very early. He found a slight amount of mucous accumulation.
Have any of you dealt with this before?
I have dealt with mucus accumulation, my vet does a cardiac fluid overload so their lungs become moist and the horse can cough it up.
Honestly this is worse then an infection, mine was diagnosed in the summer, her trigger was a forest fire,
My horse cannot have dusty hay period, and cannot be ridden indoors for the first year, we will re scope her this summer and determine where to go. |
|
| |
|
Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | RodeoGirlJodi - 2015-02-06 3:03 PM Okay, finally got things cleared up I believe. Talked to my vet. It was NOT a lung infection. He found signs of the onset of IAD (inflammatory airway disease). He said we caught it very early. He found a slight amount of mucous accumulation. Have any of you dealt with this before?
My old bay horse has IAD and I manage it by running him on Ventipulmin, using Flair Strips, Air Power and Clearex plus he gets a daily dose of SmartBreathe supplement and I try to keep him out of dusty areas as much as possible. He doesn't run if he's coughing, and he basically just doesn't run a ton anymore, but he is 22 so slowing down anyway. |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| One question, did the vet perform a bronchial washing and send it off for culture?
As with the mucus buildup, my bet is she may have bacteria growing.
How are you giving the equi silver? By nebulizer?
If the horse was diagnosed with inflammatory airway disease, did the vet put the horse on an antiinflammatory to reduce the flair up?
Have you discussed with the vet about the use of dex? As there are pros and cons to using dex, but from my understanding is still the current treatment for maintaining optimal lung function? |
|
| |
Horse becoming unresponsive going in to turns? UPDATE: pg2. Not an Infection.