|
|
 
| /I may take flack for this and if you think it is easy to do, well its not. I am no different than most of you. We work hard and our horses live better than us, but then all hell breaks loose and You dont know what to do. I kid you not, I was sobbing and screaming into this mares neck when she went down in our driveway. I didnt know what to do. My daughters knew this was a deadly virus. They knew I was trying to decide what to do. I asked they mare "what do you want me to do"? I had already called the vet and if they showed up they were putting her down. As my brother pulled into the drive with my fathers stock trailer our mare moaned and staggered to her feet. She swayed and shook and I saw her glare straight threw me. As they backed the trailer up to her and got behind her to balance her. Unforgettable Copy lunged with her front legs and threw her self into the trailer. she didnt want to die and as she collapsed another time I knew we were headed to MSU.
I ask If you can. I ask for prayers. I ask for any knowledge if you have rehabbed one. I ask to give her more time to recover before I am forced to bring her home.
http://www.gofundme.com/brandi-schnitkey
|
|
| |
|
 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
 
Location: Where I am happiest | What is EHM? Prayers for a full recovery.  |
|
| |
|
 Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
 
Location: Dubach, LA | Prayers and hugs. I hate when our babies get so sick. |
|
| |
|
| Ok here is Dr. Nicola Pusterla one of the best and most noted researcher on the EHV-1 virus. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the time to watch, really listen and understand.
https://connect.msu.edu/p1a33s91hg4/…
|
|
| |
|
| Are there different strains of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1)?
There are two strains of EHV-1 ubiquitous in the environment. The wild type non-neuropathogenic strain of the
virus most commonly causes respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal foal death, but may occasionally result
in neurological disease. Licensed vaccines effective against this strain of the virus are available. The mutant
neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 (NEHV-1) most commonly causes the neurologic disease syndrome, Equine
Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Currently manufactured licensed vaccines have no label claims to
protect against the mutant neuropathogenic strain.
What is Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM)?
EHM is the neurological disease syndrome caused by EHV-1. The EHV-1 virus may damage blood vessels in
the brain and spinal cord resulting in the various neurological clinical presentations of the disease.
Are all equids susceptible to EHV-1?
All equids are susceptible to EHV-1. Mules and donkeys are asymptomatic carriers that do not show clinical
signs of the disease but can shed EHV-1 spreading the disease.
Can humans be infected with EHV-1?
EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans.
Are other animal species susceptible to infection with EHV-1?
There are rare reports of disease caused by EHV-1 in alpacas, llamas and guinea pigs. The disease does not
affect livestock, cats or dogs.
Can a horse be a carrier of EHV-1?
It is thought that a significant percentage of horses are asymptomatic carriers of EHV-1. Similar to herpes
viruses in other species, the dormant form of EHV-1 can reactivate at a later date, but generally with a low viral
load posing a low risk of infecting another horse. It is unusual for latent carriers of the neuropathogenic EHV-1
strain to reactivate and cause reintroduction of the disease at a later time.
How does the virus shed from an infected horse?
Some horses infected with the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 can shed a large amount of virus in nasal
secretions. Horses that have been exposed to the virus and not showing clinical signs of disease can also
shed virus into the environment. Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10 days, but may
persist longer in infected horses.
How does this virus spread?
EHV-1 is shed in nasal secretion and can spread by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus may also be
spread indirectly through contact with objects contaminated with the virus, such as clothing, human hands,
equipment, tack, trailers, feed/water buckets and wash rags. The virus can become airborne but only for short
distances.
How long can the virus live in the environment?
Sunlight and dry environments inactivate the virus. It is estimated that the virus remains viable on clothes and
human hands for 4-6 hours. In the environment under normal circumstances, it is estimated that the virus can
remain viable for up to 7 days however, under moist conditions away from sunlight; it may be viable for up to
one month.
What are the clinical signs of the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1?
Clinical signs of EHM in horses may include fever, nasal discharge, limb edema, incoordination, hindquarter
weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone.
As an owner of an exposed horse, what should I do to monitor my horse?
Owners of exposed or potentially exposed horses should monitor the rectal temperature of each horse two
times a day. A rectal temperature greater than 102°F commonly precedes other clinical signs of EHM. If a
temperature reading above 102°F occurs or other clinical signs of disease are observed, immediately contact
your private veterinarian for evaluation of the horse and preferably collection of nasal swabs and blood for
laboratory testing.
How soon after exposure could my horse show clinical signs of disease?
The EHV-1 incubation period is defined as the period of time from horse exposure to the virus to the time the
horse displays clinical signs of disease. The incubation period for EHM is typically from two (2) to ten (10)
days, but may be as short as twenty-four (24) hours or as long as fourteen (14) days. The clinical sign of fever
typically precedes respiratory signs and limb edema. Neurological signs may appear suddenly, progress
rapidly and peak in intensity within 24-48 hours of the onset of neurologic signs.
What is the likelihood that my exposed horse will get sick and die?
Due to the limited number of past EHM outbreaks, there is little field data incidence of illness and death in
exposed horses. Studies indicate that 80% of infected horses will display a fever; 30-35% of infected horses
will develop neurologic signs; and 5-15% of infected horses will die or require euthanasia. Long term prognosis
is good for infected horses that do survive. |
|
| |
|
Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | So many prayers for you and your mare.This is so heartbreaking:( ohio prayers sent to you.I believe it was your video I watched the other day of your mare at the vets office trying to wAlk alittle? Either way my prayers are with you. |
|
| |
|
Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | Gotcha. I didnt connect the dots of EHM to EHV-1. |
|
| |
|
| Yes that was her. She fell again Thursday and has been restricted to her stall ever since. Dr. Carr is afraid we may have set her back by her falling. So they have slowed her down and keeping her within her padded walls and sling within reach. I am playing this a week at a time. A trailer with a ramp has been located for when MSU feels she can safely ride home.
|
|
| |
|
Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | schnitkey - 2015-04-11 8:27 PM Ok here is Dr. Nicola Pusterla one of the best and most noted researcher on the EHV-1 virus. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the time to watch, really listen and understand. https://connect.msu.edu/p1a33s91hg4/…
When I click on the video link it says not found. Prayers for you and your mare. |
|
| |
|
Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | I KNOW YOUR HEART IS BREAKING...I PRAY SHE RECOVERS AND GETS MUCH STRONGER BEFORE SHE COMES HOME. |
|
| |
|
| https://connect.msu.edu/p1a33s91hg4/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&...
try that
|
|
| |
|
 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Prayers for Allie and your family, I can't imagine how hard this is on your girls. Please keep us updated
Edited by Chandler's Mom 2015-04-11 11:39 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | Prayers for you and your horse. It is hard to have to deal with Hugs.
|
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Many prayers. I hope she has a full recovery. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 600
Location: Oklahoma & Texas | Sending prayers!! |
|
| |
|
 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | This disease scares the hell out of me.
Edited by CYA Ranch 2015-04-12 12:00 PM
|
|
| |
|
 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Prayers that this mare will beat this |
|
| |
|
 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | Many prayers for your mare.
|
|
| |
Our mare is fighting EHM