Unfortunately, I have heard of a case of this in the lot and Garrone, I have only heard of it before because my massage tutor an American has worked/ rehabilitated on horses with it and she has seen quite a few cases in the USA.
EPM is a complex disease, inflammation of the central nervous system and even more complex neurological symptoms.
It is caused by invasion and damage of the brain and or spinal cord by a Protozoal orgainism, Sacocysitis neurona. It is not spead from horse to horse, but by faeceal contamination of food and water by birds and of a rat type creature.
The symptoms can vary depending on the location of protozoal in the central nervous system and which nerves they affect. Symptoms may include lameness, muscle atrophy, loss of balance, stiffness, seizures and choking.
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid test are the only diagnosis.
Rapid diagnosis and aggressive drug treatment for several months are the only hope for recovery, young and old horses rarely make it.
The case I heard of was a extremely well breed foal, he was under 6 months. The owners decided to call it a day after 6 weeks of treatment as the foal had too many side affects of the aggressive treatment, a rectal prolapse being just one, they felt it wasn't fair to continue.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Fete Du Cheval
This weekend was the fete du cheval in St Astier, I have to say I think it was the best fun that
I have had in a long while, it was like pony club camp for grown ups! It started yesterday with a randonee, I taged along Jane and her friend 22kms later lotus and I were still keeping up with the pace and they did go a pace 22kms in 2h30 thats good going. As always lotus was very well behaved.
What I really loved was, the town was totally taken over by horses and their passionate owners and if you got lost just follow the poo, many people took their tents and stayed the night I wish I had too but was quite glad to have had a good nights sleep espcaily after hearing from the girls that the music kept going till 2 am and Jane had to ask them to turn "cotton eye joe" off and I had enough after a few hours of it!
So today was the "defilee" parade though town lotus was angel and stood still whilst we painted him I went with the bones and Jane had the muscles it was quite dramatic to have the 2 horses side by side although we had to write on Janes horse the muscles after being quizzed by many people sad really.
The parade was followed by drinks then lunch "yes!" a really good atmosphere and I think everyone had fun. Will look forward to next year.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis
This past week has just flown and weekend did too.
I have had my head in my books, well computer really, trying to get the summer project for my osteopathy course finished. Its has been on show jumping competitions,something I didn't know much about except the physical problems horse can have as a result.
I has been very interesting and I have had some great help along the way.
Yesterday the last show I had to attend was the novice show in Chabanais, Charente.
The ring was in fact the rugby pitch, a beautiful flat mown lawn, perfect ground and a very pleasant atmosphere it was a really nice way to get beginners introduced to show jumping. If I am ever mad enough to want to I would start here.
Apples leg still has not improved, I believe it is a condition being made worse by the sun. I have found a good article on the UC Davies website which sounds just the same, if you get chance look at their website it is a fantastic source of information.
"Pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis
(photoaggravated vasculitis) is a relatively common but poorly understood disease. It generally affects mature horses and produces lesions confined to the lower extremities that lack pigment. Lesions are multiple and well marked. Initially, erythema (redness), exudation (oozing) and crusting open sores develop, followed by swelling of the affected limb(s). Chronic cases may develop a rough or warty” surfaceod vessels)
The cause of pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis is not yet known, but an immune component is
possible. The fact that the lesions are limited to nonpigmented areas of the skin suggests a role
for UV radiation. Drug reactions may play a role, and a recent report has implicated a Staphyloccus bacterial infection as a possible cause.
A diagnosis is made based on skin biopsy of the affected area, which would show leukocytoclastic vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with vessel wall degeneration and clots involving the small vessels in the superficial dermis. Treatment may consist of systemic corticosteroids at relatively high doses for two weeks and reduced doses for
another four to six weeks. A reduction in UV light exposure may be helpful, either by bandaging
affected legs or stabling inside during daylight hours or both.ulcerations develop predominantly in the rear of the pastern region. The ulcerations are covered with adherent crusts. Over time, the lesions extend up the leg and affect the skin as high as the knees or hocks. "
So if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this before your advice would be welcome.
I have had my head in my books, well computer really, trying to get the summer project for my osteopathy course finished. Its has been on show jumping competitions,something I didn't know much about except the physical problems horse can have as a result.
I has been very interesting and I have had some great help along the way.
Yesterday the last show I had to attend was the novice show in Chabanais, Charente.
The ring was in fact the rugby pitch, a beautiful flat mown lawn, perfect ground and a very pleasant atmosphere it was a really nice way to get beginners introduced to show jumping. If I am ever mad enough to want to I would start here.
Apples leg still has not improved, I believe it is a condition being made worse by the sun. I have found a good article on the UC Davies website which sounds just the same, if you get chance look at their website it is a fantastic source of information.
"Pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis
(photoaggravated vasculitis) is a relatively common but poorly understood disease. It generally affects mature horses and produces lesions confined to the lower extremities that lack pigment. Lesions are multiple and well marked. Initially, erythema (redness), exudation (oozing) and crusting open sores develop, followed by swelling of the affected limb(s). Chronic cases may develop a rough or warty” surfaceod vessels)
The cause of pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis is not yet known, but an immune component is
possible. The fact that the lesions are limited to nonpigmented areas of the skin suggests a role
for UV radiation. Drug reactions may play a role, and a recent report has implicated a Staphyloccus bacterial infection as a possible cause.
A diagnosis is made based on skin biopsy of the affected area, which would show leukocytoclastic vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with vessel wall degeneration and clots involving the small vessels in the superficial dermis. Treatment may consist of systemic corticosteroids at relatively high doses for two weeks and reduced doses for
another four to six weeks. A reduction in UV light exposure may be helpful, either by bandaging
affected legs or stabling inside during daylight hours or both.ulcerations develop predominantly in the rear of the pastern region. The ulcerations are covered with adherent crusts. Over time, the lesions extend up the leg and affect the skin as high as the knees or hocks. "
So if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this before your advice would be welcome.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Apple and Stringhalt
We had a good weekend, Julian has taken photo's and been very busy up dating everything on to the website. I managed to paint the superficial muscle on to Lotus some off them are a bit wobley because of the heat and flies, but I think we can appreciate how amazing the horse is and the different ways the muscles work. Next to do is the deep muscles these are much more intricate, so will need a very cool fly free day for those.
Today I started to work Apple again as her owner has gone back to work. When I was first asked to work Apple she had very bad stringhalt confirmed by M. le Normande, in the same leg she had a very bad case of a light senstive form off mud fever. She was put on a course of Phenytoin ( a drug currently used to treat epilespy)and some blue cream for the leg for 6 weeks but this do not seem to do it, at the end of the course Apple was seen by the osteopath (Eloise) who manipulated the lumbar area and all most as if by magic the string halt has gone it has taken a few more weeks for things to really setle but the out come is fantastic especaily as the owners had been advised if the medication did not work the alternative would be cuting the extensor tendon! M. le Normande had been on the right path with the drugs as it was indeed a problem with the nervous system which has also comprimised the imumity in that leg hense the mud fever.
Now I am working on building the weaker side up and the changes in Apple's behavior have also been noticable she was quite excitable and the only horse I have ever meet who prefered to be brushed on her belly than her back, now she is calm and likes to brushed every where.
We have tried everything to get rid off the "mud fever" but it comes and goes, the sun seemingly making it worse, I hope with time Apple will be able to help fight it off untill then we are hoping the magic cream Camrosa will help.
In this blog I have changed the horses name.
Today I started to work Apple again as her owner has gone back to work. When I was first asked to work Apple she had very bad stringhalt confirmed by M. le Normande, in the same leg she had a very bad case of a light senstive form off mud fever. She was put on a course of Phenytoin ( a drug currently used to treat epilespy)and some blue cream for the leg for 6 weeks but this do not seem to do it, at the end of the course Apple was seen by the osteopath (Eloise) who manipulated the lumbar area and all most as if by magic the string halt has gone it has taken a few more weeks for things to really setle but the out come is fantastic especaily as the owners had been advised if the medication did not work the alternative would be cuting the extensor tendon! M. le Normande had been on the right path with the drugs as it was indeed a problem with the nervous system which has also comprimised the imumity in that leg hense the mud fever.
Now I am working on building the weaker side up and the changes in Apple's behavior have also been noticable she was quite excitable and the only horse I have ever meet who prefered to be brushed on her belly than her back, now she is calm and likes to brushed every where.
We have tried everything to get rid off the "mud fever" but it comes and goes, the sun seemingly making it worse, I hope with time Apple will be able to help fight it off untill then we are hoping the magic cream Camrosa will help.
In this blog I have changed the horses name.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Cheval de trait
I was in the saddle at stupid o'clock today, both the horses and I are fed up with the heat and flies, I think it was so hot this afternoon that there were no flies, at one point the youngsters were out eating in full sun.
Today was the first time I have treated a "Cheval de trait" Nelson a 8 year old Comtois was a very willing patient helping me out where he could (he was huge). I was suprised how supple he was and given he is out most weekends pulling the family around on their "ballads" he was in very good shape.
Last weekend I went to Chalais show jumping as part of a report for my osteopathy course, just before the puissance they had the para riders show jumping. Every time I have watched disabled riders show jumping it fills me with a sense of complete uselessness, (The blind riders being lead by the lead pony is the most impressive thing I have ever seen)the bond they have with their horses, the courage and confidence they have with each other they over come all the odds, it really is humbling. I must remember each time I ride how lucky I am and that the frustration that I get if a session hasn't gone well, it could be much greater. I take my hat off to all off them.
If ever you get the chance to see them, do, I would recommend it.
Today was the first time I have treated a "Cheval de trait" Nelson a 8 year old Comtois was a very willing patient helping me out where he could (he was huge). I was suprised how supple he was and given he is out most weekends pulling the family around on their "ballads" he was in very good shape.
Last weekend I went to Chalais show jumping as part of a report for my osteopathy course, just before the puissance they had the para riders show jumping. Every time I have watched disabled riders show jumping it fills me with a sense of complete uselessness, (The blind riders being lead by the lead pony is the most impressive thing I have ever seen)the bond they have with their horses, the courage and confidence they have with each other they over come all the odds, it really is humbling. I must remember each time I ride how lucky I am and that the frustration that I get if a session hasn't gone well, it could be much greater. I take my hat off to all off them.
If ever you get the chance to see them, do, I would recommend it.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Great!
Well, this is something I have wanted to add to the website for ages and seeing as I haven't clue, thanks to Julian ( he does all my weby things and more!), I am now blogging!!!!!!!!
Today I was at Jumlihac la Grand it was nice to see the horse I have been treating much improved.
My Friend Marielle came too and we stop at the Chateaux on the way home so was a good day all round.
Today I was at Jumlihac la Grand it was nice to see the horse I have been treating much improved.
My Friend Marielle came too and we stop at the Chateaux on the way home so was a good day all round.
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