Back on May 20th I came out in the morning to find Stampede starting a cellulitis flare up in his right hind. He usually has at least one a year, and we had one right around Christmas previously. So I followed my usual protocol we’ve done for years. When he finished his two weeks of antibiotics the leg was not quite normal which had not happened before that I could remember, but I stopped the antibiotics since it seemed like maybe I just needed to be a bit more aggressive with my icing and wrapping.
The vet came out on June 14th to give the horses their Potomac vaccines and while he was out I mentioned how Stampede’s right hind had not gone back to normal. We had discussed previously that Stampede likely had leukocytoclastic vasculitis (now confirmed with recent tests) so he decided we should put him on an extended course of steroids (over a month) to clear up the scabs and see if that got the fill out. So I was giving Stampede his steroids and I kept noticing he was a bit strange at times but nothing I could really put my finger on – I wonder now if he had a fever?
On June 25th I came out to a lethargic looking pony with a big right hind again. He had a slight fever at 100.4 (99.8 is his normal) but the vet seemed skeptical about my assessment of the situation. If you remember I switched vets late in 2018, so he’s new to the adventures of Stampede care. Regardless, by the next morning both hind legs were big and Stump was clearly not feeling well so the vet came out. He checked him all over and didn’t feel like it was cellulitis based on symptoms so we agreed to pull blood. Later that day I got a text saying my gut was correct and Stampede’s white blood cell count was high. Vet decided to add a shot of Excede into the mix in addition to the SMZ’s so Stampede also got that shot the next day.
Despite the steroids, SMZ’s, and an Excede shot Stampede hind legs and right front started getting bigger all while my 10th anniversary trip to Alaska was getting closer and closer. At the same time he continued (and continues) to spike 103-104 degree fevers daily. On July 1st Stampede got an IV catheter put in and started getting Baytril, a much stronger broad spectrum antibiotic. Blood was taken to run a variety of tests as well, but results were all negative other than a blood panel showing that his white blood cell cell count had gone down some although was still elevated.
So on July 3rd I left Stampede to head to Alaska unsure if I would ever see him alive again. It was so hard to leave him. Thank goodness for friends who step right up, even when faced with a large and delicate special needs horse with a catheter. I was always texting with vets and friends, even having a phone call with one of the vets on cruise wifi while cruising through glacier bay. My friend Christie who was staying at my house and taking on the brunt of the care balanced keeping me feeling in the loop with avoiding freaking me out most of the time. As time went on I okayed more tests, then Stampede got his catheter out after 10 days as at that point the risk of him having it in was more than the reward. Compounded baytril capsules were ordered instead, and Christie began syringing them into him with applesauce. For good and bad I got home in the evening on July 14th to a horse who was much the same – lethargic with a fever and still some edema in his legs.
Since then we’ve done more tests and ruled out some scary diseases and found no tumors in his body. We had a Serum Amyloid A (SAA) test done, which confirms that inflammation relates to infection. Due to that we decided to do a punch biopsy of his right hind (the worst leg) to see if we could maybe figure out more about how to treat the infection. The culture is still pending and I’m feeling impatient.
Stampede still has a fever which always flares in the afternoon but is controlled by banamine, slight edema in the right hind, and a much too quiet demeanor (biopsies were done without sedation!). Thankfully he is eating hay well, but he has lost a lot of weight.
I was supposed to leave for Traverse City for the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival this coming Monday, but I have cancelled that as I’m not comfortable leaving Stampede while he’s so sick, or leaving Phoenix if something happens. I guess it saves some money for all these vet bills? There is always next year, and there is only one Stampede.
So now you are updated on my special needs horse. I appreciate all positive vibes (or ideas if you have any experience with these symptoms) as we try to get Stampede healthy! Alaska trip update coming at some point in the future.
Oh no! I hope you get some answers soon!
Thank you, I’m really hoping we can help him. Very worried that the culture isn’t going to help us with answers and we will have to just guess at a new treatment. 🙁
Ugh, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe this is STILL going on! So frustrating to not be able to figure out what the cause is.
I had a horse with a recurring fever of 104 that lasted about two weeks. He wound up going to the vet hospital, but they couldn’t figure it out either. No antibiotics seemed to work, and the fever could be controlled with banamine but it kept coming back. Eventually it just went away, and they said he could come home. Never happened again, but still to this day, we have no idea what caused it. So that’s of no help to you unfortunately…
I suppose it’s good news that the tests have been negative, but it really would be nice to figure it out and clear it up. Sending all the good vibes I can to you guys!
I definitely never knew a horse could have such a drawn out illness like this. The vets would have liked him to go to the closest vet hospital but honestly it would not be good for him. Last time he was there he did not eat well and he also does not trailer particularly well. Then of course there is the fact P couldn’t be left alone at home without a lot of stress to him.
Yes I’m glad he doesn’t have a bunch of horrible diseases or cancer but I’d love to have someone say this is what it is and how you treat it at this point.
I don’t have any advice, but sending positive thoughts your way. Hope you figure out what it is soon!
Thank you!
Poor Stampede, I hope that you get some answers soon and he gets better!
Thanks, me too!
Fingers crossed that it turns out to be something minor and easily treatable! Get better soon Stampede!
Stampede is a pro at the unusual and not easy to treat but it would be nice!
So scary! I feel so bad for the big guy! Have you guys added Lyme and Anaplasmosis tests to your long list? Although I feel like you’ve done those in the past? Either way, I hope he turns around soon. He owes you a big freaking break after all the work you’ve put into him! <3
He was negative for Anaplasmosis but he hasn’t had a lyme test in quite a few years. When I asked the vet he said we could test for it if I wanted (of course) but he has run it quite a few times over the years and never had a positive. I’ve run quite a lot of tests and many weren’t very helpful so I’m not sure how much more I should keep testing for things, still thinking on it. Culture results came this morning and not particularly helpful either – just regular Staph that should be treatable with the original antibiotics he was on back at the end of June but is resistant to the current antibiotic he’s been on. 🙁
Sending all the healing vibes to Stamp! Poor guy!!
Thank you <3
Poor Stampede! That’s so frustrating and scary. I hope you can find out what’s ailing him and get him on the mend soon.
Sadly I think we are running out of tests and moving on to trying new treatments based on what facts we have and some guesses. Fingers crossed we figure out something soon!
Positive thoughts to Stampede!!! This has been one hell of a tough bug to kick. I wish some answers, treatment, and relief for you both soon!
Thank you. About to change up our treatment (vets wanted him to have a 24 break first from antibiotics so we are doing that) so we will see what that brings. Tests have just not been super helpful in his case which sucks.
Keeping you and Stamp in my thoughts and prayers! <3
Thank you!
I’m sorry; I hope he’s getting better!
More like holding steady so far. 🙁
Late to post (catching up) but hope he is getting better and you figure it out soon. Horses total heartbreakers. he is awfully cute in his hood 😉 That helps right? 🙂
Just posted an update. He continues to be special and confuse vets, but he’s still hanging in there. 🙁