Epilepsy in horses

[amanda125]

Does anyone have any experience with epilepsy in horses? Marco had another seizure last night... this one much worst then the last. He was down for 45 mins and took several hours to get over it. I've been doing research online but would really like to talk to someone who's dealt with this first hand.

[chels]

I don't know any horses personally, but I know if it were my horse, I'd honestly put him to sleep. 45 min is a long time to seizure. Too long. He's not rideable because it would be unsafe for both you and him. I'm sure meds are available for horses but I'd still be concerned.

I know he's young, and I know it's hard to hear, but euthanasia is probably the most humane thing.

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[Becca]

Agreed with chels. Just unsafe for everyone involved. Realistically your not going to be there 24/7 watching him what if he falls on a tree / branch and punctures himself when he has another episode? I know a horse with narcolepsy and I think that is bad enough.

[amanda125]

Euthanasia was discussed with the vet last night and is currently sitting on the back burner. Before anyone jumps to judge my decision, please listen.
We do not know that it is epliepsy, it is one of the things we are trying to "rule out". (and even if it is horses who experience it under the age of 4 are known to "outgrow"it).
Or it could be the seizures are caused by something else - anything from fright to something he ate....
We did talk about meds for epliepsy but the vet suggested waiting and monitoring him as we don't yet know if this is what it is.

[chels]

I understand, you're making an educated decision, and I commend you for that.

Even if it's not epilepsy though, a seizuring horse is a dangerous horse, regardless.

But if it is epilepsy, meds are only a treatment.. Phenobarbital and diazepam work wonders in small animals, and I'm sure they are used in horses as well, but animals taking these meds still have seizures, and are prone to liver and kidney damage from the meds. In the long-term, to me, it becomes a money drain and a strain on the animal. If meds become an option, they are very expensive, let enough the tests every year or so to check the levels, and so on.. It's a huge commitment (even more so than owning a horse in the first place!).

I hope you can figure out what's going on with him so you can have him in your life for much longer. We're all here for you!

[amanda125]

Thanks Chels. I'm sure you realize how hard this is. I don't want it jump into having him put down without aleast trying to find out whats wrong but will diffently do so if the need arises.
And you're right, the meds would be very expensive.... If it was for a cure I would not think twice.
Keeping my fingures crossed we can get this figured out.

[slidingstop]

Unfortunately, veterinarian assistance on the island is limited. I don't think they could find out what is wrong. I wouldn't wait, the more episodes he has the more damage it does to his brain. Its pretty much either send him to the AVC or euth.

[Krista]

My friends colt here in AB randomly started seizuring. Everyone said to shoot him but she started him on selenium and zinc supplements then had an equine chiropractic specialist out. After his first treatment from her he didnt have a single episode between then and his second treatment. That was back in october. Hes seen by his chiropeactor monthly, hasnt had a seizure and he is working on their ranch now. If theres an equine chiropraftor in nl I'd maybe get narco checked for pinched nerves or oxygen deprivation. My chiropractor that straightened pj's leg is willing to travel for a clinic type set up if theres no one on island.
Search remedial equine therapy on facebook or google.
Not saying something this simple could help marco but you never know