We got out the hoof testers and, low and behold, Ben shows no sign of pain when we test his feet. However, he does show pain in all of his major joints and his back. Regardless of the test results (which are notoriously inaccurate), I am still about 88% sure that this is some kind of tick borne disease.
We drew lots of blood for more tests and we are trying a slightly experimental drug on Ben. He is now on gabapentin (also called neuronton), which has been used in people and dogs for many years. However, its use is new in equines. We don't know if it will help, but he has plateaued with the banamine and needs something else. Depending on what the blood tests have to say, we are also planning on treating him for Lyme because if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, I think we should shoot it like a duck - with a shotgun.
I would agree! I have my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to see one of your animals in pain. You know you're doing everything you can, but it doesn't make it any better, I know. I HATE ticks.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find the problem VERY soon.
ReplyDeleteWondering how many folks are worried you are going to actually shoot Ben ;-D. I think, considering how much trouble you have with lyme, that treating for that even without a confirmed test is really not so much a shotgun approach as just standard treatment at this point. Poor Ben. Poor Kris.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe he is still up!
ReplyDeleteOh, Benny boy, if only you could talk.
ReplyDeleteDoes 'lame' mean it hurts for him to walk? Poor Ben!! You're in good hands big guy. I hope His Royal R is being nicer to you. Kris, are you curious about the possible family relationship between Ben and Emma? They sure do look related!!
ReplyDeleteHope this is the answer.
ReplyDelete