"Cisco"
June 19, 2007
"Cisco"
USERL was contacted about a horse needing medical attention that the owner was unable to provide. Large wounds on both front lower legs were recurrent and unable to be resolved. A good citizen and horse lover took him in; however, this owner could not deal with this horse's problems either. So USERL accepted him into the program for evaluation. Currently, his diagnosis is still unknown. Blood tests and cultures of the wounds should be back soon. The most likely culprit is Pythiosis, a difficult disease to treat but with a good prognosis if caught early.
"Cisco"
USERL was contacted about a horse needing medical attention that the owner was unable to provide. Large wounds on both front lower legs were recurrent and unable to be resolved. A good citizen and horse lover took him in; however, this owner could not deal with this horse's problems either. So USERL accepted him into the program for evaluation. Currently, his diagnosis is still unknown. Blood tests and cultures of the wounds should be back soon. The most likely culprit is Pythiosis, a difficult disease to treat but with a good prognosis if caught early.
Update! July 11, 2007:
Cisco's diagnosis has been a difficult adventure. Dr. Kate Christensen and Dr. Katie Carothers of Neuse River Veterinary Hospital have been working tirelessly to diagnose Cisco. After unsuccessful attempts to culture Pythium, a leading researcher of Pythiosis, Dr. Mendosa of Michigan State University, was contacted. From symptoms, he diagnosed it as likely Pythiosis. Serum was sent that same day for a definitive diagnosis, and the vaccine treatment was shipped out asap. It arrived July 11th and was administered that same day.
Cisco is holding his own and it is hopeful that the vaccine will help him. Updates will be posted on his fight for his life against this terrible condition. To learn more about Pythiosis, go to <http://pythium.pavlab.com> .
Cisco's diagnosis has been a difficult adventure. Dr. Kate Christensen and Dr. Katie Carothers of Neuse River Veterinary Hospital have been working tirelessly to diagnose Cisco. After unsuccessful attempts to culture Pythium, a leading researcher of Pythiosis, Dr. Mendosa of Michigan State University, was contacted. From symptoms, he diagnosed it as likely Pythiosis. Serum was sent that same day for a definitive diagnosis, and the vaccine treatment was shipped out asap. It arrived July 11th and was administered that same day.
Cisco is holding his own and it is hopeful that the vaccine will help him. Updates will be posted on his fight for his life against this terrible condition. To learn more about Pythiosis, go to <http://pythium.pavlab.com> .
Update: July 26, 2007
Cisco has been a real trooper through his ordeal. He has now received 2 of the 3 vaccines to treat Pythiosis, and his condition continues to improve, then go downhill. It is still not definitive if Cisco has Pythiosis, and if he does, that the vaccine will work. Chronic cases often cannot be successfully treated. So other options are being looked into as we finish the vaccine series next week. Updates will be posted on his progess.
Cisco has been a real trooper through his ordeal. He has now received 2 of the 3 vaccines to treat Pythiosis, and his condition continues to improve, then go downhill. It is still not definitive if Cisco has Pythiosis, and if he does, that the vaccine will work. Chronic cases often cannot be successfully treated. So other options are being looked into as we finish the vaccine series next week. Updates will be posted on his progess.
August 17, 2007
Cisco is finally turning the corner in his treatment. His legs have improved dramatically, drying up and becoming smaller. More pics will be posted in the coming weeks, so check back!
Cisco is finally turning the corner in his treatment. His legs have improved dramatically, drying up and becoming smaller. More pics will be posted in the coming weeks, so check back!
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April 10, 2008:
Cisco has had a long road to rehabilitation. His wounds finally responded to a second vaccine round for pythiosis - a newer version of the drug. It worked great and as seen below, they healed very well. He will always have scars, but is sound and pain free.
In December, the foster found Cisco in the pasture holding his left hind leg up. It was very swollen and he refused to put weight on it. It's believed he was running on the frozen ground and slipped while playing (Cisco is an active fellow). It was feared that he had fractured his leg, but radiographs could not find anything. Tentative diagnosis was a severe bone bruise and possible tendon/ligament tears. Treatment - complete stall rest and pain management. Again, Cisco has beaten the odds and returned to health. His left hock is still swollen, but he appears sound playing in the pasture now. He will be further evaluated to determine soundness for riding, etc. Cisco's perseverence throughout his ordeal has been amazing and it is hopeful he will be up for adoption later in 2008!
Cisco has had a long road to rehabilitation. His wounds finally responded to a second vaccine round for pythiosis - a newer version of the drug. It worked great and as seen below, they healed very well. He will always have scars, but is sound and pain free.
In December, the foster found Cisco in the pasture holding his left hind leg up. It was very swollen and he refused to put weight on it. It's believed he was running on the frozen ground and slipped while playing (Cisco is an active fellow). It was feared that he had fractured his leg, but radiographs could not find anything. Tentative diagnosis was a severe bone bruise and possible tendon/ligament tears. Treatment - complete stall rest and pain management. Again, Cisco has beaten the odds and returned to health. His left hock is still swollen, but he appears sound playing in the pasture now. He will be further evaluated to determine soundness for riding, etc. Cisco's perseverence throughout his ordeal has been amazing and it is hopeful he will be up for adoption later in 2008!
Left: Cisco is the first to approach when you walk towards to pasture.
Right: The wounds have healed well and all that remains is scar tissue.
Right: The wounds have healed well and all that remains is scar tissue.