occasional knuckling *Update* - Neosporosis diagnosed

[franjan]

Thanks everyone
Ted - thankfully it's unlikely she's raced as we got her at quite a young age, and there's no racing history when we've looked into her ear tattoos.
She's had MRI scans of her brain and spinal cord which have showed nothing significant except some minimal degeneration of a high cervical disc (but no herniation, which would then cause neurological symptoms). Bloods, toxicology tests and CSF testing at cervical and lumbar levels have also showed nothing.
Bit of a mystery really.
She was kept in the specialist vets overnight as she reacted really badly to the anaesthetic for her MRI - thankfully she's recovered from this now, but the neurologist and cardiologist are concerned about this if she needs further investigations or a repeat MRI.
Since she's been home, we're gently exercising her with Crocky, our old fella who can only manage walks up to the top of our close and back.
She's still symptomatic, but has dramatically improved suddenly yesterday (after a hoon around the back yard with Patsy, her partner in crime) - it may be that something has clicked back which has resolved all her problems...... she doesn't really seem to be knuckling any more when I test her legs, and seems a lot more bouncy in herself!!!!
She goes back next Weds for another review, so fingers crossed she gets the all clear.
Will keep you posted

[lurcherlot]

Brilliant - I hope the improvement continues .... onwards and upwards!

[franjan]

Erin went back to Leahurst on weds. After the period when her symptoms resolved, they returned the next day
Leahurst think she has done sort of inflammatory brain disease, and have started her on a provisional dose of prednisolone to see if that helps relieve the inflammation, and consequently her symptoms. If she shows improvement by Monday, they'll up the dose again for a period to try and reduce the inflammation and damp down her immune system, as it can sometimes be auto-immune caused. She's also been given antibiotics in case of an infection causing the inflammation.
They definitely aren't keen to re scan her, as they are worried about losing her through anaesthetic.
If she shows minimal or no improvement their only other possible cause is a neoplasm
Please keep our girl in your thoughts over the next few days. The side effects of pred can also be nasty, so we're hoping she won't be too badly affected.
Thanks x

[lurcherlot]

I do hope the antibiotics and prednisolone help Erin

[sassbu]

Sending lots of healing thoughts for Erin and some for you too, must be such a worry x

[franjan]

Well, we have a diagnosis for Erin. Sadly, not a promising one.
Leahurst did a blood test when we were there last week and the results came back as her having very high levels of neospora in her blood. They are treating her for neosporosis, with 2 types of high dose antibiotics, clyndamycin and trimethroprin, initially for the next 2 months, to see if they give any improvement in her symptoms.
Our girlie is changing daily Today, it looks like she is quite markedly visually impaired in her right eye, she's less willing to get up from being lay down, and when she does, she takes an age to find somewhere to settle again.
She's weeing more frequently (possibly a side effect from the meds) and still knuckling.
She's just not herself, bless her heart
She's under an eye specialist already, for pannus, which was diagnosed about 4 years ago, and goes back for review next Weds, so I'll get their opinion on her vision then.
We're back at Leahurst next Thurs for a review - please keep our girl in your thoughts.

[gazer]

Sending Erin loads of positive thoughts, I hope the meds start to work and you soon see some improvement

[emmajane]

Oh my, poor Erin, I've got my fingers and toes crossed that she improves with the meds. Hugs to you all, you must be so worried xxxxx

[kizzeysmum]

So sorry to read that Erin isn't doing too well. Loads of positive thoughts being sent from here and I do so hope that the medications help her to improve

[vickyb]

So sorry to read this. Everything crossed that the meds work and that her vision isn't too badly affected
Any ideas how she may have contracted it?

[lurcherlot]

I'm sorry the diagnosis isn't better news - lots of good thoughts for Erin

[Carol 47]

I am so sorry to hear of Erin's diagnosis , you must be so worried for her , and, especially as she is not herself . I will so keep her in my prayers at this time, and, so praying that the meds that she is on, more than does the job for her, and, that she recovers really really well from this {{hugs}}.

Carol x

[redpoppy]

:-*poor little girl I hope she feels better soon sending hugs xxxxxxx

[ragsysmum]

Very best wishes for your girl.

[mtbbuxton]

Sending lots of love to Erin and hoping the meds help her

Moira x