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Head Cold...Shipping Fever

Arbo
New Member

Oct 20, 2005, 9:23 AM

Post #1 of 5 (1342 views)
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Head Cold...Shipping Fever	Can't Post

I took posession of three horses last Friday. They all came from the same reputable stable about 100 miles from my place. The stable owner delivered them for me. Dutch, an Arab/Morgan cross came down with a case of runny nose and fever. I had the vet out last night because the fever was quite high (105-106F). Dutch had me worried sick! The vet gave him a thorough exam, and claims that it is simply a head cold, and his lungs are clear. What a relief that news was. She prescribed a broad spectrum antibiotic that should clear things up for him. This morning, he is looking a bit better, with no fever. Dutch is the alpha, most spirited horse of the three. The vet supposed that it may be possible that he was under more stress with the move. Therefore, weakening his immune system. The other two have shown no symptoms to date, but we are keeping a watchful eye on them. So...What say you with more experience than I? I have some mild oral antibiotics that the "medicine man" provided me with as a prophylactic measure. I am going to continue that with the other two, and hope this clears up soon. My best friend was born and raised Amish, and has left the lifestyle. He tells me that it is probably a form of shipping fever.

Arbo, Dutch (Arab/Morgan Cross), Cricket (White/Tobiano Registered Paint) , & Tonto (Quarter Horse/ Pony Cross)
The Next Loud Noise You Hear Is Me!

CJuneau
Bronze Member

Oct 20, 2005, 8:17 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1324 views)
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Re: [Arbo] Head Cold...Shipping Fever [In reply to]	Can't Post

Arbo,
Something doesn't add up...a cold is a virus and antibiotics can't kill viruses, so you see the dilemma! What is most important is that you started the SMZs or whichever antibiotic and that the fever is down. Continue the antibiotic so that a full course is taken in the horse that you have started to give it to and DO NOT prophylactically give antibiotic to the healthy horses!
Be sure to establish baseline data on these horses as soon as they are adjusted to their new home. Over a week long period take temps morning and night to establish normal for them.
I have been on the receiving end of 400 foals and 30 adult horses over the past 7 years that have been shipped cross country ( in excess of 30 hours). Rarely does shipping fever present and it usually takes several days until onset as viruses have a latency period. You were given a sick horse to begin with, IMO, althought this may not have been apparent until the stress of the shipping exacerbated it.
Hope this helps,
Christina

CJuneau
Bronze Member

Oct 20, 2005, 8:21 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1323 views)
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Re: [CJuneau] Head Cold...Shipping Fever [In reply to]	Can't Post

Arbo,
Also be sure to keep all of the new arrivals well hydrated, especially Dutch. Wet down their grain (works best with pelletized feeds), soak alfalfa cubes and monitor individual water consumption, if possible.
Christina

Arbo
New Member

Oct 21, 2005, 10:37 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1311 views)
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Re: [CJuneau] Head Cold...Shipping Fever [In reply to]	Can't Post

The horses are turned out in pasture with plenty of fresh water. They are all eating and drinking well. Dutch has had two doses of Nexcel so far. He is still running a fever, but not as high. If it wasn't for the fever and runny nose, we wouldn't know that the horse had a problem. He is alert and active. The runny nose is drying up. I have three more days worth of Nexcel to give Dutch. We are also using Banamine for the fever.

Arbo, Dutch (Arab/Morgan Cross), Cricket (White/Tobiano Registered Paint) , & Tonto (Quarter Horse/ Pony Cross)
The Next Loud Noise You Hear Is Me!

CJuneau
Bronze Member

Oct 22, 2005, 6:30 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1292 views)
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Re: [Arbo] Head Cold...Shipping Fever [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am glad to hear that he's doing well. Hopefully the others won't catch whatever it was that he had. Smile

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