My vet has told me that my horse has pithiosis in his back leg. Has anybody dealt with this with their own horses? I am concerned that my horse might not recover, even though he is in otherwise good health. He's a 12 year old Morgan/Quarter Horse gelding.
2006-09-29 15:03:15 · 4 answers · asked by Katie07 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
My vet said something about wet enviroment being a possible cause, but he lives in a 12 acre pasture that is not wet except for the pond and stream that provide water for the horses. In fact, we've had very little rain lately.
2006-09-29 15:26:22 · update #1
I appreciate the answers. I had to have my horse put down today. I feel like I've lost my best friend. My only consolation is that he's not suffering.
2006-10-01 16:13:04 · update #2
The prognosis is generally quite poor, however, follow the advise of your veterinarian. Surgery will more than likely be required and, sometimes more than once. Good luck!
2006-09-29 15:12:50 · answer #1 · answered by Ziva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a requirement that horses be shod, however, proper routine hoof care will help to ensure healthy feet as well as aid in the prevention of lameness. And, proper care of the hooves can certainly help reduce the incidence of soft tissue injuries. The primary functional reasons for shoeing any horse are to protect the feet, provide traction, and alter the gaits. Recommended intervals for care can vary, but average five to six weeks. The interval should not extend beyond eight weeks.
Risky Business
Because of the environment many horses live and/or work in, they are prone to both the common foot diseases that many horses are susceptible too, as well as some that are less frequently seen in the pleasure horse population. The nature of their activity puts them on terrain that may cause soft tissue damage because of sprains, strains, tears, lacerations, and punctures.
Frequently horses are exposed to wet or swampy environmental conditions that can precipitate diseases caused by organisms harbored in water or moist environments. Moisture helps propagate such diseases as thrush, canker, and pithiosis. Also a condition commonly known as "scratches" or "grease heels" is exacerbated by moisture, as is dermatitis of the lower legs. Both of these conditions can be very aggravating to treat and can cause mild lameness. Additionally, too much moisture in the foot can cause the hoof to be too soft, resulting in cracks and abscesses.
Canker & Pithiosis
Two diseases that seem to be related to wet and/or filthy environments are canker and pithiosis (also known as phycomycosis, swamp cancer, leeches, and kunkers). Both of these diseases are granulatomous entities that are very difficult to control and treat. Surgery is almost always required in the treatment process and in many instances, multiple surgeries will be necessary. Many to most horses will not survive pithiosis of the foot or at least not be sound if they do survive. Pithiosis can affect nearly any part of the body.
2006-10-03 04:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by rodeolvr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not dealt with it, but here is some stuff on it...
Two diseases that seem to be related to wet and/or filthy environments are canker and pithiosis (also known as phycomycosis, swamp cancer, leeches, and kunkers). Both of these diseases are granulatomous entities that are very difficult to control and treat. Surgery is almost always required in the treatment process and in many instances, multiple surgeries will be necessary. Many to most horses will not survive pithiosis of the foot or at least not be sound if they do survive. Pithiosis can affect nearly any part of the body.
Canker is a chronic hypertrophy of the horn producing tissues of the foot including the frog, sole, and, at times, the wall. Canker can be cured, but is very time consuming and frequently requires surgery. Canker is commonly associated with draft horses, but can occur in any breed. Frequently, canker is seen in cases where a horse injures its frog and is living in moist or filthy conditions.
2006-09-29 15:08:38 · answer #3 · answered by Just Me 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no Ive never had that problem with a horse. I'm so sorry to hear that you had to put your horse down. i have a horse that is 26 yrs old he is my best friend so i don't know what will do when his day come it scares me to even think about it we have been through thick and then together i feel off of him 9 yrs ago and crushed my elbow when i woke up he was still standing over me with his head down low nudging me so from then on i new he was my best friend and that i could count on him. i hope one day you will be able to find that in another horse. and again I'm sooo sorry
2006-10-01 18:22:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋