Monday, May 5, 2008

Allergic Headshaking Video

I was able to add the video to my post last night!! In watching it again this morning, I became aware of how forceful and large the bites of hay he is taking are, they are so over exaggerated. He does not usually eat hay like that! Now I am wondering if it has to do with the hay itself, or a tooth issue. The end of the video shows the most dramatic head movements and itching his face on his leg. He was exhibiting these same behaviors all day, whether walking on the lounge line, or just standing in his pasture, not necessarily just while eating. Thank you all so much for your advice, brainstorming, and support on this latest development with My Boy. I was able to get a vet apt. for tomorrow, but will call out an emergency vet today if his condition worsens and his behavior changes (not eating, etc.)

11 comments:

  1. Just watched the video. Yep, something's bugging him all right and it's anybody's guess as to what it might be. Something up his nose, something irritating him in his throat, something down his ear canal...can't wait to hear what the vet finds out. In the grand scheme of things, if this were my horse, I wouldn't worry too much (easier to say than do, of course). Your vet will be there in 24 hours or so, and My Boy will be fine, and this is just another one of those times we all question our sanity for being horse owners.

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  2. Me again. I just went back to look at some of the pictures of My Boy's head. This is so hard to tell with low-rez internet pictures, but in looking at his left eye in the third picture of your May 2 post and comparing it to his left eye in the picture that appears with this post, it looks like maybe the area below his eye might be a little swollen? It may just be the lighting.

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  3. I hope everything is better now with My Boy. (I have dial-up which makes video watching almost impossible). I know you are worried but I am sure it will be fine with the vet. coming.
    I'll check back later to see how things are. Good luck.
    Thanks for visiting me too.

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  4. Good luck with My Boy and hope the vet finds out what is wrong. I would ask the vet before you trim his ears. If his is allergic at all, it will make the flies go to the ears that much faster. And it will irriate him and cause sores in the canal of the ears. You may need to get a fly mask with ears on it. That is what I had to do with a horse of ours who has bad allergies. He may have gotton sting by something to too, bad tooth, etc. Keep us posted!

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  5. Oh, poor Boy. He does look so agitated. I hope you get this sorted, it's hard to tell if it's his ear or nose, but could be a sting though.

    Good luck

    Kim x

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  6. After watching the video, I am guessing that it's allergies. A fly mask with ears has given my horses great relief in this dreadful season of gnats and bugs. Will he let you rub your fingers in his ears to see if they are crusty? Silk had one ear that had dead gnats stuck in it and once I cleaned it, she stopped shaking her head. It's interesting that he does the same movement over and over. You could also try soaking his hay in water to lessen dust and make it easier to chew. I feel for you- having a horse that's sick is like having a sick child. The vet will know what to do.

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  7. I'm betting it is some type of infection just from watching the video. Maybe a tooth has been bothering him. I don't think it is serious though.

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  8. I just got to watch the video and I am wondering if he has a tooth issue as well, or perhaps something caught in in his mouth or throat. Tonka once had to have 4large (4-6") slivers removed from his gums. He had some of the same type of head flipping. Will he let you check his mouth?

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  9. From the video it definitely looks like something is bothering his ears and or nose. I hope he feels better soon! Tell us what the vet says. Good luck!

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  10. Poor guy! I hope you have some answers soonn.

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  11. Just watched the vid- I would definately check teeth, gums, nasal passages, and then ears. Keeping fingers crossed for you guys. Will check in to see what the Good Dr has to say about My Boy.

    Big Rubs from the Southland~

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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