Harrisburg, South Dakota

Excellence in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery since 1981!

A twenty-two-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was referred to our clinic following two days of treatment for West Nile Virus symptoms. The gelding was down and unable to rise. His temperature was normal, pulse was 60, and his respiration rate was 22. He showed mild muscle tremors.

The horse was transported to the clinic in an attempt to hoist him with a sling and start him on IV fluids. A CBC (complete blood count) was preformed and showed an inflammatory response. Samples of serum were sent to the diagnostic lab to test for West Nile Virus. The results of which were positive.

Treatment of antibiotics, steroids, intravenous fluids, and DSMO were started and continued while hospitalized at our clinic. We also treated the wounds caused from him being down in the stall.

During the second day of hospitalization, he had a good appetite and was drinking well, but still showed no use of his hind-end while recumbent. A sling was fitted to the horse and he responded well to being supported by the sling. He was able to sit upright and get his legs under himself. The gelding continued to urinate and defecate normally. He remained in the sling with protective head gear in place for the entire day.

During day three the gelding had a normal temperature and a good appetite. Intravenous fluids with DMSO were given along with other anti-inflammatories. The gelding was doing well in the sling and was actively moving around the stall. He remained in the sling for the entire day.

On day four the gelding was doing well in his sling and was showing some control of his back legs. Pressure was taken off the sling so he could support himself better. Test results were received and the West Nile Virus titer was positive.

By day five we were still continuing with IV fluids. The gelding had an excellent appetite. The sling was lowered so he was supporting himself for the most part. He was using all four legs pretty well and moved in his stall without stumbling.

On day six he was moving around his stall without the sling. He did stumble a little in the morning, but otherwise was pretty steady on his feet.

Treatment was still continuing and he was showing steady improvement days seven through nine. His wounds were healing, but he had not gained full control of his hind legs yet.

On days ten and eleven we took him outside for a walk. His medications were discontinued and he was bathed to help clean both himself and his wounds which were continuing to heal.

The gelding was released from the hospital on the eleventh day. He continued to improve and on a recheck three months later showed no residual symptoms. Vaccination for West Nile Virus could have helped prevented this case.

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Last modified: 02/13/08