A Medical Scare for One of the Friesians in My Stable

January 9, 2025

A Medical Scare for One of the Friesians in My Stable

If you've ever shared your home with an animal, large or small, you know just how vital it is to closely monitor their health and behavior.

I currently have 10 equine residents in my stable - four Friesians, a Fell pony, and five donkeys. Last month, I got a big scare when Bond, one of the Friesians, began acting unusual - he was fatigued, drooling, and unable to eat his food. My longtime equine veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Kilgallon from the ambulatory veterinary practice, Miller & Associates, was called in right away. After a series of diagnostics, it was suspected that Bond was suffering from botulism, a rare but very serious condition caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves. Bond was rushed to Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, New Jersey, where they had the proper medications. Under the close care of Dr. Rodney Belgrave, Bond slowly recovered and now three weeks later is finally back at my farm looking and feeling himself once again.

Here are some photos and advice on how to prevent botulism infection in horses.

: Here is Bond, a beautiful 16-year old Friesian gelding, looking much better after a lengthy and worrisome three week stay in an equine hospital.

: Last month he did not look as alert or as happy. He was demonstrating difficulty moving and chewing his food. He was also quite weak and dull.

: My equine veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Kilgallon, in the jacket on the far right, Dr. Mackinnon, and Carly, were called in to check on Bond. Dr. Kilgannon has always taken such great care of my horses and donkeys. They started with a dental exam to see if Bond had a toothache. They removed a small fragment from his gum, but it did not relieve any of Bond’s symptoms.

: Within 24-hours, Bond seemed worse – he was drooling and showing increased lethargy and loss of appetite. Other tests did not indicate any illnesses, but based on his symptoms, Dr. Kilgallon suspected botulism and recommended taking Bond to the hospital right away.

: Bond was driven to Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center, where they were equipped with the proper botulism anti-toxins. The facility is the only private practice equine emergency hospital in New Jersey that provides 24-hour intensive care to hospitalized patients. The staff includes 40 experienced and dedicated professionals including 16-veterinarians in the fields of surgery, internal medicine, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and cardiology.

: Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center also has multiple paddocks where horses can be turned out and rehabilitated as needed.

: This is the center’s exam room, where Bond was taken for preliminary evaluation. (Photo by Karin Belgrave Photography)

: And here is Dr. Rodney Belgrave who was assigned to Bond’s care. Dr. Belgrave has been the Staff Internist and director of the Internal Medicine Department at the Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center since 2003. (Photo by Karin Belgrave Photography)

: Among the many tests at MAEMC, Bond underwent a standing skull CT scan to rule out any abnormalities. Thankfully all tests were clear.

: Bond was admitted and taken to one of the center’s large in-patient stalls where he was carefully monitored.

: He received IV fluids, anti-toxins and gastric ulcer medications.

: Unfortunately, his condition worsened over the first 24-hours. Bond could not even stand – he was very weak.

: Meanwhile back at my farm my stable manager, Helen Peparo, found a dead snake in one of the hay bales near Bond’s manger.

: As a precaution, Dr. Kilgallon’s team administered botulism vaccinations to my Friesian Rinze and my Fell Pony Banchunch, who shared the same hay. Fortunately, neither showed any symptoms contamination.

: Bond remained in the hospital for three weeks. Here he is with Helen after one week. He slowly started to show signs of improvement.

: And then Bond finally stood. He was on the road to full recovery.

: Here he is outside for the first time.

: And here he was just yesterday after Dr. Belgrave gave us the good news that he was ready to return to my farm.

: Bond was eating and drinking and looking more alert.

: Lily is Dr. Belgrave’s veterinary assistant. She is very fond of Bond and said he was an excellent patient.

: Helen secured support band boots on all Bond’s legs for the two-hour ride.

: These supports do not restrict movement, but do protect the horse’s lower extremities.

: Helen was given a discharge bag complete with reports from his stay and the medications he needs for the coming days.

: For the ride, Bond was also given a bucket of “Dengie” or chopped hay which is more palatable for Bond as he heals.

: Lily escorts Bond out of his stall – he is eager to walk.

: And here he is getting ready to board the trailer. He is so much stronger than he was before the holidays. Dr. Belgrave said Bond looks great.

: This is the inside of my horse trailer – it is all set with a fresh bed of shavings and the proper safety padding and bars.

: Bond walked into the trailer on the first try. He’s ready to go!

: Once back at my stable, he and Rinze nuzzled and neighed – they clearly missed each other.

: For the next 10-days, Bond will continue a course of oral medications for his stomach which also suffered some ulceration. In addition, he will be hand walked for the next week as he regains strength.

: Helen monitors every horse closely for any changes in vitals or behavior and keeps excellent records of everything. She will also monitor Bond’s attitude, appetite, and exercise going forward.

: And check flakes of hay whenever possible. To protect horses from botulism, they can be vaccinated against the infection. Caretakers should also check water and food supplies daily making sure they are fresh and clear of moisture, and keep rodents and pests away.

: And here is Bond – look closely, he’s smiling. I’m so glad you’re feeling better dear Bond. Thanks for all the help, Dr. Kilgallon and your team, Dr. Belgrave, and the staff at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center.