Introduction

Helen’s and Leona's journey with their beloved pony, George, is a testament to the highs and lows of horse ownership. From their unexpected meeting to the life-altering diagnosis of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS), this story tells the rollercoaster of emotions and the battle for the health of their much-loved horse.

Meeting George

Leona bought George as a two-year-old, initially planning to look at an older thoroughbred mare. However, George's personality and presence shone through, compelling Leona to bring him home instead. Despite his mischievous antics, such as pinching hosepipes and flooding stables, George quickly became a yard favourite. Leona took her time with him, allowing him to mature and develop before starting his ridden education. Their early success in the show ring and dressage marked a promising start to their journey together.

The Onset of Illness

George's health troubles began with what was initially thought to be mud fever after prolonged wet weather. Despite various treatments, his condition did not improve. Eventually, Leona decided to give George some time off and moved him to full grass livery, where his legs seemed to recover. However, it was soon after this move that George began exhibiting symptoms that would change their lives forever.

Diagnosis and Initial Struggles

What initially appeared to be choke quickly escalated. With his temperature still raised the vet decided to run some bloods, which revealed alarmingly high Serum Amyloid A (SAA) scores, indicating severe inflammation and George was taken straight to the local equine hospital. The diagnosis of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) was a devastating blow. George's weight plummeted, and his survival was uncertain. The acute phase of EGS saw him lose 47 kg in just one week. The prognosis was grim, with veterinarians warning that George might not recover.

What is Equine Grass Sickness?

Equine Grass Sickness is a rare but often fatal disease that affects horses, predominantly in Europe. It damages the nervous system, particularly the nerves in the gut, leading to severe digestive issues. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, colic, weight loss, and muscle tremors. The disease is classified into three forms: acute, subacute, and chronic, with the acute form being the most severe and often fatal within days. Chronic cases, though still serious, offer a glimmer of hope for recovery if managed intensively.

The Battle for Recovery

Helen and Leona, working alongside the veterinary team fought tirelessly to save George. His diagnosis as a chronic case, while still dire, gave a slightly better chance of survival. The primary goal was to keep George interested in eating, as his appetite fluctuated dramatically. The team provided round-the-clock care, offering a variety of feeds and hand-grazing to stimulate his interest in food.

Nutritional Support

George's recovery required specialised nutrition since he couldn't consume hay or long fibers. Products such as RB ReadyMash Extra and RB ReadyFibre Mash were essential in maintaining his weight and supplying necessary nutrients. Initially, George was fed by the vet every hour, which then extended to every two hours during the night while he was under veterinary care. Gradually, the time between meals was increased, and his grazing time was extended as he continued to show signs of recovery.

A Glimmer of Hope

As the prospect of bringing George home grew more likely, hope began to replace despair. Leona's dream of returning to the show ring with George became a motivational goal. Their vet expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that George could compete in hand by September if his recovery continued on a positive trajectory.

Looking Forward

Helen and Leona's unwavering dedication and George's fighting spirit have brought them through the darkest days of EGS. The journey is far from over, but their story is a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. George's gradual recovery is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and expert veterinary care.

Conclusion

George's battle with Equine Grass Sickness highlights the importance of early diagnosis, specialised care, and the incredible bond between a horse and its owner. Helen's and Leona's determination and George's will to survive offer hope to others grappling with this devastating disease. Their story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, perseverance and hope can lead to remarkable recovery.

Further Update

We are pleased to share an update on George following the publication of our blog. He is now doing better than expected. His weight is back up to 500 kg, and Leona has been able to reduce his feeds to maintenance levels, including breakfast, a very small afternoon meal, and a larger feed at midnight, along with a small net of haylage. George has also had visits from the farrier and physio, both of whom are very pleased with his recovery.

We hope George's journey will inspire others and provide comfort to those affected by Equine Grass Sickness. If you have a similar story or need support, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can navigate these challenges and celebrate the victories, no matter how small.