Vitamin E deficiency?????

[Evenheaven]

I have a 3 y.o. tb who up and started showing symptoms of what we thought was wobblers - but only while under saddle. At first, we thought it was a behavior issue, but then one vet and chiropractor said wobbles. 2nd opinoin said the same thing. 3rd opinion said NO to wobbles and said "probably not to EPM" but thought maybe a vitamin E deficiency. They did a neck xray and were able to rule out wobbles. Did a spinal tap and said no to EPM. Does anyone know anything about this vitamin E deficiency? He has rear-end atrophy and a lot of the signs look like wobbles or EPM. The vet sent results off to a specialist in Ohio to try to solve the problem. If it is a Vitamin E deficiency, the vet said it was from the dam while in utero and while nursing. Any further info. would be greatly appreciated!

[Rococoms]

Vitamin E deficiencies can present like wobblers. A blood test to check Vitamin E levels can be sent off to see if htat is the case. If so, Vitamin E 8000 IU daily will normally correct the problem.

However, if it comes back negative, or even if not, Wobblers is still a definate possibility as it cannot be diagnosed on Radiographs alone. A myleogram (the horse is anesthetized and radiopaque dye is injected into his spine, then a series of radiographs are taken) must be performed to rule out Wobblers. A little more information: http://www.slreh.com/myelogram.html

If the local vets are unsure as to whether or not your horse has wobblers based on the mylelogram, than there are several specialists who frequently read these films, and can be asked to take a look and let you know what the diagnosis/prognosis is.

Good luck!

[trackgal]

Sounds like "EPSM" go to "Dr. Beth Valentine" Rural vet heritage

[Evenheaven]

Thank you both for the information. I'll keep you all posted as to what the results are!
Thanks again.