We’re seeing some worrying signs in our sweet Benny. Lately, Benny has been walking with a bit of a “choppy” gait, especially in his back legs. At first, it was subtle, but soon enough, we knew something wasn’t quite right.
A Closer Look: Benny's Exam
We called in Dr. Metcalf to give Benny a thorough exam. After a round of treatment for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) back in April, it was surprising to see Benny showing neurological symptoms again. While it’s unusual for EPM to resurface this quickly, Dr. Metcalf wasn’t taking any chances.
An ultrasound of Benny's back tendons revealed some surprising findings. The tendons measured 28mm, well above the typical 15-17mm in most draft horses. Dr. Metcalf tried injecting lidocaine to see if the issue was pain-related, but the results were inconclusive.
A Step Back: Side-Winding & Neurological Concerns
Just days later, we saw a concerning development—Benny started walking sideways, or "side-winding," as we call it. This confirmed that his issues were neurological in nature. We’ve decided to restart his EPM treatment and hope to see some improvement in the next two weeks.
What is EPM?
EPM is an autoimmune disease caused by a protozoan parasite that affects the nervous system. It’s common in the South, where wildlife like skunks and possums can spread the disease through their droppings. Benny isn’t the first animal we’ve cared for who’s faced this challenge; we've seen a wide range of cases here at the Sanctuary, from mild to devastating. For Benny, we’re hopeful the medication will help him return to his normal, happy self.
Holding on to Hope
While this is an emotional journey for all of us, we’re encouraged by the support Benny’s receiving and his ongoing bond with his best friend Maggie. We’re watching him closely every day, tracking any changes or improvements. For now, all we can do is wait and pray for positive results.
Thank you for sending your love and well wishes to our sweet Benny. We know the power of community, and we’re grateful to have you by our side as we continue this journey together!
