I hope that your mare and her future foal are alright and that the vet does not have to operate. If she is not eating, there is nothing to poop, nor would there be much in the digestive system to make much noise. I am not sure operating is the wise thing to do. He should be treating her for the Hyperlipidemia, and perhaps get the foal out and taking the stress of her liver might just save her.
Also be on the look out for hypocalcemia or thumps. This can occur in late term mares or after they foal. Its a calcium imbalance that really messes them up. We had our first case last year and almost lost our mare. Have liquid calcium on hand just in case
Kaykay,
Thumps is actually caused from dehydration and a drop in Electrolytes. My mare has a really thick coat after a long cold winter. We had one really hot humid day and she was out in the sun all day. When I brought her in she was depressed and you could see her sides thump with each heartbeat. I gave her a shot of Banamine, some electrolytes and shaved her neck, chest and belly down (as it is still too cold here to shave her the rest of the way) I knew what she had was Thumps, but called the vet to make sure that was what it was and that I did everything that needed to be done for her. I was right. The next day she was pretty much fine.
Thumps is what happens when a horse is dehydrated or has sweat too much and is most common in long distance performance horses.
I have also had nursing mares who I have found staggering around or could not get up in the AM. They had hypoglycemia. I feed them grain right away and within minutes they were fine. I now feed a really good feed that is not on the National market yet with all the minerals, calcium and everything else a horse could need. (my Minis are test horses) I have to say that I am in love with the food and this year no hypoglycemia
Below are descriptions of Thumps Just an FYI
Thumps
"Thumps" is the term used to describe a condition known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF). This condition is a sign that a horse is in severe metabolic distress from dehydration. A horse with thumps will display rhythmic twitching or "thumping' in the flank area, in time with the beating of the heart. Sometimes it is so subtle it can only be felt under your hand. In severe cases, it is observable from several feet away.
Thumps can occur when excessive seating causes dehydration and massive electrolyte loss. As the bloodstream is depleted of salt ions, the function of the nervous system is compromised. The phrenic nerve that runs across the heart to the diaphragm muscle begins to fire in time with the heart beat, stimulating the diaphragm muscles to contract and causing the distinctive, thumping flutter.
Thumps should be regarded as a warning sign that the horse is suffering from acute dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Immediately halt exercise, administer water and electrolytes, and call your vet for treatment instructions. If ignored, the consequences include founder, colic, heat exhaustion, or collapse. Recognizing this sign of impending metabolic failure can help to avoid much more problematic consequences.
Thumps," or synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, is sometimes seen in endurance horses or horses that have sweated for prolonged time periods and when electrolytes have not been adequately replenished. Sweat contains chlorine, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium as well as water. Low blood calcium, potassium, and chlorine result in an increase in neuromuscular irritability and hypersensitivity of the phrenic nerve. With thumps, heart beats stimulate the hypersensitive phrenic nerve to fire. This results in a contraction of the diaphragm seen at the flank each time the heart beats.
The vet just called and her bloodwork is not good. Her bilirubin is high and so are her liver enzymes. He suggested I take her 2 hours away to an equine specialist. So we are leaving first thing in the morning. This vet already has her bloodwork and will decide tomorrow if we need surgery. I will keep you posted. Thanks again. This vet is in Sheridan Wyoming. He is a fantastic vet so if she can hold on I know he can help her.
