I have to assume that before the vet would run a scope into the horse they have confirmed the horse is current on their vaccines.
And … doesn’t the animal have to be dead to test for rabies?
I googled what @Ghazzu posted above, that sounds like a good educated diagnosis.
Did I write test, I meant to write ruled out.
Usually that means confirmed adequate vaccination and lack of exposure.
Crazier things have happened.
@Sdel right?
Yeah, I guess.
Honestly, I googled a lot about horses drooling when my horse was doing it. Rabies was always stressed as something that needed to be considered as a possible diagnosis because of the nature of the disease.
Rabies always needs to be considered in cases of dysphagia.
Also on a differential list would be botulism, strangles, an abscess, foreign body, dental issues, neurologic problems like EPM or some cranial nerve dysfunction.
.
A good friend’s horse went to Tufts with similar sounding symptoms some years back --it was discovered that he’d fractured a molar–possible by biting down on a small stone-- and when he tried to eat or drink, it hurt and he’d just let the food or water fall out of his mouth.
.
I couldn’t possibly say what the answer is from in front of my computer. I trust Honey is in good hands with her DVM.
Oh, another possible ddx–guttural pouch infection.
Great post. Very educational, but also professional and respectful of the vets treating the horse right now.
OP - I am so sorry about what you are going through with your mare. Jingles.
Jingles for Honey and you too. We had a horrible weird case at our barn and it turned out to be the tiniest splinter of wood in the back of her mouth, Honey has quite a fan club here, thank you for the updates. And again, jingles jingles jingles.
Hopefully Honey will pull thorough….
But I’m wondering if the issues found on the scope are not the root cause of the contact issues.
Not now…. Seriously.
Hmmm the epiglottis is weird - but I’ve seen some strange symptoms associated with cracked/dead molars too. I wouldn’t count on a vet catching it during a standard float, either. I believe a dentist and/or a head xray was required to catch the last couple tooth issues in my circles.
Just things to think about, I’m sure the vet will have some ideas to look for. Jingles for Honey and hoping for good news soon!!
I do hope for a much happier Honey today. May her vet have uncovered the problem and it’s being successfully treated now.
Same… jingles and prayers for a diagnosis and solution!
Do you have the option for a second opinion? I would think the vet would take the issue of no eating or drinking very seriously and look for all possible causes, rather than not believing what’s been readily observed. It sounds like she’s unwilling or unable to swallow, and since it happened after the choke, maybe the choke was symptom of her swallowing issues (I’m thinking foreign body or bad tooth, rather than it being the cause of what you’re seeing now.
And it’s way too soon for QOL decisions, IMHO… there has to be an acute reason why this is happening,
In any case, please keep us updated and many jingles for this to resolve quickly!
Jingles for Honey and hoping for a positive news!!!
I haven’t heard from the vet yet today, but the barn owner/trainer texted this morning that honey just seemed stressed to be separated from her herd (which we thought was necessary to watch her food and water consumption) so we decided to let her go back to the herd. After going back, she has successfully eaten and drank. So that’s a positive!
That’s encouraging!
The vet wasn’t able to get a second opinion today but will call me tomorrow. He’s glad honey has eaten and drank today and we’re feeling good.
Let’s hope she’s good tomorrow!
Just thinking about Honey, hope she is doing better.
Thank you!
She seems to be ok. The vet got a second opinion and still wants us to continue the dex and assess when she’s done in a few days. He thinks maybe it’s neurological or perhaps she did choke, then she got nervous about choking again 
But she’s been eating her meals and drinking, and is happy being with her herd. So it seems positive.
Thanks for the update, glad she’s doing better!
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