Copper Kid: Not A Candidate For Surgery

We got the word this evening in a phone call from Dr. Melissa Hines, chief of the Equine Medicine Service at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.  The myelogram on our wobbly horse, Copper Kid, did not show the areas where the spinal cord is compressed.  Both WSU's radiologist, who conducted the myelogram today, and Dr. Barrie Grant, the surgeon who would have done Copper's spine stabilization operation, could not detect the areas of compression on the myelogram images.  Without being able to identify them, surgery wasn't an option.  If you can't see them, you can't fix them.

This doesn't mean Copper doesn't have spinal cord compression.  The myelogram essentially takes a two-dimensional view, rather than a three-dimensional view as you would get from an MRI.  (Horses are too big for MRIs.)  The myelogram captures the ventrodorsal, or top-to-bottom, view of the spine, and if the compression is occurring only laterally, or side-to-side, it may not show it.  Dr. Hines had cautioned us last week, when I dropped Copper off at WSU, that even though it's rare, sometimes this happens.

In cases like Copper's where the myelogram does not reveal the compression, Dr. Hines said they routinely test the spinal fluid for a neurological disorder called EPM, or equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.  EPM is caused by a parasite and is not really endemic in our area.  Given Copper's history, clinical signs, and our location, it is very unlikely he could have EPM ... but you just never know.  It would actually be a good thing if he turned out to have EPM because it is treatable.  We will have those test results by Thursday this week.

If Copper doesn't have EPM, then all we can do is bring him back to the ranch, arrange a stall and pen for him where he can be safe and visit with his buddies over a fence, and then hope that nature will help stabilize him over time.  Our biggest concern will be winter, where the snow and ice can be treacherous for an animal that is neurologically impaired and unstable on his feet. 

The good news is that Copper was able to get up after the myelogram -- that was a big hurdle and a major worry, because the procedure can exacerbate the neurological instability.  Some horses have never been able to walk again afterwards.  So we were sweating that one.  Also, the WSU folks have now seen him lying down to sleep and getting up on his own (although he's a bit shaky doing it!).  We had not seen him sleeping lying down in the two weeks after he had the relapse.  Although horses can snooze standing up, at some point they really do need to lie down to get a deep sleep.  Thus we were relieved to hear he is now doing this.

I plan to head back to Pullman later in the week to pick him up.

The photo above I took a couple of years ago when Copper was able to trot around on pasture.  Here's the video again I took when Copper left the vet hospital a couple of weeks ago:

Comments

[Boundforglory]

There are some things to be thankful for regarding Copper's condition; getting up after the myelogram and laying down later for a deep slumber.
Hugs, love and prayers to Copper that he'll continue to improve with quiet time.

[Margaret]

Simply wishing you ALL a best outcome, and hoping there is the "silver lining" for Copper Kid in finding something more treatable. Please let him know he's got so many fans and good vibes trying to help him along with all your fine care.

[Maggie]

too bad the myelogram didn't reveal the problem areas; that must be a disappointment. but hopefully copper will stabilize on his own and it will all be for the best! what a good boy...

[Judy and Joe Taylor]

OKAY EVERYONE --- Let us all send some good vibes and good thoughts and maybe a small prayer to RDR ---that Copper will respond well to his medicine(for EPM) if that is the course of action to be taken. Steve and Alayne could use some good news right about now, don't cha' think? Here's hoping.........

[Nicole Rivette]

Hi Steve,

I was watching Copper and thought EPM or West Nile. A friend of mine has a little Arab gelding that was vaccinated and boostered for WNV, but unfortunately was one those that regardless of vaccination wound up contracting the disease. He was never completely recumbent (although he did go down a few times - scary) and seemed to recover fairly well. He never gained all of his muscle tone back and he would take an occasional mistep or wobble but he is still with us.

I agree, it may sound counterintuitive, but I hope Copper does test positive for something treatable like EPM. I remember when it used to be a death sentence, and now it is treatable. I'll be sending some good thoughts to your big red sweetheart. I know you'll keep us all updated!

Take care of yourselves,
Nicole R. in Ohio

[ginger & Tobias (the greythound)]

I'm so relieved that Copper came through the Myelogram fine & has been able to sleep lying down & getting back up on his feet! I wish he had a safe place to winter in southern Tx so the cold weather with ice & snow wouldn't be a challenge that he would have to face so soon. (Or even Southern California, anywhere he wouldn't have to deal with the snow & ice & extreme cold!) I keep hoping he can lick this!
Sending him big healing hugs,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

[Debbie B]

Poor CopperKid....I guess we can always pray for the best. I need to read more about his condition so that I understand it better. I am crossing my fingers that he can stabilize a little over time. Good luck, folks!

[Mariko]

Hi Alayne and Steve - I'm disappointed to hear that Copper isn't a candidate for surgery, but I'm really thrilled to hear that he's been able to lie down and get up on his own. That alone seems to be a vast improvement! I hope he gets better soon!!