white muscle disease in foal

[Guest guest]

I need help with a patient I will be seeing this week. It is a 3 week old foal

that was born with a severe selenium deficiency which resulted in white muscle

disease. The foal was taken to a University hospital at 2 days old. The

clinicians did successfully save her, but now she has some severe muscle

problems. (Her CK was in excess of 200000 at one point!) They kept her confined

in a small " box " and did not allow any movement as they didn't want any further

damage to the muscles. This is the first foal they have saved with this

condition so they really did not know what to expect.

I have not seen her yet, but from pictures she has what appears to be

contracture in her hindlegs as she can not bend them. Finally a rehab vet was

called in to the University to see her, and some improvement has been seen. The

owners are bringing her home this week, at which point I will be directing the

rehab. These are very motivated owners and willing to do whatever is needed.

1. Has anyone had any experience with contracture in young puppies?

2. What therapies will be the most beneficial that can be adapted to a foal?

3. The University wants to try stem cells - any thoughts? Will this cause an

inflammation that might set her back?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Help!

Thank you

Dena Eckerdt DVM CCRT (pending)