The Story of Jude
Jude also is known as “Andy” (at the time of rescue) was one of a few horses that remained from the shut down of a horse rescue on the east coast of Florida. 20+ other horses had been rehomed already except Jude and 2 other horses.
Jude in March of 2021 was humanely euthanized to prevent imminent, inevitable, and immobilizing pain associated with degeneration in his front left leg. A condition generically called “coon-foot” and if science hasn’t changed the name of this condition, its scientifically called “bla bla bla” also known as DSLD. Jude is SWFHR’s 3rd case of euthanization based on this condition.
The joint structures in his front left leg, weakened by genetic degeneration and compromised by human overuse, finally gave way to bouts of immobility leading to constant immobility. If not intervened while Jude still had the capability to stand. Misery and inability to move were inevitable.
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Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a disease that affects the connective tissue of the lower limbs in Peruvian Pasos, Paso crosses, Arabians, Saddlebreds, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds. Signs of DSLD include:
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Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a master of disguise. This serious disease can be difficult to diagnose because its signs often mimic other health problems in the horse and signs can range from mild to severe.
More than 50 percent of all horses in the United States may have been exposed to the organism that causes EPM. The causative organism is a protozoal parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. The disease is not transmitted from horse to horse. Rather, the protozoa are spread by the definitive host, the opossum, which acquires the organism from cats, raccoons, skunks, and armadillos and possibly even from harbor seals and sea otters. The infective stage of the organism (the sporocysts) is passed in the opossum’s feces. The horse comes into contact with the infective sporocysts while grazing or eating contaminated feed or drinking water.
Once ingested, the sporocysts migrate from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream and cross the blood/brain barrier. There they begin to attack the horse’s central nervous system. The onset of the disease may be slow or sudden. If left undiagnosed and untreated, EPM can cause devastating and lasting neurological damage.
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* All equines start with a base adoption fee at a rate of $350. No mater big or small, old or young, papered or not, etc. $350 is but a small amount in the grand schema of owning an equine. We believe no one horse is better than the next.
Jude also is known as “Andy” (at the time of rescue) was one of a few horses that remained from the shut down of a horse rescue on the east coast of Florida. 20+ other horses had been rehomed already except Jude and 2 other horses.
