2018 BaY Sabino Gypsy Mare
The Special Child
Aurora was donated due to her neurological condition (which you can read on the INFO pages all about the neurological horses here). Her gait is very abnormal, more so in the hind legs than the front. There are 5 grades of neurologic, 0 is normal, 5 is down, unable tor rise. Aurora is a grade 4 meaning highly ataxic (neuro) and we can make her fall down if we want (which we don't want to, it is just how they determine the scale, is the horse neuro enough to fall down if assisted/pushed in certain directions).
eNAD equine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy
Aurora's condition is known as Equine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, in simple terms there was a lack of Vitamin E in Aurora's mom's diet, which made her Vitamin E deficient which makes the eNAD condition. It is a tough condition, as by the time it is diagnosed, it is too late, she needed supplementation in utero. So now she lives on a HIGH dose of Vitamin E, since she essentially lacks the receptors so she doesn't understand how to utilize Vit E but her body needs it! So she will stay on high dose of Vit E for life. Her prognosis for life is good now, usually by the time they turn 2-3yrs old you will know how manageable they are.
The Future
There is still so much research coming out on eNAD so hopefully can determine a eNAD carrier before they get to a clincial phase. Aurora is now thriving since we have her figured out what works best for her. We are constantly researching new ideas/treatment ideas if there is anything else we can do to help her. She is happy and thriving but always looking if there is any way to improve :).