Third Chincoteague Pony Lost to "Swamp Cancer"

In actuality, the euthanasia of Lyra's Vega on the evening of 16 December was the sixth death that was caused by equine pythiosis, aslo known as "Swamp Cancer."  Lyra was the third pony that has crossed the Rainbow Bridge of the seven ponies that were diagnosed with this disease at the Fall Round-Up .  Essie, and then Raindancer, have died previously since treatments and surgeries began in late October.  Tidewater Princess died in 2016, and TJ's Firefly and Diamond's Jewel passed away in 2017, all from "Swamp Cancer."
   The four ponies now fighting this disease are TSG's Elusive Star (born 2005, by Wild Bill, out of Fuddy Duddy); Calceti'n, Lyra's daughter  (born 2013, by Prince of Tides, out of Lyra's Vega); Shadow (2015, by Puzzle, out of Destiny's Feathering Spirit); and Lightning (2016, by Courtney's Boy, out of CJ Samm'n).
   Lyra's Vega was born on 14 April 2005 on Assateague from the union of North Star and Sashay Lady.  She was a Buy-Back foal and netted the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company $3,100 at the Pony Auction.  She became a proud member of Surfer Dude's herd, and, after his winter death in 2015, she became a part of his son's (Surfer's Riptide) herd.  She had her first of six foals with Surfer Dude in 2010, a chestnut colt named Neptune's Silver Star.  In 2012 and 2013, her daughters were Buy-Backs, also; Dreamer's Gift is on Assateague, while Calceti'n is fighting the disease that killed her mother. She had two more daughters with Surfer Dude, Chai Latte in 2014, and Surfer's Twilight Stardust in 2015.  She had a colt (un-named in the Registry) with Surfer Dude in 2011; and an un-named colt in 2016 with Riptide.  Her last foal was a filly named Fleck of San (Sandy) in 2017 with Riptide.
   Lyra's Vega had been fighting equine pythiosis for 9 months.  She had surgery, removing infected flesh, and seemed better.  Then she had secondary swelling, and a return of the disease, which invaded her bones.  As she continued to fail, it was decided to give her a release from the constant pain and weariness of fighting a disease that was killing her slowly.  Believe me, the firemen, Saltwater Cowboys, and veterinarians do make such decisions lightly.  These ponies are family members and loved all over the world.
  Gallop in green pastures, you beautiful girl, enjoying the company of other members of the Chincoteague pony herds that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge - including your first love, Surfer Dude.  Rest in peace, Lyra's Vega.

 Lyra and Sandy

 Lyra and Sandy

Lyra and Butterfly Kisses

Seven Chincoteague Ponies Diagnosed With "Swamp Cancer"

Last Monday, the spokesperson for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company released a statement saying that other than the terrible incident with Pixie Dust's colt, the entire Fall Round-Up was a great success - other than the very concerning information regarding "Swamp Cancer."  That got a lot of people interested and asking questions.  The CVFC was contacting veterinarians around the country on the recommendation of Dr. Charlie Cameron, the CVFC vet of record.
  Then it was announced that seven of the Chincoteague pones were diagnosed with "Swamp Cancer" and that the initial vet care cost would be $1,500 per pony.  The CVFC has set up a donation page on their website for donations to help with the veterinary costs.  This can be found at:  https://cvfc3.com/about-us/donate    In the message area of the first page, asking for name, e-mail address, and type of donation - type in Pony Veterinary Care Donation - then you will be sent on to the PayPal page.   More information regarding this outbreak and how it affects our ponies may be read at:  https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2018/10/19/chincoteague-ponies-swamp-cancer/1681611002/?fbclid=IwAR0xps8FRiCUcqtHob7jq3GF7YOi1PppU-zAC6le2_PNiX0vlubVzQaCSVo 
   The names of the seven ponies who were positive for this disease were NOT released.
 So, what exactly, is "Swamp Cancer?" First of all, it is not cancer; it's real name is pythiosis.  Pythiosis is a deadly tropical disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum.  It was long regarded as being caused by a fungal infection and the actual culprit wasn't identified until 1987.  It occurs most commonly in horses, dogs, and humans, with isolated cases in other large mammals.  The disease is contracted after exposure to stagnant water such as swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, and rice paddies. Pythium insidiosum is different from other members of the genus in that human and horse hair, skin, and decaying animal and plant tissues are chemo-attractants for its zoospores.
  Pythiosis occurs in areas with mild winters because the organism survives in standing water that does not reach freezing temperatures.  In the United States, it is most commonly found in the Gulf states, especially Louisiana, Florida and Texas; but it has also been reported as far away as California and Wisconsin - and now Virginia.  It is also found in southeast Asia, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and South America.  (Something else we can blame on global warming, now.)
  In horses, subcutaneous pythiosis is the most common form and infection occurs through a wound while standing in water containing the pathogen.  The disease is also known as leeches, kunkers, swamp cancer and bursatti.  Lesions are most commonly found on the lower limbs, abdomen, chest and genitals.  They are granulomatous and itchy, and may be ulcerated or fistulated, looking like proud flesh.  The lesions often contain yellow, firm masses of dead tissue known as kunkers.  It is possible for the disease to spread and infect bone, and travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary failure.
   Listed below are several articles about Equine Pythiosis, please read them if you are interested.

Warning!  The photos that accompany some of the articles

are extremely ugly, upsetting, and heart-breaking.

If you have a weak stomach, do NOT look at these articles.

https://thehorse.com/149887/what-is-equine-pythiosis/

https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/equine-pythiosis-an-overview/

http://www.horsenation.com/2014/10/14/what-the-muck-is-that-swamp-cancer/

http://www.horseandman.com/medical/pythiosis-insidiosum-swamp-cancer-heard-success-story-new-treatment-please-give-feedback/05/05/2014/

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/aiverson/articles/page1507830652025