Alternatives to regumate

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For the past few years I have had problems with my mare during the summer. She isn't at all mareish but she becomes really sluggish. I have tried everything, feed changes, blood test, keeping in during the day, saddle check, physio. Nothing seems to work and I have come to the conclusion that it may be to do with her seasons.

This year there was a marked difference in her at the beginning of this month during the first week of sun. I can't quite describe what is wrong but she just doesn't feel as is if she is moving properly. Her back end feels strange and it is almost like she is shuffling, this tends to get better the longer I ride for.

My horse has a very high pain threshold and the vet suggested that if she is uncomfortable because of her season she may just be getting on with it, whereas another horse would be acting up. Anyway my options are try her on regumate which I know is very expensive and I'm not sure I really want to use something so potent. I could try her on bute for a week to see if it makes a difference, then I will know the problem is pain related. Or, following online research I could try a herbal alternative containing agnus castus, but I'm not sure if this is mainly targeted at moody mares.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I will try anything to get back the happy, lively horse I have every winter.
 
I will be interested to see the replies you get to this as I have exactly the same problem! My mare has been on Regumate for the past few years, which does help the ridden work to a certain extent but she is definitely below par in the summer. My mare gets very tight through her back and stays this way for most of the summer! The difference in Summer and winter is like chalk and cheese, so frustrating! I have tried Oestress but she wouldnt touch it in her feed.
 
*bump*
Equibeau it is good to hear that I am not the only one going through this! My vet called with prices for regumate yesterday and I can't believe how expensive it is. I'm even more keen to look into alternatives now! Someone else suggested Oestress and my horse is deffinitely not a fussy eater so I may give it a try.
 
I would be inclined to do the bute trial to be certain it is pain related. I'm sure the vet has already advised you to keep a diary of her behaviour, way of going and seasons.
An alternative to the regumate could be a marble. This is inserted into the mares reproductive tract and prevents normal cycling in the mare. There are no artificial hormones involved and the cost is 'one-off' (more or less) compared to the ongoing cost of regumate.

I would suggest that the best idea would be to discuss options with your vet.
 
I wonder if your vet would prescribe regimate for a pig for your girl. It's cheaper for swine than for horses and the product is the same.
Has your vet ruled out ovary problems? My mare can't be ridden because she has such bad cysts on her ovaries. It has affected her back, hence asking...
I may well be talking out of my bottom but, at this rate, anything is worth looking at!
 
Hi,

Sorry to hear you're having problems with your mare.

With regards Regumate, any horse starting on it should have her ovaries scanned first to check there are no problems with the ovaries or her cycle. Also, a vet is not allowed to prescribe the pig version of it as there is a horse one available (I know how much cheaper it is but it is not your vets fault!).

If you want to try a bute-trial then fine, but please be aware that if she doesn't respond then it doesn't rule out pain as a cause - not all pain is relieved by bute.

I hope you find the cause (and a solution!) soon.
 
We had similar problems with our mare vet described it as being similar to period cramps. We have her on a blend of Agnus Castus and brewers yeast and what a difference. We get ours from naturalhorsesupplies.co.uk email her and tell her your horses history and she will advise whats needed. All 100% natural herbal remedies and it has worked wonders on our girl. Hope this helps.
 
JBW said:
Hi,

With regards Regumate, any horse starting on it should have her ovaries scanned first to check there are no problems with the ovaries or her cycle. Also, a vet is not allowed to prescribe the pig version of it as there is a horse one available (I know how much cheaper it is but it is not your vets fault!)..
Click to expand...

Our vet prescribed it for a friends horse. It was his choice; the price was not an issue for the owner but it was for the vet!
 
Crazy I know - like really crazy but my mare used to get a hot water bottle on her back over her overies at certain times when she was uncomfortable + lots of carrot stretches
 
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