Bad news from the vet 😢

[meleeka]

thanks for that. I can see what she is saying.

What the post did was give justification to all those people that don't want to pay out for the medication. They felt justified that it was ok to just not bother. It also goes against the opinion of the actual experts in PPID who say there is evidence that Prascend prevents PPID induced laminitis and also slows the progression of the disease. It was irresponsible of her to give her opinion as fact, which she does fairly often.

 

[paddy555]

I would be more interested in her reasons if she wasn’t keeping a 23 year old alive with a catastrophic injury, IMO she isn’t thinking straight in this case

having read all her various posts about the horse I can totally see her reasons. Whether or not for a client that would be a good idea may be for consideration but this is a vet who can PTS at a moment's note, has obtained a 2nd opinion and can supply the necessary pain meds and facilities for rehab plus bandaging, casting etc I think it a reasonable decision which she is clearly reviewing.

I can't see she has said the horse has cushings .

 

[splashgirl45]

I’ll try and find the post. Basically if you can manage symptoms with clipping and no grass, why bother since it’s a horrible drug, or words to that effect. I believe hers is medicated though.

ETA. I found this, although it’s not the original post

I don’t understand why it’s a horrible drug. I’ve known a few on prascend and they had no problems. Personally I would rather my horse had access to grass and a normal life with prascend as opposed to no grass and restrictions. I kept mine virtually normally apart from soaked hay and low sugar feed , otherwise she was out 24/7 in summer with her friends and out all day in winter

 

[ycbm]

I don’t understand why it’s a horrible drug. I’ve known a few on prascend and they had no problems. Personally I would rather my horse had access to grass and a normal life with prascend as opposed to no grass and restrictions. I kept mine virtually normally apart from soaked hay and low sugar feed , otherwise she was out 24/7 in summer with her friends and out all day in winter

It does affect the heart valves and has been banned from use in humans, where it is effective against Parkinsons, because of it. It's probably acceptable in a horse because of the shorter life, meaning the horse will likely die of old age before the heart fails.

Very few drugs are without side effects, you just have to hope the benefits are greater.

I would make the same decision as you about prascend.
.

 

[ycbm]

I can't see she has said the horse has cushings .

It would be pretty unusual to see that curly coat in a British pony and it not have cushings.
.

 

[paddy555]

It would be pretty unusual to see that curly coat in a British pony and it not have cushings.
.

I don't think we can make the assumption he will descend into end stage cushings. Nor that he has cushings, he may of course be diagnosed and being treated. We have no idea.

 

[paddy555]

What the post did was give justification to all those people that don't want to pay out for the medication. They felt justified that it was ok to just not bother. It also goes against the opinion of the actual experts in PPID who say there is evidence that Prascend prevents PPID induced laminitis and also slows the progression of the disease. It was irresponsible of her to give her opinion as fact, which she does fairly often.

I didn't read it that way at all. I don't see it gives any justification. If she is running a business and therefore wanting to make money it would be far more in her interests to prescribe prascend and 6 monthly visits to blood test.
What I think she is saying is that you need symptoms before medicating. ie a positive ACTH plus symptoms. If that is what she means I totally agree. Far too many inaccurate ACTH tests.

she does say quite rightly that prascend isn't a wonder drug ie keep the pony on grass, do nothing and prascend will do the rest.

I cannot find evidence from experts that prascend prevents lami. I know it is often said but can't find evidence.

eve.12903

 

[EllieBeast]

I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. You know your horse better than anyone and you will know what is right, and if/when to call time.

I just want to send you massive hugs.

(It’s a shame this thread has been derailed. It would be nice if we could just focus on supporting the OP.)

 

[exracehorse]

I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. You know your horse better than anyone and you will know what is right, and if/when to call time.

I just want to send you massive hugs.

(It’s a shame this thread has been derailed. It would be nice if we could just focus on supporting the OP.)

Thank you

 

[Sprogladite01]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. You're a lovely owner and she is a lucky girl to have you in her corner. For what it's worth, I think you're doing everything right - you know her best and it's clear you want the absolute best for her. The only thing I would say is, I took (and still take) great comfort in the whole 'it's better a day too soon than a day too late' idea when I had to let my boy go last year. My last memory of him is him having a fantastic morning with the sun on his back, with his companion by his side, which he hugely enjoyed and it continues to be a great comfort to me. I hope your girl improves, but if she doesn't, you will know when it's time. Sending hugs x

 

[exracehorse]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. You're a lovely owner and she is a lucky girl to have you in her corner. For what it's worth, I think you're doing everything right - you know her best and it's clear you want the absolute best for her. The only thing I would say is, I took (and still take) great comfort in the whole 'it's better a day too soon than a day too late' idea when I had to let my boy go last year. My last memory of him is him having a fantastic morning with the sun on his back, with his companion by his side, which he hugely enjoyed and it continues to be a great comfort to me. I hope your girl improves, but if she doesn't, you will know when it's time. Sending hugs x

Thank you. That’s made me cry. It’s been an emotional week. I agree .. absolutely.. it’s bloody tough making these decisions. I love her to pieces. But I don’t want her to suffer. And I don’t think she can pull through this. I’ll see what Carolyn says tomorrow. But she’s struggling. And she’s a tough old bird. I nursed her through her check and annular ligament on the other leg yonks back. But this time its much worse. And she’s an older lady now. My friend just lost her little pony today , Sparkle. And I sobbed over a bottle of wine this evening. Going to bed now. I’m so tired. See what tomorrow brings x

 

[ycbm]

ERH I hope the way forward today is absolutely clear for you. It is a nightmare being stuck in a situation where there's no clear right answer. My thoughts are with you.
.

 

[Snow Falcon]

Making those tough decisions is so hard but as horse owners it's something we all have to consider at some point during ownership. I've done it twice in the past 18 months or so and although it broke my heart, the quality of life had to come first.

I am sorry that your mare isn't doing so well. As a loving owner you'll do what's best for her, whether that's continue with treatment or let her go. Thinking of you.

 

[Peglo]

So sorry you’re in such a tough and heartbreaking situation. Your lass is very lucky to have you. You’ve got our support with whatever happens today.

 

[SEL]

ERH - I'll be thinking of you today and sending a tonne of virtual support whatever you decide. Neither decision is easy xx

 

[MereChristmas]

ERH - I'll be thinking of you today and sending a tonne of virtual support whatever you decide. Neither decision is easy xx

This.
Thank you SEL. I was struggling for the right words for ERR

 

[PSD]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. You're a lovely owner and she is a lucky girl to have you in her corner. For what it's worth, I think you're doing everything right - you know her best and it's clear you want the absolute best for her. The only thing I would say is, I took (and still take) great comfort in the whole 'it's better a day too soon than a day too late' idea when I had to let my boy go last year. My last memory of him is him having a fantastic morning with the sun on his back, with his companion by his side, which he hugely enjoyed and it continues to be a great comfort to me. I hope your girl improves, but if she doesn't, you will know when it's time. Sending hugs x

This is so true. My girls last day was spent in the sun in a small paddock and I cherish those moments. I dread to think of I’d left it too late that she wouldn’t have got that chance. I had to give her lots of pain killers just to get her to the paddock but the little madam found the energy to make it difficult to catch even with crippling laminitis!


You will know when enough is enough, it’s the hardest decision because you think (or at least I did) “what if I just wait a bit longer, they might improve”. The reality is you cannot let your heart rule your head, however difficult it may be

 

[BallyJ]

Another one that wanted to say I'm thinking of you today, sending lots of virtual hugs. You know your girl best, and we're here to support you whatever the decision.

 

[Merrymoles]

I hope your vet visit is going OK and that the vet is supporting whatever decision you need to make.

Thinking of you at a very difficult time and also sending lots of virtual hugs.