Calling all vetren neddy experterts

[Jo Hunter]

My husbands old mare had a touch of colic a couple of weeks ago, or so I thought! Since then ( working along with vets advice ) who I may add say old age. The mare is 21 yrs old in prime condition and has an easy life. I think the colic like symptoms are secondary to the problem, the colic symptoms are never that bad. Teeth worms etc all ok. This horse keeps seeking twigs and branches to chew ( new thing) swishes water through her mouth. Loss of appetite and keeps staleing. Going out in the field as recommended by the vet was setting her back as she was quiet when she came in. So she's now stabled and lead out in hand for exercise. Any thoughts good people??

 

[AdorableAlice]

Cushing test would be where I would start with investigating her problems.

 

[okepunya]

My husbands old mare had a touch of colic a couple of weeks ago, or so I thought! Since then ( working along with vets advice ) who I may add say old age. The mare is 21 yrs old in prime condition and has an easy life. I think the colic like symptoms are secondary to the problem, the colic symptoms are never that bad. Teeth worms etc all ok. This horse keeps seeking twigs and branches to chew ( new thing) swishes water through her mouth. Loss of appetite and keeps staleing. Going out in the field as recommended by the vet was setting her back as she was quiet when she came in. So she's now stabled and lead out in hand for exercise. Any thoughts good people??

welcome

 

[Jo Hunter]

Cushing test would be where I would start with investigating her problems.

Thank you. Yes perhaps cushions, but no other symptoms, onset very fast, good in coat and condition, energy levels normal before ill. I've had expirence with 2 of my own with cushions and lots of others along the way. Their signs and symptoms were all very similar. It's really hard to try and convince the vet it's more than a couple of cases of reoccurring seasonal colic, of an OAP mare.

 

[Jo Hunter]

Thank you

 

[ChwaraeTeg]

 

[Jo Hunter]

Thank you

 

[JillA]

21 isn't that old - certainly not old enough to be written off. I would suspect digestion problems rather than Cushings but they may be related to a metabolic disease. First thing - change your vet!! If she is seeking browse, maybe a mineral deficiency, or even something as simple as salt. Check out this website www.calmhealthyhorses.com/index.html and then maybe contact Sarah Braithwaite at Forageplus, she is a mine of information on minerals. Have you ever had your land or forage tested as a starting point?

 

[Jo Hunter]

Thank you so much I'm just out with the dogs as soon as I'm home I'm on to it, I will let you know how I get on.