Could it be Cushings?

[Kirstineridesagain]

I didn’t want to hijack the other thread about Cushings so starting a new one.

My share horse (Icelandic) is pretty lethargic, very hairy (and owner doesn’t want to clip him - as he lives out unrugged in all weathers I think that’s fine) and today when I got him in from the field I noticed wavy hair on his back, the saddle area. As I am his only rider and haven’t taken him out for two weeks I thought it couldn’t be the saddle. It improved a bit when I brushed him.

This horse is a bit of a mystery. Very calm when ridden (naps when on his own), quite grumpy when being brushed and tacked up, slightly overweight, very hairy in winter (he did shed his coat last year with no problems though). He hasn’t started to shed any this year, I can’t quite remember when it started last year. He’s not lame, but not a sprightly horse at all - apparently he’s been like that for years. I only hack him very lightly (accompanying my daughter on her share pony mostly) but I wonder if I should ask the owner to check for Cushings. I think she’s had him checked for everything over the years, he’s never been a happy ridden horse, but I’m thinking it’s good for him to get a bit of exercise (he’s 19 by the way) yet it’s niggling away at me that there might be something not quite right.

 

[VictoriaSponge]

Absolutely get a test done. It does sound like it’s entirely possible that he may have cushings, the coat not changing would be a big red flag for me.

Your vet should be able to guide but I know you were able to get a free diagnostic test though someone else maybe able to advise if this is still the case?

If the test comes back negative it’s easy enough to rule it out, and if it’s positive there are options to manage symptoms and hopefully make him a little happier.

 

[Kirstineridesagain]

Absolutely get a test done. It does sound like it’s entirely possible that he may have cushings, the coat not changing would be a big red flag for me.

Your vet should be able to guide but I know you were able to get a free diagnostic test though someone else maybe able to advise if this is still the case?

If the test comes back negative it’s easy enough to rule it out, and if it’s positive there are options to manage symptoms and hopefully make him a little happier.

I think I’ll message the owner. I thought the curls on his back today were quite an obvious sign.

 

[Jeni the dragon]

Care about cushings give you one free test a year, you still need to pay your vet for the blood draw!

 

[Gloi]

Sounds rather like a normal hairy icelandic to me. No harm in a check though. Is your mare shedding?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Absolutely get a test done. It does sound like it’s entirely possible that he may have cushings, the coat not changing would be a big red flag for me.

Your vet should be able to guide but I know you were able to get a free diagnostic test though someone else maybe able to advise if this is still the case?

If the test comes back negative it’s easy enough to rule it out, and if it’s positive there are options to manage symptoms and hopefully make him a little happier.

Actually ACTH tests (those are the free tests) often give a false negative. TRH-Stim test is more accurate but not free.

 

[Kirstineridesagain]

Sounds rather like a normal hairy icelandic to me. No harm in a check though. Is your mare shedding?

Not yet I think. I will check next time I see her. It was mainly the curls on his back that got me thinking.

 

[VictoriaSponge]

That’s Interesting @Pearlsasinger; good to know.

 

[OldNag]

If he is 19 then absolutely worth testing anyway.

As above, the ACTH does give false negatives.
The TRH test is more expensive but is accurate.