Cushings/EMS/Laminitis

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dbendell

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My 19 yr old ID x TB became laminitic in Dec 2010 and has been recovering ever since. He has now fully recovered and is completely sound. My vet has advised not to turnout at all until June when the spring grass has somewhat receeded - which I agree with. He is getting daily exercise and is quite happy on boxrest.

At the time when my vet was carrying out regular follow-ups, he suggested that it was likely that Dapper has Cushings or EMS and that we should probably test him for it. At the time this didn't happen as the vet focused on resolving the laminitis. When I asked him yesterday whether he should still be tested - he questioned whether we should as now Dapper is back to full health - would we medicate for it if it was found at the moment - possibly not. However as my consultation letters (sent to Insurance company) suggest that Dapper may have Cushings/EMS, if we leave it, would my insurance company pay out if we then found it at a later date?

Any advice is much appreciated.
 
My old horse was called Dapper :) - so lovely to hear of another.

I personally would want to know, but that is just me, not so I could medicate - because if there is no need don't - but so I could manage the situation.
 
I'd want to have the test so that you know if he needs medicating. My mare has cushings and has a pill per day, which has massively improved her symptoms. She would hate to be on boxrest and is out at the mo on restricted grazing to prevent lami.
 
Likewise, I would want to test. Ny cushings horse has a pill a day which I am happy to provide if it means she can have a slighly more natural lifestyle
 
I didn't have the test on my boy, he had laminitis bad with 16 % rotation on front feet but has come back well. 1st time he's ever had it and that was 2 yrs ago. If he gets it again I would do the test but for 2 yrs iv been very stict on diet, exercise and he has turnout for 12 hrs x a day with a greenguard on. Seems to be working and treat him as if he has a problem.
 
The thing is, medicating cushings isn't just about preventing lami, it helps control other symptoms which effect the horse's well being. My cushingoid has never shown a hint of lami, but since being on the drugs she is far less grumpy and in better condition.
 
Our girl has rotation in both feet and recurring lami which we got her sound from once in the last 18 months (I hope that makes sense!) - she got diagnosed at Xmas with Cushings, so personally I'd like to know - just so you can medicate accordingly and prevent any more attacks. She was always treated as a laminitic, fed on Healthy Hooves, soaked hay, grass muzzle, exercised daily etc.
Our girl didn't show any coat changes until just before she was diagnosed and she is on 1mg a day, with heart bars and is down to half a bute a day and is improving massively.
K x
 
it is a simple blood test taken first thing in the morning to define ACTH levels. if you have the test you will find out if cushions is driving the laminitis. your horse could have a more normal life, and feel much better if he does have cushions and is medicated. as you are insured and the possibility of cushions has been mentioned i would go ahead and do the test and then at least you could claim the first years worth of presend (pergolide). If it were me i would go for full bloods, and cushions testing and get to the bottom of this now. on the insurance. An old pony in livery with me was tested and was positive, (very footy) and now on prescend has turned into a spring chicken, runs off bucking, and has her personality back. and goes out for 6 hours a day so is a happy bunny all round. Go for it and find out
 
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