Damn damn damn - laminitis. Possibly cushings

[MagicMelon]

We still have my very first pony who got VERY serious laminitis as a 5yo (consussive we think) where upon he was basically getting regular vet & remedial farrier visits for a year and a half. Most would likely have put him down. However, ever since we've kept it at bay - he's now 20/21 yrs old, so I pretty much felt we had his management perfect. However, 2 days ago he has come down with it

. It was caught early, he had x-rays same day and no pedal bone rotation. He is improving now as well.

However, now what do I do?! He has lost some weight in the last 2 months which he never has done before but I thought maybe it was because he's sharing his paddock with another pony (and therefore less grass) and plus simply because he's getting old. But the vet mentioned maybe cushings, which'd be the cause of this lami episode. Opinions? Im wary of getting the test as I know the glucose injection can trigger lami.

IF he was found to have cushings - I know there are decent medications out there (peroglide being one, and my vet has mentioned a new one) but would they help put weight back on him?

Managment wise, I dont know what to do. I have a 18yr old shetland who was continually getting lami all last year from the tiniest things (literally I cant even feed her lami-approved chaff!). In the end, we made the decision to keep her off all grass for good. So she lives in our hardcored yard and is totally sound and so happy! Do I do this with this pony?? Im trying to weigh up his mental quality of life with his physical - looking at my shetland, physically the change in her is amazing since coming off grass so I have no doubt it would help him (and obviously no chance of lami UNLESS he DOES have cushings). But it is kind to keep him in a yard forever??? The shetland is happy as larry - the yard isnt huge but has access to 2 large stables and all the tack/feed etc. rooms open into it so she's always getting attention.

Sorry, this has turned into an essay!!! Opinions please?

 

[siennamum]

I have been through this myself and know what a continual worry it is. In your shoes I would be tempted to try the pony in the yard with the shetland and see how he copes. We did move my old pony onto a yard for most of the time and this suited her for a year or so, she liked being out of the weather and having a bed to snooze on.
I felt that the concrete was detrimental long term though (she was arthritic)and had her PTS when I felt she really wanted to just stay still too much.
Best you can do is see how it goes I would think.

 

[K27]

Laminitis can be caused by Cushings- my elderly mare had a mild bout last year caused by Cushings- for my mare there was no need for the Vets to even get her tested for it as its really obvious to see that she has it as she gets a very thick coat all year round that she doesn't shed, and has to be clipped all year round and also drinks/wees a lot! which are symptoms.

Also with Cushings they lose a lot of topline and get muscle wastage and of they cant eat starch/cereal based feeds so its a vicious circle- I was worried about my mare losing weight-I spoke to Spillers feeds helpline a month ago and they were so helpful in devising a suitable diet to safely put some weight and condition on her- they may be worth a try in your case.

Maybe your vet could advise on Pergolide/other suitable medications.
Also there is Vitex4 Equids but I haven't tried it as yet!

As long as your horse is happy thats the main thing! good luck though and its just a horrible disease.

 

[brighteyes]

Don't panic! Cushing's is not a death sentence. A bloody pain in the neck, but by no means unmanageable. Any vet with any decency (sticking my neck on the chopping block here) will allow pergolide to be tried REGARDLESS of testing. It won't do any harm and may be a quick turnaround from the laminitis point of view. I'd be asking for that route.

Also if you are wondering about muscle wastage, read this

It's a good idea to register on here in any case. I warn you it will be information overload and www.johnthevet.co.uk is a good source of clear and reliable help! He also recommends Jackie JA Taylor's group.

 

[Eaglestone]

I am with Brighteyes all the way .....

... my Cushings boy is in a wood chip paddock with access to his mate over the fence and with a grill in the Field Shelter so they can 'talk' to each other and has very limited grass and he is happy

It takes alot of my time and dedication but I love him to bits and will do anything for him