EMS, Lami and Side Bone - Quality of Life Dilemma!

I'm kind of with Auslander and Cortez on this but I do understand the desire to try so what I would suggest is to give the Animal Health Trust a call and see if there's anyone there that you can talk it through with. They are currently in the middle of big research programmes for Lami and a few other things, so could maybe give you some advice.

That said, I'm not one to give up on a horse, but I am one to save a horse from prolonged pain and discomfort when there is little chance at them being able to enjoy a full life again.

I am so sorry you are in this position :( xx
 
Sorry to hear about your situation :-( Out of curiosity, what kind of hay are you feeding her? I have a mare with IR/EMS who is the devil to manage. She's highly intolerant of rye grass (which is very sugary & in almost everything ), even a rye grass mix (soaked) is no good as it spikes her insulin levels. I can get them low enough to appease the vet re: numbers, but not to get her comfy. I've switched her into a meadow hay mix & so far she's doing a lot better. She's also happier as she doesn't have to have it restricted or soaked! Could be worth a shot.
 
Earlier I think I posted and said it was early days but I think I would be questioning continuing now. Are you able to bute her enough that she is comfortable? If the cushings test is negative I don't think I would be carrying on.
 
Thanks everyone, she's not got shoes on and has never had shoes on in her whole 15 years.

The vet is ringing me back today, hopefully with the cushings results and to discuss further action. Hay wise, she is fed meadow hay that is soaked and next week I'm getting a delivery of dust free hay but with much less nutritional value in it. That should help too.

I'm just so tired of worrying, she's a very special mare but I feel the horse she was has already gone and I'm just going through the motions. It's a sad fact.
 
cblover said:
Thanks everyone, she's not got shoes on and has never had shoes on in her whole 15 years.

The vet is ringing me back today, hopefully with the cushings results and to discuss further action. Hay wise, she is fed meadow hay that is soaked and next week I'm getting a delivery of dust free hay but with much less nutritional value in it. That should help too.

I'm just so tired of worrying, she's a very special mare but I feel the horse she was has already gone and I'm just going through the motions. It's a sad fact.
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She's your horse...you know her so you will know when it is the right time to let her be pain free and go. I hope your vet has some positive news. I just am so sorry you find yourself in this position.
 
cblover said:
Thanks everyone, she's not got shoes on and has never had shoes on in her whole 15 years.

The vet is ringing me back today, hopefully with the cushings results and to discuss further action. Hay wise, she is fed meadow hay that is soaked and next week I'm getting a delivery of dust free hay but with much less nutritional value in it. That should help too.

I'm just so tired of worrying, she's a very special mare but I feel the horse she was has already gone and I'm just going through the motions. It's a sad fact.
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Has she got pads on her feet? Lilley pads or even some made with bandages really help and take the pressure of the toe and gives relief if the pedal bone has rotated, my horse walked 100% better once they were put on she too was barefoot when she came down with the laminitis.
 
_GG_ said:
I'm kind of with Auslander and Cortez on this but I do understand the desire to try so what I would suggest is to give the Animal Health Trust a call and see if there's anyone there that you can talk it through with. They are currently in the middle of big research programmes for Lami and a few other things, so could maybe give you some advice.

That said, I'm not one to give up on a horse, but I am one to save a horse from prolonged pain and discomfort when there is little chance at them being able to enjoy a full life again.

I am so sorry you are in this position :( xx
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This exactly. Her quality of life is paramount.
 
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