Fat deposits on neck

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suestowford

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I have a small pony who got laminitis three years ago. It was entirely my fault as I had let him get too fat. His neck was rock hard from withers to poll.
He went on a diet and over the following months he lost a lot of weight. Since then he's been kept slim (on a permanent diet), so he has no fat belly, there are no fat deposits around his tail, and the top half of his neck has lost the hard crest. He has stayed like this for ages, and there has been no recurrence of laminitis.
However, the bottom of his neck is still fairly solid; this is the bit just above the withers and it's about a hand's width along his neck. The rest of him is as lean as a racehorse but his neck keeps this shape.
Would this worry you? Could it be a sign of Cushings (he's 9 years old)? He will be seeing the vet in a couple of months for his injections and teeth inspection so I will ask her about it also. If it isn't due to metabolic disease is there any way of getting rid of this lump of what I assume is still fat?
 
There is some anecdotal evidence that feeding magnesium (MagOx or Calmag) can help to break down fatty deposits, so that may be worth a try.
 
Very possibly, our sec A mare had strange fat deposits despite being on a diet, this was before the coat changes and excessive urination. She is now on 1/2 prescend tablet per day, she has now lost her crest but still has a couple of odd fat pads on her haunches.
 
I started supplementing magnesium to my youngster as this was lacking in his usual diet and I noticed that fat deposits along his neck diminished.

Not sure of any scientific basis but from my observations feeding a magnesium oxide supplement has made a difference.
 
Thank you. I will try a magnesium supplement and see if it makes a difference. May also get him tested for Cushings when the vet comes, just so I know.
 
sorry to highjack but this is really interesting as my 13.2 NF who is ridden 5/6 times per week and in perfect shape/weight/fitness is starting to develop a cresty neck. (only at bottom). Im going to keep an extra eye out but will also be getting some MagOX.
 
Just ordered some MagOx off ebay, it was about £8 including postage for 900g. As my pony is only 250kg he will only need about 10g per day so it's cheap as anything. A very nice surprise, I always expect horse stuff to be really dear but this wasn't:)
 
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