Feeding an older horse with cushings - more ommpphh!

DMancini

DMancini

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Hi all

Just wondered if anyone can recommend/suggest any feeding ideas for a horse with cushings needing a bit more ommphh!

my horse (ID/TB) is 21 she was diagnosed with cushings last year, have tried the medication and it had an adverse effect so it wasn't an option to continue also tried the chaste berries with little effect.

we hack 2-3 times a week and she looks in fab shape but she just lacks energy and i find i am just constantly kicking and tapping her up when out on hacks to no avail! I still feel like she enjoys popping out but I am exhausted at the very thought! i don't want to give up on her just yet!

Have spoken to the vet who suggested feeding her a high energy food however whilst she hasn't ever had laminitis I know i need to keep an eye out for this. she has always been a good doer and currently is on ad lib haylage (she also has COPD) out 24/7 with topline cubes alpha and sugar beet for tea and fast fibre for breakfast.

any ideas will be gratefully received .......
 
Would Allen and Page's power and performance or Veteran Vitality be any good? Oats or Barley rings would probably do the trick though. Have you spoken to any feed company nutritionists? They may have something suitable!
 
Unfortunately that is one of the effects/signs of Cushings, lethargy, and pushing her on when she feels like this is pointless. Have you asked on the facebook page of EMS/PPID (cushings)? Andrea is very informative and knowledgable and helpful, she may have suggestions to help you.
Surely the vet could help with an alternative drug to try? Had he got the dosage correct for your mare?
 
I have an older horse and I feed him alfalfa pellets, ERS pellets, linseed, Spillers conditioning fibre and beetpulp. He is barefoot so this diet is to care for his feet and also because he is old he gets monks pepper, cinnamon and tumeric as a supplement for things like cushings and for his arthritis.

He hasnt got cushings but Im feeding him incase of so that I dont have to make any drastic changes should be be diagnosed. He is cereal intolerant so cannot have cereals but is doing very well on this diet :)
 
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