Hedwards
Well-Known Member
Hi,
some of you may remember from a few weeks ago a post i put up about my lovely mare (here's the link if you want the full story http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=423677) the short version is i have a fab loan mare who has a confirmational issue that has resulted in concussive laminitis.
It happened in May last year and her improvement left her lame enough that i was unsure what i should do with her (i should point out there is a whole other issue with her AWOL owner - but fingers crossed i may have that problem sorted in the next few weeks).
Anyway, i've been talking to my farrier & vet about options again - after comments on here i decided to find out what we could do, i really really didnt want to give up on her (but i have to consider the costs and lack of enjoyment i have had etc etc), we arent changing her shoeing as the vet is really pleased with the re-balancing it has been doing for her. so vet suggested we try her on bute again (low dosage) - what did i have to loose - and see if she is comfortable on that (something i have never really liked the idea of - but due to her otherwise perfect health and the fact she isnt actually 'crippled') decided to give it ago... she was put on bute (under vet recommendation on dosage) a couple of weeks ago, and is turned out for about 2 hours every morning.
Last saturday, after a 2 weeks on bute (low dosage now in her system), i got on my old girl - it was fantastic, she was desperate to work (her self carridge is unbelieveable - i wanted her to just wonder around the school in walk a bit - but no, she gave me a lovely outline, when i asked long and low i got it, she was jogging so i allowed a bit of trot (her trot is her best pace and felt awesome!) - she really seemed to enjoy herself (possibly more than me).
I know this is going to be a relatively short term situation, she is an older horse and isnt something that can carry on forever, and i am well aware of long term effects of NSAID's like Bute (she's actually on Danilon but same difference), and i'm still not happy about the amount of time she spends in (i'm hoping that as the weather gets better i may be able to find a flat paddock and turn her out for a bit longer if she stays sound on bute - BUT...i am so happy she can do something for both of our sakes - possibly even get out and do a bit of dressage/showing (only on a decent surface etc etc). I love this mare so much, and it feels fantastic to have her back.
Looking back when i did the original post, it was not long after she had thrown the shoe and seemed really uncomfortable - it was the lowest i've felt about her - made even worse by the owener situation. i think i can look at things more clearly now and hopefully i wont get shot down for my decision.
some of you may remember from a few weeks ago a post i put up about my lovely mare (here's the link if you want the full story http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=423677) the short version is i have a fab loan mare who has a confirmational issue that has resulted in concussive laminitis.
It happened in May last year and her improvement left her lame enough that i was unsure what i should do with her (i should point out there is a whole other issue with her AWOL owner - but fingers crossed i may have that problem sorted in the next few weeks).
Anyway, i've been talking to my farrier & vet about options again - after comments on here i decided to find out what we could do, i really really didnt want to give up on her (but i have to consider the costs and lack of enjoyment i have had etc etc), we arent changing her shoeing as the vet is really pleased with the re-balancing it has been doing for her. so vet suggested we try her on bute again (low dosage) - what did i have to loose - and see if she is comfortable on that (something i have never really liked the idea of - but due to her otherwise perfect health and the fact she isnt actually 'crippled') decided to give it ago... she was put on bute (under vet recommendation on dosage) a couple of weeks ago, and is turned out for about 2 hours every morning.
Last saturday, after a 2 weeks on bute (low dosage now in her system), i got on my old girl - it was fantastic, she was desperate to work (her self carridge is unbelieveable - i wanted her to just wonder around the school in walk a bit - but no, she gave me a lovely outline, when i asked long and low i got it, she was jogging so i allowed a bit of trot (her trot is her best pace and felt awesome!) - she really seemed to enjoy herself (possibly more than me).
I know this is going to be a relatively short term situation, she is an older horse and isnt something that can carry on forever, and i am well aware of long term effects of NSAID's like Bute (she's actually on Danilon but same difference), and i'm still not happy about the amount of time she spends in (i'm hoping that as the weather gets better i may be able to find a flat paddock and turn her out for a bit longer if she stays sound on bute - BUT...i am so happy she can do something for both of our sakes - possibly even get out and do a bit of dressage/showing (only on a decent surface etc etc). I love this mare so much, and it feels fantastic to have her back.
Looking back when i did the original post, it was not long after she had thrown the shoe and seemed really uncomfortable - it was the lowest i've felt about her - made even worse by the owener situation. i think i can look at things more clearly now and hopefully i wont get shot down for my decision.
