Help what do I do

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suegreenaway

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Right basically I am completely confused about what to do. I got a lovely mare on loan in january, she has just turned 6 years old and is a 16.1hh thoroughbred. Anyway everything was going well, then about 4 weeks ago she got colic and ended up having surgery. She is now 3 weeks into a period of 8 weeks box rest, then needs 8 weeks out in a small paddock. Then I can start riding her again and hopefully start from where we left off.

She was on loan to buy in the summer, but now she has had surgery I am being told by lots of people to not touch her with a barge pole and definately dont buy her. The vets said there is no reason why she cannot return back to normal, we are not completely sure what caused it and she didnt have anything removed. I know there will be problems with the insurance and its possible she can get colic again but what are your thoughts on this and is there anyone who has had any experience with horses having colic surgery?

Sorry its so long, I am just stuck in the middle and don't know what to do. I really like her and seems like a waste to go all through this to then just give her back.
 
And if you'd only had a 2 week trial would you have bought her back in January?

A pony on my yard had a really serious colic op 2 years ago and apart from being on a strict diet he's just fine. Still insured as far as I'm aware but probably not covered for colic ops.

Instead of insuring for vets bills just put the premium away every month.

All you can do is ask for a reduction!!!
 
Mmmm, difficult one.

I used to have a thoroughbred and after I owned him for about 9 months he got colic. After that he had it 4 times and I lost him to it the 4th time and had only owned him 18months.

So personally if it were me then I wouldnt buy her, but that is because of my past experience with colic and it is something I absolutly dread. But she may not get it again then you will have passed away the chance to buy a lovely horse. AND you could go and buy another and that could get colic.

Also if she does get it again and its not covered on the insurance it could be quite costly.

I think you need to weigh up how much you want this horse and take it from there.
 
oh that's awful, I'm really sorry
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My good friend had an amazing pony that was fine for 2 years then mysteriously got colic, no idea why. He had an operation and was fine for another year or so. He then went to a new home but only lasted 6 months before he got it again and had to be out down.

There are always risks but, like someone said above, the best thing to do is talk to people, especially insurance companies as they will be the ones who will have to pay if, unfortunatley, it does reoccur.

I hope it all works out
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Ok thanks for all your help. I think it will just be a case of having a good talk with the vets and the owner and see what happens. I do really like her and she was coming on really well before the surgery so I don't really want to give her back. Yes I probably would have bought her after a 2 week trial back in january.
Thankyou
 
It would not put me off the horse at all... My young chestnut mare has just finished her recovery from colic surgery and so far (touches wood quickly) she has not had any further symptoms or signs. We think hers was caused by something she consumed, but unfortunately we will never know.

Has this mare had colic in the past?

Would you have bought her before the colic incident?

Basically, people can tell you not to touch it with a barge pole all they like, only you can make the decision. If she is the horse for you, then I certainly wouldn't let this stop you from buying her. However, I would check with your own vet regarding his opinion and also your insurance. My mare is only rising 7 and will probably never be covered for colic again, but that is something that I am not particularly concerned about right now, as all I care about is the fact she has recovered
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I would certainly still have bought her had I been in the same situation
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Thanks _JetSet_ thats very encouraging. Shes only just turned 6 and as far as we know she has never had colic before. She is very greedy so she may have just stuffed herself too much. But yes I probably would have brought her before she got it and shes otherwise fit and healthy.
Glad yours has recovered well. Good luck
 
Hi

I asked about this a few days ago before going to look at a little mare who had colic surgery 14 months ago, and quite a few people said they would still go for it! We did go and look at her (despite it being miles away and quite silly really!), totally fell in love with her and after speaking to lots of vets we have decided that providing she passes her vetting on Weds we want her! She is really lovely and hopefully will event if she can stand up to it, otherwise we will just do dressage. So yes I would!

Good luck with everything, I hope it works out well for you!
 
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