How much? Pony

[TGM]

Very difficult situation. If it was an unsoundness like spavin or some form of arthritis I would say go for it. However, laminitis is a particularly horrid and distressing condition to deal with. Apart from the changes that have already taken place in the feet, you also have to consider the fact that this pony could possibly be predisposed to laminitis and even with careful management could have further attacks. How well do you know the people selling? Enough to know that they are definitely being truthful that the pony has only had the one attack?

One worry would be that the pony might have the start of Cushing's disease that often results in unexplained attacks of laminitis. Does it show any other signs like a thick wavy coat or fat pads in hollows over the eyes?

Also consider whether you have the facilities to manage a laminitic - access to a stable or preferably a small non-grassed area with shelter so that grass intake can be controlled when necessary.

Essentially, you will be taking a gamble. You could end up with a fantastic safe pony which will give your children lots of fun. Alternatively, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to PTS a pony that your children have fallen in love with.

 

[siennamum]

It's really difficult. I would wait and see if they sell the pony tbh. The laminitis wouldn't worry me, these ponies have to be starved any way you look at it and being older you have to expect to provide more intensive care.
The pedal bone issue would worry me.
You want a pony for a few years yet and one who can pop a fence and do some summer shows etc.

 

[TGM]

[ QUOTE ]
The laminitis wouldn't worry me, these ponies have to be starved any way you look at it

[/ QUOTE ] Laminitics should never be starved! Yes, their weight needs to be controlled carefully, but starving them can result in problems such as hyperlipaemia.

Additionally, there are many ponies that suffer recurrent laminitic attacks despite being on a careful regime and not being overweight. Often they turn out to have Cushings or Equine Metabolic Syndrome. As a farrier's wife, I have often had to deal with owners of such ponies and I know how distressing it is for them to see their ponies in pain and suffering, despite best efforts to prevent it.

 

[Clodagh]

Well shes had a blood test for Cushings which was negative (apparently, I don't know much about the test). She shows no physical signs of it. She is VERY poor, far leaner than I would have her.
I have bought her anyway, I went to see her today and she is such a sweetie, I have got a small paddock with a nice little field shelter in it and she can live in there to start with. My other pone lives out 24/7 with his muzzle on so I hope to be able to do that with her eventually.
So, fingers crossed and I am picking her up on Friday just for the day for a PC rally and then she goes back until Tuesday when I pick her up for good.

 

[TGM]

Good luck - hope she stays sound and your children have loads of fun with her!

 

[AmyMay]

Have enormous fun with her.

Just one thing - if she is very poor, is it wise for her to go to an all day pony club rally??

 

[Clodagh]

Its only 2 hours, an Easter Bonnet parade, shes pretty fit, shes on a walker for 40 minutes a day!

 

[Vicki1986]

Wow pony sounds a dream.

I hope it works out with regards to the lami. Hope to see some pics soon!!

As long as the Lam can get brought under control properly she will be fine i'm sure. Ponies seem to go on forever usually.

 

[siennamum]

I know they shouldn't be starved it's a figure of speech. Frankly when you keep a pony on bare grazing, with a muzzle on and only allow it supplements and well soaked hay, I can't work out what else you would call it mind you.....
My last pony had cushings induced laminitis, so have a little understanding.

 

[TGM]

[ QUOTE ]
Frankly when you keep a pony on bare grazing, with a muzzle on and only allow it supplements and well soaked hay, I can't work out what else you would call it mind you.....

[/ QUOTE ] Well I'd called that a restricted diet - whereas keeping it on bare grazing with a muzzle and no hay and supplements would be starvation!

You obviously know what you meant by the term, but I was worried that others reading could get the wrong idea. There is so much confusion among horse-owners about laminitis, that I felt it was important to clarify the point.

 

[Clodagh]

Well went to PC today and she was saint! Heres a photo, I know she has no front (That'll teach him to keep his heels down!) And shes poor, rather than thin.