I just don't know what to do with my pony with cushings

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I'm really confused about what to do with my pony. Can anybody help?

I love him to bits and have owned him for years, but now I've moved away I need to find him a new home as a companion. The problem is, nobody seems to want a pony that's not perfect! He's 23 and has cushings which I've been really upfront about explaining that he needs restricted grass, but otherwise he has a tablet each morning which keeps all the other side effects away.

Some people have even responded to my adverts saying he'll just deteriorate and I may as well get him put down. It seems so unfair, as he's happy and healthy, he's only had cushings a couple of years and I know he's got many happy years ahead of him. But nobody can give him a chance. I even approached a pony retirement sanctuary who said they can't accept any ponies who could get laminitis.

Does anyone have any ideas?
 
I think, if you agreed to be 'on hand' to advise and be involved in his medical needs, and 'at the end of the road', you might find a taker.

Cushing's isn't the end of the world, but ponies with it can be high maintenance in terms of foot, tooth and coat care, not to mention the Pergolide.

If you offer financial help (and keep to your word) people like me would probably be interested. ATM I have no room, sadly.
 
I agree with brighteyes. You cant expect someone to take on the extra financial responsibility of medication, that is down to you. No one will offer to have him otherwise, when there are so many others available that dont need it.
Its not that hes not perfect its just he is relatively high maintenance compared to others.

Keep at it, hopefully you will find someone.
Good luck
 
TBH I would PTS rather than rehome unless you could be sure someone could manage it. So maybe someone with another pony with Cushings. People need companions for all sorts of reasons so it is not out of the question. But maybe you would have to accept that when the companion has to be PTS it would be best for your boy to go as well.

I have one with Cushings but I would not rehome him. Preferably, I would get a companion for him.

So if you cant keep your chap where you are then maybe the best thing is to PTS. Sometimes you have to look at the practicalities however harsh that may seem.
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If you cant look after him and it looks possible that no-one else will want him then you have to do the best for them.
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Cushings is not hte end of the road.
i am assuming he is on pergolide?

I would have thought if you were willing to pay for the tablets etc then he would be a grand companion, especially, as dubsie said, for a horse/pony who is on a minimal grazing paddock (as they normally end up on their tod!)

Keep going! sure someone willl want your lad!
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Thanks for your advice everyone. He is on pergolide, which seems to be working amazingly and I agree I would definitely be happy to keep paying for that and vets bills etc.

But you're right. It's so difficult to find someone who is happy to take on that extra responsibility, but also who has the experience. As just a little too much grass could bring on laminitis so easily now. I couldn't put him to sleep though, he's had a really tough few years but now seeems so happy in himself and looks so well. It's very difficult to know what's best. I'm not sure how you ever know?
 
Take him with you or put him down. Cushings is a constant challenge to manage, no one in their right mind would take on a pony with it unless it was an all singing, dancing superstar riding pony. Far too high maintenance to be companions, be realistic please. Its hard enough to find genuine companion homes for healthy but slightly unsound horses.
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Hi 'Bens Mum', he's living with some friends in Sussex at the mo. as a companion to their horse. I've had to move to London for work and now they're moving to London too which is why I've been trying so hard to find him a new home.
 
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