Ideas to keep him sound this winter...

R

Riverboy

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Hi everyone - I need some famous HHO advice...

As I've said before River is a very poorly pony - he picked up this spring and was sound for a while, had a few 'dodgy' patches over the summer including another ulcer etc but now we've hit the start of winter he's started to go down hill again...

He's got navicular in both fronts and spavin in both hinds. He's also got the start of white line disease where bits of gravel are getting into his hooves. The vet has given me some hoof paint for this and they are improving a little bit - but he's going quite lame now with the cold.

I've got him on Devil's Claw and gulcosamine (sp?!) and he wears magnetic boots on all four over night at the vets recommendation but he's finding it hard to get moving in the mornings and I've not seen him play for a couple of weeks now - which isnt like him at all.

We cant give him bute etc because it inflames his ulcer - which we manage alongside his COPD and SI with careful management...

So guys - can you think of anything else I can do to help him this winter?! Its not even got properly cold yet and I am worried how he will cope when winter really sets in. Its been two years next month since he first got ill. Also any tips on how to boost his immune system - last winter he got two viruses and an eye infection - but we have to be careful what we feed him because hard feed/chemicals etc cause his ulcer to flare!!

Guess I'm just looking for some ideas I've not already tried - the poor little man just doesn't seem to be able to help himself...

A nice donut for everyone as a)its friday and b) you're all wonderful and all the support/advice I've got on here really helps keep me going with him...

T xx
 
The Devil's Claw is meant to be a No Bute thing - and was working in the summer just now its got colder he's getting stiffer...

I haven't tried cider vinegar and cod liver oil though - will have a hunt - thanks!

t xx
 
Echinacea to boost his immune system has worked on my little shetland.

If your worried about chemicals in feed try Simple Systems, give them a call they are really helpful. They are the only feed company that are certified vegan so you know there are no additives in their feeds. http://www.simplesystem.co.uk/

Good luck
grin.gif
 
Thanks guys loads of ideas!! I've been out of them - poor mite just has SO many issues it can be hard to see the wood for the trees...

horseriderdeb - do you know whats in aplhabute? I have to be very careful what he has as his tummy is very sensitive & he gets ulcers faster than the vet can say GastroGuard...

t xx
 
I'll have a look on my container tonight when I'm at the yard. You could give them a ring as they are really very helpful. There is definitely no bute or devils claw in it
 
Looks like I'll be calling Global Herbs then!! :-) Thanks everyone, its just so hard its not even like the poor mite is old (only 12 - was 10 when it all started!).

T xx
 
Youghert in his feed will help the ulcer and his immune system. Is he stabled as put stable bandages on his legs during night or if cold during day. Have a mare how's immune system has gone to shot with her sweet-itch, have tried most stuff and I found NAF helped a little but not much. Touch wood she's had a good summer and so far autumn but I'm dreading winter.
 
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