in foal mare-possible epsm. diet advice

[monsterwillow]

hi everyone. my 14 year old warmblood mare is in foal and after finding an espm article by accident i think she possibly has this condition.

i picked the mare up from the stallion in july 2012, she was lame on off hind when i got there but had a big chunk out of her hoof so i thought possibly an abscess (shes prone to them)

anyway, slight lameness for 6-8 weeks, farrier had been and opened up a hole in hoof where there was or had been an abscess. wasnt getting anything out on poultice so got the vet out. she was sound when the vet came but he did comment on her pretty severe muscle wastage but said it was likely that the wastage had happened because she hadnt been using that leg properly for 8 weeks(ish) he said to start riding her again and build up muscle.

i did ride her for a while but she was really unhappy so i just thought because she is in foal anyway i would just turn her away. she has been fine, happy enough, eating fine and in good condition.

shes not lame but she doesnt use that leg properly at all, kind of swings it out? only really noticeable in walk nut the muscle wastage is very noticeable.

i will try and get pics later but was just looking for some advice/opinions?

does it sound like she might have epsm or could the wastage really be that bad with being off with the abscess?

waiting on the vet calling me back but if she does have the condition what do i feed her?

thanks in advance x

 

[monsterwillow]

anyone? x

 

[AmyMay]

I would say it's more likely that she needs further veterinary treatment.

 

[monsterwillow]

I would say it's more likely that she needs further veterinary treatment.

thank you. i am well aware that shes going to need treatment, was just wondering if being off work with the abscess would cause the muscle wastage or if epsm is a possibility.

is epsm something that would happen all of a sudden at 14 years old? x

 

[AmyMay]

thank you. i am well aware that shes going to need treatment, was just wondering if being off work with the abscess would cause the muscle wastage or if epsm is a possibility.

is epsm something that would happen all of a sudden at 14 years old? x

If it's swinging out then it's likely to be a problem with her back, stifle or hip.

Let us know how you get on with the vet.