Kidney damage in horses

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Doglass

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Does anyone have experience of kidney damage in horses? My horse has chronic laminitis and has had to take Danilon regularly over the past few years. It has now been ddiscoered she has severe kidney damage, due to this. she is very ill.
What are your stories on kidney damage?
 
How old is your horse hun? My equine vets advise that, normally, kidney damage in horses is very rare. But it can be seen as a side effect of Cushings. Sadly that would also fit with the laminitis. Have you had an ACTH test done?
 
My horse is 24. She had acute laminitis 6 years ago and had made a recovery. We have managed her condition over these years, making her as comfortable and as happy as possible, but she has over the past year been deteriorating, and recently had abscesses in both feet which we know is a symptom of laminitis, as she had that before. Bloods and x rays have been done, and kidney disease has been diagnosed along with major changes in her feet. Waiting for the tests on cushings and EMS to come back. She did not have cushings the first time but the vets suspects she may have this time. Have been warned about a losing battle if it is cushings along with all the rest.
 
At aged 24 and with the changes you describe, I think it will be Cushings. My understanding of Cushings tests is that you sometimes get a negative in the early stages. My veteran started to show odd symptoms about 2 yrs ago and I just put it down to old age. But about 5 weeks or so ago the symptoms took a more ominous turn and the vet took bloods to test for Cushings. It came back a very very definite yes, with ACTH levels at 200 instead of a more normal 40-ish. There's some good internet information around, talkaboutcushings.co.uk is great and if you register your horse (for free) you can print off a voucher to give to your vets and you'll get £15 off the lab costs (they're about £25 so a good saving). The Laminitis Trust has some good, no-nonsense information and advice. Sadly, I don't think it's good news if your horse has such advanced Cushings symptoms. Fingers crossed x
 
I had a horse with kidney failure but definitely not Cushings. He was put down the day after I had the blood test result. Sorry I can't give you better news. It's very rare in horses, which does not make it any easier to cope with. Best of luck.
 
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