Laminitis concerns

[Moobli]

I have been searching for a companion for my Shetland and now have the possibility of a working Highland pony that is retiring next year. I have also been offered a young Shetland and am very tempted to take the Shetland gelding (who is ready to go to a new home now) in case the Highland pony doesn't come off - after all, a year is a long time. If I do get the chance of the Highland in a year then I could have both

The only concern I currently have is that the Shettie is apparently showing signs of early laminitis. His owner/breeder has taken him off grass and is attributing it to the fact that he has been on very lush grass. Does one bout of laminitis mean it is more likely to recur or could it be a sign of something more serious such as PPID? I graze my own pony on rough hill grazing alongside sheep and he has never had lami in the 9 years I have had him. My only experience with laminitis was a Dartmoor pony I bought for the kids to ride and he suffered recurring bouts and my vet felt he had PPID as well as a number of other health issues and the heartbreaking decision was taken to put him to sleep. I really want to avoid that happening again if possible.

Is it worth me going to meet the Shetland pony or should I steer well clear?

 

[Hungey]

Personally after the experience I've just had with laminitis I would stay well clear to avoid any heart break. There are lots of companion ponies about that are about who are perfectly health.

 

[JillA]

Well, for a start, PPID is perfectly manageable these days with Prascend, but it will cost a few ££s, probably no more than 1/2 a £1ish tablet a day for a shettie. As for laminitis recurring, there used to be a theory that this was the case, now we know it is more likely to be due to an underlying cause such as PPID or EMS. Is he on better grazing than your hill land? That might be the key, he might regulate better on that. It is all here if you have the time to read it http://www.thelaminitissite.org/