stilltrying
Well-Known Member
Quick update on this chap for anyone interested.
Very brief recap, rising 6yo 17h 7/8ths TB who became very grumpy last autumn, didnt want to be touched or rugged, particularly girth area, tack out of the question, became really quite aggressive. Moves like he is in pain, scuttles, tail up, stiff as a board and looks hunched. Poor body condition, dull coat. He was scoped and found to have grade 2 ulcers and was treated with GG (and hind gut supplement on owners request). Re-scoped and clear. Behaviour worsened. Vet back out and re-examined, said very sore in wither (which was causing tension in girth area), which could have caused the ulcers. Vet and recommended x-ray. KS ruled out, but lashed out whilst sedated during X-ray so vet deemed as dangerous and sent for bonescan. Bonescan showed hot spot on wither but nothing significant and vet unsure how to treat.
His owner did some more research and found a Newmarket vet who specialises in problem horses like these, so took a trip to Essex yesterday for a clinic. New vet says he has severe hind gut problems and is in a lot of pain, and was one of the worst cases she had seen. Further tests are going to be done to find out exactly what is going on, but feels he has hind gut acidosis and ulceration. He is starting his treatment course asap. Vet said he wasnt a naturally aggressive horse, but is just really suffering. Poor chap, it was getting to the point where pts was being discussed.
So, thank you to all those who made suggestions, including hind gut problems, just a shame it has taken us so long to get a diagnosis. But then again, I suppose it must be difficult for a vets practice to diagnose a horse that, for the most part, looks relatively healthy and isnt lame and is only displaying behavioural problems (that are more obvious to those that handle him.)
Hopefully my next update will be of a happy and healthy pony : )
Very brief recap, rising 6yo 17h 7/8ths TB who became very grumpy last autumn, didnt want to be touched or rugged, particularly girth area, tack out of the question, became really quite aggressive. Moves like he is in pain, scuttles, tail up, stiff as a board and looks hunched. Poor body condition, dull coat. He was scoped and found to have grade 2 ulcers and was treated with GG (and hind gut supplement on owners request). Re-scoped and clear. Behaviour worsened. Vet back out and re-examined, said very sore in wither (which was causing tension in girth area), which could have caused the ulcers. Vet and recommended x-ray. KS ruled out, but lashed out whilst sedated during X-ray so vet deemed as dangerous and sent for bonescan. Bonescan showed hot spot on wither but nothing significant and vet unsure how to treat.
His owner did some more research and found a Newmarket vet who specialises in problem horses like these, so took a trip to Essex yesterday for a clinic. New vet says he has severe hind gut problems and is in a lot of pain, and was one of the worst cases she had seen. Further tests are going to be done to find out exactly what is going on, but feels he has hind gut acidosis and ulceration. He is starting his treatment course asap. Vet said he wasnt a naturally aggressive horse, but is just really suffering. Poor chap, it was getting to the point where pts was being discussed.
So, thank you to all those who made suggestions, including hind gut problems, just a shame it has taken us so long to get a diagnosis. But then again, I suppose it must be difficult for a vets practice to diagnose a horse that, for the most part, looks relatively healthy and isnt lame and is only displaying behavioural problems (that are more obvious to those that handle him.)
Hopefully my next update will be of a happy and healthy pony : )