Lethargy in pony

Suby2

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My pony has mild PPID (currently not on Prascend), EMS (currently on Metformin) and SPRAO (on a supplement when needed). Over the past 18 months or so she has been either lethargic or simply lacking in energy to varying degrees. More than one vet from the practice has seen her and so far we haven't got to the root of the problem.

The vet was out again on Friday - checked her for signs of laminitis, took her temperature, checked her all over and took bloods for a general profile. Bloods showed a couple of minor raised results common in older horses (she is 19) but nothing significant. She is currently on a Danilon trial to see if this changes her demeanour which would indicate that there is some pain somewhere however so far there is no change.

She was diagnosed with EMS in September and my plan was to ride her three to four times a week as exercise is recommended for this disease however when I do ride her it she just has nothing in the tank. She used to power walk when she was younger but now she is mostly just a plod. The only time she livens up is if we ride somewhere we haven't been to for a long time or if something spooks her which would indicate that it is the adrenaline giving her energy. The vet has said to give her a week off (we only do light hacking anyway) and then take her out at walk to see if there is any difference while she is on the Danilon.

I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what could be causing this lack of energy that I or the vet haven't thought of?

The vet has approved my management of her conditions which are that she is in a restricted area of the field with her own field shelter and is out 24/7 unrugged, has soaked hay twice a day plus some Dengie Hi Fi Molasses Free and her small hard feeds which contain her meds/supplements. Her field companion is in the rest of the field and they can stand close to each other separated by the electric fence.
 
Either age - i.e she doesn't want to work anymore and would rather be retired
Or the PPID - lethargy is a feature of this.
 
Either age - i.e she doesn't want to work anymore and would rather be retired
Or the PPID - lethargy is a feature of this.

Yes, I realise that lethargy is a feature of PPID however she didn't improve when on Prascend unfortunately. Vet hasn't tested bloods for ACTH yet this time. Last reading was 81 in the seasonal rise.
 
I find that if my horse has had time off work either on box rest, or through me not riding him very much he becomes unfit, and the fitterr he is the better he is off my leg. This obviously makes sense from a human perspective too. When you feel fat, bloated and tired you won't want to run round the block. If you have lost weight, you feel more energetic and have more energy to do things. Does this make sense?

I've not done much with him lately as I've had time off sick, and not had much energy, and the weather has been bad a couple of nights in the evening after work and I've noticed a difference in him.

I'd wait and see what summer brings you. The nights will be getting lighter by two minutes a day now (after 22nd December) and spring is only a small whisper away....
 
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The only thing I can think of not mentioned if perhaps her feed?

I know you and the vet agree what she is being fed is sensible, but is it possible you could feed her something a bit different which will get her feeling more energised and interested?

I suggest it because my boy was a bit lethargic, and once he moved yards I was able to feed him more and different stuff - before he was kept low from his food and now he seems so much perkier and happy.

Just an idea, I hope that you find the answer in the end:)
 
The only solution ( and i'm surprised at your vets) is giving her Prascend...if you look at thelaminitissite, it will give you the range of symptoms associated with PPID and lethargy is one of them. Prascend will clear it up for you...
 
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