Photo's of Ellie, reported to the RSPCA

I also love the idea of the sign on the gate!! I'm sure all these suggestions will have been made (apologies for not reading 9 pages!!) - fly rug to avoid drawing attention to her supermodel size zero status (!!), lots of grass if she can take it, I found TopSpec Super Conditioning mix good for my oldie - you don't need to feed much in each feed - feed four/five times daily, soya oil (plus vit e if you feed lots of oil), bute as needed etc etc - I'm sure you know all this already, and have probably tried much of it. Very best of luck....
 
MrsElle said:
Thank you for all your replies, sometimes it is hard to look objectively when you see something everyday.

I really don't know what else I can do :( I have tried several different feeding regimes over the last year since she was attacked by a dog and lost the weight. She has ad lib haylege as well as her three feeds a day. The vet and I had talked about this being her last summer if I can't get the weight on her, I can't let her go into winter in this condition :( :( :(
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Try her on Alphabeet, it doesn't fizz them up and you can give as much as you like, soaked and mixed in with your other feedroutine, it put no end of weight on my TB
Good luck!
 
I do understand she is thin but what is your honest opinion? Would you have called the RSPCA out after seeing her
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Yes I would.

Sorry, haven't read all the other posts - so I may be repeating.

I'm sure you're doing your best for her - but if those are recent pictures, I'd be thinking about her future very carefully - and fully agree with your vet.
 
Hi

I'm not going to judge you, but I have just found this on ebay number 270562804926. 'If there are any concerns about these horses then please phone' sign. Might be worth putting one up, then people will be aware that you are aware that the general public might feel there is a problem, at least you can put them right.

Wishing you lots of luck with her.

x
 
I wouldn't start making rash decisions about her future just yet.

My horse was injured in the field back in 2007 (he was 16 at the time)- he was on box rest and then had to be evacuated due to the floods. He went downhill rapidly and I've just looked at a photo of him and he looked a hell of a lot worse than your mare. I tried everything - swapping feeds, worming, teeth but he just kept deteriorating. He got alopecia and lost his coat and that made him look even worse. It just seemed like everything was shutting down - even my vet started saying things like 'they don't live forever' as if preparing me for the worse.

And yes, I got reported to the RSPCA.

We ended up trying him on a course of steroids and the improvement after 2 month was dramatic. Maybe have a proper chat with your vet about different options - he may think steroids isn't the way forward - I don't know, but it worked for my boy. We've basically put the severe weight loss and alopecia down to stress and mental trauma of the floods. If your mare has been worried by a dog then mentally it may have taken it's toll on her.

To be honest she looks bright in her eye and you aren't the best photographer in the world! My other horse (whose 20) can look angular if you've got him at a funny angle.

Like I say have a proper chat with your vet - get a profile done, ask about the pros and cons of steroids and then take it from there.
 
From a person who has a poor doer oldie then i sympathise completely. I was ashamed of my boys condition last year and it wasnt til june that he began to look right.

I would have called the SSPCA on my boy last year he was terrible just like your girl. If you cannot get her looking right by August then I would seriously consider (after consulting your vet of course ) PTS as I would do the same for my boy had he continued to look like a hat rack every year.

Can you give us a list of her feed that she gets 3times daily so that we are not suggesting something that your trying???

I used to give my boy (scoop is a large round scoop)

1 x scoop of alpha a orig
1 x scoop of spillers conditioning cubes
1 x sccop of speedibeet
2 x coffee cups of veg/corn oil
and his hoof and joint supps

He got that that twice a day and ad lib hay both in the field and in stable and even with this he came out looking poor.

Now this year i have swapped the speedibeet for normal molassed beetpulp (the 24hr soaking one) and added extra bulk with a cheap molassed chaff so he was getting

1 x Scoop of alpha a
1 x 1/2 scoop of chaff
1 x scoop of conditioning cubes
1 x scoop of beetpulp
and the normal supps,

I had to cut out the oil as he was putting too much weight on. He cant have cereals as he is intolerant and the micronised wheat in the cubes is the most he can handle. This also didnt stretch my pocket as the beet pulp was over 5 quid cheaper for a 25kg sack which paid for the chaff to bulk out the feed and with it being molassed it added extra calories as well as bulk. A good friend also suggested copra meal as its coconut and high in fat content. I couldnt feed it as I am allergic to it but I would have tried it if I wasnt. :)

The beetpulp and chaff did the world of difference to him and he actually looked tubby at one point before he came into full work. He hasnt looked like that in the 6 years I have had him :)

nikki xxx
 
I wouldn't. This horse is clearly an old horse, as MrsElle tells us she is 28 years old. I had a highland gelding for 30 years, he died when he was 34. Towards the end he looked awful, he was all hips and ribs, knobbly legs and a skeletal face but the vet said he was healthy for his age but he was simply deteriorating like all old people and horses do. We used to get all sorts of comments about him though from people that had no clue.
If she is eating and grazing well then obviously her weight problem is inevitable due to her age and again if she is not a good doer then its already going to be a struggle to keep weight on her.
If Ellie seems happy and the vet is happy then I think it is irrelevant what other people think when they don't have the full story. If you are giving her all the nutrients she needs to be healthy on the inside I think that should take priority over what she looks like on the outside.
If her eyes are bright and she seems happy and comfortable in herself then I don't think you should worry over her physical appearance. Obviously, when she begins to deteriorate further this is when the problem should be addressed again.
 
Definately put the signs up. We had trouble with people thinking we were 'cruel' as our two ponies are not on grass but a surface with haynets. Both ponies have problems with putting on too much weight and laminitis so have to have very restricted grazing. I put up a sign saying 'Please don't feed the ponies they are on restricted feed due to health problems' with my phone number underneath and that was the end of it. I think alot of people think they are helping and don't realise the animals are old, have a medical condition etc..
On the other side of the fence which has been said loads before the field up the road had 20 severely emaciated meat ponies in it, every authority was called, one died in the barbed wire and had to be removed by the fire service, several escaped, a foal lay dead in the field they went days without water but no one did anything but watch this includes the Police, RSPCA, local charities and WHW who could do nothing for them...
 
Hi L,

I know it's prob not ideal but if you're stuck for ideas, you are welcome to use one of our fields for her to try and get some Dr green down her! Just a thought. x
 
She is looking a bit poor, blees it's really hard with Oldies mines a 25yo rickerty TB who can go from being porky to skinny in a blink of an eye.

ATM, i have him on Topspec Topchop Alfa, Speedibeet, Topspec Coolcondition cubes, Equijewel & micronised linseed. He gets 4 feeds a day as he's not on good grazing atm due to the hard ground he also get's ad lib haylage.
His 4th feed of the day is his overnighter as sometimes he doesnt eat all his haylage if it's hot. But will eat his overnight feed which is different topchop lite & a handful of Topspec Fibre plus cubes.

He does brilliant on this & is maintaining a good weight with a healthy shine.
 
I think the problem is there is a world of difference between "us" seeing this mare, and a member of joe public. I would think she was maybe a bit old (could have a quick squizz at her teeth if she was a friendly type), but if I could see fresh water/feed buckets/head collars all suggesting she was being cared for then NO I wouldnt of rung the RSPCA.

Joe bloggs on the other hand sees a skinny horse (does she have field mates they would compare her too?) whose coat isnt all shiney, as she still has winter fluff, and just assume they are doing the right thing.......
 
Annoying for you, but I'm glad members of the public will ring if they think a horse is distressed.

Better than them walking by and doing nothing.
 
flamehead said:
Annoying for you, but I'm glad members of the public will ring if they think a horse is distressed.

Better than them walking by and doing nothing.
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I totally agree with this and as others have said try a sign, I remember moving onto a yard and there was a chesnut tied up on the yard he looked like a complete rescue case :( I moved on the yard through a friends recommendation, I later asked her if there was a reason for the horses condition she told me he was 32 had no teeth and was receiving regular vet care :) though it would be his last summer :(
I being horsey knew there could be reasons behind the horse being in poor condition but as others have said joe public will just see a horse in poor condition and not think why they I would imagine just presume neglect :)
When My mare had a colic op she looked in a right state TB dropped tons of weight, I was on a livery and RS riding school clients did go in the office and state there concern for her to which with my consent the YM explained about what she had been through and was receiving all the care she needed. :)
At the time I thought you nosy gits but looking back at least they shown concern they was not to know :D
 
I absolutely hate to say it, but I think this horse is nearing the end of life. If she was mine, and I was looking after her as well as she is now being cared for, and she still looked that poor, I would know that now is the time to say goodbye - from here on in, she can only start to go further downhill. There comes a time where you have to let go, there may be some underlying and hidden condition causing this.

sm x
 
She does look very poor but then she is getting on and some people when get old and frail, they loose weight and look terrible as well, doesnt mean there not receiving the care they require (if in a nursing home etc) but good thing about older equines is we have the choice to do a very kind thing.

If an elderly horse gets to to the stage where it can no longer keep it's weight on (despite being fed everything under the sun and the owner doing all they can) then to me, that says the time is right to let them go with dignity and while there still feeling well.

I really wouldn't worry what people say, or if people are reporting you, end of the day, you know what the situation is, you are doing all you can, the only important thing is you knowing when the time is right. :)

(((hugs)))
 
I have seen ALLOT worse.

My friend has a TB gelding, about 28 yrs old. He looks like a hat rack. Its absolutely awful to look at him. He eats for England, the vet is aware of his severe weight issue but the horse is healthy. She has been reported several times - and each time she understands why. She keeps a rug on him all the time now. In the summer he is put into a secure field where no one can see, with a fly sheet.

She has thought about PTS - but each time the motivation for that is because of what other people say about him.
 
This is really topical for me as I have an aged 25yrs TB who drops weight despite eating like a horse.

I have actually thought about having him PTS incase someone reports me but then there are two others in the field who are fine so I hope anyone realises he's old.

I am going to say goodbye at the end of the summer though as his legs are not going to carry his 17hh frame for ever and for both our sakes its the right time.
 
QR

I'd also be calling up feed companies asking for free samples of their product - I bought A&P's Fastfibre and she wouldn't touch it!

I'm really not sure 'cereals' are the way to go - fibre in as sloppy a form as you can find would be my thinking. Love the sound of Slobbermash! I was restricted as our pony was laminitic (Cushing's and EMS) but you should be able to give her anything - within reason.
 
MrsElle said:
Thank you for all your replies, sometimes it is hard to look objectively when you see something everyday.

I really don't know what else I can do :( I have tried several different feeding regimes over the last year since she was attacked by a dog and lost the weight. She has ad lib haylege as well as her three feeds a day. The vet and I had talked about this being her last summer if I can't get the weight on her, I can't let her go into winter in this condition :( :( :(
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Poor you Mrs Elle - this is a horrible situation to be in and one that so many of us will have to face. I do agree that her condition is a cause for concern - as others have said, the fact that it is summer makes it more worrying and I would certainly be concerned about her having to face another winter. You clearly care for her very deeply and are doing everything possible but, as you are obviously all too aware, if her weight cannot be sorted by the end of the summer, it may be time to consider some difficult optiions. Huge hugs though as I know how tough this can be.

Do keep us posted on her progress, won't you?
 
Berkeley said:
I have seen ALLOT worse.

My friend has a TB gelding, about 28 yrs old. He looks like a hat rack. Its absolutely awful to look at him. He eats for England, the vet is aware of his severe weight issue but the horse is healthy. She has been reported several times - and each time she understands why. She keeps a rug on him all the time now. In the summer he is put into a secure field where no one can see, with a fly sheet.

She has thought about PTS - but each time the motivation for that is because of what other people say about him.
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Sorry, but to have seen a horse in a lot worse condition does not condone the OPs horses condition. I dont understand your comment about the horse that you have described as being at all healthy! To have to be put in a secure field with a fly sheet on so no one can see him, sounds to me like a big decision needs to be made. Why wait until the horse is really suffering before putting down. We have that choice with our animals, sadly not for our ailing and in pain human beings.
 
pastie2 said:
Sorry, but to have seen a horse in a lot worse condition does not condone the OPs horses condition.
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I agree and cannot understand why people say things like this. The OPs horse is not looking great and needs weight on it. Its feet are too long and its mane and coat look unkempt. I can understand why people would report this horse and it has nothing to do with whether people understand horses or not, the horse does not look cared for. Im sorry OP as it does sound like you are trying to do your best for the horse but it doesnt seem to be working. What exactly are you feeding the horse? And how many lbs per day is it getting? There is somewhat a science to keeping old horses looking good and maybe you are just feeding the wrong type of feed for the horse to thrive on.
 
OP, I feel for you I really do. Some of the comments on this thread have been less than constructive.

I think you need to asses your mares quality of life and put her needs before yours. That does not mean I am telling you to PTS by the way, just to do what is best for the old girl.

Good luck and lots of love to you - it cant be easy.
 
I couldn't agree more than with CM2851 about the feeding advice. My oldie was struggling a few years ago, and having made some changes in diet he's now looking better at 31 than he was at 28/29. Admittedly he isn't a poor doer but I would suggest you try the following feeds if you haven't already (in order of preference):-

Baileys Outshine
Pink Powder
Mollychaff Herbal
Fibrebeet or Alphabeet
Plus perhaps some other general mix (mine gets 16+)

Also agree with those who say that as much grass as possible without risking lami is a great thing at this time of year and also what is the quality of your haylage like, make sure she is getting the best you can (and that doesn't necessarily mean a "name" type brand of haylage, a top quality meadow type from a good old fashioned farmer type is often the best!!)

Finally, yes as a passer-by I would probably have reported her to the WHW etc - but if I knew her age and that you have her under careful vet instruction I definitely wouldn't have.
 
R2R said:
OP, I feel for you I really do. Some of the comments on this thread have been less than constructive.

I think you need to asses your mares quality of life and put her needs before yours. That does not mean I am telling you to PTS by the way, just to do what is best for the old girl.

Good luck and lots of love to you - it cant be easy.
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If you are refering to my post R2R, there is not really a constructive answer to OPs question. I understand your urge to suger coat your answer, but in my opinion this mare is in need. The unfortunate aspect of horse, animal ownership is having the knowledge to call it a day.
 
Hels_Bells said:
Also agree with those who say that as much grass as possible without risking lami is a great thing at this time of year
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Which is why I'm wondering if the mare has been tested for cushings as she certainly doesn't want lots of rich grass if she does. Nor would she want much in the way of cereals.
 
Spudlet said:
In all honesty I think I might well have done, I'd be worried about a horse that looked like that at this time of year. I would certainly have made sure to walk past a few more times at the very least to see how she was doing.

I don't want to overstep the mark, but I do think you need to consider your options very carefully before the winter comes:( I'm sorry.
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Ditto the above, sorry.
 
well I had a horse very similar looking to your mare in breed, he would not put weighto n at all no matter what he ate, vet checks etc etc RSPCA came out to look at him and although he was underweight his coat gleamed, they said they could see we did all we could for him and left us alone. Hope you have a good outcome of this, we never did find out why our elderly horse wouldnt put on an ounce
 
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