Fatkins
Member
Hi,
I have a 13hh pony that doesn't have a respiratory problem as such, but who I would like to give some extra support to. Just before Xmas I arrived at the yard to find him wheezing and tucking right up when breathing. He was not distressed in any way, it was just horrible to see. I called the vet who advised me to make management changes firstly, and if still no improvement then to call them again. I have switched stables on to a 'dust-free' zone, he has dust free bedding, high temperature dried feed, soaked hay and I leave his door open 24/7- he just has a 'sausage' to stop him escaping. He has definitely improved (i'd say 90% improvement), however he's still not quite right. The problem I have is that it is really inconsistent. He doesn't do it every day, and there appears to be no pattern (i.e he doesn't do it more if its windy and bedding is being blown around the yard). It's not a loud wheezing noise, I have to put my ear right up to his face to hear it- but at the same time I know its there! He also is sometimes a little sweaty near his flanks in the morning which I wondered if was from the strain of breathing deeper, combined with the much milder weather we're having? I am having him re-tested for Cushings in a couple of weeks so I will be asking for veterinary advice again at this point. I just wondered if any of you have used a supplement/herbs that you would recommend. He's late 20's/early 30's according to passport and unless absolutely necessary I'd rather not pump him full of drugs in what could be his last few years with us. As I said, it doesn't seem to cause him any distress and he's bright eyed as ever- I'm just now conscious about it and am obsessed with watching his breathing patterns!! Sorry for the essay!! Any ideas?
I have a 13hh pony that doesn't have a respiratory problem as such, but who I would like to give some extra support to. Just before Xmas I arrived at the yard to find him wheezing and tucking right up when breathing. He was not distressed in any way, it was just horrible to see. I called the vet who advised me to make management changes firstly, and if still no improvement then to call them again. I have switched stables on to a 'dust-free' zone, he has dust free bedding, high temperature dried feed, soaked hay and I leave his door open 24/7- he just has a 'sausage' to stop him escaping. He has definitely improved (i'd say 90% improvement), however he's still not quite right. The problem I have is that it is really inconsistent. He doesn't do it every day, and there appears to be no pattern (i.e he doesn't do it more if its windy and bedding is being blown around the yard). It's not a loud wheezing noise, I have to put my ear right up to his face to hear it- but at the same time I know its there! He also is sometimes a little sweaty near his flanks in the morning which I wondered if was from the strain of breathing deeper, combined with the much milder weather we're having? I am having him re-tested for Cushings in a couple of weeks so I will be asking for veterinary advice again at this point. I just wondered if any of you have used a supplement/herbs that you would recommend. He's late 20's/early 30's according to passport and unless absolutely necessary I'd rather not pump him full of drugs in what could be his last few years with us. As I said, it doesn't seem to cause him any distress and he's bright eyed as ever- I'm just now conscious about it and am obsessed with watching his breathing patterns!! Sorry for the essay!! Any ideas?