should i just shut top? please help me decide??

luckyjac

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I have a mare that needs to be on box rest due to laminitis! she is currently on acp and trying to jump out of stable even with anti weave grill on door?? i do not have the infill for it or top door, but my hubby says he will make one! I just dont know whether this will stress her out more than she already is (if this was possible) but at least i would know she was safe?? other options such as full grill?? but these do frighten me a bit as you know what they are like with daylight opening gap!! or shall i just shut top door overnight when she is in on her own so i can sleep?? as this will prob get worse once no more acp is administered! please help !!!
 
:( Dreadful position and situation for your mare. Is there anywhere grass free in the open she can go? Manege or even taped off part of a field with soaked hay to eat? Could you tape off an area and put shavings or old carpet down?
I feel her being stressed and turning round and round in a stable may be no help to her getting better. If you close the top door she may still be stressing... :(
An area near her mates would be ideal if being alone is part of her reason for being stressed.
 
I agree that closing the top door is more likely to upset her even more. Have you considered giving her a strong calmer such as Nupafeed to try and get her more settled while she recovers. The ACP should help calm her anyway and as far as I know it is quite safe to up the dose as necessary, but obviously check this with your vet first.
 
thanks everyone, she is only happy if she is free to mingle with everyone, i suppose i could try her in a small area in field but would be so worried that she would go through electric fencing which is highly likely and that would be very irresponsible of me given the situation! and i dont want to inconvenience anyone else due to my difficult horse as the only 2 others there are 1 broodmare heavily in foal and a yearling!
 
Try shutting the top door. I have a horse who will climb or break the door if I bring a new horse into the yard. To my surprise, when I shut the top door he goes into a sort of "stupor" and is absolutely quiet all night, and seems chilled in the morning when it is opened again. She may surprise you. You only have to close it and stay close to hand for one hour, and if she is not calm and happy by the end of the hour you know it's not the answer.

I hope it goes well.
 
Thanks to everyone, just thought i would let you know i have decided/been forced by spoilt brat :rolleyes: to borrow a pony to stay in with her while others are out!
 
I was going to suggest a mirror and a radio..... My Shetland goes nuts with the top door shut, he tries to climb out the window instead.
Hope you're back to your normal routine soon
 
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