Sluggish TB

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FabioFrench

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I have a 13 yr old TB which i have had for 2.5 years. I bought/rescued him very underweight and in bad condition from a horrible dealer that i was told about from a friend who rescues horses. It came apparent at the beginning that he has a very mild case of arthiritis in his hocks. He doesn't suffer much with it and is never lame. I had turned him away for over a year for rehibilitation purposes and then coming up a year agao he got very ill with a protien dificiancy. He is all better now and i have finally returned him back to light work wich consists of light lunging, light schooling and light hacking. He is however very sluggish through out all work. He seams lazy. His health is great now and nutrition is spot on. You would just never imagine he was a thoroughbred. I'm kind of asuming its due to him being very unfit but just wondered if anyone had any ideas to poke behind him to get him going. I'm a natural horse person so no restraints or whip ideas please.
 
I'd get the vet out to do an equine MOT: bloods, heart, lungs, limbs. He could be anaemic which would make him sluggish and easy to tire. If he's come from a dodgy background, I'd also get a liver function test done on his blood. I'd get his heart and lung sounds checked out and maybe start him on Yea Sac which aids digestion in the hind gut. This can help at-risk horses by enabling them to absorb the maximum nutrition from their feed. You could also think about putting him on a couple of weeks of Coligone - often badly kept TBs (has he raced?) get gastric ulcers from the stress of being stabled 14/7.

I'm guessing if you've had him for over 2 yrs he's up to date with his worming. It could just be unfitness as you say, but I'd want to be absolutely certain. Lucky ned, finding you xxx
 
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i would have him blood tested? is he wormed? what feed is he on?x

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Because he wasn't well last year he went through having weekly bloods until about Feb this year. That last ones (May) were fine and his protein levels were baring on normal. I currently still have him on red cell as he was slightly anemic a while ago(sorry for spelling) but am just using it up now. Worming is up to date.
 
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I'd get the vet out to do an equine MOT: bloods, heart, lungs, limbs. He could be anaemic which would make him sluggish and easy to tire. If he's come from a dodgy background, I'd also get a liver function test done on his blood. I'd get his heart and lung sounds checked out and maybe start him on Yea Sac which aids digestion in the hind gut. This can help at-risk horses by enabling them to absorb the maximum nutrition from their feed. You could also think about putting him on a couple of weeks of Coligone - often badly kept TBs (has he raced?) get gastric ulcers from the stress of being stabled 14/7.

I'm guessing if you've had him for over 2 yrs he's up to date with his worming. It could just be unfitness as you say, but I'd want to be absolutely certain. Lucky ned, finding you xxx

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He had everything looked at as they wern't sure what was going on with him (scans, escopies or whatever they are {camera up the bum} and was on injections of steroids daily). He had oedema and protein defiancy. I think he was poisoned by something? Friends horses haven't been too good but not as bad as my boy.

He does have problems with his digestion so will look into this Yea Sac stuff. Not sure if he has suffered with ulsers but will look into that as well.

Thanks for your advice. Always good to get other peoples opinions.
 
It looks like you have covered most things in your investigations and well done to you for doing right by him!

His reluctance to go forward could be due to spavin (arthritis in the hock) which, until fused will give a degree of discomfort and pain, especially going downhill, picking up feet, etc. Some will show depression and/or stress in the stable. Simple x-rays will show any changes in the hock and a good equine vet will recommend the various treatments available.

I would also put him on Coligone which will immediately line the intestines and gut and neutralise any acidosis which can cause the horse pain. It is loaded with calcium and magnesium along with other goodies and is palatable for the fussiest of eaters.

PM me if you want any more info.
 
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