Vibes for my oldie please!

Hippophilia

Hippophilia

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4 July 2011
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Saskatchewan, Canada
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Got the text today we all dread -YO saying Missy was down and it looked like colic. She's 26 and never colicked in the 8 years I've known her. Right now she just wants to lie flat out, she will get up and walk if you ask but she's obviously got gut pain as she's lifting her back legs up to her belly and is sweated up. To my huge relief she passed manure 4 or 5 times this afternoon. After speaking to the vet she is on banamine and off the round bale, just got to keep everything crossed she is brighter in the morning.
 
I look after two 30+'s and it's my main worry with them.

Just out of interest how is she kept? Our two are out 24/7, rugged and with access to a lovely field shelter. We've made the decision recently to cut back on their hay at night and up it during the day so they're not standing still too long at night time without moving. I believe its the walking about that also helps digestion so by not stuffing them at night then it my help to stop impaction?
 
Falconers - she's in a out 24/7 in a large paddock with a round bale and shelter with a warm mash of senior feed am and pm. The weather has been doing crazy things here lately, we've had days which have started at -30 and been -2 by lunchtime and apparently that can have done affect. I'm wondering wether her whole system is just finding it harder to function smoothly given her age and the season.
 
Eeek, that's cold!!! That would play havoc with me yet alone an animal. The body does slow down with age so you're probably right in thinking it's age and weather related. Fingers crossed she's better in the morning.
 
Me too. I am a mess! It doesn't help that the weather is getting colder and colder (25 degree drop by tomorrow morning), my OH is away training for 2 weeks so I have no child care for my 18 month old daughter and I have the flu. I knew this day would come eventually but I was hoping it wouldn't be like this. Waiting for this vet has been the longest half hour of my life.
 
She is up again, but shifting weight from foot to foot at the back. Vet thinks it may be lami, esp as she suspects cushings too (she gets yak-type hairy in the winter). She's in now on a deep bed and bute and another vet visit on Monday. My nerves! I need wine. Much wine.
 
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Missy got the all clear from the vet today :) She is moving well, eating, drinking and all her bloods look good. Slightly dehydrated but nothing major. So all good news - except vet doesn't think it was colic or laminitis so it's all a bit of a mystery. Maybe just old age catching up with her.
 
The vet said she is actually amazingly healthy for a horse her age (and was v. Impressed with her lovely floaty trot :D) and has no idea why she went down. I just wish we had some answers but I guess the important thing is she's well now. Thanks so much for your support and best wishes, they mean a lot.
 
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