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Discussion on Signs of changing health in a 30-something Percheron
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New Member:
dawndnj
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 - 1:54 pm:
I have a 30-something Percheron cross. When I got him, he was severely malnourished. I was told he was 18 years old, but then after additional evaluations, it was determined he might be as old if not older than 30 years old. (My vet and I are guessing he could be about 35 years old at this point.) I have had great success with getting and keeping weight on him. I have routine vet checks, farrier care and have had his teeth checked out. He has been living the life of luxury for about 3 years. So far, his health seems fairly good. But since this is my first go with a generic or senior horse, I don't know what signs to look for to determine if his health is starting to deteriorate. Other than a change in appetite, is there other things I should be looking for? I would love any insights others may have. Thanks...
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 - 5:30 pm:
Dawn, it sounds like this guy is getting the best care possible from you. My "love of my life" horse lived to over 31 without even one health issue until the day before I had to have him put down. Like you, I had him trimmed, floated and vaccinated regularly. His teeth remained very good, tho' I did give him a senior feed along with his hay. I always fed him separate from the other guys as he like to take his time eating.
He colicked suddenly, I was up all night walking him, had the vet out very early on a Sunday morning...he was starting to regurgitate through his nose. We knew it was time...a very difficult decision to make, but he was suffering. He was euthanized that morning. Until that time, the only "sign" I noticed was an unusual odor from his breath and he was no longer the "pistol" he had enjoyed being. Boss horse until the end.
Just enjoy every day you have with him.
I must also add that my vet and his associates set up a scholarship fund for Cowboy at UC Davis from which I received a very comforting letter.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 - 12:21 am:
What a great idea the scholarship fund was!
There are a couple of really good books out on caring for the senior horse. I've seen them in Stateline tack catalog, as well as others and they are sold at Amazon.com, also. I'm sorry I don't remember the names right now.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 - 12:55 pm:
Hello Dawn,
By reading about the problems that geriatric horses have in the article associated with this discussion you will be able to know what to look for in a geriatric horse. Just click on Geriatric Horse: Problems and Care at the top of the page on the navigation bar.
DrO
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