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  Discussion on Cushings/Hypothyroid and low neutrophils
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 30, 2002 - 9:53 am:

Hi
I have scanned the pages and cannot find anything that answers this exactly. Apologies if I have missed it.

Zeb has just recovered from 3rd laminitis attack in 7 months. Had blood profile done May - glucose ok, insulin highish but low since diagnosis, BUT very low neutrophil count. No obvious signs of virus or infection, however appetite DrOopped suddenly, used immune booster for 2 weeks and retested. WBC marginally up so tested thyroid. T3 and T4 ok, but Free T4 very low. Vet has recommend thryroxine (v v expensive in UK). Having read this site I am not sure that is going to do any good. He doesn't appear to fit a hypothyroid description. Could this Free T4 be causing the low neutrophil count? Also he has pink spots on his gums and my vet feels it could be a sensitivity to buttercup in his field. He's been off pastiure for 3 weeks and no improvement so not sure now. One feed he will eat is Alfalfa chaff but it has molasses in it so have been avoiding it. Need to get something in him so if he eats it must be a plus - right or wrong? Has anyone else experienced this kind of problem? He was diagnosed April 2000 & has been on Pergolide 750 migrogram since - should I up the dosage or add thryroxine or both?
Any help greatly appreciated for this much loved pony. Sorry for the length of this!
Raina - West Sussex, UK

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 31, 2002 - 6:12 am:

Hello Raina,
It is unlikely the low T4 has any significance at all (reread article). Neither does the low WBC count have much meaning to me by itself. You occasionally see individuals with low counts that are healthy otherwise.

How old is this pony Raina, what is his body condition, and what, exactly, is the condition of his teeth?
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Aug 1, 2002 - 4:55 am:

Hi Dr O
Thanks for the reply.
Zeb is 26. He had his teeth done in March this year and I was told they were good. Report didn't show anything significant. 18 months ago dentist told me he has a gap on lower molars on right and to be aware of swelling in case he gets an abscess there - no evidence of it now.
Its been suggested to me he may have stomach ulcers which is why he wont eat anything but hay. However he will eat anything that is slightly molassed or has grain in it. Have noticed he salivates a tremendous amount at the moment when eating these feeds (not hay so much).

Body condition: Has aged a lot this year. Slow to shed by May but had good shine. Shed late May & now has a thin summer coat with good shine. Noticed mane is thinning. You would never describe him as fat, looks more fit than fat - slimline (and poor sometimes). Never puts weight on over the ribs and has fat deposit on base of tail. when he puts weight on its his belly after he has been on grass. Grazing is night only and with a muzzle on. Laminitis has been a problem. 3 bouts, 1 Dec 2001, then May 2002 when other problems started bloods done, then July 2002. Seems to be back on track now but have to be very vigilant in case of another attack. Mentally he is quite bright. Does this mean the pergolide dose needs increasing?
Thanks for your help
Raina

Posted on Thursday, Aug 1, 2002 - 7:16 am:

The increased incidence of founder indicates that the pergolide may need to be increased but I don't think the poor appetite does. When he was at pasture did he graze well and then stop eating when you took him off it?
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Aug 1, 2002 - 10:28 am:

Hi DrO
When I think back on it yes he did. He's like me - chocoholic except with him its grass!
Any clues as to what it might be?
Many thanks
Raina

Posted on Friday, Aug 2, 2002 - 6:25 am:

It may be just that simple Raina, he misses the grass. Many horses when moved take several weeks to a month to settle in and begin eating the new forage completely. It will be worse if he can sit there and look at (dream about) his favored fare.
DrO

Posted on Friday, Aug 2, 2002 - 8:05 am:

Thanks DrO
This morning when I brought him in he was glowing in the sunshine and looked so well. Fingers crossed its just the grass he misses.

One last question - in light of his increased laminitis attacks and need for grass would you consider increasing the pergolide?
Thanks so much for your help.
Raina

Posted on Saturday, Aug 3, 2002 - 6:28 am:

The increased incidence of founder indicates that the pergolide may need to be increased.
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 6, 2002 - 7:33 am:

DrO
Many thanks for your help
Raina
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