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Discussion on Safe to trailer a pony suffering from acute laminitis?
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Member:
pattyp
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 1, 2007 - 10:11 am:
My husband called late last might telling me that one of our ponies (Quarter Pony) Gem was down. He was able to get him on his feet, but Gem was VERY reluctant to move. We talked again early this morning. I told him to feel for heat in the hooves and a bounding digital pulse.
The big problem is that they are about 120 miles away, at our farm. He wants to bring him home where we can stall and treat him. Do you think Gem will be able to stand the ride? If he gets a vet out and is able to get some bute in him, will this help? We're both very concerned and want to do the best thing for Gem. The only trailer there is small 2 horse, with only a partial divider at the top.
If not, he'll have to leave him in a smaller fenced area of the pasture with hay (not much grass), but there will be no one to treat or watch over him.
Gem is on full pasture with our 2 other quarter horses. A neighbor keeps an eye on them during the week.
I'm still recovering from a broken leg suffered in a fall on Nov 25, and am still using a crutch to get around. So, me being there alone during the week to treat him probably is not a good idea.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 1, 2007 - 10:38 am:
Hi Patty, I can offer what I know. A trailer ride that long would probably be pretty stressful for a pony that is foundering. If possible try getting him stabalized first. Remove him from any grass, give him bute, and if possible get some styrofoam 1.5 in. construction grade on his feet. If that is not possible deep bedding or sand can help. Get the vet out to examine him and ask him if he thinks he can be moved, but imho a horse who is reluctant to move, probably shouldn't be trailered. I'm not sure if maybe tranqing him so he lays down for the trailer ride would be o.k. or not....something maybe the vet could ans.
Dr.O. has the best articles on the internet you can find for founder, be sure to read them.
Is there a horse person in the area of the pony that you could hire to treat him until he is good enough to trailer? Good Luck
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 1, 2007 - 5:56 pm:
Patty, is there anyway to remove that center panel from the trailer? If so, remove it and bed the trailer deeply. Have your husband put styrofoam pads on the pony and start him on Bute and don't tie him in the trailer and I think he'll be all right, but Diane's suggestion to have him checked is a good one if the vet is available. The vets where I took Libby told me that most foundered horses will lie down and make themselves comfortable and travel pretty good. Dr. O. may have comments on this, too.
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Member:
pattyp
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 1, 2007 - 8:08 pm:
Diane and Sara thanks so much for the help.
My husband was able to get a vet out. He didn't get xrays, but said he really didn't think Gem was too bad. Once he got him up he walked without hobbling too much. He walked him to a nearby creek, which was flowing pretty fast with the rain from the last couple days. He stood for 30-40 minutes. Must have felt good, he said he pawed and pawed, but didn't try to walk out of the water. He got some bute in him, put styrofoam pads and loaded him. The vet thought he'd be ok for the ride. They're home and Gem seems comfortable (for now). So it's stemmy hay and deep bedding.
I hate to see my guys in pain! On the positive side, it forces me to hobble to the barn on a regular basis -- great physical therapy. LOL
I know spring grass is the main culprit, but, he's been on the same pasture since last spring without any trouble. He's not overweight, but does have a somewhat cresty neck. Looks like we'll have to work out a different turnout situation for him.
Thanks again for your help!
Patty
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 1, 2007 - 9:35 pm:
Good to hear Patty! Glad he made it, good luck with your hobbling 
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Apr 2, 2007 - 7:51 am:
That is good news Patty. When checked did the pony choose to lie down on the trip home?
DrO
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Member:
pattyp
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Posted on Monday, Apr 2, 2007 - 6:22 pm:
DrO, he didn't lay down in the trailer. But, he didn't seem to be too troubled by the trip. It was several hours after he got home before he laid down. He's been taking turns between laying and standing all day today.
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