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Discussion on Old pony with Cushings
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Member:
majoda92
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 8, 2009 - 8:38 pm:
I just bought a new QH mare for our lesson program and ended up also bringing home her pasture buddy, a 30+ yr.old,blind,deaf,foundered cushings shetland pony. The owners say she eats fine, seems happy and doesn't seem to be in pain. I'm wondering if at her advanced age and chronic condition, if it would help her to treat her Cushings, or should I just leave well enough alone,and let her live the rest of her days out as is?
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Oct 9, 2009 - 5:55 pm:
Why don't you just name her "Lucky"?
Aw! Of course you should treat her. That's probably why she foundered. I wonder how they know she's not in pain? Poor thing. Hope she has a better life in your care than theirs.
Erika
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 - 12:13 am:
Yeah, give treatment a try. When necessary, pergolide exhibits wonderful results.
Bless you, Diane!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 - 9:05 am:
Hello Diane,
I am uncertain I agree with Lee. If the pony is truly eating well, seems happy and doesn't seem to be in pain I am uncertain what is the indication for the pergolide: is the ponies overall condition poor? For more on our recommendations for the use of pergolide see the article which just got a major update yesterday and includes what I think are clearer treatment recommendations.
One thing to consider is if there has been past history of founder, there may be changes in the hoof that will need a bit of corrective trimming to maximize comfort and minimize future problems, but that is covered in the article too.
DrO
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Member:
majoda92
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 - 8:45 pm:
The pony has foundered a couple of times.Her previous owners seemed to keep her feet trimmed regularly, and they are ok. She has a lot of deformity in her left front leg from arthritis, I guess. Her overall condition is not great. She is a bit thin, although she does love to eat! I will post pictures soon. The biggest problem we are having with Honey is that she totally flips out whenever she is separated from the QH, Rosita. It is pathetic how she gets herself all worked up and starts running into everything. I tried taking her out to graze on a lead line today while Rosita was being ridden, and Honey just ran around me in a circle and whinnied pathetically. Do you think there is anything I can give her to calm her down while she gets used to her new environment? I must say she is a bit high maintainance!!
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 - 10:42 pm:
Oops, sorry, I thought the Cushings was confirmed. Is there excessive drinking and urinating? Any other symptoms?
If she is blind and deaf, perhaps Rosita is her "seeing eye dog"? And she's helpless without her. I hate to suggest this, but, small to medium size goat might help...if the pony can hear a little, the goat could wear a bell. Or a small donkey. Of course, if it doesn't work, then you'd have your new QH, old pony, and a goat.....or donkey.......oooooooooo...bad idea.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009 - 9:32 am:
Diane let's see,
Feet are OK but the condition a bit thin. Is there room for improved nutrition? What are the teeth like? The teeth and feet need to be brought up from "OK" to "very good" to help prevent future problems.
As to the flipping out this may not improve with time, some horses become increasingly bound to the herd or even individuals. Are there other horses in the pasture when the pony flips out?
No need to be sorry Lee, your post helps illuminate what I think is a common misunderstanding about Cushing's. Just because a horse has been confirmed for the condition is not an indication in itself for pergolide. For more on this and when pergolide is recommended see our article on Cushing's.
DrO
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