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Discussion on Young horse with chushings
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New Member:
Rruthie1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 6:01 am:
My 16.3 7year old event horse has just been tested for chushings, I get the results tomorrow, however the vets are 99% sure, as he has all the symptoms plus curly hair on his front legs (and I dont use bandages). I have been asdvised not to have the DST test because of its possible side effects, and ive been told the test the vets are doing, are not 100% conclusive and can come back negative even if he has the disease. I am very upset, as i know very little about the disease and my horse is so young, i was wondering if there is anyone out there who knows of such a young horse with cushings? A bit of information or support would be much appreciated.I have also been advised to use a pro biotic (not a pink powder) can anyone recommend one?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 9:10 am:
Hello Ruth,
Our article on Cushings addresses many of your concerns directly including the idea that the DST has complications (I presume they are talking founder) with its use. Exactly what symptoms does your horse have as I don't think of curly hair on the front legs a sign of Cushings, again see the article for more.
DrO
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New Member:
Rruthie1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 3, 2005 - 10:19 am:
Hi thank you for your swift reply. the horse has all the symptoms that ive read about, excess thirst, excess urination, lethargic, and im having to clip him every 6-8 weeks even in the summer time as his coat grows back and looks starry, and he doesn’t seem himself, almost looks depressed.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 4, 2005 - 9:44 am:
You can put Cushings on the list but kidney disease, salt poisoning, nutritional deficits and excesses, and parasitism would also be on a list with the symptoms you have above. Along with a thorough physical exam, a thorough review of the diet, and a lab work up (CBD, blood chemistries, fecal, and urinalysis) should be done and if all negative I would do the DST.
DrO
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New Member:
Rruthie1
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 4, 2005 - 1:03 pm:
Thank you I will pass that info on. His blood test came back normal there was a little blood in his faeces but nothing to worry about I was told! he is having the test that involves ice, if I heard right! (Sorry wasn’t really listening on the phone) on Tuesday, it’s not the DST test.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Aug 5, 2005 - 7:20 am:
Have you got a urine specific gravity to see if he is concentrating? Horses with salt poisoning loose their ability to concentrate urine, therefore produce copious amounts and are generally poor doers yet their physical exam and blood work not much help on the diagnosis.
I am clueless what you might be talking about with the ice, the DST is still the best test for Cushings. Cushings is not impossible but the age really puts it far down the list and I don't want you to miss something else that might be treatable.
DrO
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