A Tough Mare

Hi T2 and hope this finds you warm and well.

 

I am struggling with an older TWH mare who was in shoes and harshly ridden for most of her life.

 

I began trimming her in May, 2007.  She was ouchy walking on anything so we put her in boots and she was quite happy.  Worked her way out of boots in a month or so.  Was tested positive for Lymes but not treated.

 

I worked with the owner who now trims her 2 horses and pony and does a nice job.

 

This mare got ouchy again so we suspected lamintis and took her off grass (turnout on grass was a few hours daily).  Got the sugar out of her diet, soaked the hay, booted as needed.  Added in a probiotic to counter act the bute regimen as discussed next.

 

The Vet, suspecting lamintis, had her on isoxsuprine (which was discontinued after I talked to owner) and bute which she weaned off.  Any suggestions on managing the pain?  Does bute have a role?

 

In November the owner called me very concerned as mare had runny manure and was losing all tone from topline.  She has definitely aged in appearance in the last year.

 

I did some research and suspected cushings.  Mare tested negative for Cushings, but her muscle enzyme levels were moderately off from normal.

 

Vet has no idea what's going on.

 

And to add to our misery, the herd is refusing to eat the hay purchased last fall so everyone is losing weight. (separate question... have any idea what's going on with the hay?  She didn't report any mold but obviously something is going on.)

 

Any help is so appreciated!

As always thanks so very much.

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

 

My suspicions are that this mare's age (ie- MILEAGE) are catching up with her.  I would still try some jiaogulan herb and cinnamon and chaste tree berry for the Cushing's and possible insulin resistance.  She'll be a tough case from the sounds of it.  Lots of issues!  Get rid of the isoxsuprine- absolutely worthless.  Occasional bute may get you over some "humps", but not good in the long run.  Increase exercise, put her to the test.  You've got nothing to lose.  Glad to hear you're doing well with the trimming and other adventures!

 

Dr. T

Comments

[Ute Miethe]

How was the mare tested for Cushings?According to the Yahoo Cushings group guidelines or via a Dex Supression test? The later may not always be accurate.

The untreated Lyme disease may also be a contributing factor in the mare's health and changes in feed can sometimes cause runny stools as well.