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Any experience with Cushings and chronic lowgrade laminitis?
I have a 30 year old Cushingoid pony with chronic low level laminitis.
He's been on pergolide for more than 10 years, and time is catching up to him - treatments are less and less effective. He's a good weight, has seasonal allergies in the summer only, and is still a happy guy.
He has developed chronic low grade laminitis, which I've treated as vet recommended - senior food, no grass, daily bute, daily pergolide, and daily small dose of acepromazine (opens blood vessels in/to feet to reduce inflammation).
I'm considering switching him to a low starch/ low carb feed and seeing if that helps.
Has anyone tried any of these? Did it help with laminitis? Which ones would you recommend?
Any other suggestions for helping this pony?
Update: Pony can not eat hay due to respiratory problems.
Update2: Pony died peacefully in his sleep 6 months later. We were able to keep him pain free, with only rare flareups. Thanks.
2 Answers
- EvaLv 74 years ago
Does he really need feed? Many ponies will maintain on just good hay. Senior feeds also come in low starch & carbs so double check yours to see if you really need to change. Bute can cause ulcers, so watch him for those. He's on quite a few drugs just for maintenance. He'll tell you when it's time to stop. If he has a laminitis flare up or he needs more drugs, I would consider that the time to make a decision.
- 4 years ago
I would start with a grain alternative designed for horses with metabolic disease and switch him over to only very grassy hay without a trace of alfalfa. Also, no pasture.
Others here on the group will give you a more complete answer on brands. But, this is the basic treatment.
