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T O P I C R E V I E W
carol B
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 6:40:27 PM As title says.
I moved my arab, with the rest of my herd of four, to a new yard in July. I had the previous yard to myself, idyllic, 9 acres of level grazing plus an additional 3 acre paddock, lovely yard with stables, good grazing, the downside was there was no way to hack out as I had a major busy A road on one side and a loony gamekeeper with a gun on the other side. So I could only ride in the field. In the 18 months I was there I only rode my arab maybe about 20 times, mostly doing laps (at great speed!!) round the field, hence the move to somewhere we could properly hack out. But all the time we were there my horse looked great. He's 20 this year, ex endurance, Crabbett/Spanish bred, full of attitude and an absolute diamond. The only blip he's ever had was colic surgery 5 years ago, and even then he never looked poor.
So, fast forward to where we are now. The new yard is lovely, 20 acres, sharing with one other owner. Loads of fantastic grazing, amazing hacking and the whole herd have settled really well. But....my poor boy....he's dropping off at a great rate and I'm so worried. He's dropped away on his spine, his hip bones are very visible and so are his ribs, I don't think I've even seen his ribs before!! He seems OK in himself and his front end looks the same, if that makes sense. I've got him on D and H 16 plus and a Dengie with oil, and as from tomorrow micronised linseed. I was hacking him out lightly a couple of times week until 2 weeks ago when I started to get seriously concerned about his shape.
I've booked the vet for a visit next week, I'm hoping she'll take bloods to rule out anything sinister, but arrrrgh!!! I'm so worried!! Anyone got any thoughts please?
12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Vik1
Posted - 28 Oct 2012 : 6:06:30 PM Whats the quality of the grass like?
You can have lots of grass but of poor quality so its basically roughage. I found when I moved my tb from our own place onto livery, I could not get the weight on her. I still struggle and it is because the grass isnt as good a quality. Sometimes its easier depending on what field she is in. The yo doesnt fertilise as most of the horses there are lami prone. She will do a couple of the fields every few years though. This time of year is the worst for her to suddenly drop off.
I did as you did and book an MOT, teeth etc, at least it ruled illness out.
carol B
Posted - 28 Oct 2012 : 5:46:46 PM Thank you Pop, good point.
Pop
Posted - 28 Oct 2012 : 08:41:24 AM Hi
The examination for ulcers is not pleasant or cheap. If its suspected, its easier to start the medication (also not cheap) and if it is ulcers you will see the improvement in about 3 days. There is no harm using the medication if its not.
Its a option to avoid the unpleasant examination.
carol B
Posted - 28 Oct 2012 : 07:21:43 AM Thanks everyone, I'll have him checked for ulcers too, in fact I think a full MOT is in order. Zebedeedeb I don't think it's bizarre at all that you heard your horse speak to you, it just shows how tuned to each other you are.
Pop
Posted - 27 Oct 2012 : 12:57:42 PM Ditto, good thinking.
zebedeedeb
Posted - 26 Oct 2012 : 9:56:44 PM hi i have owned charlie a 24 yr old pure bred for just 6 months,, he was up to weight when i got him, but when he came to me he slowly started to drop weight, even tho he was on as much grass as he could eat, this went on for months, i uped his feeds but still he lost weight. i have recently completed my equine behaviour course,, and even they couldnt work out why,, well one day sitting in his field quietly with him, i heard him say, my tummy hurts,, i know it sounds bizarre, but hey,, he said it,, so i investigated and i ordered ulcer calm from feedmark as i think he had ulcers for a long time.. he is such a love even tho sometimes grumpy,, well he is finally putting on weight, its is just a scoop in each feed, and cut out all grain feed, he is now eating almost half a bucket all fibre, in one go, where before he could only manage small amounts,,
most horses take up to 6 months or more to settle into a new place even with their old friends with them,, please dont dismiss ulcers, i know its a scarey word, but if we can help them then why not, after all we get upset tums when we get stressed dont we? so why shouldnt they,, best of luck,, hope you get it sorted soon,, deb xx
Mrs Vlacq
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 10:37:40 PM Agree, have the vet give him the once over and test for cushings. Could also be ulcers? older horses seem more prone to the autumn slump and can get a bit low, so look at seabuckthorn supplement to condition him from the inside
Pasch
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 9:52:23 PM Although the change from working 20 times in 18 months to twice weekly could make him loose some weight,if the change is so dramatic I would also have him tested for Cushing,let us know.
Judith S
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 8:19:25 PM Age and sudden loss of condition point strongly towards cushings, sounds just like Sly.
carol B
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 7:03:21 PM Thanks both. Cushings, hadn't thought of that, don't know why, I suppose I've never connected Cushings with arabs before (silly me!). I had the equine dentist out to do all the horses in June and his teeth are 5*, he ceratinly loves his grub abd has never had a problem eating. Off to look at Cushings on the 'net!!
Callisto
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 6:56:36 PM The micronised linseed is good, but I would wait for the vet, hopefully it is nothing serious, have his teeth been checked recently?
martha615
Posted - 25 Oct 2012 : 6:52:39 PM I'd have him tested for Cushings. It is an inexpensive blood test and if it is cushings you may see very good results with Prascend (pergolide). My Irish Cob looked awful -- so bad that I thought he must have cancer or something -- but it was cushings!
He didn't have all the symptoms, but the weight loss and muscle loss was dramatic. Now he looks fab! :)
