Another laminitis one - would you buy a pony?

[bucksfizz77]

with a known history of laminitis?

I have been offered one who I believe will be perfect for me - other than a history of lamintis, seemingly untreated by the vets, but the owners say it is easily managed by removing from grass, so whenever the pony shows signs of footiness, this is what they do (pony is fine on hay, but gets no other feeding (I worry about a lack of nutritional support?) and is a good weight, but has quite a crest...)

But the soles just don't look right, with callously areas near the toes. It's making me wonder if it's actually 'foundered' quite badly? I haven't got any photos unfortunately. The toes were very long tho - well, the whole hooves were, and the hinds were worse.

I don't know what to do, I really like the pony, but worry about taking on a lot of heartache and something really difficult to manage effectively...

[l17]

I wouldn't take it on. My pony had no history of laminitis but had a bout of it the first summer I had him. He is now managed with touch wood no footiness at all. This doesn't sound the case for this pony. It sounds as though she is constantly in the danger area and new surroundings and the stress of a new home could push her over the edge. Also you won't be insurable for lami and it could cost a lot of money if she is hospitalised. Being totally practical it will mean extremely strict management and constant monitoring from you. If you are not sure why not get your vet and possibly farrier look at it?

Lx

[Lorraine L]

Personally i would, and did ! But only if you are prepared for the long haul and a life time of constant supervision and management as l17 says.

None of us know what lies ahead with any horse or pony that we take on, and remembering that lami strikes all types and breeds, you do at least know how careful you are going to have to be with her.

I would definately get the farrier and vet to give their opinion first to see how corrective trimming could help her and that she isn;t metabolically challenged.

We were given Fella as part of the furniture and fittings of my sisters new house !!!! He was ancient when we got him and crippled with years of untreated lami. The old boy who had the house used to allow him to roam the whole 8 acres / let him indoors for dog biscuits and tea !! but sadly had no knowledge of why he was so lame. I can honestly say that in order to move him over tarmac or gravel, we used to have to lay a carpet down for him.

10 years on and with the help of a brilliant farrier, he is fine. We have had some repeated episodes and spent quite a bit of money of him, but i am pleased to say that he has enjoyed his 10 years ........ well i think he has... he is about 34 now.

[dptc]

I don't think you should consider it with out x-rays of it's feet, this will show you if there is rotation at the moment and what exactly is going on, personally I worry that the current owners allow it on the grass until it shows signs and then takes it of, it should be managed so this doesn't even happen. If it's laminitis is so accute no matter what you do it has an attack then I certainly wouldn't take it.

If x-rays were clear and you were happy with your knowledge of laminitis and being able to manage it properly then I wouldn't let it put you off!! Though do remember insurance may well exclude laminitis

[anastasia55555]

saxon had laminitis quite badly, that didnt put me off buying him as it was treated by vet etc and has relapsed, but there were other problems that have made me reconsider.
by the sounds of things it doesnt sound great, and i would 100% suggest a vetting (and thats from some one who has never had one done on any of the horses she has bought/acquired)

[kathrynp]

Just my a opinion but untill the pony has been properly investigated to find out why it gets reccurent laminitis, including blood tests for Cushings/insulin resistance you should keep away. I don't think its fair to re-home such a pony until it has been managed clear of laminitis for at least a year to prove it can be controlled. Can you afford frequent vet bills of several hundred pounds? Medication if the pony needs it? Remedial farriery costs? Increased management demands of bex rest every time it has to be kept in? The emotional termoil of telling our child they can't ride their pony again and again? If you absolutely have to have the pony get it on loan but please don't think this will be a cheep option as vets fees can quicky exceed a pony's value. Sorry to be so doom and gloom but if your going to purchase a pony there are plenty of other ponies out there.

[Deleted]

I would get him vetted and tell the vet everything you know about the lami first. I'd also get a barefoot trimmer to look at him as I know of lami sufferers doing better barefoot.

I have looked after a friend's pony who suffered from this and I managed to control it easily while friend was away by soaking hay (to reduce sugar content without reducing fibre) and reducing grazing. My friend was just too soft on her and felt sorry for her being shut in. Now she's seen how much the pony improved in 2 weeks she's toughened up and is managing it better. For that reason it wouldn't put me off if you have the facilities to restrict grazing but I think the others are right that you need to be sure there hasn't been rotation of the pedal bone yet as no amount of good management will help.

[ladynowak]

Jan 2, 2010 18:30:45 GMT 1 kathrynp said:

Just my a opinion but untill the pony has been properly investigated to find out why it gets reccurent laminitis, including blood tests for Cushings/insulin resistance you should keep away. I don't think its fair to re-home such a pony until it has been managed clear of laminitis for at least a year to prove it can be controlled. Can you afford frequent vet bills of several hundred pounds? Medication if the pony needs it? Remedial farriery costs? Increased management demands of bex rest every time it has to be kept in? The emotional termoil of telling our child they can't ride their pony again and again? If you absolutely have to have the pony get it on loan but please don't think this will be a cheep option as vets fees can quicky exceed a pony's value. Sorry to be so doom and gloom but if your going to purchase a pony there are plenty of other ponies out there.

Ditto this! If you really love the pony and can afford vet visits, investigations and treatments and the pony is being gifted to you it is a bit different. If you can't then no, I would stay well clear.