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Post by beany1 on Dec 22, 2008 0:50:15 GMT 1
Imagine if that did turn out to be a solution to growing obesity in humans!! I would never go out again....
I will email her and say I have researched it, and give her these facts - she really does love her pony and I think so terrified of laminitis that she is doing overkill. She has 3 other happy, healthy ponies btw.
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Louise
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Post by Louise on Dec 22, 2008 8:51:56 GMT 1
Just thought I would say that it is certainly possible for a young horse to have Cushings (although rare I believe). We had a livery a number of years ago who was only 6 - I was convinced she had Cushings, Vet laughed it off, but eventually he agreed to have her tested and, lo and behold... she had Cushings! So, yes it is certainly a possibility - and one to make sure the Vet is aware of if he is anything like mine was! ;-)
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Post by nikki on Dec 22, 2008 9:22:14 GMT 1
Hay in 2 haynets is a really good idea. Another thing she could try is mixing straw in with the hay as it has a lower feed value. She may want to think about a pelleted vit & mins supplement though to make up for the loss of nutrients.
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moo
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Post by moo on Dec 22, 2008 11:07:02 GMT 1
we bought a little shetland that was full clipped about 6yrs ago. he was a a dealers yard along with a few others. out in the middle of a freezing wet winter. full clipped bar a heart on his bum. wasnt nice atall the other lil shetland we got had flu. he never ever seems to grow a thick coat in winter and has to be rugged. not sure if its the clipping that did it or its just the way he is?
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spring
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Post by spring on Dec 22, 2008 11:25:48 GMT 1
I haven't read all the thread, so sorry if I'm repeating someone! Anyway, I have grown up around highland ponies and have seen first hand on many occasions just how hard it is too keep their weight down. Keeping them out, moving around and muzzled has worked well for me, bringing them in at night to allow them to fill their bellies with low quality (but not dusty) soaked hay. Highlands seem to get particularly angry if they are hungry and as we all know it is terrible for their digestion systems and metabolism as well. I hate seeing fat ponies kept in with just a couple of slices for the night. Exercise is the key though, and imo is the only thing that will get the weight off. It needs to be everyday and not just plodding around. Highlands are often very keen to go round in a very energy efficent way, and therefore appear to be working but aren't really burning the calories. Lots of trotting, cantering and jumping really helped to tone and slim my last fatty. They're so lucky to have a highland pony though, I lost my highland boy Archie last winter and get a lump in my throat whenever I see one. I'd love to get another but my high maintenence warmblood girly spends all my cash
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