emma
Olympic Poster
Posts: 714
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Post by emma on Aug 3, 2009 22:07:02 GMT 1
It's when they lose the will to live you have to make a decision but until then fight for all you can. It sounds like she's bright enough
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moo
Advanced Poster
Posts: 457
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Post by moo on Aug 3, 2009 23:27:55 GMT 1
it will be a very long hard haul but at the end of the day you will know whats best for her. we are all here for you {hug}
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Post by becky1simba on Aug 3, 2009 23:47:10 GMT 1
Hi there Shadowofachance I hope I can help you during this difficult time. Firstly do not give up there is every chance of her making a full recovery and becoming totally sound again. My 24 year old pony Eszy whom i've owned for 20 years had extremely severe Laminitis 3 years ago with at least 11.5 degree rotation in both front feet when she was at her worst and her pedal bones were nearly through the soles of her feet. It turned out in the end after masses of blood tests that she had Cushings and that is what caused the Laminitis and she is on Vitex 4 Equids and Pergolide. Now 3 years on and she is sound but she has to be managed very strictly but it becomes just the norm and not a difficult thing to do. She had glue on heart bar shoes and you must make sure the farrier doesn't leave the heals too high. Don't expect too much from the x-rays too soon as it takes a whole year for the foot to grow down so the inside of the foot needs time to heal also so it tends to get worse before it gets better hun. What food is Scarlet on? She may well have EMS or the start of Cushings if her mum died from Laminitis is could well be that she had Cushing herself. The offspring from Cushing mares tend to get it earlier than their mums and worse. I'm having to manage Eszy's son Simba whom is 10 years old now as if he has got Laminitis to try to keep it at bay. Have faith though cause Eszy has been out winning veteran in-hand classes this year with lots of trophys and the highlight was winning the Veteran Horse Society qualifying class doing the in-hand it was amazing and she also finished 2nd in the ridden class so she has qualified for the Veteran Horse Society finals and she has shown it is possible with time and love care. If I can give you any help please let me know and don't let other people get you down, you know your horse better than anyone and if she wants to fight then so must you. Huge healing hugs to you and Scarlet love Becs, Eszy and Simba XX
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Post by anastasia55555 on Aug 4, 2009 0:04:12 GMT 1
Shadowofachance, you are quite right to ask for the experience and opinion of others, other wise what the H*ll is this DG for?? You can only gain knowledge from personal experience, experiences of others and advice. You are certainly not the first and definetly not the last person in this situation. If you are prepared to do what you can, which you are then keep fighting, as long as her welfare is not in jepordy or it is unethical to keep her alive, you have said she is still bright and looks forward to seeing you, that in its self should be an encouragment as she is still wanting to be around. Getting a second opinion would not daft, or 'rude' against the other vets/ farriers you have used. it may well be worth contacting some of the people like the farrier mentioned in a previous post, as you never know what they may be able to do. Also speaking to Jackie asap about diet i would believe would be very benificial as she may have information for you that others have not given you already. Dont discount something until it has been checked, and dont always fear the worst. these things take time. One year on after lami we are still soaking hay, feeding mag ox, brewers yeast, and on fairly restricted grazing, now slightly increased after the vet recommended. he is still shod on all four every 4-5 weeks, and the farrier takes great care to check his feet and note any changes good or bad. I dont know how the severity compares, but it was touch and go for Saxon at times, but you wouldnt believe it now. Its a case of keeping on top of his weight and making sure it doesnt creep back up again. Read everything you can about lami, especially up to date research/info as things are changing constantly. The clear majority here most definetly support you, and will try their best to give you all the info they can. There will always be others who have different views, and of course that is what life is all about, not everyone can agree, or have the same opinions. But go with what you know and feel is right, and do the damned best you can. Good luck x
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clarea
Olympic Poster
Posts: 878
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Post by clarea on Aug 4, 2009 8:37:18 GMT 1
Just to say that I can't add to the advice above but wish you lots of luck and positive thoughts. Don't be afraid to get second opinions from vets/farriers etc. xx
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Post by gilly on Aug 4, 2009 8:48:08 GMT 1
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said, but just wanted to wish you all the best and I hope she recovers well x
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Post by Karon on Aug 4, 2009 9:01:11 GMT 1
I hope the next set of x-rays show some improvement - if not it's time to get a second opinion of vet and farrier and start to make some noises IMHO. Khafif's rotation was worse than that and for some time, she did improve. Sadly she did have too much damage and the Cushings took its toll but hopefully in your case being a younger horse, she can recover. xx
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Post by donnalex on Aug 4, 2009 9:04:57 GMT 1
I am sorry that my post has come across as harsh. That is not the way it was intended at all. Looking at the X rays, the pony has to be in a lot of pain, one does not look far off penetration of the sole. My shock was that instead of seeking a second or third professional opinion the op seems to be asking members of an anonymous DG for their opinion. Maybe I have got hold of the wrong end of the stick completely, I hope I have. In the same position I would have already made the decision to put to sleep or I would have already had second opinions and a barefoot trimmer have a look at the X rays with a vet to see if anything can be done immediately to relieve the pressure. I suppose we all do hings differently but asking for opinions off a DG at a crucial time like this seems a bit short f what is needed. Sorry, no offence meant at all. Ponies cant sit down all day and have crutches to relieve their pain, they have to endure it, thats all Im saying. Surely that is taken into account when dealing with these situations? Once again, sorry for the upset
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Post by julz on Aug 4, 2009 9:31:09 GMT 1
SM, perhaps OP is looking for guidance rather than advice better than her vets, in what to do next...and being a part of this DG, means that hopefully there will be someone who's been there with thier horse/pony and will know if theres a good outcome or not..
Going with your last statement "Ponies cant sit down all day and have crutches to relieve their pain, they have to endure it, thats all Im saying. Surely that is taken into account when dealing with these situations?
This could be taekn into account with very bad lacerations to horses' legs or flanks, where healing is long and tedious.... should the horse be spared that too??
I think even you would try everything to get it healed and get horse ridden again.
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Post by Lulu on Aug 4, 2009 9:38:22 GMT 1
Good luck with the xrays
I would be getting a second opinion myself, as despite careful management on your part, the pedal bone is rotating. It could be EMS or Cushings as others have said, or it could be mechanical laminitis (caused by poor farriery and leaving heels too long etc etc). Everything really does add up to the whole picture.
I'd be interested to see pics of her feet and how they are balanced ? I wish you lots of luck for a good x-ray today...
We have a mare at work who had lami, luckily no rotation. She too is a hungry horse and is always hungry (I think thats one of the signs of an IR horse, they seem hungrier than normal !) and it was difficult for us to slim her down when others felt sorry for her and slipped her extra hay when we weren't looking...
There are a few farriers who have trained in barefoot trimming with KC La Pierre (KCP) so maybe they'd be worth contacting to work with vet for a solution (a vet will happily discuss things with a farrier who is KCP trained, than a trimmer !!)
Good luck for todays visit, and hope they are not any worse. I wouldn't be happy with the result if that was mine....
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Post by Furiey on Aug 4, 2009 11:11:02 GMT 1
It sounds like if for nothing more than your peace of mind you need to get another opinion. My sister recently lost her horse through laminitus and unfortunately it was really too late by the time she got another opinion. In your case they may confirm you are on the right track, but if all else fails you will not be blaming yorself in that regard as my sister is. I do hope your horse recovers, you have my very best wishes.
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Post by cbc on Aug 4, 2009 11:13:33 GMT 1
Good luck with the x rays today, dont be afraid to ask for a second opinion, dont be afraid of asking loads of questions of both vet and farrier.............all the best.
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Post by Mrs Craig on Aug 4, 2009 11:42:14 GMT 1
Oh Shadow, I hope with all my heart the X-rays are better today. I thought the first X-rays were not bad, perhaps 10 to 15 degree rotation, but I confess my heart sank when I saw the second set. Can't add to the advice above - I wonder if Pete would be able to communicate with your vet and offer advice? Everything crossed for you and Scarlet. xx
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natalia
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 2,103
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Post by natalia on Aug 4, 2009 13:56:08 GMT 1
i hope for your sake the xrays have showed some improvement, but I wouldn't be hanging round trying to sort it out for months as your mare must be in agony. My friends horses pedal bones had 8 degree rotation and had dropped also due to seedy toe, he now basically has one foot that resembles that of a severe laminitic. It took 6 months of box rest and big foam wedges and a very good farrier but he's now back in full work and show jumping (albeit only on a surface) again. But his horses rotation was no way near as bad as yours (but the drop had made the prognosis very poor). Farrier had to order in the wedges from abroad and they were litrally gaffa taped to the horses foot, so this may be an option.
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Post by Lorraine L on Aug 4, 2009 14:43:34 GMT 1
pm'd you x
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