Rossi, my 25 yr. old gelding, saddlebred cross, retired for several years because of front hoof problems, just had test results of 357!!

Vet prescribed Prascend 1mg per day. SHOULD I START WITH THE WHOLE PILL OR GRADUALLY WORK UP?

His symptoms have been over the last few years:
loss of topline and weight overall, ribby but not overall skinny. Really long winter coat, but first to shed out each year.
Front hoof abscesses and poor lamina attachment.
Probably has front coffin bone deterioration, but won't trailer to get xrays.
Missing one molar but teeth otherwise pretty good.
Seems happy unless feet hurting. He's wearing EasyCare RX right now since I put gravel in my mud lot and that hurts him.

My four geldings get free choice grass hay, usually in nets.
CA Trace or Horse Tech grass supplements.
Loose salt in feed plus a plain salt block.
Flax and Vit E in winter.
Timothy pellets in the morning
Soaked and rinsed beet pulp pellets in the evening to carry sups. (Just started this)

They have 1 acre pasture of overgrazed grass which had remained green this summer due to all the rain.

They are allowed out 24/7, but spend summer days hiding in their stalls with hay and their fans.

Quite frankly, if Rossi needs more than the 1 mg. I won't be able to afford it. Even the $60/month for 1mg. is a lot, but I will do that if it helps him. Right now, his feet are the biggest problem and will most likely be the deciding factor for him down the road.

Carol in Maryland