Hi Sherry,

Welcome to the list.   I’m going to ask you join another group because its our medical history file.  It takes a second to join but the questionnaire is detailed and it will take some time to answer.   Please fill it out.   This will paint a bigger picture for the volunteers to read and then they can answer your questions faster with more information.    Here’s the link:

 

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/echistory8/info

 

The list philosophy is DDT/E.  This means DIAGNOSIS,   DIET,   TRIM and  EXERCISE. 

 

How was Ivan Diagnosed for PPID?   Which test?   We recommend the safe eACTH test with bloodwork going to Cornell.  That lab is most familiar with our work and they are also the most consistant.      What were his lab numbers, the units and the lab ranges?  Did your vet test his Insulin,  Glucose or Leptin?    Many horses that are PPID become IR>   These are two different conditions.  The first one is a benign brain tumor.  The second is a body that will not accept insulin into its cells.  Cushings aka PPID is treated with pergolide.   IR is managed by DIET.

 

DIET is a low sugar/starch forage with the minerals balanced to its assay.  This DIET also supports a Cushings horse.   The nervousness you are seeing could be from an inbalanced DIET.   Have you ever had your hay tested?   How much grazing does he do?   IF he’s IR he should not have any grass.   The Temporary Emergency DIET should be started until you get your hay analyzed.   This means if you don’t have an analysis on your hay – soaking the  hay you have for one hour in cold water or 30 minutes in hot – can reduce the sugar up to 30%.  You would need to add the ER minerals of Vitamin E,  loose iodized table salt,  magnesium and freshly ground flax which replaces the Omega 3’s/6’s from not eating grass.  The recipe for this  is  at www.ecirhorse.org     Feed him at least 4 small meals a day. Use a slow mesh hay net to make his meal last longer.  You could put a white salt block in his stall for his amusement.  No red salt blocks!  they are full of iron/molasses.

 

There is no commercial supplement or feed that is really safe enough for an IR horse.  We do recommend Ontario Dehy Timothy cubes and NUZU Stabil 1 from NUZU  from Anderson Feed Company.   Dr. Kellon helped formulate the ingredients.   Your goal is to hay your hay analyzed and the minerals balanced to that assay just for him.   It’s a custom DIET.   Not only will minerals be added the ratios are considered.  

 

Loss of topline could be from uncontrolled Cushings because you need to increase pergolide.  It could also be from his DIET being out of balance.

 

TRIM is a balanced foot with toes backed from the top and heels lowered.   Can he be trimmed?  Can he stand well on 3?  

 

EXERCISE only if he’s able.  Hand walking is a start.  Let him tell you what he needs. 

 

Your questions:

 

No,  stall rest does not lead to PPID. 

ACE does not lead to  PPID but he may be having a reaction to ACE.

Controlled PPID could help him heal faster if he’s getting enough pergolide to control the tumor and an appropriate diet.

 

Tell us more about Ivan.   He sounds like he has a strong will to survive!   Could he be blowing his summer coat out getting ready for a cold winter?

 

Here are some links that will be helpful for you:

 

www.equi-analytical.com     This is where we send our hay samples ~ order the Trainer # 603

 

 

http://www.all-natural-horse-care.com/good-hoof-photos.html 

 

 

Sherry,   read  and ask questions.   Lots of information at www.ecirhorse.org

 

Mandy in VA

EC Primary Response

OCT 2003