Hi Everyone,
My horse has been diagnosed with Cushings after loosing weight fairly rapidly over the last 6 weeks, he only had a single blood test and it showed quite high cortisol levels, vet thought he wouldn't do well with the Dex test.

 

Hi Belinda,

Welcome to the group.

 

Mandy has already given you a plethora of information in her welcome- so I won’t double up on that. I whole heartedly agree with her comment regarding the diet though. Pretty much everything you are feeding is not suitable for a horse with Cushings, with the exception of Hygain Zero. Whilst I’m not a big fan of it- it will do in a pinch and is relatively “safe” if you can’t get hold of anything else. However, I am a big fan of Maxisoy & then Speedybeet.

 

Please let us know where in OZ you are- I’m in Sth West Vic, near Geelong . I am happy to guide & support you through this time as I know it can be daunting. I can help you source what you need to get started etc.

 

As far as the Pergolide goes, Can you ask your vet to write a script for the capsules?. Best price is still from Bova compounding http://bovavet.com.au/

 

We are entering what is known as our “seasonal high” in the southern hemisphere- where the ACTH rises naturally in all horses. It has the potential to create more issues in horses that already have an elevated ACTH – puts us a bit behind the 8 ball – so to speak.- so this is the time we need to be a bit more proactive.

 

Have you had his teeth checked to make sure there are no issues there?

 

I wouldn't worry too much about testing pasture at this stage. It can be done & down the track if you want to do that, I’ll tell you how. I’d be more concerned at this stage about your hay source. What type are you feeding & how much?

 

If you’re not in a drought area then I’d encourage you to soak your hay until it can be tested.  1 hr in cold water or 30 mins in hot water, drain & discard the water onto the garden. Do you have any slow feeder hay nets? Let him have access to the hay 24/7.

  

 

Be prepared for a lot more crazy looks, from feed stores, vets & your friends. You will probably get a lot of well meaning advice from all of them about what to do, how to feed. Believe me; I’ve been in there too. The DDTE protocol that we advocate works- it’s as simple as that. More than likely it will be totally different to what you have done your whole life, and you may find it hard, confusing and frustrating at first. Stick with it; we’ll stick with you through it. Ask questions, read the files

 

Fill out a case history when you can, if you have trouble with it- let me know

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

 

Pauline

Jack & Spur

Sth West Vic

Australia Aug 07

http://tinyurl.com/7qbdyas

'Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.' ~ St. Francis of Assisi