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Re: Vera Hoof Photos
I have Renegades for my younger mare and my farrier sells Cavallos. I’m looking into what’s best for her. Thanks!
-- Lora Bannan in Eastern Oregon Vera - 2005 TWH mare Joined 4/2021 Case History Vera https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Lora%20and%20Vera Photos Vera https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=263692 |
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Re: Vera Hoof Photos
That's great news your farrier wants to join and open to learning!
You might want to invest and try boots and pads for Vera. Just a thought! -- Candice Piraino Primary Response Team September 2018, Summerfield, FL Shark's Photo Album |
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Re: I'm missing something!
Hi Barbara,
You have a lot going on, but you are in the right place. Please remember to breathe and try to take one step at a time. We are here for you! This will be your official welcome letter and once you have uploaded your Case History, we can provide a more custom and complete plan of action for you and your horse. In my personal experience it is best that these horses be off of all NSAIDs and allowed to move freely and as much as possible:no box rest. No exercise or be ridden until rotation is completely grown out as well. Try some padded boots to help with comfort. We will be able to comment more once your case history is uploaded.
Welcome to the group! The ECIR Group provides the best, most up to date information on Cushing's (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)/Insulin Resistance (IR). Please explore our website where you'll find tons of great information that will help you to quickly understand the main things you need to know to start helping your horse. Also open any of the links below (in blue font) for more information/instructions that will save you time. Have you started your Case History? If you haven't done so yet, please join our case history sub-group. We appreciate you following the uploading instructions so your folder is properly set up with the documents inside. Go to this CH message with info on how to use various devices and forms. If you have any trouble, just post a message to let us know where you are stuck. Orienting information, such as how the different ECIR sections relate to each other, message etiquette, what goes where and many how-to pages are in the Wiki. There is also an FAQs on our website that will help answer the most common and important questions new members have. Below is a general summary of our DDT/E philosophy which is short for Diagnosis, Diet, Trim and Exercise.
DIAGNOSIS: There are two conditions dealt with here: Cushings (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)/Insulin Resistance (IR). These are two separate issues that share some overlapping symptoms. An equine may be either PPID or EMS/IR, neither or both. While increasing age is the greatest risk factor for developing PPID, IR can appear at any age and may have a genetic component. Blood work is used for diagnosis as well as monitoring the level of control of each. PPID is diagnosed using the Endogenous ACTH test, while EMS/IR is diagnosed by testing non-fasting insulin and glucose. The fat-derived hormone leptin is also usually abnormally elevated in insulin resistance but because there are many other things which can lower or increase leptin ECIR is not recommending routine testing for this hormone. Leptin is the hormone that says "stop eating". In Europe, adiponectin is tested instead of leptin. Adiponectin helps regulate glucose and fat burning, and maintain insulin sensitivity. Low levels are associated with EMS. It has come to be preferred over leptin because it is not influenced by things like weight or exercise, and also because it was the only factor other than insulin levels that predicted laminitis risk *Before calling your vet to draw blood for tests, we suggest saving time and wasted money by reading these details and then sharing them with your vet so that everyone is on the same page regarding correct testing and protocols. *Please remember to request copies of the results of all the tests done rather than just relying on verbal information. Your vet should be able to email these to you. If you have previous test results, please include those as well. All should go in your CH, but if you are having any trouble with the CH, just post in the messages for now. Treatment: EMS is a metabolic type - not a disease - that is managed with a low sugar+starch diet and exercise (as able). The super-efficient easy keeper type breeds such as minis, ponies, Morgans, Arabs, Rockies are some of the classic examples. PPID is a progressive disease that is treated with the medication pergolide. Some, but not all, individuals may experience a temporary loss of appetite, lethargy and/or depression when first starting the medication. To avoid this "pergolide veil" (scroll down for side effects), we recommend weaning onto the drug slowly and the use of the product APF. The best long term results are seen when the ACTH is maintained in the middle of the normal range at all times, including during the annual seasonal rise. To accomplish this, the amount of medication may need to increase over time. Neither condition is ever "cured", only properly controlled for the remainder of the equine's life. If your partner is both PPID and IR then both medication and diet management will be needed. DIET: Almost all commercial feeds are not suitable - no matter what it says on the bag. Please see the International Safe Feeds List for the safest suggestions. No hay is "safe" until proven so by chemical analysis. The diet that works for IR is:
We use grass hay, tested to be under 10% ESC + starch, with minerals added to balance the excesses and deficiencies in the hay, plus salt, and to replace the fragile ingredients that are lost when grass is cured into hay, we add ground flax seed and Vitamin E. This diet is crucial for an EMS/IR horse, but also supports the delicate immune system of a PPID horse. *Until you can get your hay tested and balanced we recommend that you soak your hay and use the emergency diet (scroll down for it). The emergency diet is not intended for long term use, but addresses some of the most common major deficiencies. Testing your hay and getting the minerals balanced to its excesses and deficiencies is the best way to feed any equine. If you absolutely cannot test your hay and balance the minerals to it, or would like to use a "stop gap" product until you get your hay balanced, here's a list of "acceptable" ration balancers. There is a lot of helpful information in the start here folder so it is important you read all the documents found there. The emergency diet involves soaking your untested hay for an hour in cold water or 30 minutes in hot water. This removes up to 30% of the sugar content, but no starch. Starch is worse than sugar since it converts 100% to glucose while sugar only converts 50%, so starch causes a bigger insulin spike. Make sure you dump the soaking water where the equine(s) can't get to it. What you don't feed on the EMS/IR diet is every bit as, if not more important than, what you do feed! No grass. No grain. No sugary treats, including apples and carrots. No brown/red salt blocks which contain iron (and sometimes molasses) which interferes with mineral balancing, so white salt blocks only. No products containing molasses. No bagged feeds with a combined sugar and starch of over 10% or starch over about 4%, or fat over about 4%. Unfortunately, even bagged feeds that say they are designed for IR and/or PPID equines are usually too high in sugar, starch and/or fat. It’s really important to know the actual analysis and not be fooled by a name that says it is suitable for EMS/IR individuals. We do not recommend feeding alfalfa hay to EMS/IR equines as it makes many of them laminitic. Although it tends to be low in sugar, many times the starch is higher and does not soak out. Additionally, protein and calcium are quite high, which can contribute to sore footedness and make mineral balancing very difficult. TRIM: A proper trim is toes backed and heels lowered so that the hoof capsule closely hugs and supports the internal structures of the foot. Though important for all equines, it's essential for IR and/or PPID equines to have a proper trim in place since they are at increased risk for laminitis. After any potential triggers are removed from the diet, and in PPID individuals, the ACTH is under control, the realigning trim is often the missing link in getting a laminitic equine comfortable. In general, laminitic hooves require more frequent trim adjustments to maintain the proper alignment so we recommend the use of padded boots rather than fixed appliances (i.e. shoes, clogs), at least during the initial phases of treatment. Sometimes subclinical laminitis can be misdiagnosed as arthritis, navicular, or a host of other problems as the animal attempts to compensate for sore feet. You are encouraged to make an album and post hoof pictures and any radiographs you might have so we can to look to see if you have an optimal trim in place. Read this section of the wiki for how to get a hoof evaluation, what photos are needed, and how to get the best hoof shots and radiographs. EXERCISE: The best IR buster there is, but only if the equine is comfortable and non-laminitic. An individual that has had laminitis needs 6-9 months of correct realigning trims before any serious exercise can begin. Once the equine is moving around comfortably at liberty, hand walking can begin in long straight lines with no tight turns. Do not force a laminitic individual to move, or allow its other companions to do so. It will begin to move once the pain begins to subside. Resting its fragile feet is needed for healing to take place so if the animal wants to lay down, do not encourage it to get up. Place feed and water where it can be reached easily without having to move any more than necessary. Be extremely careful about movement while using NSAIDs (bute, banamine, previcox, etc.) as it masks pain and encourages more movement than these fragile feet are actually able to withstand. Additionally, NSAIDs (and icing) do not work on metabolic laminitis and long term NSAID use interferes with healing. Therefore, we recommend tapering off NSAIDs after the first week or so of use. If after a week's time your equine's comfort level has not increased, then the cause of the laminitis has not been removed and keeping up the NSAIDs isn't the answer - you need to address the underlying cause.
There is lots more information in our files and archived messages and also on our website. It is a lot of information, so take some time to go over it and feel free to ask any questions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't worry, you will catch on, and we are always here to help you! Once you have your case history uploaded, we can help you help your equine partner even better. For members outside North America, there are country specific folders in the files and many international lists in the wiki to help you find local resources. If you have any technical difficulties, please let us know so we can help you. --Candice Piraino Primary Response Team September 2018, Summerfield, FL Shark's Photo Album |
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Re: Vinnie Update with 37.5mg Invokana
I updated my CH, added bloodwork to my folder, and added another image of the urine glucose strip from last week 6 hrs post dose of 37.5mg and added the newest hay test to our hay folder.
Thanks Nan -- Nancy and Vinnie and Summer Oakley, Ca Joined Nov 2018 https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Nancy%20and%20Vinnie https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=245855 Summer https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Nancy%20and%20Vinnie/Summer https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=249104 |
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Re: Itchy skin
I can vouch for the product
" Leave it be" really helped calm Dusty's inflamed itchy skin. Lori -- Lori, Abel, Bodie & Dusty 2016 Redding, CA https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Lori%20and%20Able%20-%20Bodie%20-%20Dusty https://ecir.groups.io/g/ |
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Re: Itchy skin
Ahhhh...I didn't realize they are everywhere....Leave It Be does come in a 16 oz or 32 oz spray. I'll be very interested to know what this is as well. Another equine mystery to solve.
-- Lynn Beavercreek, Ohio March 2018 Relevante Case History Relevante Photo Album Ω |
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Re: Itchy skin
Cindy Giovanetti
Thanks everyone for the advice.
One of our “science-y” members contacted me privately and offered to look at my black dots under her microscope; so black dots are mailed to her! I don’t think they’re mites, but I’ll be very glad to know for sure.
I do use an antibacterial spray on his itchy spots, but there aren’t “patches” that I can cover with salve. The black dots are literally everywhere from head to tail bone, and from his withers to his fetlocks, if I look hard enough. There’s no way to cover them with MCT or a salve.
When I have more information, I’ll report back.
Cindy
_._,_._,_ -- Cindy, Oden, and Eeyore, North Texas On ECIR protocol since 2/19 https://www.facebook.com/LifeWithOden/ History: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Cindy%20and%20Oden Photos: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=91125 |
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I'm missing something!
barbaraspence64@...
My Warmblood went lame 23rd February when we had -10c which is very unusually cold for Surrey, UK. He is EMS and IR. He has never had laminitis before (I am told. We have only owned him since April 2020.) and I thought it was bruised soles. Vet came and tested insulin levels which were 53. He went onto box rest and followed the emergency diet of 7kilos of soaked hay fed in small feeds over the day. 2 meals a day of pink mash, only enough for his supplements - and a Progressive Earth Laminae Support blancer as well as magnesium oxide and vitamin E and bute. Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate (AAKG) although is sounds as if he should not have Jiaogulan until the feet are better, but how do I tell?I feel as if I am missing something. Please can you advise? -- Barbara Spence UK 2021 |
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Re: Great results with WIRX ; ))
Hi Francine,
Could be great news. Do you have insulin results for last April, 2020? I may have missed them? -- Lorna in Eastern Ontario |
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Re: Great results with WIRX ; ))
Bobbie Day
Francine
happy for you both! honestly I’ve been a bit skeptical about this product but so glad you got good results. It’s pretty expensive isn’t it? and yes, what a cutie patuti ❤️ -- Bobbie and Desi NRC Plus March 2020 Utah, Nov 2018 https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Bobbie%20and%20Desi https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=78821 |
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Re: Hard swollen area in front of udder
Sometimes these swellings are fat. Otherwise, may be edema or lymphatics. If she responds to cleaning, lymphatics and infection are most likely. Try getting a bottle of Betadine/povidone iodine from the pharmacy and pouring this into a bag of baby wipes. Wipe the udder and the crease between udder and legs with these twice a day.
-- Eleanor in PA www.drkellon.com |
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Re: Great results with WIRX ; ))
I hope this turns out to be a beneficial supplement for EMS horses but must remind you that warming temperatures and longer day length result in this being the best time of year for our horses. Looking forward to seeing how they do as we enter the coming fall and winter.
-- Eleanor in PA www.drkellon.com |
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Re: Swollen eyes
Guardian does make masks of two different weights.....I have both. The heavier mask is made of fabric similar to the Cashel-type mask - a woven textilene fabric. The lighter weight one is for riding, I think (but I use it in the pasture as well). Currently, Guardian is the only mask I know of that offers 95% UV filtration which is what gives protection if the horse is diagnosed with uveitis. You NEED to have the UV filtration to stop the rays from causing further damage
-- Sue R in NC 2021 CASE HISTORY: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/SUE%20and%20DAKOTA |
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Hard swollen area in front of udder
Hi all,
I just did a search for this and found some old information but nothing conclusive so I am asking. At K's diagnosis area in front of udder, not udder bags, were swollen, soft and equal with a division down centre line. Now, with weight loss, there is swelling on one side only, it is hard, no reaction to touch. Mare is constantly lifting her back feet in a small kicking motion and relief from this seems to come from scratching and cleaning udder, but a few days later, behaviour returns. She is very difficult to note when cycling, and has been so as long as I have owned her (10yrs+). One of the search posts mentioned an infection, as opposed to anything resulting from IR or PPID. Can someone name this or direct me to a better search on this topic, please? I used swollen udder+one side, I think. New blood work to post to CH coming soon, improvemnts again. -- Kandace K Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Oct 2 https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Kandace%20J%20and%20K https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=259062 |
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Re: Great results with WIRX ; ))
taskerudet
Happy to see someone else post good results with WIRX along with an updated case history. Magic is a cutie!
-- Ellen July 2011, Goldendale, WA Case History: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Ellen%20and%20Crackers Crackers' Photo Album: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=1645 |
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Re: Swollen eyes
I've used all sorts of fly masks including Guardian which is quite heavy compared to the others but very well made and durable. The very light weight ones with large bubblelike eye pieces tend to get rubbed inwards and kinda scratch the eyes and causes them to tear up.
-- - Frances C. December 2017, Washington & California Case history: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Frances%20and%20Phoenix Phoenix's Photo Album: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=12382 |
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Re: Swollen eyes
Sandy Gazzard
Thank you for your advise , I will get the vet out to rule out eye problems . She wears a mask with a home made sown on to keep the sun off. And soaked hay . I put the eye ointment on ,much better by evening.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
-- sandy , joined 27th January 2020. location. Cornwall-England |
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Re: Prascend to pergolide
Sherry Morse
Hi Erica, If you do switch from Pracsend to Pergolide be sure your vet writes the prescription correctly: "x mg of pergolide, as pergolide mesylate" so your horse is getting the same does of pergolide. At that amount of pergolide cabergoline is going to be more expensive so I wouldn't considering switching at this point. I'm not sure how told you MgOx and Chromium will help with insulin levels but that just isn't true. What will help is tight diet control and exercise. Has your horse been diagnosed with IR or just PPID? We don't recommend any IR horse be given alfalfa but even some PPID horses can't handle it. If he's having issues maintain weight you need to make sure his PPID is well controlled by his dose of medication.
Thanks, Sherry and Scutch (and Scarlet over the bridge) EC Primary Response PA 2014 https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Sherry%20and%20Scutch_Scarlet https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=78891 |
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X-ray photos added to ..... Re: Ann and Nahar New case history added - looking for help for cortisone induced laminitis episode
Ann Nuno
HI Everyone,
I was able to add Nahar's hoof x-rays. These were taken in January about one month after his laminitis episode had subsided. Vet reported they were "normal" but would love input from the group. I'm also not clear if I'm supposed to create a new message in the Case history group to have my photos and history reviewed or just in this message group. Sorry, I've been a member for a while but this is the first time I've had to post. I have also added my hay analysis. This was from last years hay. I just received a new load this week. Same supplier so should be similar but I will be sending samples in soon. We are discontinuing ridden work and will go back to just hand walking, long lining etc. with hoof boots on and will wait for 1/3 or more of new growth before resuming ridden exercise and make sure he is comfortable and getting good heel strike on all surfaces. Vet will be coming out on the 21st to draw blood. We will be doing a non fasting insulin/glucose. She also recommended testing his Leptin. Links to his case history and photo album are below my signature. I do have the thinline flexible filly grazing muzzle too but he figured out how to eat through the sides. I do like this muzzle the best as it is lightweight which is important given his other issues. I am going to see if I can modify it and add some webbing through the sides to keep them together better so he can't eat through the sides. Thank you for all your input so far. -- Ann Nuno
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Re: Prascend to pergolide
HI Erica,
Others will join in and help answer your question, but it is best to complete a case history for us to help you. I personally have 2 equines on compounded pergolide at 2.75mg each. I also couldn't afford having them on Prascend either- so I feel your pain! Many of us use Pet Health for our compounded pergolide. They are very friendly, convenient and helped me personally with my conversions. If you use the search bar for "pharmacy" you can see many reviews. You can also visit www.pethealthrx.net to receive some answers on that particular Pharmacy. Your vet will still have to write you a prescription though. Also, please know the ins and outs of having to properly store it and how many days of supply to have on hand, since it does lose its potency. You may or may not have issues trying to convince your vet to write you a prescription depending on their knowledge and experiences- that's why its best for you to be well versed on the subject so you can argue your case. The two supplements do not balance insulin levels- so not sure where you received that information. Diet and exercise are what will help or hinder insulin levels. I alos do not recommend giving any alfalfa.
Welcome to the group! The ECIR Group provides the best, most up to date information on Cushing's (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)/Insulin Resistance (IR). Please explore our website where you'll find tons of great information that will help you to quickly understand the main things you need to know to start helping your horse. Also open any of the links below (in blue font) for more information/instructions that will save you time. Have you started your Case History? If you haven't done so yet, please join our case history sub-group. We appreciate you following the uploading instructions so your folder is properly set up with the documents inside. Go to this CH message with info on how to use various devices and forms. If you have any trouble, just post a message to let us know where you are stuck. Orienting information, such as how the different ECIR sections relate to each other, message etiquette, what goes where and many how-to pages are in the Wiki. There is also an FAQs on our website that will help answer the most common and important questions new members have. Below is a general summary of our DDT/E philosophy which is short for Diagnosis, Diet, Trim and Exercise.
DIAGNOSIS: There are two conditions dealt with here: Cushings (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)/Insulin Resistance (IR). These are two separate issues that share some overlapping symptoms. An equine may be either PPID or EMS/IR, neither or both. While increasing age is the greatest risk factor for developing PPID, IR can appear at any age and may have a genetic component. Blood work is used for diagnosis as well as monitoring the level of control of each. PPID is diagnosed using the Endogenous ACTH test, while EMS/IR is diagnosed by testing non-fasting insulin and glucose. The fat-derived hormone leptin is also usually abnormally elevated in insulin resistance but because there are many other things which can lower or increase leptin ECIR is not recommending routine testing for this hormone. Leptin is the hormone that says "stop eating". In Europe, adiponectin is tested instead of leptin. Adiponectin helps regulate glucose and fat burning, and maintain insulin sensitivity. Low levels are associated with EMS. It has come to be preferred over leptin because it is not influenced by things like weight or exercise, and also because it was the only factor other than insulin levels that predicted laminitis risk *Before calling your vet to draw blood for tests, we suggest saving time and wasted money by reading these details and then sharing them with your vet so that everyone is on the same page regarding correct testing and protocols. *Please remember to request copies of the results of all the tests done rather than just relying on verbal information. Your vet should be able to email these to you. If you have previous test results, please include those as well. All should go in your CH, but if you are having any trouble with the CH, just post in the messages for now. Treatment: EMS is a metabolic type - not a disease - that is managed with a low sugar+starch diet and exercise (as able). The super-efficient easy keeper type breeds such as minis, ponies, Morgans, Arabs, Rockies are some of the classic examples. PPID is a progressive disease that is treated with the medication pergolide. Some, but not all, individuals may experience a temporary loss of appetite, lethargy and/or depression when first starting the medication. To avoid this "pergolide veil" (scroll down for side effects), we recommend weaning onto the drug slowly and the use of the product APF. The best long term results are seen when the ACTH is maintained in the middle of the normal range at all times, including during the annual seasonal rise. To accomplish this, the amount of medication may need to increase over time. Neither condition is ever "cured", only properly controlled for the remainder of the equine's life. If your partner is both PPID and IR then both medication and diet management will be needed. DIET: Almost all commercial feeds are not suitable - no matter what it says on the bag. Please see the International Safe Feeds List for the safest suggestions. No hay is "safe" until proven so by chemical analysis. The diet that works for IR is:
We use grass hay, tested to be under 10% ESC + starch, with minerals added to balance the excesses and deficiencies in the hay, plus salt, and to replace the fragile ingredients that are lost when grass is cured into hay, we add ground flax seed and Vitamin E. This diet is crucial for an EMS/IR horse, but also supports the delicate immune system of a PPID horse. *Until you can get your hay tested and balanced we recommend that you soak your hay and use the emergency diet (scroll down for it). The emergency diet is not intended for long term use, but addresses some of the most common major deficiencies. Testing your hay and getting the minerals balanced to its excesses and deficiencies is the best way to feed any equine. If you absolutely cannot test your hay and balance the minerals to it, or would like to use a "stop gap" product until you get your hay balanced, here's a list of "acceptable" ration balancers. There is a lot of helpful information in the start here folder so it is important you read all the documents found there. The emergency diet involves soaking your untested hay for an hour in cold water or 30 minutes in hot water. This removes up to 30% of the sugar content, but no starch. Starch is worse than sugar since it converts 100% to glucose while sugar only converts 50%, so starch causes a bigger insulin spike. Make sure you dump the soaking water where the equine(s) can't get to it. What you don't feed on the EMS/IR diet is every bit as, if not more important than, what you do feed! No grass. No grain. No sugary treats, including apples and carrots. No brown/red salt blocks which contain iron (and sometimes molasses) which interferes with mineral balancing, so white salt blocks only. No products containing molasses. No bagged feeds with a combined sugar and starch of over 10% or starch over about 4%, or fat over about 4%. Unfortunately, even bagged feeds that say they are designed for IR and/or PPID equines are usually too high in sugar, starch and/or fat. It’s really important to know the actual analysis and not be fooled by a name that says it is suitable for EMS/IR individuals. We do not recommend feeding alfalfa hay to EMS/IR equines as it makes many of them laminitic. Although it tends to be low in sugar, many times the starch is higher and does not soak out. Additionally, protein and calcium are quite high, which can contribute to sore footedness and make mineral balancing very difficult. TRIM: A proper trim is toes backed and heels lowered so that the hoof capsule closely hugs and supports the internal structures of the foot. Though important for all equines, it's essential for IR and/or PPID equines to have a proper trim in place since they are at increased risk for laminitis. After any potential triggers are removed from the diet, and in PPID individuals, the ACTH is under control, the realigning trim is often the missing link in getting a laminitic equine comfortable. In general, laminitic hooves require more frequent trim adjustments to maintain the proper alignment so we recommend the use of padded boots rather than fixed appliances (i.e. shoes, clogs), at least during the initial phases of treatment. Sometimes subclinical laminitis can be misdiagnosed as arthritis, navicular, or a host of other problems as the animal attempts to compensate for sore feet. You are encouraged to make an album and post hoof pictures and any radiographs you might have so we can to look to see if you have an optimal trim in place. Read this section of the wiki for how to get a hoof evaluation, what photos are needed, and how to get the best hoof shots and radiographs. EXERCISE: The best IR buster there is, but only if the equine is comfortable and non-laminitic. An individual that has had laminitis needs 6-9 months of correct realigning trims before any serious exercise can begin. Once the equine is moving around comfortably at liberty, hand walking can begin in long straight lines with no tight turns. Do not force a laminitic individual to move, or allow its other companions to do so. It will begin to move once the pain begins to subside. Resting its fragile feet is needed for healing to take place so if the animal wants to lay down, do not encourage it to get up. Place feed and water where it can be reached easily without having to move any more than necessary. Be extremely careful about movement while using NSAIDs (bute, banamine, previcox, etc.) as it masks pain and encourages more movement than these fragile feet are actually able to withstand. Additionally, NSAIDs (and icing) do not work on metabolic laminitis and long term NSAID use interferes with healing. Therefore, we recommend tapering off NSAIDs after the first week or so of use. If after a week's time your equine's comfort level has not increased, then the cause of the laminitis has not been removed and keeping up the NSAIDs isn't the answer - you need to address the underlying cause.
There is lots more information in our files and archived messages and also on our website. It is a lot of information, so take some time to go over it and feel free to ask any questions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't worry, you will catch on, and we are always here to help you! Once you have your case history uploaded, we can help you help your equine partner even better. For members outside North America, there are country specific folders in the files and many international lists in the wiki to help you find local resources. If you have any technical difficulties, please let us know so we can help you. --Candice Piraino Primary Response Team September 2018, Summerfield, FL Shark's Photo Album |
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