Hi all-- I have just uploaded a history of my 22 year old Welsh pony, Cory. He was diagnosed in June with Cushings and has been on one gram of Pergolide since then. I am having more blood work done next week and it seems to me that the results I received in June were inadequate for a complete understanding of Cory's condition. Since a major part of the cost of blood work is shipping and vet work I want to make sure I have them run all of the tests necessary. What do I need to ask for? Thanks for your help.

Deb Funderburk
North Carolina
July 2012

Hi Deb

You can find the specifics and references of blood work needs here. Might want to print for your vet.

<http://www.ecirhorse.com/index.php/ddt-overview/diagnosis>

The group recommends Cornell. They have a break on shipping from regular FedEx prices if your vet pre-orders the labels.

Go here

<http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/Shipping/>

Look for

Discounted Prepaid Courier Labels

You are right. It would be good to have more info. If it's in the finances, I'd get the ACTH/Insulin/Leptin assay ($60.00)

<http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/test/list.aspx?Species=&Test_Name=leptin&TstTyp=&WebDisc=>

and a Glucose ($8.00)

<http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/test/list.aspx?Species=&Test_Name=glucose&TstTyp=&WebDisc=>

here's the link to your Case History.

<http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory5/files/Deb%20Funderburk%20in%20NC/>

If you can include it in your posts your hard working volunteers will be eternally grateful!

If he's too skinny, he's not getting enough from the hay and what ever pasture you have. (Insulin 12.83) To get to your desired weight of 750, Cory needs 15 pounds of total food intake. He's probably being under fed now.

Hope this helps.

Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003

NewEnglandEquineBalance@...

Hi Nancy-- Thanks so much for the quick and thorough response. I will do the tests you recommend. My next question is timing and prep. Would it be wrong to allow Cory to have his normal morning routine (starting at 7 a.m. one cup of Purina Welsolve L/S, one leaf of unsoaked hay followed by 2 hours of muzzled turnout)and then have the vet pull blood at 11 a.m.? I am thinking this would give a more realistic idea of his insulin resistance. The last test in June was fasting. Thanks for your help.

Deb in NC
July '12

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory5/files/Deb%20Funderburk%20in%20NC/

Yes, that would work I think. Four hours from his breakfast but while on hay and turn out. It should give you an accurate read of what he's eating.

Just so you know, the grass, even with a muzzle, will likely drive up the insulin. The group usually recommends having the munch on low ESC&Starch hay to see where they are on that intake. You should see how his muzzled turn out affects him if that is your goal. Leptin will add more information.

As you've seen you want to stay away from fasting.

And you are very welcome Deb.

Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003

NewEnglandEquineBalance@...