Hi, Could someone please tell me how to calculate the total protein in Lady's diet. Her history and nutrient spreadsheet are in the link below. Just had a new vet out to test ACTH after raising Prascend to 1.5mg in July. Crossing our fingers and hoping for good numbers. We agree that the uncontrolled ACTH has led to weight loss. He suggested adding protein to her diet and using a goal of 11.5-12% protein. He thought that enrich 32 would be a good addition to her diet. Any other suggestions?
Thank you,
Jean and Lady
CT 2005

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory2/files/LadyBey/

Hi Jean

Your spread sheet shows she's getting adequate crude protein at 767 grams. Maintenance requirements for and average horse of her size would be 573 grams. (See Line 8)

She might benefit from additional amino acids though: lysine, leucine threonine if you are not still using the Tri Amino.

The control of the PPID is critical though and the protein won't over ride uncontrolled Cushing's.

Could also add more BP and or up the Cubes. Check Dr kellon's message just now to Sarah re: older horse muscle issues for chewing. If the ACTH is controlled upping the Cubes could be a huge help for her. At 26 she may be having a hard time getting all she can from the hay

I'd skip the enrich.

<http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/message/166280>
<http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/message/165484>
<http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/message/165521>

Let us know about your blood work!

Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003

NewEnglandEquineBalance@...

Had a new vet out last week to re-evaluate our game plan and retest lady's ACTH since increasing Prascend to 1.5mg. In July it was 68, now 58.4. He is pleased w decrease....I had to twist his arm to agree to increasing dose to 2mg. He wants to retest in Dec. I am very pleased with him as a vet, he is knowledgable and respects the info provided by Dr. Kellon and this group. He actually asked me Dr. K's opinion on Prascend. He is willing to prescribe whatever will work for the horse and what is the owners preference. Not what I am used to, but what I was hoping for :).
He says he tests all his pts with cushings in Dec. Says that is when he gets the most accurate picture. Not sure I get his logic...to me it seems the damage is already done by then and you chase the numbers like I have been doing for 2yrs. I refuse to believe that I cannot get her number backinto the normal range...no matter what the month. Am I being unrealistic? Her weight and muscle loss is still my biggest concern. She is still on Tri-Amino. Any suggestions?
Thank you
Jean and lady
CT 2005
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory2/files/LadyBey/