I'm looking for alittle help with Diego's current body condition. I'm not used to looking at this Cushings/skinny IR/elderly version of him, so I'm having a hard time understanding what I'm seeing: weight loss or muscle loss?

His shelf is showing, most of his ribs show, his hips stick out and yet I'm pumping him FULL of food, and he's been wormed regularly, AND had regular dental exams. (ACTH explanation below too)
Hay results are in my CH folder - but the protein tested 8% fed at a rate of about 22-25lbs daily (estimate because it's feed choice in slow feed net).
4lbs BP daily (<--!!!)
4oz Flax
1/2c split peas
CA Trace (for Lysine & Methionine etc.)
Plus all the other essentials...

Surely he's getting enough calories via diet?!
Recent body shot in the files section: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/photos/album/887680686/pic/list
(please excuse the stripes, I'm on my work computer and have no other pics available)

I've had a terrible time building his topline over the past year, even on a good diet with in-hand work after his feet got better this spring. In August he had another laminitic attack (my fault) and dropped alot of weight, down to a BS of 3 I'd say. I've only seen minimal improvement though after busting my rear to try and get him to gain weight his fall.

Since ACTH tested at the upper end of normal last year (33) during the seasonal rise, I figured he'd be similar this year. I upped his Pergolide anyway, starting this August. Blood was drawn right at that time, but believe it or not I STILL don't have that results back from my vet! =( So in the meantime I have no idea what his ACTH is/was. His symptoms are the same as last year, minus the laminitis and lethargy, even with a 3mg jump. All that is to say I hope his Cushings is controlled, I'm doing all I can afford.

And my other reason for posting this is because at this point I'm not going to be able to continue feeding him at this rate through the winter - my finances just don't allow for it and I'm starting to panic, the money is running out. :( This hose has never been difficult to keep weight on!

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/Angela%20%26%20Diego%2C%20Georgia/

It's both.

If pain and ACTH are controlled (still an if on ACTH but problem predates the seasonal rise), this leaves nutritional.

The fiber fractions in your hay are high, which can decrease digestibility. At his age he may also have decreased power of chewing even if dental care is good.

I would suggest trying him on a month of 22 to 25 lbs of ODTB cubes, soaked to a soup consistency. Add only flax, salt, vitamin E and a dose of Uckele's Tri-Amino.

Eleanor in PA
www.drkellon.com
EC Co-owner
Feb 2001

Thanks for weighing in Dr. Kellon.

I cringed because I just bought another load of this same hay 3 days ago. :(

Is BP properly digested if the horse cannot chew well? Or are the shreds not small enough on their own? Just wondering... I have had significant problems getting Diego to eat the ODTBCs in the past despite trying everything. I can try it again and see what happens.
Fingers crossed...

-Angela & Diego (23yo PPID/IR)
Atlanta, GA 5|2011
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/Angela%20%26%20Diego%2C%20Georgia/

Hi Angela,

I was doing a search on "weight gain" and came across your post. How is Diego doing? I'm having the same problem w/Sashi.

Kristie & Sashi
SW OH 2004

Hi there,

Funny you should ask - I was wanting to get an update posted this week actually. Diego is improving, and I am sooo thankful!

Miracle of all miracles - nearly a year after giving up on the ODTB Cubes (he wouldn't eat them), Diego has decided NOW that they're a perfectly acceptable food substance and pretty tasty!
I took him off all sups except what Dr. Kellon recommended, and although my current boarding situation doesn't accommodate enough feeding times per day to do 22lbs - I was able to get him up to 10lbs a day of the cubes.

So he's on: 10lbs cubes
Flax, salt, Vit E & TriAmino

I'm still waiting for the TriAmino to kick in - it's been about 2 weeks and his topline is still sad, even with daily in hand work and running/bucking/playing with his mare.
You can tell is edges are more 'rounded' though, and his ribs can only be seen when he bends his head around. I'd like alittle more fat near his tailhead (there's not much) but he's clearly improving. I plan to get a full body shot and post it later this week. Now that he HAS gained weight it's easier to tell what was muscle loss and what was weight loss. I keep photos to look back on if I ever have this problems again...


Angela & Diego (23yo PPID/IR)
Atlanta, GA 5/2011
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/Angela%20%26%20Diego%2C%20Georgia/

Thanks so much for the update Angela! I've been without computers since I posted due to a virus that destroyed my computers.

I was just approved for ECHistory4 so I'm anxious to see what you kept Diego going with before the ODTBC. Sashi was on that diet and crashed the end of Oct. He made it through although the vet was here to euthanize. He saw her and decided "not today". BUT....in the last week or so he's dropped a ton of weight and is refusing to eat anything but untested hay. I'm so bummed but he still has spark and waiting for a vet to call me back for an appt.

I've not tried the TriAmino. Sashi usually hates Ueckle products but I'll have to read up on it.

Congratulations!

Kristie & Sashi
SW OH 2004