Eagle isn't well

[Eagle]

Jax I know nothing about Cushings so I just listen to my vet. I looked over the site you mentioned but I can't find any explanation on how to test for cushings and IR, could you tell me. I have until Monday to find out any information and then translate it to Italian for my vet to read.

Edit to add. I found it and will translate and forward to me vet.

It says the best test is with Domperidone is this the drug to bring in milk?

 

[JAX]

Ok the info on diagnosing cushings is the top half of this page http://www.ecirhorse.com/index.php/ddt-overview/diagnosis . notice that the Dex test is listed and it does mention the possibility of causing laminitis. I will shoot off an email asking the group for help from someone in Italy and see If they can send more info. Maybe the testing is different there?? I will see if I can find anything. May I send them an email address for you if I find someone over there that would know more?

 

[JAX]

Ah I must have missed your edit! Yes it is but it looks like its still in the experimental stages... I think.

 

[Eagle]

If you could find anyone in Italy with experience it would be much appreciated. I was thinking of calling the Universities here and asking them.

My email is [email protected]

 

[JAX]

I sent in a message asking for help from anyone that would know more about testing for Cushings in your area. I will let you know as soon as I hear any replys.

Hopefully Dr Kellon will know!

 

[Eagle]

Thank you so much

Renee

 

[mrsj]

Renee, just saw this, hope you find out some more soon, hugs to you and Eagle. x

 

[Eagle]

Jax I sent the article to my vet and I think I have hurt his feelings

He told me that the Dexamethasone suppression test is a recognized method of diagnosis and he doesn't see any risk of laminitis for my horse. (he hasn't seen him in ages)

I apologised if I was out of place and I asked him if we can do the ACTH test here.

I will wait for his reply.

 

[Barbie]

Renee-

I have a good friend who has an elderly stallion with Cushings or something very similar. She used Pergolide briefly and through research on the internet took him off that and added Chaste Tree Berry to his diet. He is doing wonderful. If they neglect to give him the dose every day, he starts to fade in the afternoon. Just a thought. Good luck with Eagle.

Barbie

 

[cassie]

Hope he is ok Renee!!!

Give him a kiss n a hug from me!!

Love cass

 

[JAX]

Renee

Your vet is right it is a recognized test... its just not the safest available... at least over here, not sure about there honestly since no one has answered my e-mail yet. I do not believe that you should worry about hurting your vets feelings over this as even my vet thought that was the only test as well, until we begged her to please look into it. She looked into it then contacted some other vets and then agreed to test with ACTH instead. Now she knows that there is another safer option to use! I understand that she is a very very busy person. She cannot keep completely up on all things new all the time, she simply does not have enough hours in the day! The ecir group does not have to try and keep up with all things new for several species of animals from sore feet to diseased teeth to skin rashes to colic surgery. They only deal with IR/PPID issues and are a group of aproximately 8000 I believe. So your vets feelings shold not be hurt as long as he understands that you understand that it is nothing against him but could he look into other options? Something else to consider is that if this is the only test available to you then just be sure to really watch your guy for any heat in his feet or signs of discomfort. Caught early is much better outcome than later.

Barbie is right, lots of people in the group have had good results with CTB helping their horses and they also dont have the problems with the pergolide veil!!

Is Eagle on a special diet??

Hope Im not rambling to much, so so tired, my weekend with grand daughter. So please excuse if Im rambling more than I normally do!!!

 

[Eagle]

Barbie, thank you I will research and see if I can find chaste tree berry here in Italy. I really appreciate you all finding the time to help me cos I feel like I am walking in the dark right now.

Jax he is eating wet hay, soaked hay cubes and a 13.8% protein food. I have no idea what he should be eating and my vet is of no help for that.

I have tried taking pics but he looks like a Vietnamese pig

I will try taking a video this morning so you can see him.

 

[cassie]

I don't know much Renee but I am here to support you through this!!!

hugs!

Cassie~

 

[Eagle]

Cassie I miss you. I hope you are having a great time

 

[CMC]

Renee,

our prayers for Eagle's speedy recovery!!!!

 

[Eagle]

O.K so I took a quick video, the lighting is really bad sorry but it is really sunny today. In the video you can see how thick his coat is even though it is still very warm here. He has a huge tummy and a floppy neck.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Renee, my prayers go out for Eagle! In the States if a mini has a bloated belly without being fat all over we'd put him on a high protein feed (which I know you're already trying to do) and beet pulp as the extra fiber really helps to tuck up the tummy. Beet pulp is also an excellent way to get water into them as you can serve it sloppy and as others have mentioned they'll usually drink up even the dregs. Typically if I had a horse with hard stool I'd be letting him graze on lots of wet grass but Diane has a point about the gas colic so do what seems best to you.

As for Cushings, it's difficult to manage but horses can live long and productive lives with it. My mom's Arabian gelding certainly did! He foundered eventually but that was in his late twenties and we didn't know as much then about managing the condition as we do now. Don't despair! Even his long coat could be more of a "mini thing" than a Cushings thing. Lord knows both my boys are little yaks already and have been since August.

Talk to him as well. He's been unhappy emotionally and spiritually for quite some time from what you've said and that may be being reflected in his physical condition. If he's feeling emotionally shut-down and closed in, in my experience that can be mirrored by his gut feeling crampy and constricted. Treat the physical symptoms of course but don't forget to look at the whole horse and address his mental concerns as well.

Keep us up to date!

Leia

BTW- had to laugh over the 1700 as $17.00 thing. Funny!

 

[Eagle]

Leia thank you for your support and kind words. It is funny you mention talking to him cos in the last few days he has started 'talking' to me and following me. He has never been over bothered about humans, even though he is fantastic and lets you do anything to him and will go anywhere with me, he would never come to me when I sit in the field even though all the others are very "in your pocket" Now when I let him out to stretch his legs he follows me amd wants scratches.

I wasn't sure if I could give him beet pulp but I have it so I will start tomorrow.

Thanks again

Renee

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Wet, pre-soaked beet pulp only! Sloppy, soupy wet until his stools loosen up. It's a way of getting more water and oil into him.

Leia

 

[Eagle]

Yes I will go and buy some tomorrow morning and soak it for his dinner. Thanks