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 Expert
Posts: 1898
   
| We have an opportunity to get an older horse for my daughter to plug around on. He was my horse when I was in high school, knows the barrels and poles but became a bleeder and I sold him as a trail horse to my husband's boss. He is incredibly gentle and broke and I swear you could set a bomb off right next to him and he would never move. The only draw back is he has untreated Cushing's. Exterior symptoms are only weight loss. He is not lame, does not have irregular fat pockets and does not have an irregular hair coat. They did an ACTH and the results came back slightly elevated. The vet told my husband's boss that it was the wrong time of year to test and if they ran another in the spring the results would probably be a little more elevated. As far as treatment, the vet gave them some pills, but the boss can't remember what they were. Oddly the boss said the vet told him the pills would treat and cure the symptoms but I thought once a horse had Cushing's it had to be treated the rest of their life. I have exactly 0 experience with Cushing's so I don't know if it is even possible to rehab.
I do know that the vet did not do a fecal to check for worms because the owner said he was current and felt is was unnecessary, however I do know, because my husband is who does all the vaccinating and deworming, he has not been de-wormed properly in several years. About two years ago the boss went to a daily feed through BUT only feeds it when they "remember" (or so he told my husband). The horse is not being fed properly either. They only feed once a day, straight alfalfa and when they feel like it, 4 way sweet feed.
Right now we are told the horse is in pretty poor body condition. Neither my husband or myself have seen the horse in several months. Of course we will be evaluating his condition and talking to the vet before any hasty decisions are made, but before I even go look at the horse I was wondering if anyone has had success with rehabbing. Because I personally know the horse, I am willing to put the cash out to know my daughter is safe.
Edited by cyount2009 2014-03-19 9:57 AM
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Grammar Expert
| I would be interested to know as well, we have one with very similar conditions. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 999
Location: Sunny So Cal | My understanding is that it is something that has to be treated for the rest of their life and can be managed. It really depends on how bad his Cushing's is. Based off of what you wrote it doesn't seem like he is affected that much from it. My friend had great success from THE Cushing's. Or you could get a blood test done and have Bob look at it and see what else he finds. |
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  Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | It can not be cured but managed to extend life.
Id not go by a test either.. most cushings tests are wrong.. positive or negative.and if boss cant remember to feed horse or whatever id sure not go by what he says.
most vets will go by symptoms.. body condition etc..
.. but if horse is in poor condition amd lack of nutrition..and also most likely wormy.. my guess is you may have luck at least to get her restored to health and trail ride for a child. |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I would say if Cushings was the only issue, he'd be fine to plug around on for a kid. It is treatable, and of course severity plays a part, but it's not like severe founder that takes their feet out from under them. I would probably see what your vet says in regards to whether or not loping them through the barrels or poles is a good idea or not, but to walk and trot around, I can't see much of an issue. |
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| Yes, definitely. Cushings is an endocrine system problem. The medication is quite expensive but I bought a mixture of herbs and my old horse slicked off black and shiny and fat. I would have to find my herb book to give you a list but it was much cheaper than the prescription. Worked great. The main thing that is a concern is foundering. If the horse founders you will probably lose him. My horse was on loan to a little girl and he finally died at 32. |
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Expert
Posts: 1898
| Thank you all so much! Those are hopeful words. This horse wouldn't be for longevity. We are looking at 2 to 3 years max until she is ready for my sister's old barrel horse. We are just looking for something that will help teach her the basics of rein use and noise cues to get her ready for the next step horse. Her pony is a great lead line pony and is great for older kids but he just kind of does what he wants with her and doesn't respect her tiny hands on the reins if she tries to ride by herself. I don't want her to learn to rip and jerk to get a response. I want her to learn that less is more! |
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Expert
Posts: 1898
| Bibliafarm - 2014-03-17 11:50 AM
It can not be cured but managed to extend life.
Id not go by a test either.. most cushings tests are wrong.. positive or negative.and if boss cant remember to feed horse or whatever id sure not go by what he says.
most vets will go by symptoms.. body condition etc..
.. but if horse is in poor condition amd lack of nutrition..and also most likely wormy.. my guess is you may have luck at least to get her restored to health and trail ride for a child.
He does get fed every day, he only gets the daily de-wormer and grain "when he remembers". |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 550
| My old mare had Cushings. She started to lose weight, and got the fuzzy coat. We gave her Vitex (Chasteberry), and it helped a lot. We never even had to step up to pergolide, and she lived with it for years without her symptoms worsening. I know that each case is different, and hers was probably mild. With my experience, I would give it a shot with the situation you described |
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Expert
Posts: 1898
| UPDATE -
My sister and I went to look at Ty last night. Upon seeing him I immediately broke down in tears. I am going to guess that the only thing really wrong with this horse internally is ibelongtoanidiotosis! He is extremely skinny but that is not the worst of his problems. This poor guy has a terrible infection in his sheath as well as a severely injured hip. Worst of all the owner was not even aware that this animal can barely walk.
It has been so long since his feet have been done that one paper thin shoe is still present on a front and a worn out half shoe is hanging off the hind foot that is not crippled. His back bone is protruding, his ribs are ever prevalent and due to his injury his left hip is severely dropped. I attached pictures but neither do any justice to the poor condition this old man is in.
I am picking him up whether he can be rehabbed or not. If the kindest thing for him is to be put down then I will have it done immediately.
It was so hard for me to see him in such terrible condition. This horse had so much try and ability and to no fault of his own I unknowingly sold him into a life in Hell. Had I of known what I know now about bleeders this horse would have never left. I am tears now just thinking about him.
http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/peppermint+tequila
 (Ty 1.jpg)
 (Ty 2.jpg)
Attachments
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 Ty 1.jpg (25KB - 223 downloads)
Ty 2.jpg (11KB - 230 downloads)
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 Road Rash Expert
Posts: 5501
Location: Near San Antonio, TX | Oh wow, this is just so sad. I am so thankful that you will be getting him out of that situation. THAT is right now the best solution. I do bet he can be rehabbed. Give the guy some love and attention, some good groceries and grooming, I bet in a couple months you will have another horse. Hopefully whatever is wrong with his hip can heal or be treated. Prayers for this guy. Please update as you can! Get him out of there!! |
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Grammar Expert
| ahhhhhhhhhh, sorry to hear that..............
Glad you're grabbing him up. I almost googled the condition, until I read it more closely. |
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Expert
Posts: 1898
| smiley - 2014-03-18 10:37 AM
ahhhhhhhhhh, sorry to hear that..............
Glad you're grabbing him up. I almost googled the condition, until I read it more closely.
haha! Sorry. |
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 Looking for Lady Jockey
Posts: 3747
Location: Rodeos or Baseball games |  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 999
Location: Sunny So Cal | I'm so sorry! All he looks like is he needs some TLC. I'm sure he can be rehabbed. Good luck and I pray for the best. |
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Expert
Posts: 5321
Location: Texas | Glad you are picking him up!! |
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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | How sad...Sending prayers. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | That is so sad! He's very lucky that you are taking him out of that situation. Keep us updated on him! |
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 Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | As sad as it is, it is also a blessing for him that you are getting him back!! Quality care and love can make a BIG difference! I for one will remain hopeful that he 'comes back' under your care. Many prayers |
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 Duct Tape Can't Fix Stupid
Posts: 2749
Location: Warsaw,NY | Dont give up on him yet. The cushings can b managed, i have my pony on pergolide and muscle mass with immune support and blood flow mixed in. THE people will mix in whats needed. I had a mare with a dropeed hip before and she could be trail ridden. I sure hope it all works out for this poor old guy |
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