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Post by harveydales on Aug 21, 2008 8:24:58 GMT -1
Quest has been looking really well (apart from his strange coat) and has been lami free since Feb/March but yesterday he came in very lame in his off-fore. Strong pulses in that foot, less so in the other 3. Also the off-fore pastern and fetlock were swollen. It could be anything but I can't rule out Lami so I'm panicing again.  This morning he was absolutely fine so I've turned him out on a tiny flat area of the field for just an hour and will see how he is when he comes in. It is soooooo stressful worrying about his Cushings that I think I will get him blood tested again next week and start him on Pergolide. The vet wanted to put him on Pergolide this autumn in preparation for the winter anyway so a bit sooner shouldn't matter. Anyone else got their ponies on Pergolide or any other cushings treatment? Quest has been on extra magnesium and Vitex since the spring but I'm not convinced it is making any difference. |
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Post by wdf on Aug 21, 2008 9:16:08 GMT -1
any other cushings treatment? There's an elderly cob where i am got cushings (along with Asthma & very Lami), his owner started giving him some herbal capsules last year and his LOADS better in himself - I'll find out what they are  |
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Post by dollylanedales on Aug 21, 2008 10:57:03 GMT -1
Oh poor Quest, do hope he is feeling better soon. Its such a worry with these oldies ....I am dreading things as the day draws closer for Vicky to leave ....funny enough she has perked up since Opal arrived, and can beat her to the gate sometimes.
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Post by sunny on Aug 21, 2008 12:17:06 GMT -1
Oh Pam, sorry to hear this. He was doing so well. let's hope it's temporary... keep us posted
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Post by harveydales on Aug 21, 2008 13:57:07 GMT -1
He seems absolutely fine again today but I'm ging to play it cautious and restrict his turn out for a while. |
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Post by leannwithconnie on Aug 21, 2008 18:13:25 GMT -1
Oh no!! I was thinking how well he looked when I saw him last. We can never take it for granted can we? Glad he seems OK again today Pam. Keeping everything crossed that it was blip and that he stays fine now  |
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Post by nars on Aug 21, 2008 21:39:38 GMT -1
Poor Quest. I think he might like to just give you the odd scare Pam LOL!
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Post by mrsp on Aug 22, 2008 10:39:12 GMT -1
What a worry! Good to hear that Quest seems more comfortable now,hopefully the pergolide will help.
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Post by harveydales on Aug 22, 2008 11:14:58 GMT -1
We also didn't bother with the blood test as it can trigger laminitis. My vets take the attitude that if the symptoms point you towards it then put them on it for a month, if it improves their condition then keep them on it, if it makes no difference then try something else. Thanks Heather, that's more or less convinced me to get him on Pergolide now. I wasn't going to have the blood test which can trigger laminitis but there are other safe tests now plus the vet needs to check his liver enzymes as Pergolide can effect the liver. |
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Post by Debbie on Aug 23, 2008 13:59:59 GMT -1
I'm another that would do sooner rather than later since Cushings is sensitive to the changes in the sunlight. Better to be prepared for Autumn and the longer nights  |
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Post by pwhitt on Aug 24, 2008 18:06:43 GMT -1
I can recommend pergolide, I've had my mare on it for almost one year after a terrible 6mths with on/off lami last summer. It was almost near impossible to get any weight off her. Started pergolide in october after one acth blood test and by december she was sound, losing weight and starting back in work!
She's now at grass for 4-6hrs each day has two good feeds and plenty of hay and is looking her best ever. She's lost over 100kg weight in all even with the feeds she gets!! I'm even considering a rug for her this winter so she doesn't get too skinny!! Last summer she got a small handful of chop and only 6lbs of hay per day but still the weight wouldn't budge. To look at her you would not think she was a typical Cushing's pony, here's hoping it stays that way.
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Post by harveydales on Aug 27, 2008 11:54:40 GMT -1
Vet has just been even though Quest is perfectly sound again. It seems it was definately an abscess brewing and has resolved itself. No signs of lami thank goodness. She took some blood samples (more expence  ) and depending on the results he can start on Pergolide. He has an enormous goitre now which the vet wasn't worried about either - unusual this large but not a problem although probably all linked in to his hormonal problems. |
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Post by nars on Aug 27, 2008 12:23:13 GMT -1
Glad Quest is feeling better again. It's a shame you've had to pay for the tests befpre starting Pergolide; but it sounds like a good drug.
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Post by sunny on Aug 27, 2008 18:33:06 GMT -1
Fingers crossed for you Pam.
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Post by harveydales on Sept 3, 2008 5:47:26 GMT -1
Quest's blood results came back yesterday. His liver is now much better and so, because his insulin levels are creeping up, he can start on Pergolide.  Hopefully this will give him some good quality lami-free years. |
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) and depending on the results he can start on Pergolide. He has an enormous goitre now which the vet wasn't worried about either - unusual this large but not a problem although probably all linked in to his hormonal problems.