Harvey's blood test results

[harveydales]

Thanks Jane, I have learnt an awful lot about this condition which I had no idea about. I've known about azotoria/tying up for years but had no knowledge of the more recent reserch and discoveries re EPSM, had no idea just how susceptible our Dales Ponies are (didn't know there was a genetic component) and certainly didn't know about all the other tell tale signs such as the twitching muscles, foot stamping, itchyness and urge to rub etc

If I had known, I don't suppose I would have managed Harvey any differently as he has always been on a low starch diet and I've always been very careful with fittening/exersise. Now it has happened I would like to make othres aware of what to look out for so they can nip it in the bud.

I've been gradually intorducing increased turnout for Harvey as per the vet's instructions. These horses are managed best with 24/7 turnout but restericted carbohydrates/grass. This morning harvey came in stiff behind again and stamping his hind feet. He was generally depressed so I knew I'd overdone the turn out. He is back on box rest and I will have to start again even more gradually.

All us Native owners are aware of laminitis, the risks and symptoms but I think very few of us know about EPSM and I suspect there is a lot more of it about than we know.

Perhaps Jane or me should start another thread on this which could be kept stickied in this forum. What do you mods think?

[SuzieP]

Thanks Jane. Bea sweats a LOT though - would you still not give electrolytes? I did give it on advice from someone who does a lot of ODEs.

I don't see why we shouldn't have a thread dedicated to EPSM. It's all useful information and I'm sure many of us would like to know more and be aware of what to look for.

[harleydales]

ODE are much more about short sharp bursts rather than long term stamina - I think that's the diffeerence.

All I really know is when folk are doing 30 to 50 mile rides they don't bother, just add salt to the diet and offer sloppy sugar beet tea. Harley had electrolytes offered when he did his 40 mile race but he wasn't interested, just ate the feed with table salt in and drank the sugar beet - and he's a sweaty lad.

I'm just concerned you can do more damage than good if you 'force feed' electrolytes when they are not reallly needed.

[kizzi]

I would be very interested in a sticky please. I've been reading this with interest and am wondering whether adding a bit of oil or supplements or something would be good as a preventative measure if our breed is susceptible to espm.

[cutemangurdi1]

I think a thread would be very useful. I know I had the issue with Sigs last year despite no grain in his diet and being paranoid about fitness. It is seen quite a bit on the web in connection with quarter horses and I think anything that raises awareness of this painful condition is good for owners.

[harleydales]

Sue has created a seperate forum for EPSM - I will trawl through and move any threads I can find onto the new forum.

Thanks Sue!

[harveydales]

Yes, thanks Sue. I will put some posts in there soon - I've been flat out with our Dales Camp, managing Harvey and preparing for Performance Show so haven't been on here much the lat few days.

[SuzieP]

No probs xx