Harvey's latest blood test results

[harveydales]

His third blood test results came through yesterday. They were taken 9 weeks from the initial episode.

Sort of good news I suppose. One of the muscle enzymes is now virtually normal and the other one is still high but not worryingly so.

The vet feels there are 2 possible causes for this. Firstly he does have the EPSM or secondly he still has some form of muscle injury from his mounting Dolly episode or both. Anyway, I'm to start bringing him back into work very gently and see how it goes. The diet he is on is fine for ESPM horses - he is on Winergy Senior which is extremely low starch and sugar and a reasonable amount of oil. I do have to be careful feeding him as he is a bit overweight and mustn't gain any more.

I have already been riding him at walk for upto 40 minutes and he has been fine. He does feel a bit stiff but then he is 17 and has gone from being very fit to doing nothing for weeks so it is very hard to know.

Fingers crossed he is on the mend now.

[harleydales]

That's good news - one of Harley's enzymes is always up too. He also sometimes feels a bit stiff behind but generally works through it with time. He felt 'wrong' for a long time after I started working him again - it really has taken a year to get him back to normal again.

Don't get me started on oil versus fatness!!! It is such a fine balancing act between getting enough calories in to get the work out, and putting too many in and the fat piling on!

Harley is getting about a pound of Winergy Low, just under half a pound of Alfa A Oil, 120ml veg oil plus his opti muscle and vits/mins. He's not fat and not thin, but I've noticed the muscles on his spine are just dropping slightly so am debating how to deal with that.

[valerie n scout]

keeping fingers firmly crossed for Harvey, Pam X

[leannwithconnie]

Sounds very promising Pam Will keep everything crossed for his continued recovery bless him.

[harveydales]

Oct 4, 2011 9:47:38 GMT -1 harleydales said:

That's good news - one of Harley's enzymes is always up too. He also sometimes feels a bit stiff behind but generally works through it with time. He felt 'wrong' for a long time after I started working him again - it really has taken a year to get him back to normal again.

Don't get me started on oil versus fatness!!! It is such a fine balancing act between getting enough calories in to get the work out, and putting too many in and the fat piling on!

Harley is getting about a pound of Winergy Low, just under half a pound of Alfa A Oil, 120ml veg oil plus his opti muscle and vits/mins. He's not fat and not thin, but I've noticed the muscles on his spine are just dropping slightly so am debating how to deal with that.

That's interesting, jane. I had the trimmer today and harvey was definately still a bit stiff, particularly on one hind leg. I've been riding him our a week now and he doesn't feel his normal self going down hills. he used to bowl down hills but isn't now. The changes are slight but they are there. Interesting you found similar with harley. I'm hoping Harvey will come right eventually.

Re feeds, the trimmer recommended Thunderbrooks for EPSM horses. Seems to be high oil and low starch/sugar. have you any thoughts on this feed?

[Deleted]

Fingers crossed for Harvey!!! it sounds like he's on the mend!

[harleydales]

Never heard of it!! I tend to just go with what I can get up here without massive transport costs! My vet who is an FEI vet and does loads with major long distance hprses says Winergy is a good feed, so I'm sticking with that.

One leg - yep. Harley has always had 'issues' with one hind leg, tries to get it off the farrier etc - this can also be a symptom of EPSM.

[harveydales]

Good to know Winergy is considered good for EPSM horses. I've had Harvey on it for a few years now and am rather scared of introducing anything with higher oil.

[jaycee]

Hope Harvey continues to improve