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Post by cheche on Jul 3, 2008 17:09:20 GMT -5
My old guy -- 27 -- has finally gone full blown cushings. He's on pergolide but is there a certain type of feed or extra supplement I need to consider? Our vet wasn't that forthcoming with advice. He's also going to be shipped 1700 miles in a few weeks so looking for whatever advice you all have.
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Post by hfhopper on Jul 3, 2008 19:20:00 GMT -5
The pony at my barn that is IR/Cushings is also on Pergolide. He is on straight grass hay only, NO GRAIN. He gets about 1 cup of soaked beet pulp with NO MOLASSES to mix his meds in. He is also wears a grazing muzzle when he goes out everyday. I know the vet did say that if he starts getting too thin and he needs the calories from grain, that there is something that is no or low carb designed specifically for his condition. I'll ask the BO to see what it is.
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Post by TeachU2Ride on Jul 4, 2008 7:05:06 GMT -5
The best diet for Cushings/IR horses is grass hay, fortified with a low carb ration balancer. NO grazing, sadly. Grass is too unpredictable re: sugars, due to varying types and surges in growth. Even a little at the wrong time can induce laminitis for these guys, so dry lot turnout is essential. If he gets thin due to no-grain diet... Rice bran is great for adding calories, as is veggie oil (which is thought to help further protect against glucose absorbtion by slowing down digestion). Beet pulp can be fed, but should be thoroughly rinsed to remove sugars that are released by soaking. Senior feeds, BTW, usually have lots of carbs (molasses, beet pulp you obviously can't rinse, corn). Making sure your shipping company feeds only your approved hay is critical. And DO NOT have him trimmed or shod within two weeks of transport. Good luck.  |
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Post by cheche on Jul 4, 2008 11:18:53 GMT -5
Thanks, guys... My vet said to feed him high fat foods. McDonald's french fries would work for me but I doubt old Mac would manage the drive through...
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Post by picasso on Jul 8, 2008 8:44:35 GMT -5
My pony is IR. She wears a grazing muzzle at all times except when in her stall. She gets Carb Guard and Hay Stretchers twice a day and is in good weight. She has gotten really skilled at eating hay with her muzzle on, and, although she is an expert at the 'sad pony eyes', I refuse to take it off of her no matter how much she begs  . |
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