Posted by Sue Baker on October 15, 2001 at 17:22:25:
Although I am only a farrier's wife, I am posting here (hope no one minds - just didn't feel that it belonged on the owners board) in hopes of getting some thoughts on this subject. It is something that we discuss often. Here is the senerio:
Laminitic horse, vet suggests Cushings (without lab work to verify), owner most likely will not pay for lab work. We know from experience that there is a chance that this animal is not Cushinoid, but may possibly be suffering from a thyroid problem, insulin resistance, or other problem that is more successfully treated with magnesium and chromium supplementation rather than drugs.
The problem is that my husband feels (and rightly so) that he is over-stepping the bounds of farrier science if he suggests that there might be an alternative treatment. He also fears that if something goes wrong he may be sued. I agree with this, however, I also feel that it is his duty as a farrier to suggest alternatives to enhance the horse's well being (as long as it is directly related to the feet) and that nutrition is included in that realm. He feels that it is a vet's job to enlighten the owner about treatment for metabolic disorders. However, I feel that it is wrong for him not to talk to the owner about possible alternatives if it means that the horse could suffer further, or if it is suffering further becuase the vet is not knowledgable of the subject.
I am sure that you all encounter things like this in your work. What would you do? Dr. Myers, any thoughts from a vet's point of view?
Thanks in advance.
Sue