Posted by Patty Stiller on August 01, 2003 at 10:00:34:
In Reply to: Founder in Minature Horse posted by Arlene on August 01, 2003 at 03:30:57:
: First of all, thank goodness for this website. I am fairly new to the miniature horse world (3yr) and this is the first time any of my mini's have had anything wrong with them.
: Domino is a 32" 3yr. old, in foal (7 months) with her first. She is not obese, but full figured. Her feed has always been equal parts Omelene 100 and crimped oats w/hay or alfalfa. I have always had my mini's hooves trimmed every 6 wk. and a new farrier trimmed her a week ago. The next day she came up lame and very tender. The 3rd day could hardly walk and called Vet. He suggested ACE and Banamine. On the 5th day, I called Vet to come see her. Pulse in front hooves was present and tenderness by his instrument in front of the frog. He said she was foundered and took a piece of gauze rolled up and put it on both front hooves with tape. This seemed to help her and continue with the ACE and paste Banamine. It has been three days with pads on hooves and she seems to be responding and moving around fairly well. He did not want her stressed and told me to put her back with her buddies/no grain/only grass and hay. However, he also said there is a new grain on the market called Evergreen which has no starches in it. Has anyone used this grain?
: I am very worried about her and wonder if this proceedure is the correct one? My new vet is a big horse vet and really doesn't do mini's very much.
: Thank you,
: Arlene
Since your vet has discussed the starch issue, it sounds like he is up to date with the more recent research on the underlying problem in your mini. 'Insulin resistance' is common in some breeds and they cannot handle sugars and starches in the feed.
Usually dense styrofoam is teped on the foundered feet for support but mimis feet are so amall that the gauze roll may be OK.
I cannot idsagree with anything he is recommending at this time.
The only other thing I can recommend is to ask him about testing for cortisol rythym and insulin resistance and thyroid level ( all non-risky blood tests) and if there is a possibly supplementing with chromium and magnesium. Several companies are now manufacturing pre mixed supplemets specifically for founderd horses like yours. Uckele Animal health has one they call GlycocemicEQ. There a a lot recent research which has shown the benefits of those type of supplements in insulin resistant horses.
Also there is a great discussion group on the web where owners and vets share information about this problem.
Go to Yahoo,click on groups, and join the EquineCushings discussion group/ . That is a great discussing specialized nutrition and insulin resistance even if your horse does not have cushings syndrome.
Patty