So the big man is P1 negative. Leaving pssm2, wobblers and hock djd as the main suspects. X rays confirm hock changes, and possible cervical vertebra changes but Edinburgh couldn't confirm or rule out as they are borderline. No reaction at all to a bute trial. Hind toe dragging, quite serious loss of muscle over hinds in winter, lack of impulsion, often seems to "crash" after about 30 minutes out hacking, odd growth of front hoof shape, occasional spookiness, occasionally bites at shoulders, quite extravagant movement in trot and canter. Which is still leading me to think mild wobbler. ANYWAY next vet visit we will discuss hock injections but something is still niggling that there's more to it. I intend to overhaul his diet and am leaning towards increasing fat and protein to cover pssm2. He lives out 24/7 on a 9 acre field of very mixed, old pasture with trees and shrubs. Rugged more warmly this year and I use wraps to warm his legs before exercise; neither seem to help. Haylage seems to make things worse so I keep him on hay.I am thinking of switching him back to alfalfa as he seems to have no issues with it. I will continue his micro linseed and magnesium. Is it worth adding copra? Plain oats? Additional oil? I will also put him back on vitamin E but I have to say previously it made no difference. I am toying with the idea of adding alcar.All suggestions welcome! Plus quantity suggestions..he's 720kg up to weight but will have lost some over his quarters over winter unfortunately. I'm quite anti commercial brands as I want to minimise sugar and fillers.
01-18-2018, 03:00 PM
Protein, fat...diet overhaul help please!
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