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Post by mossh on May 18, 2009 12:15:21 GMT
Mattie didn't look too disimilar to Patrick when I first met him in june 06. (He actually bodyscored at about 1.5/2) He really was a state, by October 06 when I offically bought him he was better but not great but going in the right direction, Unfortuntely in Jan 07, Mattie had colic and lost all the weight he had gained.
What I found that worked well was:
Keeping him warm
Lots of grazing (he was out for about 13 hours a day)
Good quality haylage/hay
Baileys number 1 worked really well for him (looks like breadcrumbs)
*Having his teeth done so that he could chew his food and get the most out of it also really really helped*
It took some time but he now looks like a different horse and condition scores in at about 3.5.
Dr. Green will work wonders with him!
Good luck.
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Post by scattymare on May 18, 2009 21:20:15 GMT
Well vets had a look at him today for me. Heres a general run down (once I'd got her there I made sure he had a thorough health check!) - Weight - No surprises she agreed he is underweight. She showed me how to body score him and key areas to focus on - she scored out of 9 though not 5. He was 3.5 which she classes as 'thin' (but just coming out of very thin). Ideally he wants to be around 5-6 (moderate to 'fleshy') Diet wise everything you have all suggested is spot on - plenty of fibre, oil and a good multivitamin supplement. The lack of flesh on his back shows how much wieght he must have lost in the past - I don't know how poor he was when his owner got him back but I'm guessing pretty bad. She explained that the spine is usually the last place to lose weight as the majority of covering is muscle so to lose it will take quite a while to regain. She did the 'coin' test on his back which showed no discomfort. Riding wise she said he should have no problems hacking out providing he is showing no discomfort of fatigue. She advised I walk him in hand for the first ten minutes to ensure he is warmed up and supple before I get on. Lots of walking for now until he has more of a covering, walking up hills on a long rein to encourage him to use his back end and stretch. Very short periods of trot to start with gradually getting longer as he gains more muscle(I feel a bit bad as I have been working him as normal until now  ) The area behind his shoulder shows a perticular weakness - as you have suggested, likely caused by badly fitting saddle though there is a small fleshy covering which shows improvement. It is accentuated (sp?) by him having a high wither and dipped back. Teeth - she had a feel and found no problems here Limbs - She said for his age he actually has very clean limbs. No lumps or bumps that you would usually expect. Suppleness in front is good. Slightly stiff behind following flexion but nothing that is unusual for a 22 year old. So in all, bar the weight issue prognosis is good. I discussed things like cushings (as I have been scaring myself reading about different reasons for wight loss) but she said he shows no signs of this - he does not drink loads, no thick coat still ec so I'm worrying over nothing. And overall, as she pointed out, he is improving. It will take time but in a few months I should have him the picture of health ;D |
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Post by racaille on May 19, 2009 4:57:23 GMT
Lucky, lucky boy to have you to look after him! He will be sleek and gleaming in no time at all! ;D
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Post by fleabitten on May 19, 2009 21:24:47 GMT
Thats great news - dont feel bad for riding him - although I blamed myself for riding connie when she wasnt well but we werent to know and it didnt do them any great harm.  |
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Post by maximum on May 26, 2009 11:36:08 GMT
That sounds like a lovely vet who took the time to explain it all to you.
A few months of lightwork and good food will change him totally.
Why dont you try some long reining on hills? It will help build muscle without the added weight of tack and a rider and as a bonus you will get ruddy fit as well! I was never as fit as when I was breaking ponies to trap as there was so much long reining!!
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Post by brigadier on May 26, 2009 12:38:35 GMT
Great news Scatty, he will build muscle steadily and gain weight and before you know it people will not recognise him. I would do lots of long reining, he will really enjoy it (so will you) and it gets them muscled in all the right places!
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Post by scattymare on May 26, 2009 18:19:38 GMT
It's incredible how much difference two weeks have made since the last pics. I can see him changing in front of my eyes - and now his summer coats coming through he's looking a lot healthier. I will get some new pics when I remember my camera. Still a long way to go but quite a few people have commented that he's starting to look a lot better  Do you think they let horses in the London Marathon (being long-reigned!) ;D |
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Post by scattymare on May 26, 2009 18:26:20 GMT
Maxi she's fab. She's been my vet for as long as I can remember. She was even there when Sancy was born |
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) The area behind his shoulder shows a perticular weakness - as you have suggested, likely caused by badly fitting saddle though there is a small fleshy covering which shows improvement. It is accentuated (sp?) by him having a high wither and dipped back.
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
