It’s rained all day and it feels very damp both indoors and out.
When I got back from packing vegetables this afternoon, all the Shetland ponies were just standing around looking utterly miserable so I gave in. I opened up the small triangle of grass for them.
They can eat it for the evening and then I will try and lure them back into their padddock for the night – I don’t suppose for one minute they will come in, but I will try.
I also put Fivla back in her field. She doesn’t eat when she is with the Minions and just stands there all day worrying me.
I was speaking to Iacs’ vet (south) and I mentioned Fivla’s depression and she told me about having a geriatric profile of bloods taken as well as an endocrinology screening. I have booked Fivla in for a vet visit next week.
If Fivla is not eating while she is on the track, then I worry she will get Hyperlipidemia which occurs when horses are in a negative energy balance due to decreased feed intake. I could not nurse her through that. It would be too much for Fivla’s body to take. Anyway, when I put her back in with Vitamin she started to eat and that cheered me up. It is a constant juggling act.
So wish me luck trying to get the Minions lot back into their paddock and three haynets for the night! I may well fail.
What a very handsome dude, Monster is. As for our elderly critters, one worries about everything with them. Little Miss Maine Coon, at 16, is doing that to me right now.
always difficult. 16 is some age.
My love is with you. I have 2 28 year old Shetland Ponies right now. We have battled Cushings and Laminitis off and on for years. Tried everything. They have to be off grass completely now. Which means very little exercise. Take each others muzzles off. Have dry paddock. Hay 24/7. Bute
The only REALLY good thing for them is their people
Quality of life is always in the forefront. They both spent 15 years devoted to hospital and school visitations. Am I giving them the best I can ?
I am glad I am not alone in this. You are doing your very best. xx
I certainly do wish you good luck with all of this!
I would get her teeth checked by Equine Dentist when he / She is next here.
Our Vet practise does not have an equine vet.
She is on the list. As are all the other oldies. I like to get them seen before winter kicks in.