EMS - anyone here with experience?

[ImFree2doasiwant]

Particularly of a pony that doesn't look typically EMS. Hes not overweight at all. Tested negative for cushings. Laminitis that is impossible to control. Vet wouldn't test for EMS as he doesn't look typical (no fat pads etc)

Feel like I'm banging my head against a wall.

What do you mean by impossible to control?

Hes had pretty much constant low to mid level laminitis for months. No grass at all. Minimal feed to get the painkiller into him. Hay. We have just started him on a hay replacer so we know EXACTLY what he is having. And to rule out the hay as a cause.

What does your farrier think?

What does the vet suggest?

Good question. Farrier is relatively new, no issues with either of my other 2 (but neither really have any issues with their feet, and are very straight forward in that respect) Pony is trimmed regularly, a realignment trim, taking the toe back etc Due again in a week so I will have a more in depth conversation with the farrier ahead of then. Pony has the tiniest feet. I'm really not sure what else can be done.

Re the vet. Came again Monday I was expecting a test for EMS after cushings came back negative. The vet that tested for cushings had said they'd test for EMS next. Different vet this time, he said its not worth testing as it was clear the pony didn't have EMS. He certainly isn't typical as isaid, but I think I'd have preferred to rule it out

Other than that, the vet said box rest and pain killer. Again. Soak his hay (he won't eat it, hence switching to hay replacer)

I did ask,several times "and then what?" There wasn't an answer to that. I want to know what is causing it really .

I might add, I have a (now very elderly) native pony. She was very prone to laminitis , I've spent years (over 20) managing her very well. I've had horses and ponies my whole life so am not inexperienced.

This pony has always been stabled /off grass at night, muzzled for daytime turnout from early spring. This is how he came to me, I carried it on. Any deviation from this,resulted in him going off his feet. This year though, has been another level.

Sounds like you are doing everything you can, like you say this is another level. I would ring and ask to speak to the vet who originally said they would test. It may be that you need to be referred to a more specialised vet so don’t be afraid to suggest this if you feel fobbed off.

@BobaCobb thank you. We have a fabulous set up for a laminitic pony, with a rubber matter turnout straight off his stable. If he was happy and sound on that, I'd be happy, even if it meant no grass ever again. But he's not sound on it. He's quite chipper though which is a blessing

Are.you on Facebook op? There's an excellent group called laminitis treating the natural way that I rate highly. They're a really friendly, helpful group of people who have many many years of experience between them and are dealing with laminotonr equines at all stages. I've learnt loads from them and my pony has been able to live out without any flare ups following their advice. Movement is key along with, as you say, finding out what's caused the problem in the first place. I now offer free choice salt water and magnesium oxide, feed nettles, willow and clivers and keep water as far away as possible from grass/hay etc to encourage them all to walk more. I very rarely rug so that they use their food to keep warm which mimics the natural weight fluctuations you'd get in nature... A slender horse is safer in spring than one that's already tubby from being well wrapped up all winter and fed grain... Not that I'm saying that that's what you do, lol. Good luck!

Thank you, I've just joined. I'll ask there for advice. Thank you!

Hes not rugged, and not at all fat.

My mare never looks fat, she never ever gets a crest or an apple bum yet is diagnosed EMS, she's never had proper laminitis, just low grade "footy" and I regularly got accused of "starving" her when she was on livery.

I would suggest reading and digesting this website and if you need to printing it off for the vet, it's proper fact based information about laminitis and EMS so may give you some idea on how you can help: www.thelaminitissite.org/

Today I can feel her ribs easily and yet I know if she was turned out on grass tomorrow she'd go footy.

I would recommend asking the vet very firmly that you want your pony tested for you peace of mind. I had a very fit pony with no excess weight go down with laminitis. I ended up having to speak to the senior vet to get her tested as the vet who was attending her refused. I did say I didn’t want him again after the test came back positive

Exercise is very important in these cases but obviously if your pony is in pain that's not necessarily an option. Have you had him x rayed, is there any pedal bone movement?