tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029266190277669434.post8432142233623844686..comments2023-10-16T02:35:42.414-07:00Comments on Acer Farm: Old age, PPID or something else? Jonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11455369648954700046noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029266190277669434.post-45375175847392638112013-06-26T13:25:05.761-07:002013-06-26T13:25:05.761-07:00First, the vets at UC Davis recommended that she i...First, the vets at UC Davis recommended that she immediately stop riding him, due to his ability to trip/collapse at any time (like your guy). HUGE ability to cause a major wreck and really injure someone. His prognosis wasn't very good. Gradual deteriation over time until he would probably need to be put down due to inability to get up after laying down or other problems. The vets said she could give him supplements for arthritis, but since it was due to actual pressure on the spinal column, that they would not necessarily make much difference (i.e. they wouldn't relieve the pressure from the bone). They said that he probably actually wasn't in much pain (not sure how they would know??) but that he would start to have decreased mobility and more continual tripping/falling over time. Incontinence was also likely to occur, not that it's a huge problem with outdoor animals.<br /><br />She gave him back to the person she originally bought him from and purchased another horse, so not sure how well he eventually fared. At least your dear sweet boy is in his 20s and had a good long life. JT was only 14 when diagnosed.Tevis Storieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16172396968690778655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029266190277669434.post-39272324716696861502013-06-26T12:28:54.429-07:002013-06-26T12:28:54.429-07:00Hi Crysta-Interesting. I will certainly try those ...Hi Crysta-Interesting. I will certainly try those two things. EPM is not prevalent here in our area . Have never even seen an Opossum around...but good thought to keep in the back on my mind. What did your mom do then to keep him comfortable?Jonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11455369648954700046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029266190277669434.post-4537743396757778202013-06-26T10:19:46.117-07:002013-06-26T10:19:46.117-07:00He sounds like my mom's horse, who ended up be...He sounds like my mom's horse, who ended up being diagnosed via xrays and ultrasounds has having arthritis in his spine. It was starting to press on his spinal column, causing loss of coordination (tripping), disassociation with his hind end, and loss of muscle tone. <br /><br />A couple of things they did to test him:<br />1) Cross his hind legs, one over the other. He should correct this on his own pretty much as soon as you remove your hands and let him. My mom's horse would stand there.<br />2) Pull on his tail and see if you can move his hindquarters much. He should resist and pull against you.<br /><br />They also checked her horse for EPM, as the symptoms can be a bit similar. So another thought there.<br /><br />Best of luck<br /><br />~ C Tevis Storieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16172396968690778655noreply@blogger.com