It was interesting to hear that vets classify horses as 'geriatric' from the age of 14 years, although some horses can begin to suffer with conditions such as arthritis at a much younger age. At the same time, horses and ponies are generally living longer and can live into their thirties.
The topics covered in the talk last night really mirrored all of the tests and treatments that Blue has received so far. Tests for PPID (Cushing's Disease), liver or kidney disease, inflammatory markers, protein levels and more. Teeth check and balancing, and an appropriate wormer. Around 20% of older horses have PPID and are supported with drugs such as Prascend. The can put horses off their food but I have found that if I hide them inside a barley ring, both Theoden and Jack take them readily enough. The drug switches off excessive hormonal responses and thereby lowers the level of Cortisol in the body.
Amy, who is a horse dentistry geek, talked about the need for a really thorough examination of the horse's teeth and the problems that can be encountered. Horses' teeth continue to erupt throughout their lives and eventually they can be worn smooth, drift in their sockets, and develop diastema which can form pockets of infection. This canlead to decay through the whole tooth making them vulnerable to fractures especially as the horse grinds its food sideways with its molars. Meanwhile the incisors may develop gingivitis or Equine Orthodontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) which is very painful and usually requires the removal of all of the affected teeth.
Aspects of nutrition were considered by Rachel - both for horses that are too fat, and those that are too thin in their old age. We are fortunate to have such a choice of appetising hard feeds and supplements for horses that need it, and a free sample of Simple Systems grass replacer will no doubt go down well in Blue and Jack's feeds today.
Matt covered osteoarthritis and joint degeneration and all of the treatments that can be used to reduce pain and extend the (working) life of the horse. With three legs with three different degenerative diseases, Theoden has benefited from several of these. It was interesting to learn about advances in stem-cell treatment, if only to wonder if it could be used on my shoulders and David's knee!The final session was about euthanasia and the need to plan ahead with decisions about what should happen to the horse's body, allowing his companions to come to terms with the loss, and whether you would like him cremated on his own or with others, buried - permissions need to be sought - or taken by the hunt (no drugs allowed). Even if there is a sudden emergency, it helps to know what you'd like to happen and also to make sure that anyone looking after your horse has written consent to make big decisions if needed.
All very morbid, but as a person who has DNR tattoed on my left bosom and a purple form in a jar in my fridge, is a member of Dignitas and has completed powers of attorney covering every sort of situation, this is just my cup of tea (I don't actually like tea). I've also written a will and left money to the person I would like to take care of my horses - and most particularly the mule who is definitely on the liability side of the accounts!
