I acquired a large mini/small pony late last fall following the passing of a friend. This pony looks less like a “mini” - much more like what is now known as an American Show Pony. He is a lovely mover, or I should say was, as in past tense…I had thoughts of perhaps driving him. When he came to my farm he was sound, healthy, very active and playful, we age-estimated as low/mid teens. Slick and sleek, very handsome fellow, lovely temperament not “pony-ish” at all. After the end-of-year/turn of the year job insanity subsided, just because I always want to know what I might be dealing with on any lurking health issues, I had him radiographed on all fours. There was no sign of laminitis, no sign of any past rotation, also had full bloodwork including metabolic testing done just so I had an idea of his health which outwardly appeared to be very good. However, the lab results were awful. He was off the meter for PPID and EMS. This despite very careful management; as I have two other elderly minis I who are borderline EMS I was feeding this pony similarly - Teff hay (low NSC) no grain, very limited early morning grazing in the still-cool PNW weather. The vet wanted him immediately put on Pergolide because of the awful bloodwork numbers. Due to his small size it was a low dose but I was not advised to start even that low dose in tiny increments. After two doses he colicked and had a very, very bad laminitis attack. Vet said to immediately discontinue Pergolide, which I did. He had ice boots for days plus two rounds of DMSO drenches. He was then started on Metformin for the EMS and Equioxx for discomfort. Finally now after several months he is walking out sound and actually willing to move around again though not with his former exuberance. We re-checked his labs, but there was no improvement on the numbers. Not one iota. So now the vet wants to put him back on the Pergolide tablets. The vet says if he colics on it I will have to give him Pergolide via daily injection. This poor pony has been through an awful late winter and spring - no turnout, confined to stall (double stall and hand-walking, not a single mouthful of grass), the pain he went through, can’t be with his buddies, etc. I have some very strong concerns about putting him back on the Pergolide just as he seems to be improving. Yes, I know there is no “cure” for PPID - he has to be on something – is there no other way to treat this? The vet is NOT open to complementary medical treatment and even dismisses acupuncture with a deep sigh and an exasperated eyeroll. I read the research and it appears that Pergolide in some horses (esp. small horses) can precipitate laminitis and/or cause colics. Your thoughts?
Its really hard to know.if.the colic and lamiitis was because of the meds or because PPID were out of control.
When you say Pergolide are you giving Prascend or compounded Pergolide?
I have never heard of a horse colicking because of Prascend but of course any animal may have a rare reaction to any med.
Id be inclined to try agian, since there really isnt really isnt any other treatment. But I would momitor vevy carefully.
Agree with all of the above. No there is no other way to treat Cushings. As mentioned above are you giving Prascend or compounded pergolide? I’ve always done Prascend as compounded pergolide is not recommended. And no I’ve never heard of pergolide causing laminitis or colic. How much were you giving?
Actually, I think some folks use cyproheptidinen (sp) for PPID. I agree w Prascend vs compounded Pergolide. There is lots of info in the horse care forum re:
PPID. APF is supposed to help some horses when they start on Prascend. Do you have another vet you might work w? I, too, would start Prascend. I’m sorry this is happening. I know it’s awful.
Trying to figure out how/where to reply to a particular post so as I am new at this I apologize for any confusion. Someone asked what version of pergolide was being administered. The dosage was half of a 1 mg tablet of Prascend once daily. After two doses he colicked and had a severe laminitis episode involving all four feet. This pony had none of the outward clinical signs of PPID except very slight neck crestiness. The diagnosis was based on lab results from initial tests (sent to Cornell). The second round of tests after 90 days showed zero improvement. What is “APF”? Is this the supplement that has to be ordered from UK?
