So my horse had colic surgery a year ago. We took this summer to rebuild. Figured out his feeding regimen, got him back in to full work, and figured out all his new needs. During this year he has mild bouts of colic and we have been working closely with the vet to figure out why and have made feeding adjustments, turnout adjustments, checked for ulcers ect ect you name it we have done it. He may just have these little mild bouts that are cured with banamine or the occasional need to be tubed. So here is my question this horse was a show horse, loves to show and is fine traveling alone. He may colic at home or he may colic at shows… But he is sound and loves his job. Would you start showing again if he was your horse? He does not take a lot of prep and is happy to show. He would only do a few classes. Insight would be great!
Do you know the root of the colic?
Yes, he has a permanent displacement. He has intestines living more on the right side of his body, when his colon flips and gets filled it presses making him uncomfortable. We are working with the animal hospital to adjust his diet to help keep his colon as small as possible. Its complicated but he is not a surgical candidate. The vets are very positive that with dietary management and using banamine when necessary to get him thru his little bouts of discomfort he can return to showing. He has no jumping limitations. He actually is an AQHA appendix gelding that I show in Hunter Hack, Working Hunter, Eq. , Showmanship and Halter.
I have a broodmare with a similar issue. Keeping her on probiotics has made a huge difference. Is he a candidate for the surgery that puts a mesh and keeps things from flipping?
As for returning to competition, that is a risk. I would personally not do it until he stopped having the mild colic bouts. Just sounds like you do not have him quite under control and I would not want to add more stress to the equation.
I second the pro bios and also would not risk it.
