I have a 2012 Oldenburg gelding who is n/P2 and n/Px (although he’s never tied up, thank goodness). Purchased/imported him in November 2015. He’s always had a tall, elegant frame but he struggles to build muscle and gain weight. This was definitely a process of trial-and-error and nothing is set in stone. Here is what we did / what works for us:
Did the EquiSeq test to get our n/P2 and n/Px results. Joined a couple of active PSSM1/2 groups on Facebook (“Managing PSSM, RER and other muscle disease” and also “PSSM Forum”) - lots more people sharing their journeys, sharing ideas, plenty of in-depth supplement discussions (many PSSM2 horses seem to live on a lengthy list of supplements; I feel lucky in comparison). What I appreciate most, after many months in these forums, is that how/when/where PSSM2 manifests is unique to each horse and what works for one horse won’t do a thing for another, or worse, might set the horse back. It is a lifelong journey.
Worked with an equine nutritionist who knows and understands the difference between PSSM1 and PSSM2 (what works for him is a 32% protein feed rather than an amino acid supplement); he also gets ImmuBiome Lean Muscle and 2,000iu of natural vitamin e and that’s it for supplements.
Got his hay tested; shared hay test results with his nutritionist; revised his menu accordingly.
We get his blood tested regularly - specifically I’ve had it tested three times since August 2021 - we’re looking for elevated serum CK levels because of his n/Px results.
Moved him to a large pasture with friends 24/7; he can have one or two days off now that he lives out; prior to living out, he lived in a stall at night with all-day turnout in a decent-sized paddock, and he needed at least a light lunge every day.
He loves PEMF/MagnaWave, BEMER blankets, and massage.
He loves to get out of the arena - road hacks and long walks through the hills are part of his regular routine when weather permits. Variety keeps him happy and relaxed in his training.
He’s not clipped, has a very fine yet plush/velvety soft coat (with dapples in the summer, lol yay), and he wears maybe ~50g to 100g more fill in his winter blankets than non-PSSM2 horses (we live in the pacific northwest).
He gets GastroGuard before he gets on a trailer and when he’s at a horse show / clinic / etc.
Summertime horse shows, he gets the Cavalor electrolyte paste/tube.
Since changing his diet, his feet have grown tougher, and he’s currently barefoot behind; previously he had terribly thin soles and required shoes all around and pads in the front.
Prior to figuring out his PSSM2 diagnosis, he was good for about 45 minutes of work, whether it was schooling at home or away at competition. At shows, he did one test per day and we were careful that his warmup + test time didn’t exceed that time limit; if it did, he would suddenly decide he was DONE, and that was no fun. So he’s never tied up, but we’re careful not to exceed his perceived exercise tolerance (because we know he’s n/Px).
I have methocarbamol and banamine in the first aid kit in case he ever actually ties up.
He gets his teeth done every six months (not sure if this is actually a PSSM2 thing, but it affects how he eats, so I’m including it). He’s a slow, messy, picky eater at the best of times. He’s bottom of the hierarchy in the field, and his pasture buddies are voracious scavengers who think his dinner is FAR more tasty and interesting than their dinners. AND he has a love-hate relationship with his stall these days (he hates the sound of snow sliding off the roof – it’s terrifying – BUT he loves eating in peace).
In chasing down his PSSM2 diagnosis, we also checked on / dealt with so many related things: saddle fit, teeth, ulcers, x-rays everywhere, etc.
The Smartpak one only has 4.75g of leucine/valine/isoleucine COMBINED so idk. It has a bunch of other good stuff in it though.