Supplementing the older horse/SmartPituitary

[HappyHorsey]

Hi COTHers! I’d like to ask for some advice on supplementing one of my older ponies who is really feeling and looking her age lately. We discussed with our vet a few weeks ago, and she is on Prascend and Equioxx and now additional alfalfa. I’ve never fed her a lot of supplements before, but there are so many supplements out there now that maybe there’s one that she could benefit from. I don’t want to be anti-supplement if it could help!

Has anyone tried SmartPituitary with their Cushing’s horse? While she’s already on Prascend, I was thinking that chasteberry and other antioxidants/amino acids might also be beneficial. I’d also love to feed something for her joints and extra omega 3s if possible.

Anything else that you find has really helped your older horses as they age? Just want to see if there’s anything else I can do nutritionally to keep my pony comfortable! Thanks!

[Renn_aissance]

Talk with your vet and make sure your horse is stable on her Prascend dose before adding anything else. You want to know if she’s responding appropriately to the medication so you can calibrate the dose that works for her. The research I’ve read supports chastetree berry use in reducing symptoms of Cushings but NOT in regulating ACTH, and since the ACTH is the real problem, you want to know for sure it’s under control before you put your horse on anything that could mask the warning signs. That said, once you know your horse is medically stable, it can be a help with the furriness.

My vet is a proponent of added antioxidants and adaptogens for seniors in her care. She says they’re not magic but she’s seen enough benefit to support their use. On that note, you might consider APF. Hard to tell how long your pony has been on Prascend but if you start having trouble with “pergolide veil”- depression and inappetance several days to weeks after she starts the drug- APF has been a big help in restoring appetite for many other horses. Since you mention her joints, my 24 year old Cushings horse is doing great on SmartStride Ultra. It’s an economical way of getting 100mg HA in pelleted form and- speaking of antioxidants- contains resveratrol. Whatever you think about the research on THAT chemical, I can say that the rest of the supplement is doing good things for my horse over and above the benefits he got from other supplements with equal amounts of HA, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

[TWH_Girl]

I am starting my metabolic easy keeper on Equinety. He has lost some muscle mass. I do like Smart Stride Ultra as well for joint support- that is a good one. I did look at Smart Pituitary as well and did like the ingredients, but I am trying the Equniety first.

[HappyHorsey]

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll take a look at the SmartStride Ultra. I think I had looked at a few of SmartPak’s other senior supplements - many seem to have a lot of ingredients in one supplement. Actually I think there might be one specifically for antioxidants. So many choices, I can’t decide where to start!

[TWH_Girl]

@HappyHorsey

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll take a look at the SmartStride Ultra. I think I had looked at a few of SmartPak’s other senior supplements - many seem to have a lot of ingredients in one supplement. Actually I think there might be one specifically for antioxidants. So many choices, I can’t decide where to start!

I think knowing where to start depends on why you are considering the need for a supplement. Overall well being and support? Muscle mass? Hoof/laminitis issues from Cushings? Also consider your feed and hay and/or grass to confirm what is really needed.

The anti oxidant supplements or pituitary support ones are probably good choices to try. Give it 30-60 days and see if you notice improvement. Supplements are so much trial and error. Good luck! Report back if you find something helpful as others with Cushings or metabolic horses may benefit from hearing what helps.

[S1969]

@TWH Girl

I think knowing where to start depends on why you are considering the need for a supplement. Overall well being and support? Muscle mass? Hoof/laminitis issues from Cushings? Also consider your feed and hay and/or grass to confirm what is really needed.

Agreed.

What do you mean “showing his age.” And how old are we talking about.

My point is that at 28-30…not much you can do to keep them from showing their age, so I would focus more on their weight and how they are moving around, etc., – quality of life.

If we’re talking 20…I might want to check that the ACTH is still under control first.