Some of you are probably aware that these past few months with Dolly have been worrying with increasingly aggressive and dangerous behaviour being the main issue. For those who might be interested this is the latest on it all. sorry bit long - do have a nice cup of tea or a drop of plonk on me 
After a couple of recent unsuccessful attempts to ride her and on vets advice we removed everything from her diet apart from grass and hay and plain chaff. Unfortunately after a month it was obvious this had not stopped the sudden and inexplicable explosions from her, despite very quiet and typical Dolly behaviour for up to 7/8 days at a time.
Over last weekend she seemed particularly laid back and relaxed so I decided to tack her up and just walk her out in hand to see how she was, despite very strong objections from that lot indoors.. Very bad decision - first five minutes grand until she suddenly exploded on the spot and once again trying to lash out at me and bite me - she would not go forward or backward - just up and fighting. Anyhow managed some how to get her back home by slowly manoeuvring her back towards home (you would think she would make a mad dash for home wouldn't you??? No- she wasn't going anywhere) Neighbour asked had I got a new horse, he couldn't believe it was Dolly I was trying to lead home! He asked what was wrong with her - replied I wish I knew By the next morning both my arthritic hands were so swollen from trying to hang on to her that I couldn't even clean my teeth lol! Poor old baggage I am!
Anyway my lovely vet came out Monday when I updated him on the ruling feeds etc. out - stepped out of the jeep and said - 'OH yes you are right she definitely has Cushings - so at least we agreed on that. complete work up done on her - he was here 2 hours. Ovaries scanned, all the usual - sight perfect, hearing great, heart marvellous, feet good, no pulses, weight good, no obvious signs of pain anywhere etc. etc. Took a lot of bloods - wants her to go to UCD in Dublin for more intensive tests but is reluctant to travel her that far sedated - but also cant risk sending her without sedation as too dangerous if she explodes en route. He agrees that something about her just isn't right and had hoped like me it would be a simple hormonal ovary type issues that would be easily dealt with - unfortunately not.
So blood results came back - very low red blood cell count in particular - she is definitely anaemic and probably feeling pretty shite just now, he is hoping the cushings might be throwing up the low red cell count and nothing else. Some other readings do indicate cushings and he will be doing a test for that on Tuesday to see what her levels are just now. Liver very good and some positive results considering she is now 17 etc.
He is reluctant to put her on prascend as this could exacerbate her aggressive and sudden outbursts and make her more dangerous than she already is but we will discuss that when her results come back next Wednesday. he has given me the 'talk' and frankly he is unable to rule out either a brain tumour or her enlarged pituitary pressing on her brain in some way - apparently very rare but can happen with Cushings. I have agreed if we cannot pin down within the next 6 weeks with further tests and observing her closely what is causing this and if it continues or escalates she will have to be PTS for her own safety and everyone around her too.
Gutted to say the least but trying very hard to remain positive. Healing and hopeful vibes please for the old Queen of Ireland - she needs it just now.
After a couple of recent unsuccessful attempts to ride her and on vets advice we removed everything from her diet apart from grass and hay and plain chaff. Unfortunately after a month it was obvious this had not stopped the sudden and inexplicable explosions from her, despite very quiet and typical Dolly behaviour for up to 7/8 days at a time.
Over last weekend she seemed particularly laid back and relaxed so I decided to tack her up and just walk her out in hand to see how she was, despite very strong objections from that lot indoors.
. Very bad decision - first five minutes grand until she suddenly exploded on the spot and once again trying to lash out at me and bite me - she would not go forward or backward - just up and fighting. Anyhow managed some how to get her back home by slowly manoeuvring her back towards home (you would think she would make a mad dash for home wouldn't you??? No- she wasn't going anywhere) Neighbour asked had I got a new horse, he couldn't believe it was Dolly I was trying to lead home! He asked what was wrong with her - replied I wish I knew By the next morning both my arthritic hands were so swollen from trying to hang on to her that I couldn't even clean my teeth lol! Poor old baggage I am!Anyway my lovely vet came out Monday when I updated him on the ruling feeds etc. out - stepped out of the jeep and said - 'OH yes you are right she definitely has Cushings - so at least we agreed on that. complete work up done on her - he was here 2 hours. Ovaries scanned, all the usual - sight perfect, hearing great, heart marvellous, feet good, no pulses, weight good, no obvious signs of pain anywhere etc. etc. Took a lot of bloods - wants her to go to UCD in Dublin for more intensive tests but is reluctant to travel her that far sedated - but also cant risk sending her without sedation as too dangerous if she explodes en route. He agrees that something about her just isn't right and had hoped like me it would be a simple hormonal ovary type issues that would be easily dealt with - unfortunately not.
So blood results came back - very low red blood cell count in particular - she is definitely anaemic and probably feeling pretty shite just now, he is hoping the cushings might be throwing up the low red cell count and nothing else. Some other readings do indicate cushings and he will be doing a test for that on Tuesday to see what her levels are just now. Liver very good and some positive results considering she is now 17 etc.
He is reluctant to put her on prascend as this could exacerbate her aggressive and sudden outbursts and make her more dangerous than she already is but we will discuss that when her results come back next Wednesday. he has given me the 'talk' and frankly he is unable to rule out either a brain tumour or her enlarged pituitary pressing on her brain in some way - apparently very rare but can happen with Cushings. I have agreed if we cannot pin down within the next 6 weeks with further tests and observing her closely what is causing this and if it continues or escalates she will have to be PTS for her own safety and everyone around her too.
Gutted to say the least but trying very hard to remain positive. Healing and hopeful vibes please for the old Queen of Ireland - she needs it just now.
