Sick Horse

["Angie Nathe" <angie_nathe@hotmail.com>]

I have never posted to ridecamp before but have decided that I need advice 
other than what I am getting from my vet.  Here is my situation.  I have a 3 
1/2 yr old Arab gelding.  I bought him in July this year.  I am not a very 
experienced horse woman although I have riden most of my life Most of the 
horses I rode were not mine.  I noticed about 2 months after I had my horse 
that he was getting a 'pot belly'  I was told this could be do to a parasite 
infestation and to give him Ivermectin.  I did, nothing changed.  I was then 
told that it will take awhile and to give it a good month or so.  Well I did 
that too and nothing.  I was feeding grass hay and Omelene 200 (Purina) 
about 14 lbs hay and 5 lbs grain at this time.  Still no change so I brought 
him into the vet and they tested his stool for parasites.  They found 
Strongyles and gave me a Panacur Power Pac which was 5 tubes given every 
day.  I did this Nov. 2, 3,4,5 and 6th and then followed up Dec. 15th with 
another Ivermectin. Our vet also suggested I change to straight Alfalfa hay 
because he looked as if he had a protein deficiency.  I made all these 
changes but I still see no results.  He still has a 'pot belly' and I have 
noticed some scabby bumps on his sides.  His mane and tail do not grow very 
fast and he acts as though it hurts when I touch him.  I called the vet 
again only for him to tell me he wasn't sure what to do for me and I would 
have to bring him in again.  I am definately willing to do this but was 
looking for some advice from all you horsey people on the list :).  I am 
desperate at this point and I just want him to be healthy, I don't care what 
it takes I am willing to do it.  Please help if you can.

Thanks,
Angie
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