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[RC] to biopsy or not to biopsy, that's the question - Mary Krauss

So, my big ol' Andalusian may have EPSM. Dr. Valentine suspects so (original researcher in the field) and suggests diet changes that I've already implemented. I can't decide whether or not to do a biopsy and wondered what some of you would do in my position. The procedure would cost "less than $400", plus $59 for the pathology report. It's a tough call. If I had all the money in the world I'd go for it just to have a definitive diagnosis. (Is that redundant?) On the other hand, a positive biopsy wouldn't change his treatment....

While we're on the subject, another vet came out to check my 16-years-young Arabian mare's lameness. He says it could easily be $1,500 (blocks, x-rays) to get even a guess in an older horse and doesn't think that anything much will allow her to be brought into distance riding condition. His recommendation is based on a common sense guess that it might be arthritis from an old injury in the opposing leg, or navicular, or just about anything. He feels that x-rays could show many different issues in an older horse, yet not tell us which problem is causing the lameness. He suggests riding her a bit, then a bit more, until I find her stopping point, then stick to riding her under that limit. I agree with him that she's happier being ridden lame than just hanging out, but, ugh. This is the horse I was going to learn distance riding on.... It's not like she's a beat-up old nag. She's a tremendous athlete with a lot of heart, a bit too much spirit at times :-). She had this one terrible injury when she was 7 years old but has never taken a lame step. I suppose she could have been compensating all this time with the other leg which now may be arthritic as a result.... Whaaaaaahhhh. This was going to be my beginner's model endurance horse!!!!

I'm trying to stifle a really big urge to whine. Maybe I should go have some wine instead....

Mary K
p/o'd, sad, and frustrated--with a husband who suggests buying a new horse--but there's no room in the inn with all my crippled equine buddies....



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