Also, Betsy O'Shea asked about thyroid problems in horses. Symptoms for
hypo- and hyperthyroidism are about the same as in humans--sluggishness,
weight gain, difficulty conceiving, coarsening of hair sometimes, etc.
for hypo-. Weight loss, increased fidgets, nervousness, sometimes rapid
pulse (depending on extent) for hyper-. A lot of people (and some vets)
think thyroid is a magical cure for pudginess, but it is not. If the
horse's thyroid levels are normal, don't mess with thyroid
supplements--they can be dangerous. I once was boarding an older mare
elsewhere. They decided she was too fat, and without asking me, put her
on thyroid. When I had her brought home she was a rack of bones and it
took forever to get weight back on her.
Would you yourself take thyroid if you don't need it? Would this be good
for your horse?
Blood tests, to be accurate, have to be done repeatedly over a period of
time, not just once, again as with humans. I have the hypothyroid
problem and have regular T3/T4 blood tests.
The suggestion to contact R.H. Douglas is an excellent one. There may be
something there besides a thyroid deficiency. Or it may just be your
pony is an easy keeper--many are. Just keep your pony fit, and be glad
you can save on the feed bills!
> To all concerned with thyroid problems or suspected problems,
> contact R.H. (Bob) Douglas, BET Labs, 305 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY
> 40508, 606/273-3036 or fax 606/273-0178. He knows his stuff and can
> run assays (RIA) on your horses in 24 hours and fax the results back
> with interpretation. He did the original research behind his work. He
> can run panels on virtually any endocrine question from T3/T4 to all
> of the repro hormones. Good luck!
> /Bobbie Lieberman
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 18:12:10 -0500
> From: NagsRMe@aol.com
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: Re: Question on Ariats
> Message-ID: <961118181208_1452156738@emout03.mail.aol.com>
>
> In a message dated 96-11-18 16:43:41 EST, you write:
>
> << I have found a new kind of boot that is even MORE
> comfortable than my Ariats ever were. They are made by "Vasque", and are a
> hiking boot - made out of gore-tex, they have the quick-lace buckles at the
> top, and a nice thick sole. They are so comfortable both for riding,
> jogging and walking, plus give excellent traction on the trail. AND I've
> ridden in 20 degree weather in the wind and my feet have stayed nice and
> comfy. They would ha