Equine & Horse Advice: Epiphysitis in 2 month old filly

Discussion on Epiphysitis in 2 month old filly

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Dave Hill (Dhill)

Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2001 - 5:28 pm:

I have an 18 yr old quarter horse mare that foaled March 28th, 2001. The filly is now 2 months old and is thriving but is showing signs of epiphysitis. As well we have not been able to rebreed the mare as she has not cycled the entire time. The mare's condition is going down hill (weight and coat condition). The filly although beautiful and in awesome condition (perhaps somewhat fat) has puffy pastern/ankle joints on all 4 legs. On foaling the mare looked great!! Sleek and awesome hair coat with a decent covering of weight. That now is gone. We have wormed regularly and feed vitamin supplements daily. As well all our mare have been out on a good quality pasture for a number hours per day.

We are desperately wanting to get the mare to cycle to rebreed her (she has had 8 foals and has had a foal each of the last 3 years). As well we don't want the filly to suffer. We have reduced the feed on the mare to a grass hay and a small amount of sweet feed.

What do you think about weaning a 2 month old very mature filly??? Also any suggestions to get our mare to cycle?? We have had her ultrasounded probably 10 times over the last 8 weeks. There is no activity to speak of. She has no follicle bigger than a 2.5 and there is no CL although we have tried a couple of shots of protaglanend in desparation.

I am a new member here as of today and am hopeful that you can provide me with some guidance as to if/how to wean the foal (anything special/extraordinary?) etc.

Thanks!