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Nancy Feldman
New Member
Username: Nancynf
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 3:32 pm: |   |
We've been given a wonderful large pony, eighteen years old, who has taught many children to ride and has been shown, evented and pony clubbed for years. He came to us with a diagnosis of Cushings, some respiratory problems and a number of medications and supplements. Our vet recommended that the pony be left out 24/7 (with shelter available if he wants to use it). We have followed his advice and that of his previous owner, but we have some questions about one of his supplements, Evitek. Our vet is not convinced of its value but doesn't feel it's harmful. It is quite expensive, however. The horse shows no outward signs of Cushings, no excess hair growth, abnormal fat deposits or compromised feet. The original diagnosis, by a reputable vet some distance from us, was done through blood testing. We have used him in Pony Club for two years, and he is energetic, cheerful and kind. His coat is shiny and he is alert and apparently healthy. He is shod in front during his most active months, and we let him go barefoot for two or three months in the off season. He is trimmed or shod every 6 weeks. My granddaughter is outgrowing him now, and we would like to free lease him to another Pony Clubber with appropriate instructions for his care. We will maintain ownership and supervision indefinitely. Can you tell me what you think about Evitek and whether we should recommend it to his future caretakers. This is a beloved pony, and we would like to be assured that his care is consistent, effective and as affordable as we can make it. |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 396
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 3:52 pm: | |
Nancy,
It may be that the Evitek is what is keeping him looking so good and in good health if he indeed tested positive Cushings. Evitek is the Herbal form of Pegolide I believe. Just my opinion.
Shirl |
Nancy Feldman
New Member
Username: Nancynf
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 5:27 pm: | |
Thanks, Shirl for the input! Your point is well taken and is the reason I asked for information. I find I inadvertently misspelled Evitex as Evitek. I haven't heard of Pegolide, but I know Evitex used to be sold as "Hormonise" and is advertised as "an alternative to Regu-mate". It's a product of Great Britain, where it's apparently been used for years as an herbal supplement. |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 397
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 5:39 pm: | |
You are right! And I misspelled it right back. Early Alzheimers I guess, though probably not too early.
If the pony is doing well, I'd consider keeping things as they are. Some vets recommend Pergolide and there are pharmacys that are reasonable, just need a prescription from you vet. Not all vets are up on the value, but I know first hand it kept my Cushings horse going for a long time till Laminitis got the better of her. I paid $100 for 3 months supply, dosage was 1.5 mg if my memory serves me correctly.
E-mail me privately if you want to discuss details further.
Shirl |
jojo
Member
Username: Jojo15
Post Number: 828
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 7:38 pm: | |
Pergolide? Hormonaise? all sorts of mispellings going on.... grin.
Chasteberry is much cheaper than pergolide. or probably the evitex as a horse supplement. Which probably is marked up because its marketed for horses. Get it as just a ground herbal supplement, it might be cheaper. And the other term for it Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree berry).
People use it in place of pergolide and seem to get the same response from it. BUT, just like pergolide its in the dosage that is tricky. And it can be dangerous if given too much. Something that has to do with dopamine effects.
I fed it in the beginning, while trying to get my mare to even out. lose some weight, and GET OFF GRAIN... she is now without any supplementation, and just on hay. So it is possible for you to try and get her off this, see how she is with out it and then give to the family that wants her. But i would think 3 months minimum to watch for a change.
And then if you see anything taking a turn for the worse you just put her back on it. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16512
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 11:21 pm: | |
Welcome Nancy,
We give our recommendations on the treatment of Cushings, including Chasteberry at Diseases of Horses » Endocrine Disorders » Cushing's Syndrome and Pituitary Tumors.
DrO |
Chris Luckett
Member
Username: Xenophon
Post Number: 7
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 2:42 pm: | |
Hi Nancy,
I've been dealing with Cushing's (and the commonly associated Insulin Resistance) in my 23 year old Irish Sporthorse mare for the past 2 years. An invaluable resource for both medication information, treatment options & a vast knowledge base available through the list Files section (consulting vet to the list is Dr. Eleanor Kellon - a specialist in this area)is the Yahoo Groups Equine Cushing list. You'll find it at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/
You just have to register (no cost) to join the group to have access. Highly recommended!
Chris Luckett |
Nancy Feldman
New Member
Username: Nancynf
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 2, 2006 - 2:31 pm: | |
Thanks for the reference, Chris. I was fairly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. But it was useful, and I'll keep the site for reference. |
