Hi Carol,

A phone visit would be the best approach to take since your horses' situations are more complex than can be covered by a simple forum reply.

It's true that Cushing's tests can reveal false positives this time of year. So, if your vet suspects pre-cushings, it is best to provide the Balance EQ (formerly known as Cush Alleve). We can go over pre-cushings and related dietary needs when we visit.

To get 20 grams of magnesium, you'll need to provide 4 ounces (scoops) of Quiessence per day.

So, let's visit after I get back from vacation -- some time after January 8th and we'll go over everything in detail. In the meantime, reduce the starch and sugar levels in your horses' diets as much as possible, including avoiding sugary treats (even carrots and apples). If you would like a low sugar/starch treat, take a look at Skode's Treats.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Dr. Getty:

Thank you for your reply. I would very much like to visit with you by phone after you return from vacation. FYI, the Purina equine rep is planning to visit our farm on January 9 to sample hay, look at the horses (her last visit for July), and recommend a feeding regimen. I don't plan to change my current feeding program until I get the hay analyzed and I consult with you and my vet.

Tap Dancer (the laminitic mare) is now getting 4 pounds of Wellsolve L/S (split into two feedings). I supplement the first feeding with two scoops of Quiessence and the second feeding with 1 scoop of Cush Alleve (Balance EQ). FYI, there is 10 g magnesium in 4 lbs Wellsolve L/S. Should I be feeding the Quiessence + Balance EQ to this mare?

The other horses are currently getting a 1/4 cup custom blend feed supplemented with two scoops of Quiessence twice daily. I plan to switch them to a Purina feed (either Essentials 32, Wellsolve L/S and/or Strategy) after Purina visits and I speak to you and my vet.

I'm a bit confused but if this approach is NOT okay until we have the opportunity to discuss it by phone, please let me know.

Thank you for your help and enjoy your vacation.

Happy Holidays!

Carol

Where are you from? Missouri

How did you locate this forum? internet search for laminitis treatments

Greetings Carol!

You're right about the Purina Wellsolve L/S -- it has 9.1 grams of magnesium in 4 lbs of feed. It may not be necessary to feed that much, however, depending on the activity level of your mare. In which case, we can offer her more magnesium via Quiessence.

So, I will email you directly to set up an appointment to talk this over in detail.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO