Which vets advice should I take?

Question

I have a 5 month old colt that has developed a sway back, he also has worms so his belly is very round (ive dewormed him already) I talked to 2 vets, the first one said that there was something really wrong with him, the second vet said give him time he's just going though a bad growth period. I don't know whos advise to take.

Answer 1

I think that if he got worms, you should givehim medecine against worms. I guess he'll be better after that. Ad if he's not, then believe the 1st vet

Answer 2

Here in sunny Florida, where every parasite known to man lives, we deworm our horses every 6 weeks. I alternate dewormers everytime I use them, so the worms can not build a resistance to a certain brand of wormer. As to the sway back.,,,,,hmmmm?

I have seen it many times in older horses, but a 5 month old? I am coureous to know how his hooves and legs are developing as well? You have to ask yourself this question, if the sway back does not change by the time the colt is two years of age and ready for riding, will I put him down OR will I keep him as a loving pet? If he has a permanant sway back, there is more than likely little you can do about it. I don't care how many vets see him, what you read or who you talk to. The best course of action is to keep him healthy, give him love and see what happens. If his legs and hooves are developing funny causing a spinal problem, I bit his hunches are soar all the time too. I would buy some support braces, good ones, the type that are used on million dollar race hosres, while exercises them. Keep his hoolves in rubber shoes and will groomed and clipped. Just because there may be a day where you realize you can never ride him, you can make him as a happy, healthy pet.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I would take the advice of the 2nd vet first. Watch him for a few days, and if he gets worse, definitely bring him in to a vet. We had a little problem with our filly when she was about that age. (Her mother died 5 days after she was born and we had to hand feed her with a bottle and we had to have alot of "hands on lessons" because of it.)
We gave her calf manna mixed into her feed (only use a 1/2 cup because this is rich for them, and only use for a few weeks.) Along with that combination, we put a couple of alfalfa cubes in and it helped tremendously. I would call the second vet to see if colts can have calf manna.(Did you use a wormer that takes care of all worms especially tape worms?) Now the girl is 2 1/2 years old and very healthy. GOOD LUCK WITH THIS!

Answer 4

My land lord raises show horses.I think the first vet is correct.There are many tests they can perform on the colt ,if you are willing to pay out some money.They can do ultrasounds of the organs,GI tract and abdomen.They can also do blood work and xrays. They can also do a rectal exam or digital exam of the uterus,( it is more like a full hand and arm exam).So if you want the little feller to get well,insist upon these tests,or I feel he won't be with you very long.

Answer 5

Swayback or equine lordosis as it is called is a spinal deviation that does not have a disabling effect on your horse. Unlike people or other animals where it causes pain or neurological impairment. It is a benign condition. Horses can be ridden and enjoyed the same as a horse without the sway. !% of horses exhibit this condition. It does not cause problems therefore minimal research has been done to find the cause. Enjoy your horse give him a big kiss and a carrot from me. And tell him he shouldn't feel bad. Just look at that picture of me above my name muggsy. I have a square head and I'm still smiling.

Answer 6

If I were to choose between the two vets, I would go to a third one for advice.. Glad you have taken care of the worm problem.. they can be helllish in a colt

Answer 7

What would it hurt to take the second vet's advice, at least for a time, and see what happens. Either that or try a third vet. Hope he's ok.

Answer 8

You are the closest to the animal, so as long as it is comfortable, go with the second vets opinion.
If you are really unsure, go with a third opinion.

Answer 9

Do you have any large animal veterinary colleges near you? If so, I would contact them about the colt. They will have the latest information & testing equipment. Good luck!

Answer 10

In this situation,I would get a third opinion.If he gives you the same opinion as one of the others,than I would take that advice.I hope your colt gets better.