Case Study - Polly.

Polly came into us in October 2008 after a change in her owners circumstances. Polly and the other pony she came in wih were chalk and cheese in their appearence - Polly looked thin and drawn, whereas Molly was rotund and bright. It didnt take us long to work out that there was an underlying problem going on, and so we set out to find out what it was. Both have suffered bad laminitis in the past too.

It was noticed that the fur on Polly's legs was curly and heavy in appearance, and along with a few other small signs, we began to suspect she may have Equine Cushings Disease. We also noticed a swelling to the side of her face, so we immediately took her to the vets to have her teeth checked as it was thought this could be an abscess. If it was her teeth that were causing a problem, then it made sense that she was a different stature to her companion, as she wouldnt have been eating properly.

What was discovered wasnt bad teeth (they were actually ok), but Polly has severe gum disease, leading to receeding gums which causes any food she eats to be become impacted between the gum and the cheek, hence the swelling. Our very own little hamster! There will be follow up treatment required to assess the gums, and she has to be cleaned and flushed out on a daily basis to stop any rotton food causing an infection.

However, it is the Cushings that gives us most cause for concern. Knowing now it wasnt her teeth preventing her from eating, Polly was weighed and was found to be very underweight for type. Our mission now is to help the cushings, without causing problems to the gums or the laminitis. We have recently started a new supplement for Polly - we are using Global Herbs C-Aid, and within the first few days, we started to notice a difference. Not physically, as that will be a slow process. But in herself, Polly was brighter and more interested in the world.

On our quest to also find a feed that Polly can eat without compromising her gums, we have just sampled a new feed, which soaks onto a mash. ReadyFibre Mash from the Soft 'n' Soak range from Target Feeds takes 5 minutes to soak, and is soft enough for Polly to eat easily without impacting in her cheek. She likes it (although Molly isnt sure!) so hopefully we have found a good combination of feed and supplements to bring Polly to health and keep her sound and happy for many years to come.