Liver Problems
After struggling for 3 months with my 32 yr old TB mare's weight I decided that it was time to call the vet to run some blood panels. She was eating fine, and there had been no changes done to her grain so I was really starting to scratch my head about her weight loss. When my vet came out she made notes that Ginger's fur looked very unhealthy,and almost seemed like it was fried. All-in-all my Old Spitfire just seemed tired. We talked about a few things that could cause this, but decided to wait until the blood tests came back before we went any further.
So when my vet called me later that day my heart sank because we always have the 'No news is good news' mantra. The blood work is pointing towards liver problems with her.
Now, here's what I'm looking for advice on: My vet wants me to put her steroids, and I'm just not so sure about that. She has bad joints (hips and back also), I just don't see how making her feel like she could jump the moon can really help her much. Have any of you guys had an older horse and used steroids with them? How did they act, and do you guys think it's necessary?
Here is the link to my journal with a picture I took of Ginger just last week, she looks so bad :(
http://kusanar.livejournal.com/19664.html
So when my vet called me later that day my heart sank because we always have the 'No news is good news' mantra. The blood work is pointing towards liver problems with her.
Now, here's what I'm looking for advice on: My vet wants me to put her steroids, and I'm just not so sure about that. She has bad joints (hips and back also), I just don't see how making her feel like she could jump the moon can really help her much. Have any of you guys had an older horse and used steroids with them? How did they act, and do you guys think it's necessary?
Here is the link to my journal with a picture I took of Ginger just last week, she looks so bad :(
http://kusanar.livejournal.com/19664.html