IR or hypothyroid

[vie]

I have seen articles and postings on IR versus Cushings and I am needing more info on IR and also hypothyroid-ism. SOmeone suggested that my mare might have a hypothyroid condition.
She is on a tightly grazed pasture 24/7 with other horses, steep terrain- just moved there and I exercise her for about 45 minutes 3 times per week- not intense but active. A very small literal handful of grain in a.m. Prior to this location she was in a stall for 12 hours and on pasture for 12 hours, same exercise level. She is a bit cresty, has some fat around withers and on butt. I got her weight down from a spring pudginess. She now probably rates a 7 on that fat scale.
I can't keep a grazing muzzle on her.
I have read that the tightly grazed-drought pasture might actually be higher in sugars than a lush field per inch. Do I put her on a dry paddock or in a stall again for part of the day?
She seems healthy, looks great, feet are sound. I worry about her weight.
Should I?
Are there some good sources of info on comparing IR and hypothyroid/

[Pinto Paso]

We have had some great discussions here recently
.
http://www.americanpasofinos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13919

I think the biggest thing is to get your horse tested
Sherry (abejita) on the board here is a great resource about IR in Paso Finos.. you might want to PM her or hopefully she will chime in here

[Linda Y]

If you are not already a member, you should also join the Yahoo group, EquineCushings. They have all the info you could ask for, including the proper diet for both Cushings and IR horses.
I have one of each, and it is a real problem and constant worry.
Here is the link to the group...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/messages/?expand=1

[Abejita]

Welcome from the crazy woman that I SWEAR people are starting to whisper about ( Run..here comes Sheri..she is gonna tell you your horse is IR!!) hehehe
Seriously..Do waht Linda said JOIN that group.You will join then get all sorts of files sent to you with info..will take you at least a week to read it ..a year to START understanding it..(not that bad) and then you can start asking questions LOL
One thing that is mentioned at the group and by many vets is that it is pretty rare to really have a hypothyroid horse ..yes it happens but rare.Most of them are actually IR.
have read that the tightly grazed-drought pasture might actually be higher in sugars than a lush field per inch. Do I put her on a dry paddock or in a stall again for part of the day?

www.safergrass.org LOTS of good info there
If you can dry lot her that would be your best bet. You could still turn her out for an hour or two a day probably, mornings are best this time of year .Right now mine (I am in southern PA) are turned out on drylot at night and ,depending on the horse, go out on grass for 1-2 hours either everyday or just 3 times a week.I am watching close as yes, stressed grass ( overgrazed, drought stricken) is higher in the sugars and starches that can cause the problems.

Cut out the grain..She dont need ANY- if she only gets it because others in her field get fed (group situation) ..are you watching to see that she isnt taking everyone elses handful?If you are giving it to her because it makes YOU feel good..STOP..If you do it to keep her used to coming in to be checked every morning, substitute a low NSC feed ( you will get a lit of them in your files from the Yahoo group)

I worry about her weight.
Should I?
Yes.Just like humans, excess weight can cause health problems.FAtty tumors called lypomas are a big cause of colic..they cause a blockage or sometimes wrap around a section of intestine cutting it off..Fatty tissue can cause hormone problems..excess weight can irritate joints irritating arthritis..It can also lead to IR .Just think of humans who are overweight developing diabietes.

Your mare at this point might JUST be fat..but if you let her stay that way ..she might get a lot worse.Trust me I found out the hard way with an 8 yr old gelding....I have some older horses here ,one 19 yr old mare who is IR (her Insulin was 100 Normal is 9-30 I think) She too has never foundered..but the older she gets I am taking no chances.I have her weight down, but she still has a crest..She has very thin mane because of it ( I actually accidentially pulled a giant humk of it out when mounting her the other week OUCH)

Dont think of drylotting her or denying her grain as cruel either.It would be even crueler to let her founder and deal with that .If you can prevent it its a lot easier than treating founder

[vie]

Thanks so much for laying out the facts and for the source suggestions. I will look in to all that. The idea of flirting with Cushings or IR (Diabetes) scares the beejeebzes out of me. A friends' dog died of Cushings recently and another friends horse was diagnosed with it.
The different threads going on here on the subject of horse and human obesity has been very interesting and some of this info is filling in gaps, or maybe I should say- connecting dots for me regarding the hows and whys of weight gain in people or horses. I have found I respond very well to low carbohydrate, low glycemic diets. It is just how I am made. Stick with diets like that and cravings go away and weight comes off more easily (as easy as can be at my height and age).
So the upper intenstine/lower intenstine absorbtion issues relate to this, the protein vs sugar, plus type of sugars all relates to this...its all very interesting...
From what little I read about hypothyroid issues from Goggling it didn't sound like that was her issue. Symptoms didn't fit. But VERY likely she might be IR or close to it.

[Pinto Paso]

oh Sheri - we're not whispering dear LOL... we say it out loud!!!!

Hope you feel better about Solly soon - you did a great thing and hopefully he will help solve IR problems for many many horses..

Stef

[Laura S]

I can't help any with Cushings, IR or hypothyroidism, but I just wanted to say Welcome to the forum!!