Re: [IceHorses] Re: Icelandic Horse History / Low Blood Protein -> oops!
what about temperature being one degree higher? I have heard that. And when I purchased Nasi I paid for independent vet check and it kept coming back he had a slight elevation in temp and the breeder paid to have him put on some huge dose antiobiotic just in case, no runny nose, no symptoms, the independent vet kept finding temp off. Finally the breeder said she had 250 bucks in it and she wasn't doing anymore. I could postpone the trip or not it was up to me, in fact she suggested I postpone. Her vet kept saying temp was normal, all was normal, but in a purchase situation you should not trust the sellers vet right? Then I began to figure out maybe the independent vet was soaking us for money. When you get an independent vet check when purchasing an animal a long way off, who can you call for a referral? You can't trust a referral from the breeder (well I am sure you can in most cases but you really shouldn't) so what are you supposed to do? Who should you call for independent vet refferals in these cases? I finally just said heck, I trust the breeder, trust her vet who was an endurance rider of arabians so knew horses. Talked to her on the phone, felt good about her. I didnt know what to do, but I had my heart set on him, had plans to drive to texas all made, and I just did it. And it was ok. But I guess I will never know if his temp was high. His temp has never been high here by one degree... Also, is their temp high when they have a winter coat and it is unusually warm that day? I dont check temps just to be checking... janice-- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Icelandic Horse History / Low Blood Protein -> oops!
> Back to the subject though: if anyone finds any true medical differences in > the breed, I'd like to hear about them, but for now, I just assume my > Icelandic's are generic horses from a medical point of view. > The only difference I've had first hand experience with is anesthesia and in both cases (notice - only two - definitely not definitive) is that it took less anaesthesia for my Icelandics than it did for a similar size horse. I think that has something to do with their metabolism being more similar to the draft horses.-- Laree
RE: [IceHorses] Re: Icelandic Horse History / Low Blood Protein -> oops!
I guess what I remembered having heard (from the vet at Virginia Tech who did the blood testing on my previous horse, many years ago) was wrong. That notion had seemed to nicely explain her results, so I did not then search for supportive studies. I assume that you didn't find any studies at all? What I can quote from is anecdotal, certainly not a study, but I've seen no real evidence of studies of Icelandic blood tests being done. I have heard MANY rumors of odd levels being the norm, so I know that you weren't the first to say such. I'm not saying there might not be a few oddities somewhere, just that I can't see where they are. Not only have I heard some say that we need special trainers for Icelandics, but I've heard some people say we need to find vets with "Icelandic experience" and at least you didn't go that far! That's always struck me as odd - after all, I've never heard anyone say I need to find a small animal vet with "Boston Terrier experience" or "Heinz 57 varieties experience"!I don't know where some of these rumors get started, but once they do, they sure seem to take hold. I guess this is another occasion for me to say what I've found to be a good rule of thumb: Icelandic's are horses first - on management, training, nutrition, healthcare, whatever...Sure, they are a different breed, and I'd even go so far as saying they generally are a more unique breed than most, but I think it's safe to assume that whatever is good for horses is good for Icelandic's...then just keep your eyes open for individual differences. As an example, while I think that GENERALLY, Icelandic's are more stoic than other breeds, I've met a few Icelandic's that are not so stoic. And of course, there are also stoic individuals in other breeds too, so a good, sensitive owner or trainer should always be on the lookout for individual characteristics to rule over breed generalities anyway. Back to the subject though: if anyone finds any true medical differences in the breed, I'd like to hear about them, but for now, I just assume my Icelandic's are generic horses from a medical point of view. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.20/737 - Release Date: 3/28/2007 4:23 PM
[IceHorses] Re: Icelandic Horse History / Low Blood Protein -> oops!
Karen Thomas responded to: What is low blood protein? ...how does it relate to Icelandic Horses? -Judy >>> I suspect others can answer this more professionally, but my understanding >>> is that the usual level of protein in Iceys' blood would be considered... I will be interested to learn more about this, if anyone knows... -Barbara >> Maybe you could relay the info to us. -Janice > Janice, I'm pretty sure that's myth, that various Icelandic blood levels are different from other breed horses. I haven't had that many blood samples pulled on my horses, but nothing odd has shown up when I have. No one I've talked to about specific tests can tell me anything specific that's different and I know some examples of horses who have had regular testing, both when a little sickly and when healthy. I think it's just another rumor about the breed. If I'm wrong, I'd like to see something specific to back it up.-Karen --- Dear Karen, Judy, and Janice, Thanks for pursuing the subject and especially for the very useful information, Karen. It sure seems like your testing, and that of the folks you have talked to, sets the record straight! I guess what I remembered having heard (from the vet at Virginia Tech who did the blood testing on my previous horse, many years ago) was wrong. That notion had seemed to nicely explain her results, so I did not then search for supportive studies. Unfortunately. But now, a scan on the Internet turn up nothing to substantiate it. As you suggest, Iceys having low blood protein is evidently a rumor that is erroneous. And I greatly apologize for spreading it! [Too bad that message got re-posted 8 times.] Thanks so much for setting the record straight! This certainly illustrates the value of this Yahoo list! apologetically yours, Barbara
