Re: Horsey question

Ilovehorses — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:04:25 GMT

I'd second bloods to check for liver function. It may also be that at her age she isn't metabolising the food as well so although she's eating alot it's not being absorbed aswell. I'd advise giving the feed helplines a call, allen+page and dengie are especially helpful i've found. Feed wise you obviously need to be careful but i've found allen+page fast fibre or veteran vitality good at putting weight on (just chk veteran vitality is ok for laminitics) and they can eat it easily as more like a slop. Check teeth too. Good luck and well done for getting her to that age. My friend and i got her arab x to 37!! xxxxx

Re: Horsey question

Nicola Smith — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:46:33 GMT

Hi, have you done a good all round wormer to include tape's as well? Is it definitely weight she is losing or is it her topline? Many older horses it seems to 'drop' whe they arent getting the exercise. I would definitely check on the worming and ask for a blood profile as liver problems quite common in older ponies. In terms of altering her food with the cushings/laminitis issues I would add in Speedibeet - an umolassed sugarbeet suitable for laminitics. As with any new food do slowly incase it does upset her. Also worth getting her teeth checked as some can have problems without showing signs but they should check this anyway if doing a health check