In the winter I usually pull the shoes off my horse and then come spring I put fronts on and then move back to shoes all the way around when summer approaches. I’ve heard this can be a bad thing.…
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Healthy Horses, Happy Riders
Blog Archives
This is a space where all of us horse addicts can get together to discuss some serious topics related to horse health. I will be posting two to three answers a week to the questions you have about your horse’s health related issues. Keep in mind these are only my opinions and they are for informational purposes only. Please consult your veterinarian before treating your horse or pony for any ailment.In addition to answering questions from you I will be sharing some of the many articles that I have written. Also, I will try to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the world of equine health and nutrition.
We also welcome any health questions you may have about your canine companion!
- Dr. Lydia Gray
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Supplementing Chronic Conditions in the Senior Horse
What supplements are prudent–and not overzealous nor likely to interact adversely–for a 20-yr old, still showing (dressage), gelding with these four chronic conditions: Equine Cushings (endogenous ACTH=75, starting peroglide this month, no textbook symptoms, new diagnosis) Hock arthritis (IA injections,…
Getting to the Root of Laminitis
I have a 22 year old quarter horse that recently experienced his first bout of laminitis. What are some key diet points to consider as he recovers from this episode and prevent relapses? – via horsechannel.com First of all, I’m…
Posted in Ask the Vet
How much Omega 3 fatty acid is too much?
You brought up the benefit of omega 3′s…If it is already in their feed, is it necessary to also have it in your fat supplement? How much is beneficial? There are studies that claim it can negatively affect their immune…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Skin, Coat & Hooves
Parasite Control at Boarding Stables
I have been at my boarding barn for almost three years. Other horses rotate in and out for various reasons. I would like to try switching from the rotational deworming routine to the fecal count method. But can I when…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Joint Supplements as Preventative Maintenance
I have 3 young horses (3 yo Irish Sport, 5 yo TB and 7 yo Appendix) that I use for hunter / jumper showing. Although there are no indications of joint problems now, I am concerned about the long term…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Lameness
Testing for Tapeworms
I’ve been told that fecal testing will not indicate if my horse is infested with tapeworms. So how can I find out if he has them? And if he does, how do I treat them? – From HorseChannel.com You have…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Dealing with Colic Pains
My horse is experiencing colic pains almost every 6 months. Our vet is supplementing him with enzymes but says that this is not something to be used forever. Can you recommend something which we can use as a supplement to…
Posted in Ask the Vet, G.I. Conditions
Benefits and risks of working my horse on hills
My Quarter Horse mare has done most of her training in arenas and flat areas. I’ve heard that hill work can be helpful for improving a horse’s condition, but I don’t want to cause an injury. Is it safe to…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Mixing Succeed with Other Pre/Probiotics
I have my horse on Succeed and Grand Complete Ultra and it states that it is recommended when using Succeed that the horse not be on any other pre/probiotics which are also in Grand Complete Ultra. Is this harmful and…
Posted in Ask the Vet, G.I. Conditions
Turnout Time vs. Exercise
My horse lives in a big pasture and runs around a lot with his friends in the winter. Does that mean he’s getting plenty of exercise, or should his spring conditioning routine still start as if he’s had no exercise…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Exercising the Easy Keeper
I have a 15-year-old mare who is a very easy keeper. I manage her diet pretty carefully, but I’m wondering how much of a role exercise can play in managing her weight. I usually ride four days a week for…
Feeding the Easy Keeper
My horse is a very easy keeper. He lives outdoors 24/7 and doesn’t get any grain. He wears a grazing muzzle in the spring and summer which seems to keep him from getting too fat, but is he getting all…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Nutrition
Diet Considerations for Horses with Cushing’s
I have a 22-yr-old Morgan gelding with Cushing’s, being well managed with daily Pergolide. Slightly arthritic hips. He gets 1/2 and 1/2 Equine Senior and Buckeye Senior with Buckeye Ultimate Finish added, in a mash with H2O and corn oil,…
Combining Supplements for Weekly Storage
I have a few horses that get a variety of supplements and I like to premeasure and put them into containers so that the barn manager doesn’t have to weight them out each time (and they are supplements not available…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Misc. Topics
