I have two new horses this winter on 24/7 turnout. One is an athletic build and has the start of a nice fluffy coat. The other is more classic stock horse and if anything is a little on the heavy…
SmartPak Equine
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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Checking Your Horse’s Winter Weight
I have an 18-year-old off-track Thoroughbred who lives on pasture. His weight is normally pretty steady, but as he ages, I worry about him dropping weight. The problem is, he grows a super thick winter coat, and I have trouble…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Protecting my pony from her pushy pasture mates
I keep my 30-year-old pony at a boarding stable where she’s turned out in a fairly large field with four other horses. Most of the time they seem to peacefully coexist, but when push comes to shove, my pony is…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Misc. Topics
Forage For Senior Horses
I know senior feeds contain a forage replacer for horses with difficulty chewing and digesting hay, but it doesn’t seem enough. What other forage options are there for the hard to keep senior horse? – Via Horsechannel.com You are definitely…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Nutrition
“Stacking the Deck” Towards Joint Health
My horse seems to have normal, healthy joints, but I know joint health becomes an issue for many horses as they get older. So my question is, how do I prevent joint degeneration in the first place? – via Horsechannel.com…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Blogs
Joint Injection Options
I’ve had my 10-year-old Quarter horse gelding for almost two years. A few months before I bought him, his previous owner gave him hock injections. He’s still a bit stiff in his back right hock. I don’t want to jump…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Help for a Horse with Sweet Itch
My 8-year-old AQHA gelding has a bad case of sweet itch. When I bought him three years ago, I was told he liked to scratch his stomach, but I eventually figured out that he’s very allergic to the bite of…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Keeping Flies out of My Horse’s Eyes
Is there a safe way to keep flies away from my horse’s eyes? He always manages to take off his fly mask, but it doesn’t seem safe to use fly spray near his eyes. Are there any other options? –…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Supplementing a Horse for Anemia
I recently had my horse’s blood tested due to concern of anemia. He is a 4 yr old WB/TB, gelded just a few months ago. During work he has plenty of energy and is very fit, but he is the…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Diseases and Conditions
Tying Up in Horses (exertional rhabomyolysis)
I have a question regarding the issue of tying up. I’ve decided to put together a SmartPak for my horse, Liam, to aid in his muscle development. He’s very young (5) and we imported him from Ireland about a year…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Diseases and Conditions
Seasonal Shoeing
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.…
Posted in Ask the Vet
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
