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,…
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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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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
Supplements and Feeds for Senior Horses
I run barrels and ride a 14yr. old mare, she will be 15 next month. Should I put her on any certain supplements or a senior feed? All she gets now is a 12-4 pellet feed. She is doing ok…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Nutrition
Hard Keepers: Filling out in the Hip
My 8-year-old Quarter Horse is on high-quality grain and a regular deworming program, but he’s just not filling out in the hip area. He’s at a good weight otherwise, possibly even a bit overweight. He’s started regular training and is…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Ulcers and The Hard Keeper
I have a 15-year-old gelding that I acquired last year. When I first brought him home he was very underweight. I have been giving him grain and senior feed along with his hay to get his weight up but nothing…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Optimal Cosequin Maintenance Doses
My 23 year old gelding has been on Cosequin for approximately 10 years for documented pastern arthritis. He has also been diagnosed with “Cushings” for which he receives Pergolide. I have 2 questions regarding Cosequin: First, is there evidence that…
Fat Supplements with Grain (from AAEP Ask A Vet)
We are currently feeding Safe and Easy pellets at our barn and everyone is torn as to which fat supplement is best fed along with their grain. Would Ultimate Finish 40 vs Ultimate Finish 100 be better for the horses…
Posted in Nutrition, Weight Management
Ask the Vet: Too Cold to Ride?
“It has been 20 degrees F or colder here for weeks. Is it safe to work my horse in these temperatures, or is it bad for his lungs? Should I scale back or stop riding completely?” – Submitted via HorseChannel.com…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Seasonal Horse Care
Ask the Vet: Is Bran Mash Good for Horses?
Can I overdo bran mashes? I’ve been giving more with the long spell of subfreezing weather. SH, Tennessee Dear SH, Unfortunately yes. As much as we love to prepare a warm, tasty bran mash with our horse’s favorite ingredients, this…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Nutrition
Barn Air Quality: Coping with extreme cold
“My friend told me that it’s better to keep the windows open in the barn so fresh air circulates, even in the winter. Is that still true in the middle of a polar vortex? I hate to leave the barn…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Barn Skills
Supplements for Hind Luxation
Hi there, I was wondering what supplement would be best for a Thoroughbred gelding that has luxation of his hind left stifle. And if a joint supplement alone will help his stifle locking issue. JS Dear JS, I’m going to…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Lameness
Blanketing Your Horse
I’m not sure when a horse needs a blanket and when they don’t. I have a 6 year old quarter horse mare, she is overweight and has plenty of fat! I have not put a blanket on her before. It…
Posted in Seasonal Horse Care
Ask the Vet: Insulin Resistance, Cushing’s Disease, & Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Understanding each condition, and the relationships between them My friends and I have a small wager resting on your answer to: Can Insulin Resistance be present in both Cushing’s Disease AND Equine Metabolic Syndrome? Also any advice you can share…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Understanding Horse Behavior Changes
I’ve seen a change in my horse’s attitude since starting him on supplements and I wanted your take on it. Could a joint, digestive, hoof, or coat supplement make him difficult to handle or feisty? He’s never acted this way…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Demystifying feed through daily dewormers
Would it be overdosing my horses if I gave them a daily dose of dewormer “Strongid C” every morning with their feed, and still do a rotation de-worming paste every other month? – JN, Indiana Dear JN, Yes. Your New…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Basic Health Care
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