I recently saw on social media that there could be a link between magnesium and higher eventing fatalities. Is there any truth to this? I give my horse a supplement that contains magnesium. Is this something I should be concerned…
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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Supplement Shelf-Life
Being in the south, I am concerned about keeping our tub and bag supplements out in the humidity and heat. How much will temperature and humidity affect my supplements and grain “shelf life” and effectiveness? What are the signs to look for in spoilage, if that is possible?
Ask the Vet – Lyme disease in horses, fly sheets, how much can a horse carry, and more! – May 2016
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about how much weight can a horse carry, Lyme disease in horses, the difference between…
Help for a Horse with Lyme Disease
My 21-year-old Thoroughbred suffers from chronic lameness and was recently diagnosed with Lyme’s disease. He completed his month long treatment of doxycycline and appears to be slightly improved. He gets Phenylbutazone daily as well as SmartPak Senior. Is there anything…
Posted in Diseases and Conditions
Ask the Vet – Kissing Spine, Over and Underweight horses, and Hoof Abscesses – April 2016
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about what is “kissing spine,” how to tell if your horse is overweight, tips and…
Ask the Vet – Thrush, Anemia, Ulcers, and more! – March 2016
You asked, we answered! In the second episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about how to prevent thrush in the spring, anemia in horses, what to have…
Coughing During Warm-Up
Lately my gelding has started coughing when I first take him out of his stall and start warming up. He is kept in his stall about 12 hours every day. The barn he stays in is very open and has…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Ask the Vet – Blanketing, Coughing, Arthritis, & More!
You asked, we answered! In the first episode of our new monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about how to blanket a horse correctly, should you ride in a quarter…
Cooling Out Your Horse
I know I’m supposed to cool my horse down completely after every ride. What’s the best way to determine if she’s properly cooled off? – via HorseChannel.com You sound like a knowledgeable and conscientious rider! No doubt you have your…
Posted in Ask the Vet
How Immune Supplements Work
“I’m confused about how immune supplements work. My old horse used to be on one because my vet said his immune system needed more support as he got older, which made sense. But now my friend’s trainer is telling her…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Announcing SmartPak’s Ask the Vet video series
Since 2007, our Staff Veterinarian, Dr. Lydia Gray has been answering your horse health questions in our Ask the Vet blog. She’s tackled all sorts of horse health topics ranging from colic in horses to joint health to…
Dressage for Senior Horse Health
I’ve been doing dressage with my horse for the past four years and we’ve been progressing slowly but steadily up the levels. She is now 19 and while she is generally sound and healthy, I’m starting to notice some symptoms…
Posted in Ask the Vet
How Hot is Too Hot to Ride?
Out here in the Midwest, our summers get seriously hot and humid. I personally don’t mind the heat, but I worry that it’s too much for my horse. He sweats a lot when it gets above 80* and even though…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Vaccinations for “Stay-At-Home” Horses
All of my horses are now retired from competing and I keep them at home where there aren’t other horses coming in and out of the barn. Do I need to continue to vaccinate them on the same schedule they…
Posted in Ask the Vet
