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…
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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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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
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…
