Medical (Weight Issues, EMS, Hives, PPID, Insulin Resistance etc.)

When testing for PPID (Cushings) during the seasonal rise (end of June through end of November) be sure the lab your vet uses factors in the seasonal rise when interpreting results.

Tips and tricks to help keep your horses hindquarters and tail clean while managing Free Fecal Water.

Does your horse struggle with Free Fecal Water?  Use this flow chart to help navigate through treatment options.

Six products that can benefit your ulcer prone horse.

Sometimes knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.  Here are some safe and not so safe weight loss strategies for your horse. 

10 Facts about ulcers all horse owners should know.

A disorder that causes muscle cramping caused by abnormal glycogen (sugar)storage in the muscles. There are three different acronyms commonly used for this disorder; EPSM, PSSM and EPSSM.

When we first think of digestive problems in our horses, we typically think of colic or ulcers, but did you know that it has also been linked to behavior, allergies and even insulin resistance?

Many of you may recognize this handsome face. He is the horse on the Vermont Blend label. His name is Chances Solid Gold, "Chance", and in 2004 he led me to the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group, (ECIR).

Case Study: Under-weight, senior horse who is a picky eater, has lyme disease and unable to digest long stem forage.

I was offered the opportunity to have my hay tested through Alltech's 37+ Mycotoxin Analysis. This is the most broad spectrum test available and being the nutrition nerd that I am, jumped at this opportunity.

Find out what the Golden Rules of Nutrition are for Ulcer Prone Horses.

The first stop on the road to maintaining (or gaining) weight is forage.

Saliva is your horses natural stomach acid buffer. They only product saliva while chewing. Keep them chewing as much as possible with free choice hay, use of slow feed nets or time on pasture.

Hives can be hard to treat once they start.  Find out experts thoughts on allergy testing and nutritional support here!

Diet or Exercise: Which is better for your overweight metabolic horse?

Certain horses do best on low sugar (ESC) & starch grains / concentrates, such as those with metabolic concerns, ulcers, PSSM etc.  Horses with metabolic conditions should strive for feeds with combined sugar and starch under 10%.  For these horses, owners turn to feed companies to help provide them with safe options.  Almost every grain company offers a low sugar and starch option.  Some may market them as “Low Carb”, “Low Starch”, or simply “Safe”.  Can owners rely on the information printed on the front of these bags?  The sad answer is No. 

 

The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science just published a review article titled “The Dietary Components and Feeding Management as Options to Offset Digestive Disturbances in Horses”.  I know not everyone enjoys diving head first into a seven page study like I do, so I thought I’d give you the Cliff Note version.

 

Cold weather can trigger hoof pain for horses with metabolic issues. 

 Managing a horse with a metabolic disorder is a lifetime dedication. Like a child having a peanut allergy, it will always be something you need to be cautious of.  There is no such thing as a safe pasture for horses with metabolic disorders.  However, there are strategies to reduce the risk.