Herbs with a “bitter” action, such as burdock, dandelion root, barberry, and globe artichoke can gently and safely increase the production of digestive enzymes while providing other health benefits. What can I give my horse for gut health? 10 foods that support digestion in horses Beet pulp. Easily digestible and Read more…
Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) typically occurs in older horses that have been vitamin E deficient for >18 months. EMND affects lower motor neurons, interfering with neurological input into muscles. Affected horses display muscle atrophy, weakness, and weight loss. How is motor neuron disease diagnosed in horses? A muscle biopsy Read more…
The staff at Kentucky Equine Research indicates that clinical signs noted with a high potassium level include muscle weakness, trembling, depression, lethargy and a change in the heart rhythm, specifically a very slow heart rate. Can horses have too much potassium? However, when potassium concentration in the bloodstream gets too Read more…
Vitamin K is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, meaning it can be stored up in the body. The main function of this vitamin is for blood clotting to occur, which we all know is critical to our accident-prone horses! Why is vitamin K important in horses? Vitamin K not only Read more…
Fibre sources such as hay, haylage and grass are vital for a healthy digestive system and should always form the majority of the diet. Fibre also provides the horse with excellent levels of slow release energy and a good source of calories and heat as it is fermented in the Read more…
Vitamin A can be toxic because excesses will accumulate in the liver. Toxicity includes bone fragility; developmental orthopedic disease in growing horses; areas of abnormal bone growth; itching, peeling skin and birth defects. Symptoms of bone disease include swelling, pain and fractures. Can a horse overdose on vitamin A? Vitamin Read more…
Horses with malabsorption due to a disease process or after small-bowel resection must be fed a diet that optimizes digestion of feeds in the large intestine. The diet should provide easily absorbed protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water-soluble vitamins and maintain mineral balance. What is the best treatment for malabsorption? To Read more…
Generally speaking the best thing to promote good gut health for horses is a high fibre, low starch diet. You could also add yeast which has been shown to improve fibre digestion and/or prebiotics which are substances that aid the microbial population living in the gut. How do I know Read more…
They need fiber. Fiber keeps things moving in the digestive tract. Horses that are lacking in fiber may eat dirt, chew on rails, or strip bark from trees. Ensure that your horse is getting enough roughage in his diet to keep things moving along and prevent colic. What does it Read more…
Diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and protein loss are common signs of intestinal disorders in horses. These signs can be caused by many different disorders, including infectious diseases, parasites, inflammation, tumors, reactions to poisons or drugs, stress, changes in diet, and certain types of colic. What are the common digestive Read more…