Possible consequences of this grain overload are diarrhea, colic, colitis, endotoxemia, metabolic acidosis and laminitis (founder). Why does my horse suddenly have diarrhea? Diarrhea may represent a simple digestive ‘upset’, e.g., following a sudden change in diet, when it causes no other significant illness. When caused by infection, intestinal parasitism Read more…
Researchers believe that a toxin in black walnut shavings is absorbed through the coronary band and skin, causing alterations in normal blood flow to the hoof and leading to typical signs of laminitis, including pounding digital pulse, unwillingness to move, extreme lameness, depression, limb edema, and increased heart Is black Read more…
Although straw has very little buffering capability itself, it is still beneficial for gastric health in the sense that it increases chew time and therefore greater saliva production. This is important as saliva contains bicarbonate which helps to buffer acidity in the horse’s digestive tract. Why is straw bedding good Read more…
One way to keep your stalls dry and clean is to use a quality barn lime – also known as agriculture lime, ag lime, or dairy lime. Barn lime can help you cover the smell of ammonia and other odors in your livestock barn and stalls. What does lime do Read more…
Is hay an option? Hay can be used as bedding material for your animals. While straw is the more traditional bedding choice, hay works just as well for absorbency and animal comfort. Can you use hay for bedding? They look similar, but while straw makes excellent bedding for outdoor cat Read more…
Diagnosis of Horse Ulcers. Veterinarians can provide an official diagnosis of a gastric ulcer through a gastric endoscopy or gastroscopy. In some cases, a vet may determine that an ulcer treatment plan is the best option without doing an endoscopy based on the horse’s symptoms and behavior. How does a Read more…
Gravel provides solid footing and excellent drainage, although your horse will be uncomfortable standing on screened gravel larger than 5/8-inch. While an expensive option, gravel footing can be limited to high traffic areas if budget is a concern. Can horses be on gravel? Gravel. Many kinds of fine gravel are Read more…
Adding an inch or more of simple wood chips or pine shavings can be a great way to reduce stall and barn mud. Adding up to a foot in paddocks and around troughs can also be beneficial. Just remember, that wood decomposes quickly in the spring and winter weather, so Read more…
Using lightweight rugs, like sweet-itch and fly rugs, can help keep horses clean and comfortable. Becky talks about how their summer range of anti-itch products form a thin barrier against both dirt and stable muck, as well as from bugs and fly bites. How often should you clean a horse’s Read more…
Get more exercise: Some horses simply have a lot of pent-up energy. This can cause anxiety and stall vices like weaving or walking. More exercise, especially longer training sessions to build stamina, can burn off excess energy. Longer turnout with pasture friends can also help your horse feel less tense. Read more…