Vitamin A is stored in the horse’s liver, and supplies are usually sufficient to see the horse through winter months when fresh grass is not available. To be sure of providing enough vitamin A, owners can feed a grain product that is fortified with this nutrient and designed for the Read more…
So, to get rid of a charley horse or prevent one in the future, consider adding essential electrolytes. Potassium: A lack of potassium can interfere with the muscles’ ability to use glycogen, a sugar that is the muscles’ main source of energy. Does potassium help with leg cramps? Potassium is Read more…
Treatment. One treatment option is administering intravenous (IV) calcium borogluconate (23%) in a 5-liter bag of isotonic fluids. This calcium-containing fluid will not reduce plasma potassium concentrations, but it can help protect the heart muscle from their negative effects. How do you treat high potassium in horses? Treating increased potassium Read more…
Abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood causes muscles to contract more than they should, resulting in cramping and irregular heartbeat. What causes high potassium levels in horses? Elevated potassium can be caused by horses consuming lush grass that is high potassium. The resulting condition, termed “Hyperkalemia” is very Read more…
Horses of all ages and workloads need sufficient amino acids in their diet to support protein synthesis in all cells of their body. There are 21 amino acids that are used to make proteins. Of these, 10 are considered essential because they can not be made in the body and Read more…
Minerals and trace elements are an integral part of a racehorse’s diet. In particular, sodium chloride, calcium and magnesium are essential for the racehorse to improve its resistance to fatigue and reduce joint pain. Antioxidants and vitamins C and E are also essential in the racehorse’s diet. What nutrients do Read more…
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) describes a group of intestinal diseases in horses that result from the abnormal accumulation of leukocytes in the intestinal wall. The cause of these diseases is not fully understood, however they are thought to be due to an abnormal immune response to antigenic stimulus. What is Read more…
Acute colitis is a common cause of rapid debilitation and death in horses. More than 90% of untreated horses with this condition die or are euthanized, but horses that are treated appropriately usually respond and gradually recover over a 7- to 14-day period. What triggers colitis in horses? Frustratingly, the Read more…
The horse has the smallest stomach in relation to body size of all domestic animals. Due to the small capacity, smaller, frequent meals are recommended. The stomach’s main functions include mixing, storage and controlled release of feed into the small intestine; and secretion of pepsin to begin protein digestion. What Read more…
Fast Fibre is a low calorie/energy feed, ideal for the good doer or those who tend to be excitable even on low energy feeds. It is high in fibre and low in starch and sugar, making it suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. What does fiber do in Read more…