TEXAS VET NEWS By Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and the Texas Farm Bureau Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network

Last program I talked about how important it is to have your vet out twice yearly not just to vaccinate your horse but to do a complete exam.  This exam will include a check of all body systems as well as a nutritional consultation.  Your vet is the expert concerning your horse’s condition and older horses especially can develop lots of problems that may require dietary changes.  The first thing is for your vet to check a blood count and blood chemistry on your horse at least once yearly.  Older horses can develop liver and kidney disease and this can have an affect on feeding recommendations.  Dr. David Pugh, a board certified nutritionist, indicates usually that older horses need slightly higher protein feeds than younger horses because digestibility of protein is less compared to younger horses.  Some older horses that are losing weight and muscle may benefit from feeding some alfalfa, but it is important to check the blood to make sure there is no kidney or liver damage before increasing the protein level.  Vegetable oil can be added to the diet to add weight on these older horses that are too thin if their liver is functioning normally, so again it is important to have your vet check your horse’s blood before changing the diet. 

Also, vitamin C has been shown to be decreased in older horses and supplementing vitamins C and E has been suggested in older horses to help with the immune system function.  Regardless of age, all horses should never receive more than 5 pounds of grain or concentrate per meal for a 1000 lb horse.  Many older horses will do well with just good grass hay and a good vitamin mineral supplement, while others have special needs depending on their body condition.     

Date Published: 12/29/2008 10:31:00 AM