This morning Kristy (via linked in) asked me about how to help her 15 year old quarter horse rescue with supplements.
The problem.
He was so thin and so stiff when he moved.
I’d wager his digestive system became less efficient from previous damage by drugs, stress, incorrect feeding, infection, parasitic burden…
As horses age they will ultimately suffer from:
- reduction in mobility (whether as a result of previous injuries),
- poor conformation,
- hoof problems,
- degeneration of the joints like arthritis,
- inflammatory changes,
- rheumatism,
- reduced circulations,
- muscle wastage,
- general stiffness or just wear and tear.
Age affects different horses differently
Some types are more susceptible to certain issues than others.
For example;
Senior Draft Horses – Arthritis is a condition automatically associated with horses. It is one of the most common and destructive of equine diseases.
This is most common in Drafts based on their massive size and typical life experiences.
Senior Miniature Horses– Cushings is missed in minis because of their hairy coat camouflage.
Instead of a fat belly it could be weakened abdominal muscles due to Cushings.
Senior Pony– Even though ponies suffer from Cushings, they seem to be more susceptible to infections like delayed healing and chronic fungal, bacterial or parasite infections. Help defend them.
Senior Horse – As they age they’re more susceptible to obesity, insulin resistance, Cushing’s, colitis and laminitis.
At this age, it could be a matter of a metabolic or enymatic driver that’s creating this for your horse. You have options.
You can use herbs to help reduce the discomfort, address the cause of the problem, and then try to prevent any further deterioration.
Left to it’s own devices nature would
cleanse, restore and nourish the body
It’s called nature’s process.
This 3 step process involves a special combination of
different herbs that would help her old horse.
Here’s a small list of how some of the right combination
of herbs, vitamins and minerals can help:
- reducing pain and inflammation,
- cleanse blood toxins,
- assist in the excretion of inflammatory waste products,
- stimulate circulation and
- support joint flexion
- stimulate the appetite,
- increase gastric juices and aid digestion
dosage suggestions, and a example.
Adding and keeping weight along with joint issues
are only a small part of the aging horses potential problems
There’s dental care…
5 Things You Need to Know: Senior Horse Dental Care | Video … http://www.thehorse.comTue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT Dr. Dominic Dawson explains common old horse dental issues and makes recommendations for care.
There are feed questions…
How Much Do I Feed My Senior Horse? | The Feed Room http://www.horsefeedblog.comTue, 02 Apr 2013 15:41:40 GMT Most of us have that one special senior horse – maybe he’s been with us for a long time, or maybe you’ve rescued him in his old age from a bad situation. Whatever the case, most people have had some experience with the …
There’s overall changes…
Here’s a downloadable PDF that does a wonderful job explaining;
7 senior horse facts that affect your old friend. | It’s a special report by Erica Larson
You can find my complete answer to Kristy’s question and the details here.
If you have any question, just give me a shout.
Mary
