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To: HairOfTheDog
Well that's why I want my vet instead of the "house" to look at him. All the horses were losing weight awhile back, not just mine. The owner switched to pellets only. Now they are all gaining big time. I was reading about some of the problems that can occur with being too heavy last night. He was also put on a suppliment for the loss and his hoofs. This is all new to me so until I get more experience I want to bring my own vet in who I trust and doesn't have a vested interest. That's why I was sounding this off of yall. I knew you guys would pick up on things I need to look at and consider. I really like this thread, Hair:')
989 posted on 05/12/2004 7:20:01 AM PDT by CindyDawg
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To: CindyDawg
Definately more problems that can develop from being too heavy than a little on the light side.

Most immediately, they can founder. They don't even have to be overweight to founder, it can happen real fast (in hours) from too much protein too fast. Here, founder happens on too much spring grass. Sounds like you won't have that fear, but the opposite fear of not enough power in his feed. You can keep an eye on that and I bet he'll find the feed he needs. They can adjust his amount of grain and free-feeding grass hay will keep him feeling satisfied if they feed enough.

The other slow-to-develop problem from remaining even a little overweight is they will develop a cresty neck, and that excess fat in the crest of his neck is hard to get rid of if allowed to develop. Stallions have that wonderful cresty neck. Good for them, not good in anyone else!

When is the vet coming out? It'll be good for him to look. He can look at the state of the pasture and the horse and really make an informed judgment.
991 posted on 05/12/2004 7:34:44 AM PDT by HairOfTheDog (I am HairOfTheDog and I approved this message.)
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