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Author Topic:   Severe weight loss in 7 yr old Paint gelding
ambrown
unregistered
posted 02-09-2003 05:36 PM           Edit/Delete Message
My paint gelding has been losing alot of weight in the last 2-3 months. I have an 8 year old Appaloosa gelding who has had all of the same shots, eats the same feed, etc. but looks healthy. I've never had any problems with my Paint since I've owned him (4 years). We moved in July to northern Minnesota, and switched our horses from a grass/alfalfa mix hay to timothy hay, due to alfalfa not being grown much in the northern area. They are both fed grain with biotin on a daily basis and have plenty of water. He seems to eat normally, but lately I have noticed him picking up and favoring his one back foot. If I try to touch it, he kicks out. Don't know if that has anything to do with his weight loss. His backbone and rear quarters hip bones are really starting to show through his winter fur. Please help if you have any knowlege!

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Pauline
Member

Posts: 134
From: NC -USA
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 02-18-2003 12:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Pauline     Edit/Delete Message
I would try feeding him a little more hay, a little more grain. Does he drop a lot of food at his bucket.....teeth floated, wolf teeth present? And I would continue worming him every 6-8 weeks. I would also suggest you NOT allow him to kick out when grabbing a foot. They have to give you that foot, to clean and to inspect, sore or not, with no kicking! My horses were trained, very easily can be done, by standing aside the leg you want, your left side to his leg, and saying "up". I used to just take a few steps and my horse would have it ready and waiting! My farrior loved it! If you are feeling the leg is sore, try lungeing him. Or have someone ride him, see if he favors that leg, goes down on it, or a hip or chest movement isn't right. Then have a vet check/possible x-ray of that foot. I doubt the actual foot is causing this massive weight loss though, alone and of itself. Try giving some "bute", horse aspirin to ease the pain, of course on a full stomach though. Chances are he's not used to colder weather. Is he indoors?? Does he have a lean-to, 3-way shelter if outdoors? Just a few thoughts to help.....God bless.

[This message has been edited by Pauline (edited 02-18-2003).]

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Maisey
Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-18-2003 02:23 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
I would have him checked by a vet first..but a few ideas for gaining weight that I have found to be goodies... corn oil in his grain, beet pulp, a probiotic, there are several out there, they will help him gain more nutrition from the food he gets. There are other benefits to a probiotic as well, read up on it and see what you think. Smiles and good luck with your guy.

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