This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/4/99 7:42:17 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< I noticed a list member from NM (was is Gail?) mentioned that one of her horses had recently had sand colic. We are having one of the muddiest falls that I can remember and the Fjords are determined to find any blade of grass available and in the process, I assume, eating dirt. How much of a problem can this be?? They get breakfast, lunch and dinner in the barn in nice clean feeders so it is not because they are hungry! :) I have noticed the fiber type supplements in the feed store, does anyone use this as a preventitive?? >> Jane, it was my mare that had had sand colic. Katrina's problem is that there seems to be something in the clay under the sand that she likes, she scrapes back the sand and licks the clay, picking up the sand. My vet says Katrina doesn't have vitamin or mineral deficiency rather that it is stable vice. I bought Katrina 21/2 years ago, she and her sister was in a small yard with 300 chickens. they had been there for 3 years. I know they hadn't been out in that time because neither mare knew how to lead. I wonder if this vice had developed then, seems likely. With me she gets lots of work, driving, riding, shows, parades, fun drives with the local carriage club and just plain hanging out. I am 52 years old and haven't ever had as much fun as I have since Katrina came into my life. I am getting off the subject. I give Katrina psyllium every month for 7 days. I have had great difficulty finding one that she will eat. I have probably tried every one made in the US. Currently I am using one from Valley Vet Supply it is a powder and has no added flavoring. This seems to be working. But we needed to get Katrina off the sand. The previous owners had trucked in tons and tons of sand, we don't usually have it here in the mountains like they do in Albuquerque. Our house in up for sale and the horses are on pasture in Mora 150 miles from here. We will join the horses when the house is sold and a well, septic system, electricity and a house are in place. As I understand while ingesting dirt can be a problem, it is not as heavy as sand which can sit in the bottom of the stomach, it flushes out of the system easier. Brian you can best answer this. While your at it could you tell us the correct way to give psyllium and it's action, also what is done for a horse that won't take the psyllium. Thanks in advance. Sue Clark-Sorger Crown Oak Fjords Sandia Park (soon to be Mora) NM
