Re: taking weight off...
This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] I knew some one give a big warning about straw. However, I have worked with and consulted with many vets and I have never had a problem with good quality straw. Catherine Lassesen YES, I too recall this subject from the past. Straw is listed as a cause of impaction on Wikipedia...though I realize that's not the last word insofar as references go. I think the potential for over ingestion of straw is greater with Fjords because of their voracious appetites. This is the reference Pelvic flexure impaction This is caused by an impaction of food material at a part of the large bowel known as the pelvic flexure of the left colon where the intestine takes a 180 degree turn and narrows. Impaction generally responds well to medical treatment, but more severe cases may not recover without surgery. If left untreated, severe impaction colic can be fatal. The most common cause is when the horse is on box rest and/or consumes LARGE VOLUMES OF STRAW, or the horse has dental disease and is unable to masticate properly. This condition could be diagnosed on rectal examination by a veterinarian. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_colic We never use straw for bedding on this account. Ruthie, nw mt, US The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: taking weight off...
This message is from: jgayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Watch out for that straw!!! I used straw, farmer's grade, to cover a mud path to my riding arena. Both my Trakehener and my then fjord ate till full and both colicked. They impacted. So be careful with straw. Jean Gayle whose Grumpy Gunnar has finally gained back his lost winter weight. Author of: 'The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949 Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press 7403 Blaine Rd Aberdeen, WA 98520 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: taking weight off...
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List, I knew some one give a big warning about straw. However, I have worked with and consulted with many vets and I have never had a problem with good quality straw. I mix it with the hay and I am sure it is good fine quality before I use it for bedding and or feeding. Impaction comes when a poor quality straw is used or ate that was not to be used as feed. Also plenty of water is a MUST in all feeding programs. Reducing calories and increasing exercise is the only way to reduce the fat on a horse. I am concerned with people that allow the gut of a horse to become empty. I have always been told... a horse does not colic as easy when the gut and stomach is full. It is when they are empty that colic and other problems occur. Remember, horses in nature graze 80% of their time. Horses in stalls are fed and eat only 20% of their time Have a great weekend! Catherine Lassesen Hestehaven - The Horse Garden www.hestehaven.com / [EMAIL PROTECTED] Southern Oregon The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: taking weight off...
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Some straw is NOT low calorie! Oat straw, for instance, especially if there are some grain heads left in it. we are feeding at least three times daily, hay for the most part, but my senior fjords get equine senior as well. This is while I have a friend feeding for me, until I am healed up enough from knee replacement. In the winter I was feeding hay five to six time daily. Jean in warm Fairbanks, Alaska, 80 degrees yesterday, and it's light all night, altho the sun does set for a few hours. Dear List, I knew some one give a big warning about straw. However, I have worked with and consulted with many vets and I have never had a problem with good quality straw. I mix it with the hay and I am sure it is good fine quality before I use it for bedding and or feeding. Impaction comes when a poor quality straw is used or ate that was not to be used as feed. Also plenty of water is a MUST in all feeding programs. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
