The Horse

SEP 2017

The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.

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37 September 2017 THE HORSE TheHorse.com abnormalities that preclude proper chew- ing (Ireland et al., 2012). If young or senior horses and ponies experience choke, they might be more likely to suffer other, more serious con- sequences. In a retrospective survey of 109 choke cases admitted to Colorado State University's (CSU) Equine Hospital from April 1992 to February 2009, horses younger than 1 experiencing esophageal obstruction were 4.6 times more likely to develop aspiration pneumonia as a result, where food and saliva enter the trachea and cause infection. Horses older than 15 were 3.1 times more likely to develop aspiration pneumonia after choking (Chiavaccini and Hassel, 2010). Feeding Choke-Prone Horses Because, say CSU researchers, horses with a history of chronic obstruction are nine times more likely to develop com- plications such as aspiration pneumonia and tracheal contamination than unaf- fected horses, preventive feeding prac- tices are very important for maintaining choke-prone horses' health. Most choke cases can be directly related to rapid intake of either grain or hay. The first step in choke prevention? Identify high-risk individuals, such as older horses and those that bolt feed. Next, try implement- ing one or more of the following feeding strategies: ■ Soak feeds that commonly cause prob- lems prior to feeding. You can simply mix beet pulp, large cubes, or pelleted feeds with water immediately before mealtime to prevent rapid consump- tion. Usually, pellets or small cubes will absorb water quickly, within 5 to 10 minutes. Larger cubes and beet pulp need to be soaked for longer periods. ■ Feed hay before grain , or mix chaff or chopped hay in with the horse's grain meal to slow consumption and encour- age adequate chewing. ■ Slow grain consumption by altering the feed bucket. Add potato-sized or larger smooth stones or blocks or even bocce- sized balls into the feed tub, suggest researchers at North Carolina State University. This team observed longer mealtimes when they placed a waffle- type plate at the bottom of the bucket (Kutzner- Mulligan et al., 2013). Researchers have also found that specialized feed tubs made to re- duce consumption speed can extend feed consumption. In a study out of Texas A&M; University, horses offered THEY DESERVE PREMIUM WESTERN FORAGE Of course horses need hay, but not just any hay. Since hay is the fi rst consideration when it comes to nutrition, skimping on quality could keep your horse from doing his best for you. Do your best for your horse. Feed Standlee Premium Western Forage ® . All natural. Always available. CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE LINE OF PRODUCTS AT STANDLEEFORAGE.COM Proud sponsor of:

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