Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Kelly,
Yes, I prefer aspirin because it has less potential for digestive damage and also it improves blood flow to the foot by reducing platelet formation. You can safely give 3 grams of aspirin, every six hours. However, it is not intended for long term use. So, for chronic founder, you’ll want to deal proactively by doing what you can to prevent an attack in the first place.
The grass could definitely be an issue and since she improved when there was no grass, it indicates that her pasture grazing should be limited. Let her graze in the morning, when the fructan levels are at their lowest. They peak in the late afternoon, so she should be removed from the pasture during the latter part of the day.
I would suggest two main things:
1. A probiotic on a daily basis for a month, and then reduced to every few days, once she is free of symptoms. This will keep her bacterial flora in her large intestine in a healthy state.
2. No grain at all. Instead feed her a high quality mixture of grass and legume hays.
Keep me posted on how she is doing!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
