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
Hi Joy,
Your friend is likely thinking of Development Orthopedic Disease (DOD). This term is used to describe several conditions that affect horses (usually when they are young), including Physitis, Osteochondrosis, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) and Wobbler Syndrome.
Researchers have shown that high levels of blood sugar (glucose) produced by feeding high-carbohydrate diets, and the corresponding insulin response, leads to these disorders. Blood glucose levels are increased when feeds high in starch and sugar are offered. As a result, insulin levels also rise. So, it is important to avoid feeding grains such as oats, corn, and barley. In addition, the sweetening of feeds (using molasses) should also be avoided. This is important because there is a high correlation between insulin levels in the blood and the incidence of DOD.
Dr. Getty
