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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 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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underweight TB

Dr Getty:
I have been surfing your forum and found your information to be excellent - so here is my dilema:

I adopted an 8 year old Thoroughbred gelding (retired racehorse) in Aug of 2005. He was recovering from strangles at the time. He has been steadily deteriorating weight wise, despite free access to forage, and I have discovered he needed his teeth done, which is being taken care of now.

My question - you recommend RATION PLUS be added to the feed to help with weight gain - is there any way to get it here in Canada?

Thanks so much,

Jane

Where are you from? Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

How did you locate this forum? internet search

Re: underweight TB

Hi Jane,

Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you looked into fixing his teeth. Poor dental health is a major cause of weight loss.

Most ex-race horses have ulcers, and this is likely interfering with his gaining weight. So, you are doing the right thing by giving him as much hay as he wants.

You didn't mention what you are feeding in addition to hay, but avoid grain (oats, corn, barley, etc.) since this aggravate an ulcer. Instead, provide him with a low starch diet.

And, to answer your question.... Yes, I definitely recommend Ration Plus. This will help his digestive system improve and allow him to get calories from his diet, thereby helping him gain weight. I can ship it to Canada for additional cost. If you are interested, please let me know and I'll provide you with details.

All the best,

Dr. Getty :)