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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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sudden colic and arthritis

I have an 18 year old TWH mare that I have had since she was 2. A year or two ago she started colicing over every little thing and last year she developed arthritis so bad in her hocks that she can only be for a few minutes at a time so I usually don't ride her which I know isn't good for her but I don't want to hurt her. Last week I took my other horse, a 9 year old TWH mare, riding for about 3 hours. I usually leave the horses I am not riding in their stalls so I can get in and out of the barn easily without worrying about them getting out. There is a space under her stall door which her head and neck were sticking out of. It appeared that she may have coliced but I was wondering what might have caused it and if her arthritis could have had anything to do with it.

Where are you from? Oneida, TN

How did you locate this forum? Horsecity.com

Re: sudden colic and arthritis

Hi Laura,

I am very sorry to hear about your mare's colic episode. Colic is very frightening for us and extremely painful for your horse. There are many possible causes of colic, so it's not possible for me to predict what may have caused her case. Arthritis is likely not the cause, however. But, being in pain, combined with possible added stress of being left behind, could cause digestive upset. Or, it could have been a number of other factors. If you would like to visit more about this, I'd be happy to help you investigate her situation.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Re: sudden colic and arthritis

Thanks. I don't think it had anything to do with being left behind. She is fine by herself. I think it was either hay or her grain because she was fine when I fed her and put her in her stall.

Where are you from? Oneida,TN

Re: sudden colic and arthritis

Hi Laura,

Good -- glad it wasn't emotional. So, let me know if you'd like to investigate how her feed is affecting her digestion.

All the best,

Dr. Getty