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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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Re: Barometric changes and colic-like symptoms

Greetings Lorraine,

Some horses are particularly sensitive to weather changes which can cause a significant stress response, leading to colic.

Yes, water intake is important and I recommend that you offer plain, white table salt in addition to an electrolyte. Electrolytes are designed to replace what is lost during sweating, assuming that the horse is in good sodium standing to begin with. So, offer at least 1 ounces (two level tablespoons) of plain salt in his feed each day and then, if he sweats a lot, add the electrolyte.

A calming agent during storms is a good idea. I recommend something that contains tryptophane, such as Su-Per Calm. Be sure to feed it with as little feed as possible since a large meal will inhibit its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce a calming effect (through serotonin production).

Thanks for writing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO