Hi Michelle,

I would suggest that you give her all the grass hay she wants, as well as approximately 1/3 alfalfa hay. She can also benefit from some more fat -- flaxseed meal is an excellent choice because it is high in omega 3 fatty acids, which will benefit her health in many ways. Go with Nutra Flax because it is stabilized and corrects the high phosphorus content by adding a small amount of calcium.

A 5-day, double dose (for her weight) of fenbendazole is a good idea to do on a regular basis (once a year). But her caloric needs are much higher than they were when she was pregnant, so she needs to eat considerably more. Grass hay plus alfalfa is best, along with a source of vitamins and minerals (from her commercial feed) and flax -- this should make a significant improvement.

Keep me posted.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Michelle

Help! We have miniature horses which I have finally figured out they all have hay belly, but one is a new mama June 1, who is looking really skinny. She has been vet checked and everything good. Told me to up food intake and worm her more often. Any advice on what to do besides that. She is on mare and foal feed about 1 pound 2 x's day, 2-4 flakes of hay split up morn and nite also 1 ounce vitamins from vet and 1 ounce of Opti-zyme. I am so worried I am not doing the right thing. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Oh and would a 5 day deworming work ok on her? Gypsy is her name and she was wormed early june and mid july. Thank you muchly!

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thank you so much for the advice. I am going to get the alfalfa and start her on that. I have found Purina Natures Balance Amplify and started her on that which contains the Flax and alot of things that will help so I've slowly incorporated that into her feed. Thank you again and I will let you know how she is doing.

Where are you from? Pennsylvania

How did you locate this forum? just happened to find it

Hi Michelle,

I'm glad to help. Please keep me posted.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Michelle

Thank you so much for the advice. I am going to get the alfalfa and start her on that. I have found Purina Natures Balance Amplify and started her on that which contains the Flax and alot of things that will help so I've slowly incorporated that into her feed. Thank you again and I will let you know how she is doing.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO