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.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Vicky,
Absolutely! Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and should be given to any horse that has joint problems. And especially horses that are getting older -- I like to start vitamin C supplementation at the age of 16 and by the time they get near 20 years old, they should have it at higher levels since their own production has significantly declined.
So for healthy, older horses, I recommend approximately 5 mg (and up to 10 mg) per pound of body weight. Scooter would definitely benefit from vitamin C supplementation.
The key thing to know about adding vitamin C is that it is a lifelong supplement -- it is very important to continue adding it to your horse's diet for the rest of his life and not stop abruptly since he will react by exhibiting deficiency signs (such as internal hemorraging, loose teeth, bruising easily).
So, I have two recommendations for Cash:
1) Give him 8 mg of vitamin C per lb of body weight. So, if he's 1000 pounds, give him 8,000 mg per day.
2) In addition, I recommend silica. This mineral is an essential component of joints (and bones). Orthopur Si is silica in a bioavailable form called orthosilicic acid. Give him 2 Tablespoons per day.
Best regards,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Vicky,
At 8 mg per pound of body weight, the dose would be 2,000 to 2,400 mg per day. And yes, build up to this level. It is common for the manure to become loose and if you notice this happening, cut back until it becomes normal. Then increase slowly again until the manure is of normal consistency.
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO