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.
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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.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Vicki,
Yes, you heard correctly. With PSSM, there is increased insulin sensitivity, which is the opposite of the insulin resistant horse. Low starch is still key, but adding magnesium lowers circulating blood insulin levels which are already on the low side with PSSM. So, while magnesium is important it generally should not be supplemented. So, I do not normally recommend Quiessence for PSSM horses.
If at all possible, have your hay and/or pasture analysed to make sure your horse is getting enough magnesium. If the magnesium level is too low (less than 1/3 the calcium level), it could contribute to tying up (commonly seen with PSSM horses). Equi-analytical is a good place to send your hay sample: www.equi-analytical.com
Keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
In the July 17th teleconference you talked about Quiessence and how you liked it for horses that tied up. Later, I thought you then said you didn't like it for PSSM horses. Is this correct, or did I hear you wrong?
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO