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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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Pain management in the riding horse

Hello,
I have an off the track 5 y/o TB gelding. I have had him a year. Last summer I had a chiro. look at him because he seemed sore and reluctant to go forward under saddle (hunt seat on the flat only w/ walk trot and a lot of serpentines). She looked at his hips/pelvis mostly and recommended just a lot of trotting and continued chiro. care. Unfortuneatly for 180 dollars a visit this wasn't feasible for me. However my gelding still seems sore in his hind end. As a rider and back yard trainer I know that he should be kept in moderate excercise in order to continue to build his muscles. But is there any kind of supplement I can give him to help ease the soreness? Or do you have any other recommendations?
Thank you,
Elnora Andersen

Where are you from? North Carolina

How did you locate this forum? Search engine

Re: Pain management in the riding horse

Hello Elnora,

Have you heard of Surpass (diclofenac sodium)? It’s a topical anti-inflammatory cream for horses. But, it is only available by prescription. It might, however, be helpful for your gelding.

From a nutritional perspective, there are two very good ways to reduce inflammation:

1. One of the best is Evening Primrose Oil, which contains gamma linolenic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

2. Also, omega 3 fatty acids will reduce inflammation. Try giving him flaxseed oil – up to ½ cup each day. Or, instead of the flaxseed oil, you may want to give an overall supplement that not only has omega 3 fatty acids, but also joint protection and herbal pain relief. I like Max Flex Maximum Relief Glucosamine by Farman.

I hope this helps. Please let me know how he’s doing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Re: Pain management in the riding horse

Dr. Getty,

Can you suggest a dosage of Evening Primrose Oil for a horse? Are there any times it shouldn't be used? Is it safe for long-term usage?

Thank you, :)
Jackie

Where are you from? Indiana

How did you locate this forum? I'm a big fan of Dr. Getty's book :)

Re: Pain management in the riding horse

Hello Jackie,

I apologize for not answering your question sooner -- I just noticed that I omitted it as I go through the questions, on a first come, first served basis.

About Evening Primrose oil... it hasn't been used much in equine research but it does contain omega 6 fatty acids -- both linoleic acid which can be inflammatory in high amounts, and gamma linolenic acid, also an omega 6 but appears to have a protective effect on skin, hair, and hooves.

The human dosage is approximately 1300 mg per day, so a full sized horse can generally tolerate 8 to 10 times more than a human dosage. But, there hasn't been much research -- there was one study done where the horse received 30 ml (there's approximately 1300 mg in 2.5 ml), so that was 12 times the human dosage and the results showed some hoof improvement. But, this was one study and it certainly does not reveal long term safety, nor is it advisable to feed high amounts of omega 6s if not balanced with 3 to 4 times more omega 3s.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Jackie
Dr. Getty,

Can you suggest a dosage of Evening Primrose Oil for a horse? Are there any times it shouldn't be used? Is it safe for long-term usage?

Thank you,
Jackie

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO