Hi Dr.Getty, my name is Oliva Chenevert. I have a 6 year old quarter horse that is very hard to put weight on, he has been at a horrible trainers ranch, and has not been turned out. I just got him back home and i turned him out in a pasture with plenty of grass and hay. Do u have any recommendations to me, on how to put weight on him. Also i wanted to ask u if u would suggest getting him scoped for gastric ulcers, because he has been confined to a stall!!!
Thanks,
Olivia

Where are you from? louisiana

How did you locate this forum? just searching on the internet

Hello Olivia,

I'm sorry to hear about what your horse has endured but I'm very pleased that he is now at home with you so he can heal.

He very likely has an ulcer due to his stalling experience and this can be a major contributor toward weight loss. In addition to pasture and grass hay, offer some alfalfa. This will boost protein quality and alfalfa also serves as a buffering agent.

You'll want to give him a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement that is also high in omega 3 fatty acids. Consider Glanzen is he gets fresh pasture most of the day or Glanzen Complete if he is mostly on hay.

You could have him scoped, but I think it's safe to assume that he has an ulcer. Stalled horses can develop ulcers within 5 days of this type of stress. So, consider giving him a wonderful preparation that will soothe his stomach and help it heal, called AmiQuell.

Finally, add Ration Plus to his diet to help him derive more calories from his forage.

This is where I would start. See how he does for a few weeks and then if we need to take a closer look at his specific situation, let me know and we can arrange for a phone consultation.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO