What causes malnutrition and weight loss in old horses?
Check for dental abnormalities and tooth loss. Possibly the most common and easily overlooked cause of malnutrition or weight loss in old horses is tooth loss or dental damage. Years and years of grazing gritty grass and grinding up hay and grain wear, weaken or even loosen the teeth.
What makes an old horse look underweight?
The characteristic swayback and abdominal sag of old horses can give a false appearance of underweight and unhealthy hay belly. Robert Holland, DVM, PhD, a Lexington, Kentucky, practitioner whose patients have included aged horses at the Kentucky Horse Park, reminds people to use their hands, not just their eyes, when evaluating a horse’s weight.
How old is a 21 year old horse?
Take 21-year-old Dorado, for instance. He’s always been a bit fussy. The last few years, however, it’s just gotten a bit obnoxious.
Why is my 21 year old horse not eating hay?
And, especially going into winter, that latter factor is important. And damaged dentition isn’t the only reason you might need to seek out another fiber option for your aging horse: Some older equids just get pickier with time. Take 21-year-old Dorado, for instance. He’s always been a bit fussy.
Is it true that senior horses are underweight?
Researchers like Joanne Ireland, B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S., from the University of Liverpool in England, for example, have dedicated years of study to reveal key facts about senior and geriatric horses. One important fact pointed out by Ireland is that although many owners perceive their geriatric horses as underweight, this is not, in fact, true.
What happens to a horse at the age of 20?
It’s a common fact that horses over the age of 20 often lose the ability to process and absorb enough energy to maintain a healthy weight. Your 20-year-old stallion can quickly turn into a thin, ribby, and less robust version of itself.
When do horses lose the ability to hold their weight?
In most cases, the point in which a horse becomes older or even geriatric is when it can no longer effectively holds its weight. It’s a common fact that horses over the age of 20 often lose the ability to process and absorb enough energy to maintain a healthy weight.
What should I do if my horse is not gaining weight?
Regular dental care is essential to maintain the horse’s teeth in good shape to chew properly. Your veterinarian may determine that your horse is not maintaining appropriate weight and condition due to a dental condition that can be addressed by routine dentistry.
