Feeding the senior horse - Old Horse Care

The older (senior or geriatric) horse needs special care and different feeding management. This is Shantzy, a 32 y/o Arabian mare that can't keep weight on while on grass. Healthy otherwise and not ready to leave this earth. See what we accomplished by simply changing feed and management. For more information on senior horses and their care, please subscribe to this channel and/or visit: www.LoFoSoEquineBehaviour.com

COMMON PROBLEMS WITH GERIATRIC HORSES:
inefficient absorption of nutrients
aging digestive tract
insufficient chewing action
loss of teeth
insufficient production of digestive enzymes
insufficient saliva production
too much competition from herd members

TYPICAL OLDER HORSE DISEASES:
cushing's disease
colic due to all of the above
ulcers due to insufficient saliva production (saliva neutralizes stomach acid)
Laminitis due to improper digestion in the small intestines
other pituitary dysfunction
Liver dysfunction
kidney dysfunction
reduced immune function
reduced metabolic rate
Recurrent airway obstruction
summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disorder (SPAOD)
pain due to arthritis or other

Read more at: www.lofosoequinebehaviour.com