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  Discussion on Grumpy Young Man
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Posted on Friday, Nov 23, 2001 - 8:13 pm:

Concerns a 5 Yr Old Dutch Warmblood. Has been in the US for 10 months. Has already gone from 16H3 to 17H. As of late, his ears are back, he constantly seems to look for something to eat when you get ready for a ride e.g., ears back, grumpy, shy's and kicks during short trail rides. Gets fed AM/PM 2-3 Hay and 1-1/2 grain. Colder MN weather now means less grass during daytime pasture graze. Can he be in another growth spurt? Any ideas on supplements and/or additional feed that would improve his mood other than Prozac? Can it be a low blood sugar condition? Thanks, Mike Marshall (zebroski@aol.com)

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 27, 2001 - 5:32 pm:

Have you had his teeth looked at??

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2001 - 1:11 pm:

Hi there

How's his weight, gaining or losing lately?
Also, have you weighed his feed, I've found it useful to get out a scale from time to time and weighing the hay, grain and whatnot, helps to give you a far better idea if their getting enough. Those big guys at times require a lot more than you would think specially if they are working regularly and growing a bit still.

D.

Posted on Friday, Nov 30, 2001 - 1:21 pm:

You might also switch him to a higher fat diet. I have seen lots of (anecdotal) evidence that supports the theory that many warmbloods show symptoms of EPSM when coming to the states and starting on our diets. The EPSM diet is basically lowering the carbs and raising the fat, to 20% or so. This is most easily accomplished by the addition of oil, with veggie being the cheapest. Sweet feeds are too high in carbs for this diet, as are even some pelleted feeds. Do you know the protein/fat/fiber content of his current grain? Assuming everything else is fine, that is my suggestion - switch diets and see where you are in 4-6 months.

Posted on Friday, Nov 30, 2001 - 6:56 pm:

My 7 year old Warmblood/TB was grumpy like that, too! Just didn't want to work or go forward into a trot, pinned his ears and threw his head up! Decided to run a blood test on him and found his red cell count to be pretty low. Started him on Red Cell, ABC and Prozyme and he is a totally different guy. Maybe a blood test may show something he is lacking? Helped me tremendously!

Posted on Friday, Dec 28, 2001 - 10:15 am:

Thanks for ALL your I/P on my question !
Happy New Year to ALL
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