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Discussion on Vitamin C in older horses
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Member:
noah
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Posted on Monday, Jan 26, 2009 - 9:03 pm:
Hi Dr O,
After reading in the "Overview of Feeding" article that adding Vit C could help prevent Cushing's disease, I would like to try to include Vit C in my 24 yr old TB's diet. My question is in re to the dosage. If I use generic human grade OTC Vit C, do I give the normal daily dosage an adult human would get?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 - 8:53 am:
Hello GinaB,
You misread when say "Vit C could help prevent Cushings". A possible need for vitamin C in the older horse has been postulated due to a measured decrease in anti-oxidant capacity. So a more correct interpretation would be that C may help with some of the chronic conditions caused by the Cushings. It does not effect the Cushings directly that we know of. The dosage is given in the article and you will probably not find a single pill with that level of vitamin C, you will need a specific C supplement. Check the supplement for the levels but you should not use a general vitamin supplement to reach these levels, it may push other vitamins into a toxic range.
If you are looking for just a general vitamin supplementation the level of C is sure to be much lower or perhaps not even needed (remember horses synthesize C in their body). For recommended dosage of a general vitamin supplement see the article Horse Care » Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding » Vitamins for Horses, an Overview.
DrO
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Member:
noah
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 - 9:17 am:
Thanks, Dr O!
I have e-mailed a rep for the feed that I use to inquire about the level of C in the feed, but I'm pretty sure he will say that the feed is nutritionally complete and nothing more is needed, which is probably the case. What is it that drives this need in us to supplement, supplement, supplement!!
My horse is really in good health for his age and condition. He has been dealing with suspensory ligament failure since he was 17 and as you can imagine, his hind end joints are huge and deformed. He doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain, but I don't want him to get anything more to have to deal with...thus the thought of helping to stave off Cushings.
Thanks for explaining the article to me!
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