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Discussion on Recovery of young animals after starvation
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New Member:
orob
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 27, 2013 - 4:03 pm:
I am considering adopting a 3 yo TB colt who was part of a large group of rescued starving horses.
Some of the animals had a body score as low as 1 but this colt was not in as bad a shape of some of the others.
He likely has suffered from starvation for at least one year and is currently being refed by a really wonderful rescue group. He is putting back on weight and has been wormed, and had vaccinations and vet checks, so now is just focused on weight gain and recovery.
He is currently between 14 and 14'2. Given he is now at 36 months, will he exhibit any catch up growth, given he is receiving nourishment or will he always remain pony sized? (His parents were racing stock and his father looks at least 15'3 in photos, not sure about mom).
He seems sound and otherwise healthy-just underweight- but I have had folks who have heard the above history offer advice that he will never be sound and will suffer from bone deformities and never be rideable.
For horses of this background, are there studies on there long term recovery prospects and long term heath issues that will cause issues? If he is ridden, (if that is even advisable) are there certain activities that should be avoided, like jumping?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 27, 2013 - 6:15 pm:
Welcome Tina,
He may grow some more but probably not much. If there are no current deformities or health problems then future problems are not more likely than the population in general. As to whether he is suitable for any particular sporting endeavor that is best determined by a veterinary exam.
DrO
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