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  Discussion on Founder Pony, Biotin and Carrots
Author Message
Member:
Emeli

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003 - 8:19 pm:

Hello,
I have a past foundered pony (she foundered before I had her) who is on a lovely dust free Orchard Rye Grass Hay only. She lives in a sand paddock and seems quite content. As I know her history of founder can I give her any treats other than hay? Carrots? Apples? Apple treats? Also, would a Biotin supplement be of any use to her or is the best path of action just good grass hay?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2003 - 10:45 am:

Hello Emeli,
Under some circumstances small amounts of such treats could be given. For more on this and the use of supplements read the treatment and prevention sections of:
  • » Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Spring Grass & Chronic Founder
  • » Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Founder & Laminitis »

DrO
Member:
Emeli

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2003 - 6:29 pm:

Hi,
I had read the articles yet I still have concerns.The article recommends Biotin to recover from a founder attack...I have not ever seen this pony founder...I want to know if Biotin would help as a mantainance/preventative supplement so I won't have to see her founder. Prevention...not recovery. If Biotin is NOT needed for a pony who is not currently foundering than I would like to save the $30 per container (Leaps and Bounds).
Also, what are the circumstances under which I could give her a carrot? Or should I be safe rather than sorry and not Kill her with Kindness...I don't want to experiment to "see how she does"...
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Nov 28, 2003 - 4:32 am:

Biotin and methionine will strengthen the horn of the hooves, if your pony has any left over pathology from the founder, say a enlarged white line even if mild, you might consider her still recovering and it would help. As long as she is trim and fit a small piece of a carrot will not hurt her, then again you can never predict exactly when another episode might occur. Following the recommendations in the article only minimizes the chances not eliminates them.
DrO
Member:
Westks

Posted on Friday, Nov 28, 2003 - 3:05 pm:

I don't understand why everyone wants to give treats via the mouth, this is not a child or a man! Which if you think about it you get same bad results using this method for leverage with them!
Food treats disrupts the diet! It is NEVER a good road to take.
Brushing, petting/primping scratching sweet spots is a much more effective trust/relationship invoking practice.
Yes treats are easy for handler , you get a quicker result but in the end you will regret starting this practice.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Nov 29, 2003 - 7:33 am:

I disagree Janette, the well placed treat / reward keeps our horses behaving properly. The problem occurs when horses are offered "bribes" when they misbehave: bad behavior is rewarded with a treat.
DrO
Member:
Christos

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 5:12 pm:

Biotin does wonders for hoof strength. Our farrier complains all the time that he can't cut the %$@#$!& hoof wall on the horse that is on full-time biotin. But you'll have to wait until the new hoof gets to the ground. Biotin does not prevent founder, but a strong hoof will suffer less if she gets another attack. It is expensive, yes, but there's more to a strong hoof than founder prevention.
As a treat for an ex-foundered horse, picking the hooves at least twice daily would be my choice.
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