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Discussion on Still need Iron Supplement?
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Member: mysi
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Posted on Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 12:21 pm:
Hi Dr. O, When I bought Moose 4 years ago I had blood work done at the prepurchase and I was told he had a low blood count and he would be fine with a supplement like Red Cell. Since then he has been on it. Now he's semi retired does he still need to be on it or is it only for working horses? I have him on Finishline Iron Power because he wouldn't eat his food with the RedCell.
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Moderator: DrO
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Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 2:54 pm:
Actually Melissa, the product Red Cell is primarily based on the idea that horses may be deficient in iron and therefore need supplementation. The reality is that grass has plenty of iron and horses constantly excrete an excess of intake so save your money. DrO
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Member: mysi
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Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 3:20 pm:
Thanks Dr. O! I wish I would have asked about it a long time ago!
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Moderator: DrO
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Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 9:01 am:
Or read the article on Anemia. The subject is covered there. DrO
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Member: mysi
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Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 8:53 pm:
I don't have the results of his blood work from then and honestly, I never really asked any questions, I just listened to the vet. I was at a full service boarding facility and I knew virtually nothing about horses at the time. Moose has no signs of anemia. His coat and appearance are phenominal, shiny dappled and he actually looks fit for a semi retired lazy bum! As far as performance, he was always lazy, but he's a draft cross, not known so much for their endurance. Is it safe to assume he's not anemic? Or do I do bloodwork again to make sure?
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Moderator: DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 8:35 am:
If there are no signs of illness I don't see any reason to have a special trip out for this but it will require a physical exam by your veterinarian to answer the question. DrO
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