Horseadvice.com

Site Menu:

Horseadvice.com

Join Us!

Horse Care

Equine Diseases

Training and Behavior

Reproduction

Medications

Reference Material

This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Cardiovascular, Blood, and Immune System » The Diagnosis of Anemia »
  Discussion on Still need Iron Supplement?
Author Message
Member:
mysi

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.
Moderator:
DrO

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
Member:
mysi

Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 3:20 pm:

Thanks Dr. O! I wish I would have asked about it a long time ago!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 9:01 am:

Or read the article on Anemia. The subject is covered there.
DrO
Member:
mysi

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?
Moderator:
DrO

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
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 1997 -
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC