|
|
Discussion on Horse with grass founder
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Rasmith4
|
Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 11:11 am:
My neighbor has a mare that grass foundered last fall. One of her vets told her she must keep her off grass in the spring and in the fall when the sugars are at their peek. The other one said she must not let her have grass at all. They both work out of the same office.
I read the articles on grass founder (the link for more information failed to work) so wonder what is the correct procedure for this horse.
She is fairly heavy although steps have been taken to reduce her weight. She also is on medication for diabetes.
The mare is currently penned and being fed hay.
Does she have to penned all summer or can she be let out for some grass? If she can be let out, for how long at a time and does it matter what time of day? We live in East TN so the summers are long and hot.
|
Member:
Shirl
|
Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 1:18 pm:
Cheryl,
Dr. O will chime in here, but I'd say get a grazing muzzle, tape some of the holes shut with duct tape and let her out for a few hours a day. She can still get a minimum amount of grass, water. Evnings and early mornings are when the sugar is highest in the grass I believe. Dr. O correct me if I'm wrong.
Shirl
|
Member:
Erika
|
Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 10:54 am:
Cheryl, the days to really be careful with are warm sunny days followed by cool nights. The sugars and carbs build up all day with the "light reaction" of photosynthesis and are converted to less dangerous forms overnight UNLESS the night is too cool for the "dark reaction" to proceed well. Cool nights will leave the high sugar and starch intact in their more threatening form.
Hazy, or cloudy days with warm nights benefit the warm season grasses, which usually produce less trouble.
Weight reduction is a must, as is regular exercise to efficiently use up the sugar that can cause problems.
I have been managing a laminitis prone horse for years. When in doubt, feed hay and avoid grasses in cool seasons. It is tough, but possible to keep them out of trouble.
Above all, watch carefully for signs-digital pulse, reluctance to move, etc. Catch it quick and with good vet help, you can minimize the damage.
By midsummer some horses can handle grass, but again, don't let the horse get overweight!
Good luck!
|
|
|
