THE HORSE GAZETTE
equine health
increasing equine longevity
By Dr. Bill Vandergrift
Increasing the viable of the herd and contributes to horse compared to another.
vitamins. If additional energy providing a diet that is easy
and longer life:
life span of our horses is more their overall well being. Group The most common
is required, fat sources should to ingest and swallow such
1) Increase
important to us today than it numbers should be kept small metabolic defect that can be life
be used in combination with as one of the many shredded
mineral and vitamin levels in
was 25-30 years ago. This shift however, in order to reduce threatening is obesity. Metabol-
forage and a minimum amount beet pulp based feeds (Triple
total diet
in attitude results from econom- competition for available for- ic syndrome anomalies such as
of grain to supply the extra Crown Senior, Triple Crown
2) E n s u r e
ic concerns in addition to closer age and water. Cushing’s syndrome, hypothy-
energy needed to maintain a Complete) or chopped forage
mineral and vitamin ratios are
emotional attachments and con- Conformational and roidism and insulin resistance
moderate body condition score. products (Triple Crown Safe
within acceptable ranges
cerns for our equine partners. metabolic faults all too often exhibit themselves once a horse
Adequate chromium intake will Starch Forage) will help older
3) Increas-
For example, with proper care cause the early demise of many gets a bit older. Many mature
help normalize insulin activity horses obtain their required
ing anti-oxidant activity with
and management some stallions horses, the loss of Secretariat horses with metabolic issues
and thereby reduce complica- “bulk factor” and nutrients in
adequate levels of vitamin E.
remain productive into their to laminitis for example. Con- develop a metabolism that al-
tions associated with obesity. sufficient quantities.
vitamin C, Vitamin A, organic
upper 20s while others have to formational faults, primar- lows them to seemingly exist
Triple Crown has developed Intestinal damage
zinc and organic selenium
be retired at much younger ages ily those associated with the on air or water. Many horses
several products that are suited due to parasite infestation com-
4) Include a
due to structural insufficiencies. horse’s lower limbs often place that easily become fat are over-
for horses that are easy keepers bined with reduced absorptive
source of omega-3 fatty acids
Even after retirement, there are excess strain on the horse’s fed protein and/or energy and
or horses exhibiting metabolic capacity due to age make it
(fish oil, linseed oil) for pros-
multiple things that can be done ligaments, tendons and joints. underfed minerals and vitamins
syndrome; these include: Triple difficult for older horses to
taglandin modulation
to ensure that horses remain The Long-term affect of this predisposing them to laminitis
Crown Senior, Triple Crown assimilate critical nutrients.
5) Provide ad-
comfortable and healthy during strain can be osteoarthritis or and other structural problems.
Lite, Triple Crown Lo Starch Increasing the dietary density
equate protein levels, but avoid
their last years on earth. other bone anomalies that can It is imperative that “easy keep-
and Triple Crown Safe Starch of nutrients in order to supply
excessive protein intakes
As horses age they be severe enough to end an ac- ers” receive an adequate intake
Forage. the recommended intakes listed
6) Avoid high
commonly develop special tive career or create a condition of minerals and vitamins in
Disease causing bac- in table 1 (located at the end
starch (grain) intakes
dietary needs associated with of great discomfort and lame- order to guard against structural
teria such as E. Coli and Salmo- of this article) helps geriatric
7) Provide
behavior, dentition, glandular ness. Proper trimming and an disorders. The use of organic
nella are everywhere. Ingestion horses utilize adequate levels
easily ingestible and highly
function, digestion and/or mus- appropriate selection of equine zinc, copper, manganese, se-
of high doses of these bacteria of nutrients even though total
digestible fiber source
culo-skeletal conditions. Many careers based on conformation lenium and chromium is espe-
will make a strong horse sick; feed intake levels and absorp-
In summary, the key
older horses have a calmer and temperament early on cially effective at helping these
it can be fatal to an older horse. tion may be reduced. Including
to developing feeding and
disposition simply because and continuing throughout the horses maintain normal protein
Similar to preventative measure digestive and fermentation
management programs for
they have been exposed to more horse’s life can go a long way to and energy metabolism and to
taken for human health, man- aids such as yeast cultures,
geriatric horses is to consider
things and have grown used to extending the individual horse’s provide the constituents needed
nanoligosaccharides (MOS) probiotics, yucca extracts and
their reduced ability to acquire,
dealing with daily variations in productive life and lessening to maintain structural integrity.
can now be used to improve enzymes assists the older horse
chew, swallow, absorb and
their immediate surroundings discomfort during the final Recommended nutrient intakes
equine health. MOS has the in improving his/her ability to
metabolize nutrients. The inclu-
and activities. However, many retirement years. The proper of senior horses of average size
ability to bind many of the com- metabolize the correct amount
sion of digestive and fermenta-
older horses are not as quick to use of nutraceutical compo- are listed in table 1 of this arti-
mon disease causing bacteria to of nutrients needed to maintain
tion aids and organic minerals
adapt to major changes in their nents known to support healthy cle. One of the worst things you
itself thereby preventing infec- health.
has proven highly effective in
environment or physical sur- joints such as glucosamine, can do to a mature horse that
tion in the horse. Once bound Hair, skin and hoof
maintaining good health. Incor-
roundings and suffer a loss of chondroitin, hyluronic acid, tends towards obesity is to over
to MOS, the MOS-bacteria quality often suffers in older
poration of some of the “high
appetite and/or condition when MSM and others have provided feed grain (starch) and protein.
combination is excreted in the horses due to a combination
tech” additives such as joint
exposed to such changes. When substantial benefit to many Over feeding grain has a much
horse’s feces where it will do of reduced ability to assimi-
health nutraceuticals, MOS and
mixed with other horses, senior horses exhibiting joint pain. greater effect on metabolic hor-
no harm. The addition of MOS late and metabolize nutrients
mycotoxin binders can provide
horses often have difficulty Which one individual produce mone production, secretion and
to all equine diets is beneficial, and glandular dysfunction.
significant improvement in in-
competing with younger and or combination of products that activity than any other dietary
however, it is especially useful Pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal
dividual horses. The form of the
more agile horses for avail- will provide the greatest benefit constituent. Excessive protein
in older horses and horses that problems are common in geriat-
diet must be easy for the horse
able forage and feed. These can differ substantially from intakes have been shown to
tend to have sensitive digestive ric horses. Unfortunately, there
to ingest and digest. Basic daily
basic factors must be taken into horse to horse and sometimes reduce thyroid activity exac-
systems as a means of reducing is often little that can be done
care of the geriatric horse must
consideration if the health and a certain amount of trial and erbating the tendency towards
the incidence and/or severity of nutritionally to counteract these
also be considered since they
condition of senior horses is to error is required to find the obesity. Excessive grain intakes
colic. In addition to its bacterial problems, however, the feeding
tend to require more grooming
be optimized. best mix for your individual can actually impair energy
binding properties, MOS has of omega-3 fatty acids and in
and maintenance than younger
The horse is a herd horse. This is due to the fact that metabolism and predispose
also been shown to positively particular the omega-3s found
stronger horses.
animal and a very social being. while these compounds are all the horse to laminitis. Mature
stimulate the immune system. in fish oil (DHA and EPA) have
Table 1. Recom-
Regardless of age of condition, reported to support joint health, horses that easily maintain
Ensuring that nutrients re- shown some promise in regard
mended Daily Mineral and
horses will usually thrive bet- they all have a different mode condition and/or trend towards
sponsible for optimal immune to normalizing immune func-
Vitamin Intakes for Senior
ter when appropriate equine of action. Depending upon the obesity should be fed a minimal
system function such as vitamin tion and hormonal activities.
Horses.
1
company is provided. Matching specific problem your indi- a mount of grain, if any. The
E and zinc are supplied in ad- Following a few
older horses up with horses of vidual horse has one compound diet should be forage based and
equate quantities is also critical basic guidelines may help in-
1
EquiVision, Inc. Revised
similar temperament allows or combination of compounds properly fortified or supple-
for longevity. crease your horse’s chances of
1/08
them the emotional security will usually work better for one mented with minerals and
Poor dentition is a maintaining a healthy appear-
common cause of poor condi- ance and living a comfortable
tion in senior horses. Loss of
teeth, damaged or worn teeth
and severe tooth angle either
singularly or combined make
it difficult for horses to ad-
equately chew and grind forage
and feed. Some older horses
have such great difficulty with
dentition that they cannot chew
hay adequately enough to fa-
cilitate swallowing it without
choking. These horses must
be fed an alternative forage
source that is easily swal-
lowed, yet provides the fiber
and “bulk factor” so important
for intestinal function and
health. Shredded beet pulp is
a favorite forage substitute for
this purpose. In addition to poor
tooth condition, many older
horses loose the sensitivity in
their lips making it more dif-
ficult for them to pick up food
or to selectively graze when out
on pasture. This results in slow
intake and/or reduced intake
The ECB Hydrotherapy Spa has arrived!
and a subsequent reduction
of body condition. Reduced
This form of hydrotherapy has been used extensively in the US and abroad
salivation also makes it more
and is quickly becoming an equine sports medicine mainstay.
difficult to chew and swallow
various foodstuffs. Therefore,
Skin Food International, LLC announes an exciting
This unique hydrotherapy
new product, Derm Amore, Nature’s skin food! For
people like us horse enthusiasts with environmentally
is extremely effective in abused skin such as dry, hard, rough skin , cuts,
the treatment and
bruises, burns, scrapes and bites. Derm Amore is an all
prevention of the majority
natural skin care product containing no preservatives,
fragrances, or harsh chemicals. Derm Amore is a highly
of lower leg injuries concentrated vitamin treatment consisting of Vitamins
such as:
E, C, A, and D plus Aloe – natures ‘Medicine Plant”!
Derm Amore is made with all natural, cold pressed
essences taken from Wheat (Vitamin E), Lemon Rind
• Tendonitis • Desmitis (Vitamin C), Avocado (Vitamins A & D), the Apricot
• Arthritis • Shin Splints
Kernel (Vitamins A & D), and Aloe Vera (Minerals & mino
• Concussions • Bursitis
Acids). Combined to deliver all the vitamins needed to
repair environmentally abused skin, Derm Amore is
• Synovitis • Hoof Injuries absorbed almost instantly. There is absolutely
• Open Wounds
nothing more effective for repairing the hard cracked
• Infections
callouses on your feet or hands. It’s great for cuticles and
fingernails, and face. Derm Amore is concentrated so
• Skin Irritations one or two drops a day is all that you need to see the
amazing transformation of hard, dry, cracked skin into
soft and supple skin overnight! Our concentrated Derm
18675 Marbach Lane
Phone: 210-651-6202
Amore comes in a 5 ml bottle, a 3 month supply with
San Antonio, TX 78266
Fax: 210-651-1557
everyday use! Derm Amore, Nature’s skin food!
Order today, you will be glad you did!
8 am - 6pm Monday-Friday
Emergency Contact Day or Night:
Free shipping on all individual orders until the March 31, 2009!
Saturday: By Appt. Only
210-651-6202
Go to www.dermamore.com to order on line or
www.BrackenEquine.com
send check for $5.00 per bottle to:
Skin Food International, 2080 FM 2252
San Antonio, Texas 78266
Page 30 Visit us at: www.HorseGazette.com
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36