If you have a horse with gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as chronic colic or gastric ulcers, you may need to look at how you manage him compared to other horses. Most of the research that goes into designing feeds and feed supplements is based on the “healthy" horse. But what about feeding those special needs horses with a GI or recovering GI problem?
Veterinarians recommend cutting the concentrate
For your veterinarian to help treat a GI issue, they need to be able to determine the severity of the issue to know how to advise you. In order to do that, they need to see the inside of the stomach with a 3M view scope, as well as how the horse is doing on the outside. This diagnostic exam is an extra charge that owners are often reluctant to authorize. But with so many GI treatment options on the market, some more effective than others, it’s the most reliable way to put together the right treatment plan.
If you find your horse has GI issues, you can make changes to their feeding routine to help prevent a flare-up. NOTE: Always consult your veterinarian before implementing a change in a feed regimen. Changes in feed are typically best done slowly over a period of time. Adding grazing turnout time can also be a preventative.