Doctor's Corner: Feeding the Geriatric Horse

Tips for Keeping Senior Horses Healthy

Horses are living longer than ever before. The reasons for this include advances in nutrition, effective parasite control, improved dentistry, and advances in farrier care. Another huge factor has been horse owners, whose interest and devotion to their horses have been the driving forces behind all of these developments. Keeping weight on older horses is a common problem, so let’s look at some management solutions.

Why geriatric horses often are “hard keepers.”
The easy answer is that all the body’s organs, systems and functions become less efficient, weaker and deteriorate with aging, including the “food processing” systems. A closer look at this question gives us more information on the causes, which will help us devise better strategies to feed the older horse.

• The digestive system of the geriatric horse does not digest and absorb protein, fiber and phosphorus as well.
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  The weakened immune system of the older horse cannot fight off intruders as well, including internal parasites (worms). These internal parasites compete for nutrients, damage the digestive system and they can cause diarrhea, anemia and other problems.
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  Blood levels of Vitamin C are lower in older horses. Vitamin C is important for immune system function, hormone synthesis, wound healing and bone metabolism. There are no established daily requirements for Vitamin C in the horse because normally the liver produces adequate levels from glucose. Evidently this process does not function as well in the older horse.
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  Horses of all ages can have dental problems but certainly there is a higher incidence in older horses, including smooth mouth, wave mouth, very sharp rims, periodontal disease, tooth loss, step mouth, and more. The result is impaired chewing, which is the first step in digestion. Regular dental work can help prevent or slow down the progression of these disorders.
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  Dental problems, decreased saliva production and impaired esophageal function lead to an increased incidence of “choke” in older horses. These factors also contribute to the higher level of impaction colic in geriatric horses.
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  A long life of wear and tear results in arthritis. Arthritis makes it harder to get around, to get to food and water and to compete with other horses. Chronic laminitis or founder causes similar problems.
• Older horses can suffer from a myriad of other age-related health problems, for example Cushing’s disease, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, kidney or liver problems and Heaves.

Feeding recommendations.

• Older horses should have at least annual examinations, blood work and dental work to identify problems which can affect feed and handling recommendations. Here are basic recommendations for the fairly normal older horse along with cautions for specific problems:
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  Since older horses cannot digest fiber as well and fiber is the foundation of their diet, feed a more digestible fiber and allow greater access to it. A mixture of good quality grass hay and alfalfa is recommended, targeting a protein content of 12% to 16%. Straight alfalfa is not recommended as it is too high in protein and has too high of a calcium to phosphorus ratio.  
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  Beet pulp or soy hulls are highly digestible fiber feeds, particularly a good choice for horses with more severe dental problems. More frequent feedings to provide more continuous access helps by spreading out the digestive process throughout the entire 24 hour day. CAUTION: Horses with kidney problems should avoid alfalfa and beet pulp as they are both relatively high in calcium. Excess calcium can result in kidney stones.
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  Cereal grains can boost caloric intake. Oats are a good choice because of how effectively they are digested in the small intestine of horse before reaching the large intestine, where grains can cause serious problems. Because grain can result in digestive upset, meals should be limited in size. CAUTION: Grains are starch-rich feeds and should be avoided in horses with chronic laminitis (founder),  Cushing’s disease and Equine Metabolic Disease.
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  Fat such as vegetable oil or rice bran is a rich source of safe calories that horses effectively process. For an average 1,100-lb. horse, feed up to two cups of oil such as canola oil or two pounds of rice bran per day (less if they are also getting a high-fat feed). Work up to this level gradually and split the total into at least two separate feedings. CAUTION: fats should be avoided in horses diagnosed with liver failure.
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  Vitamin C can be added to boost the immune system at the rate of 10 grams per day.
  Yeast culture promotes hindgut fermentation; feed 2 ounces per day.
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  A vitamin-mineral supplement is necessary for all horses since our soils are deficient in selenium, copper and other nutrients.
  All horses should have a salt block and continuous access to clean fresh water.

NOTE: Senior complete feeds are available with all of the nutritional needs of the older horse in single package.

Some other tips on caring for the older thin horse:

• Soak feeds or making a gruel for the horse with severe dental problems.
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  Separate older horses so they can eat more slowly and with less fear and stress associated with competition for feed and space from herd mates.
  Consider pain management options for coping with arthritis, founder and other sources of age related pain with your veterinarian. This may include the use of pain medication, chiropractic, acupuncture and neutraceuticals.
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  Use a weight tape and a Body Condition Score system such as the Hennecke Body Score to regularly assess how your horse is doing. This is especially important in the winter when the winter hair coat (or worse the horse’s blanket) can hide the true thin condition of your horse.

REALITY CHECK: Unfortunately, no matter how heroic and compassionate your efforts, some aged horses simply can’t put the weight on. Consultation with your veterinarian can help with these  difficult cases.
NWHS

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