This past summer Trenton seemed sluggish, requiring an overly long
warm-up period on training rides. Patty had blood work that showed below
normal protein levels. Patty added Animax (a hi-protein supplement like
Calf Manna) to his usual oats, brewer's yeast, Vit E/Se, grass hay diet.
Trenton completed OD50 plus some other rides.
Over New Year's he had a bout with "flu-like" symptoms, including
diarrhea. Blood work revealed even lower protein levels that were
initially ascribed to the diarrhea. Later in Jan. additional blood work
showed an even lower protein level than the original one from Aug. Some
additional, more sophisticated tests ruled out liver dysfunction, no
occulted blood in the stool, urine OK so kidney function normal and fecal
count=0. Trenton was switched to Purina Equine Senior plus soy bean meal
as a top dressing over the above standard grain mix (no Animax). During
Jan. there was edema in the sheath, along the midline and under the jaw.
Throughout there has been no overt colic episodes, appetite is excellent
but Trenton appears gaunt over the hindquarters and generally not
"thrifty". Vets want to do a peritoneal tap to rule out protein
leakage. Patty is concerned about these more invasive procedures.
Trenton's pasture mate was also tested and Frosty is quite normal on all
counts (a butterball)--these horses are fed separately and Trenton is
herd boss so he does get his fair share, and then some.
Has anyone had any similar problems? How long might it take to bring the
protein level up? Are other feeds better suited to do that job? Trenton
BTW will be 20 yrs young in May.
Patty mentioned that the jaw edema has been around "for years" off and
on. Might this indicate a progressively developing problem? Patty would
be most grateful for any insights--I will print-out and mail responses to
her.
Diane @ Safe Haven
safehavn@fast.net