Part 2 : Ill Thrift in Horses
Part 1 on this subject focused on the first four of the causes of ill thrift in horses, as listed below. The remaining seven causes listed are discussed in part 2 :
1. Malnutrition2. Parasites/worms3. Teeth4. Sore feet5. Lice6. Chronic Infection7. Ulcers8. Vices 9. Horse being ‘bullied’ at feed trough10. Overtraining11. Old age5. Lice:
Lice are quite a common cause of ill thrift in horses. Lice infestation usually only occurs in winter months and is spread rapidly by direct contact. This is particularly so where horses are ‘huddled’ together in a field or barn. The horses may have a dusty type of coat with bald patches developing from scratching. The moving lice may be seen by separating the hairs by hand, when examining the horse’s coat. What is the treatment for lice infestation?
Treatment is by dressing with louse powder or washes specific for lice. Some use pour-ons, but there is no specific pour- on product licensed for use in horses.6. Chronic low-grade infection:
A horse with this type of problem may have a slightly elevated temperature. This usually causes ill thrift and is diagnosed on blood test. How is chronic infection treated?
Veterinary treatment is by use of specific antibiotics to target the infection diagnosed. Usually where there is a chronic infection the treatment takes longer, i.e. over many days or weeks for example in Rhodococcus in a foal. 7. Ulcers:
Severe ulcers may be a cause of ill thrift. Ulcers are very unlikely to occur in a horse on grass. Therefore a horse’s diet should mimic its natural feeding pattern as closely as possible.How are ulcers diagnosed ?
For diagnosis of ulcers, the veterinary surgeon has to use a 10ft long endoscope known as a gastroscope in order to reach and examine the affected areas.What treatment is used for ulcers?
Severe ulcers are treated with omeprazole plus management to ensure that the horse has regular smaller feeds and adequate fibre for most of the day. How do small regular feeds prevent ulcers?
Doing this produces more saliva which is alkaline to counteract the acid damaging the stomach. There are many supplements available which can be used in lower grade ulcer problems. 8. Vices:
How would vices cause ill thrift?Not all vices cause ill thrift but if the habit is practiced in the extreme, it can cause ill thrift in the horse. For example continuous vigorous weaving, or extreme box walking, can cause a horse to ‘sweat up’ on a regular basis, resulting in loss of weight. Some horses that wind suck may suffer constant indigestion resulting in ulcers and weight loss. On a general basis, a stressed horse will not thrive as well as a happy contented horse.9. Horses bullied at feed trough:
How does bullying cause weight loss?
It is important to be aware of bullying as it is occurs quite commonly where horses of all ages and types are mixed and the smaller and weak animals cannot access the feed.When living in groups, horses develop a pecking order and care needs to be taken to ensure that all the horses are getting the feed and water they require. Individuals in larger groups are likely to encounter more competition for food, water, shelter and social position.How can bullying be prevented in a group of horses?
If horses are not properly separated into groups, it can have serious implications for both the health and welfare of the more timid animals. Aggressive horses may not be suitable for mixing in fields or communal barns. All incompatible horses should be separated. In some cases these may include entire males (colts, stallions) and “rigs” etc. Mares heavily in foal or with foal at foot need to be separated from other horses. As a general rule the more horses kept, the more time, effort and resources are required to safeguard their health and welfare. 10. Over-training:
Loss of weight can occur in a horse that is being over-trained relative to the amount of feed it is getting. 11. Old Age
As horses get older and reach the latter stages of their active life, they tend to lose weight which cannot be regained, irrespective of the feed and care given. Ill thrift sets in and their needs may become greater and they may require increased supervision and additional veterinary care. Also when a horse reaches the end of its active working life or is very elderly, consideration should be given to whether or not it can be provided with a good quality of life in retirement. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that they or whoever is caring for such a horse, is fully aware of its needs. The horse’s welfare must always come first. Therefore, owners should give due consideration well before the time comes to make a decision to prevent an old horse suffering unnecessary pain and distress.