Tag Archives: horses

Forget About Fructan and NSC

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Dr. Kellon

Some beliefs simply will not die, no matter how incorrect they are. Horses, ponies, donkeys/mules and minis which are prone to high insulin levels are at risk of developing health problems. For example, it has been clearly demonstrated that high … Continue reading →

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The Facts About Feeding Straw

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

Straw is often recommended as an alternative to hay in a variety of scenarios – hay shortage, for weight loss, to decrease sugar/starch in the diet or simply to give the horse something to chew on for longer periods without … Continue reading →

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Free Fecal Water Syndrome

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

  It’s as unappealing as it sounds. The horse has normally formed manure but passes extra brown water along with it, staining the tail and hindquarters. This is different from diarrhea, where the frequency of passing manure is increased and/or … Continue reading →

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Cleaner Water For Your Horse

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

Since horses are classified as “livestock” there are less rigid water quality standards used for them.  However, unlike other livestock they are often with us for decades rather than the short lifespans of meat and milk animals or smaller herbivores … Continue reading →

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Skeletal Development in Young Horses

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

“You are what you eat” is never more true than with a gr0wing animal.  The mare will rob her own body if necessary to provide for the growing foal, but by 2 months, when he starts eating solid food, only … Continue reading →

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Diet and Laminitis – No Link to Fructan

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

Horses and ponies, donkeys and mules, may develop laminitis on diets based on either hay or pasture. The cause isn’t fructan.  It isn’t hind gut acidosis.  Here’s the science. The AAEP’s Laminitis Working Group did a four year study with … Continue reading →

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Fecal Transplants For Animals

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

Yes, it’s what you think it is!  Receiving fecal material from a healthy donor is in the news for people these days. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929664618305552?via%3Dihub [click on “download PDF” to get the complete article].  It has been approved by the FDA as … Continue reading →

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Overheating and the Microbiome

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

We’re all aware of the risk of dehydration and heat stroke with a hot horse but did you know it can also affect the intestinal microbiome? Probiotic supplements are a good idea after exertion in the heat  While the research … Continue reading →

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Midline Dermatitis

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

There’s nothing more aggravating than an itchy spot you can’t reach. For a horse, the midline of the belly certainly qualifies. This is what happens when the horse is suffering from summer midline dermatitis. Midline dermatitis is a seasonal problem … Continue reading →

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Neuromuscular Support Nutrients

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

Your horse’s health, happiness and performance depend on normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles.  All nutrients have a role to play but some are particularly important. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which becomes incorporated directly into the membranes … Continue reading →

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