Barley and filled legs?

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Overgrown Pony

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Guys

Quick question for them in the know...

Is it the protein or starch in the barley that causes filled legs?

My lads legs filled when I fed him micronised barley. Just wondering if I need to avoid all products that contain barley from now on. Also curious what it was about the barley that caused the issue as everyday is a school day :)

Cheers
 
Hi, one of mine had lymphangitis recently. My vet cut her cereals right down, all cereals not just barley.

The lady the local feed merchants reinforced it. If prone to filling legs/lymphangitis cut down on cereals of all kind.

Different courses for different horses mind...
 
All cereals can cause an decrease circulation and lymph drainage in the legs. The oedema could be due to excess protein and sugars which puts strain on the liver and kidneys processing the increase in starches and proteins. As a result, the circulation becomes overloaded with sugars, insulin, glucagon etc to help eliminate the excess and eventually, if the horse is not exercising to help move the blood around the body efficiently, fluid will collect in the extremities.

This is a very simplistic way of looking at it but just think, this is exactly why people with poor circulation, diabetes, or are pregnant get swollen ankles or oedema. Excess strain on the two main organs that are responsible for maintaining elimination of excess fluids and toxins.

If legs are filling and you are on a low carb diet... then one would wonder why the circulation is so poor... what could be the underlying causes? A build up of sugars or even vitamins and minerals can cause sluggish systems. Perhaps a detox might help reinvigorate the circulation and flush out the toxins.
 
Il keep that in mind about the fact that if one cereal causes filled legs then they all might. He's cereal free at the moment.

Thatsmygirl, do u keep your horse stabled for any length of time? If so the lack of movement may cause the fat legs.
 
Just read this thread with great interest. My mare had both udders removed this time last year. After surgery she developed a large 'plate-like' oedema all along the underside of her belly and out to the edges. She too was fed rolled barley at the time. After a few months at grass this swelling reduced down to nothing. Last week I put her back on the barley as she was starting to lose a bit of condition and being an elderly mare I am quite concious of her weight. Yesterday I notice that the same oedema has returned. I have taken her off the barley now after reading this thread and hopefully all will return in due course. I'd really appreciate if anyone else has experienced this kind of oedema before. thanks:)
 
Barley I think was a cause of filled legs in a horse I loaned. When I bought him I took him off starchy feeds, mainly due to soft feet. He has higher protein in his diet now as he has Alf Alfa with his beet and chop. No filled legs though! So I'd say for him it is too much starch that causes it.
 
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