Bloated mare

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DellaMoon

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23 April 2009
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When I got my mare in February she was in very poor condition. She has gradually improved with a diet high in fibre and now finally some grass. The problem is that she has now got a big bloated belly but is still a bit ribby. She's on a handful of Hi-Fi and a handful of high fibre cubes twice a day plus pink powder. She's turned out 24/7 and is being strip grazed so not getting too much grass. If she comes in for the night hay seems to make the bloating worse. She came from a stud and I've checked that she hasn't been in contact with any colts, she's also been in season once since I got her. She was double dosed for tape worms at the end of March and had a worm count which cam back clear.

Any ideas what this could be?!!! Thank you!
 
Its loss of muscle tone, probably with the addition of a change of shape due to having a foal(s).

It will take time to build up the muscles on the top line of the horse and tone the stomach muscles. She may well always stay slightly that shape though, particualarly as she gets older.
 
In which case if shes definately not in foal its probably because she was/is poor. Also possibly from a previous heavy worm burden.

Work will help the muscle build and tone but at her age it will take years to build the right muscles, so dont worry too much if it seems to take along time.

A good diet, worming and teeth done when needed and gradual work relevant to her age and her shape should improve.
 
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