Equine Asthma Diagnosis - WWYD

[Goldenstar]

Not all forage has too much iron, though it is pretty normal in the UK. To counter that you need copper, and then zinc in a 3 to 1 ratio to balance the copper. You do not need a full spectrum balancer. Mud fever can generally be resolved with copper and zinc, which strengthens the skin, ime.

In addition, most full spectrum balancers contain added iron, too little copper and zinc, and often other fillers that horses don't need.

If the OP needs to balance out iron and not buy copper and zinc alone, then she should buy one of the very, very few balancers that have enough copper and zinc.

IMO if she doesn't have foot/coat quality issues then it is difficult to see why the vet wants her to use any kind of balancer, especially without knowing what is supposed to be being "balanced".
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I suspect the vet might think the horse the would benefit from the protein as well as the antioxidants most balancers contain .

 

[GrassChop]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I am in the process of getting haylage delivered and I will look at a powdered balancer.

The vet recommended Topspec Lite Balancer or any other mainstream one to help support her immune system. She didn't think she was getting enough with only fast fibre, oily herbs and linseed but she's out 24/7 on good grass, hedgerow, nettles, cleavers etc and I've never seen a need for it as she looks well but I'm not against adding more vitamins and minerals if it will help.

 

[maya2008]

UK forage is deficient in lysine. So unless you are adding cereals, you need to add that at least. You can buy it in powdered form. Inadequate protein does lead to a compromised immune system, so your vet is trying to help.

I feed mine NAF vitamins and minerals plus lysine from forage plus. Inexpensive and does the job.

 

[bonnysmum]

" I also think large bale feeding isn't always great for asthmatics as they end up eating their way into the bale with their heads stuck inside, which can't be great in terms of what they're inhaling."

Definitely this. Mine developed asthma symptoms last year which I'm pretty sure were triggered by a bad batch of hay. Steroids then ventipulmin have resolved the attacks so far, but for long term management I've found a bale net has made a huge difference as it stops her from burying her face in the hay.

 

[GrassChop]

Quick update; vet has said her breathing has improved a lot but still appears to be a bit of tension at the end of each breath. However, the coughing has stopped so a little longer on steroids and we will go from there. I've already ditched the hay and feeding haylage outside now instead. She already seems a lot better in herself thankfully.