Feed advice please

[sueeltringham]

For a mini-Shetland, post colic.
Not sure why she colicked but she had ivermectin by injection a few days ago and we think it was linked to that. She's just had her worm count come back as zero. Teeth just done.

She's really tricky to keep weight on and her previous owner reckoned she has an allergy to sugar beet. No known history of laminitis, but we are careful with grazing, feed, etc.

She currently has soaked alfalfa nuts (up to 500g), healthy hooves and I've just started adding Blue Chip (lami lite).
She's quite a fussy eater and if I just add Hi Fi lite she won't eat. she also has access to ad-lib wetted hay. Am feeding her 3 x a day at the moment and feeds are sloppy. Is this OK? She has lost so much weight over last month or so.

sue

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I'd give one of the reputable feed help lines a ring hun. I'm staggered to hear of a Shettie LOSING weight as usually it's the opposite. Have her weight, age, current feed, management etc to hand and give a helpline a ring. I'd give a couple a ring tbh, and compare the results. You should get roughly the same advice although obviously the feed recommendations will reflect which helpline you rang. You could then put together a plan based on your favourite feed brand x

 

[sueeltringham]

Ta for this. I know, unusual, but she doesn't seem to be your typical mini-Shetland! I rang a few feed manufacturers a few months ago and have been folowing their advice and she was keeping weight on nicely. However, since this colic incident she just does not seem interested in her food. She's eating a little, plus some hay. I'm going to give the vet a ring tomorrow as I'm convinced there is something else going on. He though she might be pre-Cushings.

Sue

 

[1chestnutmare]

A simple quick fix without all the bulk is Equi jewel - a rice based feed that is expensive but you feed a cup a day- up to 4. I have been feeding my horse 3 bucket fulls of alfa beet a day for the past year and just discovered this as his last chance. He has put weight on going into winter which is un heard of.
good luck.

 

[SirenaXVI]

[ QUOTE ]
For a mini-Shetland, post colic.
Not sure why she colicked but she had ivermectin by injection a few days ago and we think it was linked to that. She's just had her worm count come back as zero. Teeth just done.

She's really tricky to keep weight on and her previous owner reckoned she has an allergy to sugar beet. No known history of laminitis, but we are careful with grazing, feed, etc.

She currently has soaked alfalfa nuts (up to 500g), healthy hooves and I've just started adding Blue Chip (lami lite).
She's quite a fussy eater and if I just add Hi Fi lite she won't eat. she also has access to ad-lib wetted hay. Am feeding her 3 x a day at the moment and feeds are sloppy. Is this OK? She has lost so much weight over last month or so.

sue

[/ QUOTE ]

Poor little love, you could try giving her Speedibeet, it is low in sugar and starch but high in fibre and DE (think calories!), perhaps just adding that to her diet will help.