Feeding a horse with Liver Disease

[kathrynpugh_]

My horse, Woody, has recently been diagnosed with liver disease.

He is 14.2hh lean cob
19 years old
He weights approx 400-450kg
His condition score is probably moderate/good
No other veterinary history
He is currently out 24/7 on grass (fairly grassy field)
He has no hard feed at the moment when the weather is warmer, he has 1 scoop of Mollichaff Calmer and half a scoop of Speedibeet in the winter.
He only has hay when he comes into his stable (this can vary from 4-7 times a week; each time being around an hour long)
Normally, he is in light work; however due to the diagnosis he is currently not being ridden at all.

He's on steroids and a prescribed liver tonic for 6 weeks until further blood tests; he is also on bute and antibiotics for a further 4 days.

I'm looking for a feed which can be fed to him 4 times a day in small quantities; in which will maintain and improve his weight and condition, as well as help lower his liver enzymes which are currently high.

Does anyone have any recommendations for feed/feed types?

Thank you!

 

[Karen77]

I was advised to feed a feed balancer, I'm going to try pure feeds 'easy' balancer and add milk thistle and vitamin e, needs to be only small amount of good quality protein and low oil, my cob is also on steroids and she has improved a bit in herself she seems happier

 

[Birker2020]

https://www.dengie.com/news-articles/feed-advice/feeding-horses-ponies-with-liver-disease/

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/feeding-a-horse-with-liver-damage.690963/

 

[superpony]

My horse has liver disease and lots of professionals have recommended to supplement the feed with milk thistle.
He has a balancer and chop.

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Dodson horrell milk thistle , safe n sound complete food chaff and linseed as you need high quality protein. 21yr old Dexter is now 9 years post hepatitis that has left him with a single functioning lobe of his liver, blood tested annually & looks amazing