feeding veterans

[susanB]

have a 27 yr old t/bred now resting & turned out during the day & in at night. He's well rugged up, on 16+ cubes 7 alfa beet + hay but is dropping weight & is sensitive to the touch on his flanks & rump. Anybody got any suggestions re feed for both problems?

 

[mattilda]

I have a 29 year old thoroughbred who hacks out gently a couple of times a week. I struggle to keep condition on him in the winter and find this feed works best for him. Baileys No1, Alfa A Oil and Spillers Senior conditioning mix. He also has pink powder to help his digestion. As much hay as I can get down him. The sensitivity issue I am sorry I don't have a clue!!

 

[TGM]

Make sure you give him adlib hay (ie so much that there is some hay left in the morning). Get teeth checked to ensure he is actually able to eat maximum amount of hay. Depending on condition of teeth, consider giving him an easy-to-eat hay replacer alongside the hay - ie a tub of Readigrass, Happy Hoof, Fast Fibre etc. (Contact manufacturer for advice on amounts).

If the sensitivity is a recent development, then ring your vet for advice.

 

[jewel]

i had my old boy on a veteran mix and he was dropping weight i changed to baileys no 4 at the recommended amount and he really put the weight back on. also you can soak them to make them easier for oldies to eat. if you contact baileys they will send a sample.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I'd be VERY suspicious about the sensitivity thing. He could be harbouring something nasty somewhere. I'd carefully try to pin it down myself (ie before/after feeding? all the time? after being stabled? after turnout? all over his belly and flanks? just one place? any heat? temp normal? eating normally?) and then get the vet out so they have as much info as possible.