He needs to loosen up!

[Jenz]

Sorry to bring down the conversations, but I have a droppings issue!!

My pony has just had a bout of laminitis and I guess because of his restricted diet he is now passing small hard droppings. Is there anything (nothing drastic) to help him loosen up a bit. He is always prone to this and in the past I have given epsom salts but can't get hold of any around here now. I also read that they're meant more for a flush out/purging of the system and not really a medium term solution. Anything I do give him must not be sugary or harmful to his laminitis recovery. Any suggestions please?

 

[1275gta]

What about oil? I know this works with other animals.

 

[Parkranger]

I'd second oil - probably a good idea to google it....

 

[Diggerdog]

More fibre. Something like hay soaked for 24 hours to reduce the nutrient content.

 

[Parkranger]

I thought you shouldn't feed hay that had been soaked that long!

 

[Jenz]

Everything I can find suggests hard droppings are a symptom of impaction colic, but I don't think (and severley hope) it isn't anything that serious and think it's more because of lack of succulents in his diet, especially as it's not unusual for him.

What kind of oil do you mean? Cod liver, vegetable, linseed? Will this not go against trying to keep weight off?

 

[hendrabonnie]

I use linseed oil for my laminitic. It is great to soothe the digestion and keeps her droppings normal, but i only feed 10mls a day as she is a shetland.

 

[YorksG]

A small dose of liquid parafin will ensure that things keep moving along

 

[Jenz]

Please don't think I'm disagreeing, just asking... Is that not drastic? And how do you administer that? Is it to fully flush the system or in small doses will it just gently ease them?

 

[hadfos]

I was always taught that horses should pass firm consistent looking motion....obviously changes to be expected when change of diet etc.....we have a mare on our yard and she has plenty of hay,grass and a hard feed a day,her droppings are like this and there is absolutely nothing medically or physically wrong with her,if you are concerned have a natter with your vet

 

[Jenz]

Thanks everyone. I swear searching the internet ends up convincing you that your horse only has a matter of hours to live!

Thanks for some sensible advice, I'm new to the forum, it's good to have suggestions for a query!

 

[YorksG]

Not drastic, if not given in huge doses and is probably much better for the system than epsom salts, which can affect the salts balance. It just eases things along a bit.

 

[merlinsquest]

Maybe adding salt to the feed will encourage the horse to drink more and then the droppings should be more moist!!!