Hindgut acidosis supplment? Grass-related? Advice appreciated...

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Primitive Pony

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I think my horse is suffering from hindgut acidosis, and wonder if it's grass related - he's a bit girthy and with the occasional kick towards his belly, which is notably 'grassy' at the minute and wonder which supplements anyone recommends? - looked into Gastroplus but that's too pricey so wondering if Equishure would help?

I can't keep him stabled for long periods as he has had KS and needs to be out, and had fenced off the new grass in his field so that he was on the bare part but he keeps jumping the electric fencing, so am in a bit of a quandary as I suspect the acidiosis - if that's what it is - is related to the grass...
 
If your horse has hind gut problems (and i would recommend that you get your vet out to find out exactly what's going on - HGA horses seem to present in many different ways) then you are likely to have to look at the whole of his diet and management very carefully in addition to any supplements/medicines if they are needed.

I have a little mare who was diagnosed with HGA earlier this year. Equisure is helping her a lot with her specific condition but it may not necessarily be the best way forward for another horse. It was quite a long road for both vets and us to 'bottom out' the HGA, and what the mare can and can't cope with. I have had to review and change a lot of her diet and management.

Have you got access to a sand-school or grass-free area that you could use for turnout? If so it may be worth trying him on no grass - observe any changes however small - that can give some valuable clues. If you suspect he has gut problems try to make sure he always has some long forage available at all times.
 
Very good post above!!!!! Things are not expensive if they work!!!!!! Gastroplus works wonders and you should only need one course then you go onto the maintenance which is lots cheaper than the gastroplus, gastroplus heals the ulcers which is the main course and the maintenance is a prevention so well worth thinking about, diet and management of the feed is essential!!!! strictly NO CEREAL feed plenty fibre and good hay or the drier haylage feed oil in the feed corn oil is good for weight gain otherwise any oil will do, hope this helps xxxxx
 
Thank you both, really helpful. He lives out 24-7 and only hard feed is Simple Systems, though very little of that at the minute as he has rather on the large side with all the grass he's helped himself to....

Will certainly get the vet out if I have to, but this is quite a minor issue for now, so would like to do what I can without that as he is mostly very happy, but all a bit mixed up with back and pelvic problems which are already being treated and largely under control. The only real indication is him being a bit girthy and grumpy which I think the vet will think is due to his KS!
 
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