New feed, swollen legs!

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Louby

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Just wondered if anyone has ever changed feed and then your horse has got swollen legs?
Ive tried A&P Ride and Relax, started last week and last 2 days his rear fetlocks were swollen and today left fore is too?? Its the only thing Ive changed, he isnt lame.
 
Interestingly although quoted as molasses, alfalfa and barley free (which is good) no mention is made of what is in there. Probably wheatfeed or similar (which is not a good thing).

Starch is 15% (high) so this is probably the root of horse's swollen legs.

Cut it out and see if it makes a difference.

Why did you change the feed?
 
Could be too much protein. My mare gets filled legs in the spring if I don't watch her protein intake very carefully.

When this first happened the vet told me to cut out all hard feed, restrict her grazing and to take her out on some long but steady hacks. Within three days she had gone from having four really filled legs (up to the hocks/knees) to normal legs.
 
I changed to A&P Calm & Condition 6 weeks ago and my horse has had swollen legs every morning since. No lameness or stiffness, just slight swelling in all legs. Really don;t want to change feed as this one works really well for him is the only one that has put condition on him. Now he's built up a bit, I'm going to cut it down slightly and see if that helps. Interesting that someone else has had the same experience though.
 
Lots of horse legs will fill, when stabled for a period of time especially if they're feed on concentrates. The swelling is usually symmetrical and found in hinds and fores. It's caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid called an oedema. If you press your finger in the swelling it should make a dent and it shouldn't be painful. If it's painful or if there's heat it's something other an oedema and best to call vet. It should go away with exercise.
However, it's mostly caused by overfeeding so it's probably because there are larger quantities of protein, carbs, etc, in your new feed than in your previous feed. Any change in diet should be introduced gradually. Therefore, I would reduce the amount you're feeding and see if the swelling goes away. Then gradually increase your feed over a couple of weeks and build up to the required amount slowly. Hope this helps.
 
Forgot to say that if you're also feeding haylage then watch for additional protein and carbs in the diet as you may be overfeeding unwittingly. Also as haylage varies your most recent feed might be higher in proteins/carbs which is where the additional calories came from!
 
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Thanks for your replies, I also thought protein but as the new feed is supposed to be low in sugars etc etc I stupidly thought it would be lower than what he was on. I didnt check the feed info :( He was on D&H Pasture mix and the quantities I feed are minimal as in about a third of a round scoop between 2 feeds with HiFi and Hi Fibre cubes and I did introduce it gradually. He doesnt get much as hes a very good doer.
Vet did have a look earlier, Im on a vets yard and said could be a number of things, allergy to feed (he is an allergicky kind of horse and wheat is one thing that came up on his bloods!) bacterial infection, protein, checked his heart etc, said temp slightly up at 38.3. He has given me antibiotics, was a bit reluctant to do so as could be feed but said with his temp, he could be a bit off and we could stop the feed and wait to ssee if its that but in the mean time if it isnt the feed, whatever bacteria or virus (cant remember exactly) could take more of a hold, so I suppose I will never know for sure what has caused it.
He is a bit windgally and I did notice his hind legs up a bit yesterday but thought it was him standing in overnight, although this doesnt normally happen to him.
Tonight 2 leghs look slightly better but the other is still big and warm. Temp is still 38.3, so we shall see how he is tomorrow.
Vet asked what his temp normally is and I didnt know :o:o, how bad is that, Ive had him 8 yrs!! So lesson learnt, when he is 100% I will find out what his normal stats are!!
Thanks again
 
LucyPriory said:
Interestingly although quoted as molasses, alfalfa and barley free (which is good) no mention is made of what is in there. Probably wheatfeed or similar (which is not a good thing).

Starch is 15% (high) so this is probably the root of horse's swollen legs.

Cut it out and see if it makes a difference.

Why did you change the feed?
Click to expand...

He is a spooky boy and read how great this was supposed to be so thought Id give it a go :)
 
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