problems with senior weight

[luckie]

I have a 16.3 hh grey id cross! when I bought him his passport said he was 'aged, which I new meant his age wasn't properly defined(and likely to be over twelve.)he was fit very forward going and up to weight. However shortly after I was told by a ex dealer that he was at least twenty(although you wouldn't know it).that was six years ago and the past three years iv completely retired him off, but in those three years he's gone from virtually emaciated to moderate thin, this year you could barely see his ribs I was so pleased but now he's going down again iv tried every weight gain feed going and his teeth done as well as vet checked, they did blood tests but found nothing sinister. Any ideas.

 

[JillA]

Did they test for Cushings/ Insulin Resistance? TBH I would put him on a low sugar/starch diet, which means no cereals, not even barley which is the usual answer to putting on weight. Plenty of good grass or forage as a basis, unmollased and cereal free anything plus micronized linseed - if he is getting ad lib forage, and his teeth/worm status/liver function are tested and ok, I would speak to Sarah Braithwaite at Forageplus - she is a mine of information

 

[luckie]

thanks for that info, ill defiantly take it on board. He is on super barley, which seems to have improved his muscle and fast fibre. But as you know with this long hot summer the grass has burnt away so I know that hasn't helped. I don't think it Cushing's though. Thanks.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

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