Putting weight on a windsucker....

[barker0tp]

My dad has a 13yr old, 16.3hh tb mare. We have always struggled to put weight on her, I think due to her windsucking. Can anyone recommend any supplements to add to her feed? Was going to try pink powder but am open to suggestions. Putting a collar on her isn't an option unfortunately. She's has 2 meals a day of Alpha-A Oil and D&H Build Up cubes. This has been fab for building up my tb gelding and a warmblood cross I got that were both in poor condition.
Suggestions welcome...

Thanks

 

[ghostie]

If you haven't already I would get your vet to check her for gatric ulcers. It might explain her poor condition and the windsucking as horses with ulcers struggle to keep weight on and some windsuck to try and help the pain. It is particilarly common in tbs! Pleas do get her checked as it can be very unpleasant for the horse.

It is relatively eaxy to treat.

 

[TJ&Ozzie]

I am using molichaff condition with my windsucker and plenty of haylage. Have also fenced him off the fence in the field so he has to graze and not just stand at the fence windsucking!

 

[barker0tp]

Thanks, I will speak to my vet about it. We have had her several years now though and although she is underweight her coat and feet etc are in good condition. She just didn't fair as well this hard winter so I want to get more weight on her before next winter sets in.

 

[barker0tp]

She doesn't tend to windsuck much whilst out in the field. It is more when she's in having her tea. We tie her up whilst she's eating so she can't reach the door to windsuck on it but then as soon as you let her off she stands windsucking for 10min. Frustrating.

 

[scarymare]

Its a nightmare unfortunately.

The only thing that works for my aged TB broody (still suckling foal) is 24/7 turnout on stunningly good grass. Colics (or similar symptoms) on haylage/hard feed etc. Most likely all cribbers have ulcers but the treatment is expensive and 95% (I think) reform within days, especially if feed concentrates. It can be done though, in a normal summer (not this one) mine would normally look stunning!

Good luck - also I would rug if you can, no point all the calories being used for heating.

 

[AmyMay]

She doesn't tend to windsuck much whilst out in the field. It is more when she's in having her tea. We tie her up whilst she's eating so she can't reach the door to windsuck on it but then as soon as you let her off she stands windsucking for 10min. Frustrating.

Can you feed her in the field so that she doesn't have to come in. However, if she's out 24/7 and not windsucking much her weight issues could be to do with ulcers - so well worth checking out.

 

[Tnavas]

If you haven't already I would get your vet to check her for gatric ulcers. It might explain her poor condition and the windsucking as horses with ulcers struggle to keep weight on and some windsuck to try and help the pain. It is particilarly common in tbs! Pleas do get her checked as it can be very unpleasant for the horse.

It is relatively eaxy to treat.

THIS ^^^^^^^^^

 

[Emilieu]

A trainer recommended I try charcoal from fine fettle feeds to help neutralize acid in the tummy for a stressy tb - if there's pain from ulcers it should apparently help but never got the chance to try it so can't vouch for results. Micronised linseed did wonders for my friend's skinny tb x

 

[ghostie]

My boy had a lovely glossy coat, bright eyes and was full of beans when he was diagnosed with serious ulcers so don't let the fact that a horse is just a bit skinny but otherwise fine put you off investigating. In my opinion it is definitely worth treating. horses are good at hiding it but it is a very painful condition. With proper management it can be prevented from coming back, but needs vet treatment first. To manage: max turnout, ad lib hay when in, three or four small feeds a day of alfalfa and minimum cereals.

If your horse is wind sucking more when fed that really does suggest ulcers as the hard feed will cause pain and the sucking is a coping strategy. Please discuss ulcers with your vet

 

[barker0tp]

thanks for all the advice...concerned now that she may have stomach ulcers! Will definitely speak to my vet. Are ulcers easy to diagnose and how are they treated?