Reassurance needed

[Sunshine80]

11 minutes ago

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My 11yld old cob has got me a bit worried. I’m new to horse owner ship so I’m like a neurotic parent..
recently changed into his summer grazing... eating well.
Very trumpy... and windy... seems to be pooing ok.. slightly sloppy... hanging his willy out More often... no signs of sores on his todger, weeing ok... drinking ok.
When hubby and daughter went this am he was laid down and let my daughter approach him laid down... he did get up and they said he seemed ok... a bit subdued but eating etc
Does seem to have some foot stomping and trying to itch his belly/willy...

Obviously I’m concerned re colic

Spoke to yard owner yesterday as in the yard as had farrier and and said bout him being very windy and she said it’s prob the new grass and didn’t seem colicky

Just wanting more advise and reassurance

 

[Kat]

It is quite common for them to go a bit lethargic when they have a belly full of grass. That could explain the lying down and dropping his willy (the hot weather will contribute to this too).

The wind and the sloppy poo is also quite common but it would be worth getting him on a pro-biotic like yea saac to help his digestion. If they are a bit bloated and windy sometimes a quick lunge gets their guts moving and gets them passing wind.

It is also a time of year when horses can be pretty itchy, especially if they are hairy types. A good groom with a rubber curry comb, or a shedding blade or similar and a bath might help. If he has feathers look up feather mites and dectomax injections as mites often cause them to stamp.

If he is passing wind and faeces regularly he probably isn't colicing. If you are unsure check the colour of his gums, and respiration rate. A colicky horse will often have increased respiration, might be sweaty, and might have pale gums.

Knowing your horses normal heart rate, respiration rate and temperature (get someone to show you how to safely take his temperarure) is really useful if you think they are a bit off.

Do trust your instincts though, not all horses show obvious signs when they colic. Better to phone the vet and get some advice than end up with a very poorly horse.

 

[Sunshine80]

Thank you for replying

I have restricted his grazing area so hopefully it will settle

I have washed his feathers in insecticide shampoo and used deosect to see if that helped the stamping as I thought mites... he’s gets lots of grooming so that’s good.

I haven’t noticed any probs with sweating or breathing rate ( I’m a nurse so I do check these things)

I think it probably is over eating as he’s a greedy bugger I may need to restrict it further