Thumps!

[Toast]

My 3yo appaloosa had thumps tonight, ive come to realise that he's had this a few times in the three years ive had him and in my naivity ive always thought 'ah, how funny, hiccups!' Then tonight it dawned on me as i listened to him making the hiccuping noise that he had thumps.
I dont know much about it really, ive tried to do a bit of research but all im turning up is stuff about electrolyte imbalances and a lot of references to endurance.
He's currently out of work as he's having the winter off after being backed, he's stabled at night and i checked that he wasnt sweaty or hot under his rug. So whats causing him to get this? Should i be doing something to prevent it? Ive dealt with all sorts but never thumps!
Thanks in advance

 

[Oberon]

Obviously the vet is the first port of call for advice. But thumps is an imbalance. Calcium I think (from memory). I'd give the horse some alfalfa with about 50g of salt (sodium improves absorption if calcium and also aids potassium retention) for the next few days. Then knock salt to maintanence 25g per day.

 

[Oberon]

And look at feeding a good mineral balancer.

 

[Toast]

He's already fed a cup of D&H suregrow twice daily so surely shouldnt have a mineral imbalance? I'll Stick some salt in his feeds and see how he goes
Thanks!

 

[trojanpony]

I have had problems with thumps in the past with am endurance horse. Its very odd for him to have it with no work. I would very strongly recommend you get the vet to help you manage this as calcium us such an important thing to manage especially if he's a youngster (bones). He could already be having poor bone development if he's not metabolising calcium properly.

 

[Oberon]

He's already fed a cup of D&H suregrow twice daily so surely shouldnt have a mineral imbalance? I'll Stick some salt in his feeds and see how he goes
Thanks!

Please don't believe what the feed company has printed on the packet.

Please listen to your horse.

 

[Toast]

Ohh heck, he was fine tonight but the vet is coming out to my yearling tomorrow so i'll have a quick word!