Weight Loss -unexplained so far

[aniford]

Oh, Im so sorry about Mosa, I understand your loss and hope that the happy memories will soon replace the sadness you feel now. Thank you for your good wishes. I wish I could say something that I know would be a comfort, you are in my thoughts. Take care
Ani

 

[aniford]

Nice sharing.
I hope you get an answer, or a resolution.
It may just be, that as an older horse she is
going to take longer to catch up the lost weight.
Thanks

Thanks Clayton15
The biggest problem Ive had is maintaining the gains, she gets to approx 630-650kg and loses again. Its a pattern that has evolved over months rather than weeks and I dont even think the vet really knows whats going on with her.
Fingers and toes crossed that Ive got her feed and routines sorted enough to keep her on the gaining pattern now....as I said 'so far, so good'!
Ani

 

[Naiad]

I have a 21-year old tb who has always been a "hard keeper". He became too ribby for 6 or so months at my old barn (full livery) as I am not sure they had the best hay supply. So I moved barns and I now hope to see a bit of weight gain.

That being said, he is now being offered all of the high quality hay he wants (plus some extra feed). His eyes remain glowing and happy and he seems no different other than the fact he is too thin. Bloodwork is all great.

He had a difficult life as a school horse before I got him in 2005, and he always looked older in the body than he really was. I just think he is like some elderly people that get thin as they age - my Dad, like my horse, has a high metabolism and has lost a lot of weight as he ages. I think my horse is the same. I will do all I can to keep his weight on and won't worry unless he keeps getting thinner and thinner, but my main gauge for how he is doing is how happy he is in mood and spirit. Is your horsey happy and energetic, or is the weight loss affecting her mood/energy etc. (too many pages in this thread for me to read through all the posts to look for this information)??

 

[aniford]

I have a 21-year old tb who has always been a "hard keeper". He became too ribby for 6 or so months at my old barn (full livery) as I am not sure they had the best hay supply. So I moved barns and I now hope to see a bit of weight gain.

That being said, he is now being offered all of the high quality hay he wants (plus some extra feed). His eyes remain glowing and happy and he seems no different other than the fact he is too thin. Bloodwork is all great.

He had a difficult life as a school horse before I got him in 2005, and he always looked older in the body than he really was. I just think he is like some elderly people that get thin as they age - my Dad, like my horse, has a high metabolism and has lost a lot of weight as he ages. I think my horse is the same. I will do all I can to keep his weight on and won't worry unless he keeps getting thinner and thinner, but my main gauge for how he is doing is how happy he is in mood and spirit. Is your horsey happy and energetic, or is the weight loss affecting her mood/energy etc. (too many pages in this thread for me to read through all the posts to look for this information)??

Hi
I pretty much agree with you on all of that. Im a biologist so I understand more than most do about differences in metabolism etc. I wish my vet were a little more open minded about the possible cause of Holly's weight gain and loss.Holly is fine in herself, there was a short period where she seemed a bit forlorn and sort of sad but I think it was just because she had no energy.
I posted an update called weight loss-unexplained-so far so good, to update everyone, lots of people have tried to help me cope with her situation.
I seem to have got her feed and routine about right for her at the moment.

I think the forage mix Im giving her free access to is making the biggest difference. Im dreading winter setting in now, she always loses weight in November, no matter how I try and compensate.
Lots of luck with your TB!
Thanks for posting
Ani xx

 

[Naiad]

Hi
I think the forage mix Im giving her free access to is making the biggest difference. Im dreading winter setting in now, she always loses weight in November, no matter how I try and compensate.
Lots of luck with your TB!
Thanks for posting
Ani xx

Thank you for the luck.

I am in the opposite situation. My horse is an easier keeper in the cold snowy Canadian winter - strange, isn't it? Something about the summer heat makes him just not want to eat enough. So as strange as it sounds, I am wondering if my boy might pick up a few pounds when winter sets in (and also with the better hay at the new barn).

 

[aniford]

Thank you for the luck.

I am in the opposite situation. My horse is an easier keeper in the cold snowy Canadian winter - strange, isn't it? Something about the summer heat makes him just not want to eat enough. So as strange as it sounds, I am wondering if my boy might pick up a few pounds when winter sets in (and also with the better hay at the new barn).

That is so odd! How high do your summer temperatures get? Holly doesnt like it if it gets too hot here but thats rare! Your winter is extreme too, isnt it?