Equine Nutrition Jennie Stewart Equine Nutrition Jennie Stewart

The 7 Simple Rules of Equine Nutrition

Veterinary work often feels like working in a smash repair shop, constantly fixing problems after they occur. Common challenges veterinarians and owners face, such as stomach ulcers, colic, tying-up, laminitis, hoof conditions, leg and joint problems in growing horses, and performance issues, can be alleviated or even prevented with proper nutrition. Following a few simple rules can reduce many veterinary conditions and keep our horses stronger and healthier.

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Veterinary Conditions Jennie Stewart Veterinary Conditions Jennie Stewart

Bighead & Osteoporosis In Horses

The condition known as 'bighead' was first identified in Australian horses grazing on subtropical pastures in 1974. Since then, it has become widely recognised in horses grazing on buffel, pangola, setaria, kikuyu, green panic, guinea, and signal grasses. These tropical grasses, commonly planted along Australia's seaboards, contain oxalate - a chemical that significantly interferes with mineral utilisation by horses.

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Veterinary Conditions Jennie Stewart Veterinary Conditions Jennie Stewart

Developmental Orthopaedic Disease: Protecting Growing Joints in Foals & Weanlings

Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) is one of the most significant risks for foals and weanlings. It encompasses any orthopaedic issue involving tendons, joints, or bone tissue in growing horses. The diseases included under this definition are osteochondrosis (OCD), physitis and epiphysitis, angular limb deformities (ALD), flexural deformities (including contracted tendons), and wobbler disease.

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Equine Nutrition Jennie Stewart Equine Nutrition Jennie Stewart

Gestational Diabetes: Feeding the Pregnant Mare

Gestational Diabetes in Horses

Just like humans, horses can experience pregnancy diabetes, known as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). This condition affects 4-12% of women and has an equivalent in mares, increasing their risk of pregnancy-associated laminitis. Both humans and horses experience changes in blood glucose and insulin levels due to this condition.

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