Question
I have a chronically laminitic mare that is currently on stall rest. She is fed only good-quality hay, no concentrates, but has limited movement due to her confinement. She is now prone to impaction colic. What dietary changes can I make to limit colic episodes?
Answer
Water consumption is an important part of preventing impactions. Horses should always have access to clean, fresh water. Recognizing fluctuations in water consumption and manure consistency may signal when problems are brewing with your mare.
To get more water into your mare, you could replace some of her long-stem hay with soaked hay cubes or hay pellets. This will increase her water intake somewhat.
If water consumption is nominal, consider stimulating her thirst response with an electrolyte, such as Restore SR, which uses a time-released sodium source to reach the large intestine for maximum absorption. Most electrolyte products increase blood mineral levels, stimulating the horse to excrete the excess prior to full absorption. Restore SR provides sustained absorption for more effective electrolyte replacement. By improving the thirst response, your mare may stay more hydrated, thus reducing the risk of impaction. (In Australia, look for Restore.)
Aside from water intake, consider a hindgut supplement to help reduce the risk of colic. EquiShure is a unique product that consists of encapsulated, or fat-coated, sodium bicarbonate that withstands digestion in the foregut and buffers acid in the hindgut. Balancing the hindgut pH helps to maintain healthy microbial populations and support fiber digestion. Although EquiShure is not a colic preventative, the supplement has been beneficial in reducing incidences of recurrent idiopathic colic. Even though her colic episodes have been impactions, I think EquiShure would be useful. EquiShure is a flavorless powder designed to be fed twice a day. I suggest feeding it with a small amount of hay pellets or unmolassed beet pulp. Be sure to add EquiShure just prior to feeding when soaking forage alternatives. Always provide horses with water after an electrolyte has been given.
If you are using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the laminitis, you may consider using RiteTrac instead of EquiShure. RiteTrac contains antacids and coating agents that buffer excess acid in the stomach, and it also contains EquiShure for hindgut health. Australian horse owners should look for these products.
Finally, your mare’s nutrient requirements are not being completely met on the forage-only diet. Adding a concentrated micronutrient pellet would provide the nutrients lacking in the diet without adding unnecessary calories. Micro-Max, or Gold Pellet in Australia, is a concentrated micronutrient pellet that contains highly digestible forms of natural-source vitamins and chelated minerals.
