horse - Barnyard Veterinary Service & Supply

Thankful for Pets

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

As Thanksgiving comes around, take time to be thankful for your pets. Sure they can be a lot of work, but the joys they bring us can be unmeasurable. They make us laugh and cry. They comfort us when we are sad and keep us company when we are alone. Sometimes they protect us and sometimes they get us in trouble with the neighbors or animal control.

Show your pet some extra love this year.

Popular requests from the dogs include going out for a walk or run, extra petting, and healthy treats.

Cats might appreciate a new cat tree/scratching post, some cat nip, a sunny window shelf or just a cardboard box.

Horses like apples and carrots or maybe just a saddle that fits.

Little critters are often happiest with a clean cage and a few delicious munchies.

Grazing Muzzles

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

What is a grazing muzzle?

Horses are grazing animals. When they are not allowed pasture time on a regular basis they can suffer from psychological and medical issues. On the other hand, continuous grazing of lush pasture can also cause certain horses to become overweight or obese. Founder (laminitis) is frequently seen in these overly fat, carbohydrate sensitive animals.

Unfortunately laminitis can permanently damage the horses’ feet and can become life threatening if severe enough. Grazing muzzles where designed so that a horse could still be turned out to pasture thus supporting his need for exercise and mental stimulation without overconsumption of calories from all day grazing.

The durable soft rubber basket that slips over the horses muzzle can either be attached to a halter or comes with a break away halter for safety. They come in several different sizes to accommodate miniature horses all the way up to draft horses and usually cost around $50.00-$120.00. Depending upon your pasture situation, they can be a nice option for weight control while still allowing your horse the freedom to roam and get a drink of water. Check out www.intrepidintl.com for styles and sizes.

What do I feed my fat horse?

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

What do I feed my fat horse?

We carry a variety of horse feeds

As most horse owners know, fat horses can be more prone to an uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening disease known as founder (laminitis). Lush pasture and a general over consumption of carbohydrates can be contributing factors.

There are many lower starch horse feeds on the market these days. Notable, Purina has an excellent line up of low starch feeds designed to feed younger equines on up to the senior horse.

Purina’s Enrich Formula is designed to be fed at the rate of 1-2 pounds per day. It can be fed to weanlings through adult horses. It supplies vitamins, minerals, and needed protein to supplement pasture or grass hay without added calories or starch.

Purina WellSolve W/C is a weight loss formula that supplies limited calories while still allowing one to feed a normal meal size. Very carbohydrate sensitive horses can benefit from Purina’s WellSolve L/S.

Veterinary consultation is recommended before feeding either of these diets to rule out metabolic issues. Purina Strategy Healthy Edge, Equine Adult, and Horse Chow 100 can also be used for overweight horses.