Dear Dr. Lowder,
I have just purchased a 3 yr old Appaloosa Buckskin gelding from a private party. This horse is only about 14 hands tall and looks to be underweight. I have been told by the previous owners that this gelding was extremely thin as a yearling due to a bad case of worms and lice.
Since I live in a very very small town, I have heard other stories about this horse being "starved out" 2 other times in his lifetime. The owner dropped off this horse to a local trainer to be nursed back to health both times.
My question is, after such malnutrition, I would assume that there will be stunted growth... Are there minerals of supplements that I can give him to help him with his bone development/growth issues?
Also, what might be the long term effects of the worm infestation in his belly?
I have attached a couple of pictures for you to take a look at to determine size.
Thank You Very Much!
Amy Dahl
Amy,
The important thing now is to feed him correctly now. Look at the articles in the health section on feeding and be sure to feed him by weight (get a weight tape from the local tack store) and do not feed him by volume. Secondly, put a good loose trace mineral salt somewhere where the rain will not get on it. Now, don't put out any blocks as they are hard for a horse to lick enough mineral.
Next, get a good ivermectin dewormer and deworm him today and 21 days from now. If the horse is 14 hands at three he most likely is now going to grow much more but he might. Just don't get in a rush.
Thanks,
Dr. Lowder
