BETTER HEALTH FOR AGING HORSES

by Leo Eldridge, DVM

Manager, Purina Veterinary Services Laboratory

Time waits for no one or no horse. The aging process brings changes that can be so gradual that they go un-noticed until dramatic failure of one or more systems occurs.

Because cold, winter weather creates extra stress for older horses, it's important to encourage customers to work with their veterinarian to prevent and treat problems as they arise.

Digestive System:

The teeth of the horse wear down over time and can lead to loss of ability to properly digest feed. Attention to dental care can help avoid some of the problems.

More attention is being focused on the problem of gastric ulcers in horses. This problem can cause signs of intermittent colic and ill-defined discomfort. Diagnosis of ulcers can be difficult and usually involves direct examination of the stomach lining using a fiber optic scope.

The liver and pancreas are also organs of the digestive system. Over time, there can be changes that make them less efficient. Diagnosis of loss of junction often involves blood work.

The older horse usually benefits from a more easily digested diet. Time can reduce the efficiency of the intestinal tract and its ability to absorb nutrients. There can also be a reduction in the movement of the intestine which can lead to impaction and colic. Another problem that can develop is the formation of stone like structures called enteroliths. These formations can lead to complete blockage of the intestinal tract. Avoiding feeding on the ground can help prevent enteroliths.

Skeletal System:

Joint surfaces can wear on the horse just as in humans. Lameness can slowly develop and lead to significant problems if not recognized in the early stages. Aging can also result in the thinning of the bone which can possibly lead to fractures.

Urinary System:

Aging can result in "wear and tear" changes in the kidneys. Some signs of kidney dysfunction are loss of weight and frequent urination.

Endocrine System:

Older horses are prone to a problem of the pituitary gland, a structure in the brain, seen as the development of tumor tissue. Horses with this problem may be slow to shed winter coats, show frequent urination and fail to maintain body weight. Diagnosis of this problem requires blood work. There are medications that can be very helpful for relieving the signs of the problem called pituitary adenoma.