Mini stud losing weight

[doniakay]

My friends stud is losing weight this has been going on for a year. He pulled a bad tooth and has had teeth floated, since then has ate well

He is around 10, eats very well, but skinny and losin weight the vet says he doesn't know what the issue is

Any suggestions on what to do next. all of his mare last year appear to be bred but doesn't seem interested in a mare right now

 

[chandab]

Can you get more information? Size of stallion? Exact diet being fed? And I do mean exact. If he's up to date on dental and Deworming, then consider ulcers as a good possibility (stallions are often stressed). Depending on his diet, I'd consider adding probiotics to the diet.

 

[Rocklone Miniature Horses]

As said, a lot more detail needed.

 

[Debby - LB]

could be any of a number of reasons. Please let us know what he is eating so we can help with suggestions.

 

[Ellesan]

Agree with worming and probiotics, if it were me I'd have some blood work done.

 

[Cayuse]

Has he been tested for any metabolic issues?

 

[Jill]

Also, has his environment changed? Wondering if he's pacing or running a fence over mares or a rivalry with another stallion or "studly" gelding.

What about the hay? Has the quality of it changed? I think minis aren't able to get as much as big horses may out of have that is too tough or stemmy.

 

[Miniv]

I suggest making a list for your friend to go over.....It could be just one problem OR a combination of issues.... The previous posts

have covered basically everything to consider......

* Worming. What is her schedule and what has he been wormed with? A fecal test will determine if he perhaps needs a different wormer.

* Teeth. Since he's had an issue in the past, he should be checked again.

* Ulcers. What are is eating habits? Is he shying off grain? Drinking a lot of water? Playing a lot with his water? Acting depressed?

* Quality of Feed. As Jill said, if the hay is too stemmy, he probably won't be eating it. And does he get any grain at all? If so, what kind?

* Overall behavior. Is he nervous and pacing? Or acting "dull"? (If pacing, he needs more feed and/or to be moved away from what upsets him.)

* His coat/fur quality. Is it healthy looking or dry, dull, shaggy....not shedding normally.... If so, a blood test should be done for thyroid or perhaps another issue.

Remember, he may have a combination of things going on with him.....not just one.

 

[Mona]

I would strongly suspect it is because he is a stallion, and the hormones that go with it, causing him to pace a lot or worry more about the mares than eating. Some are VERY difficult to maintain good weight on for those reasons!