Instructions
Consult the veterinarian who will confirm the condition of rickets by examination and x-ray. Ask her advice on a new feeding routine for your horse. Learn about the causes of rickets, which includes a lack of calcium and phosphorus. The ratio of these in the horse's feed may vary between 1.5/1 and 2/1. Never reverse these proportions. Ask the veterinarian's advice about using a trace mineralized salt block, which may correct mineral imbalance.
Feed sun-cured hay and alfalfa. This feed contains vitamin D which is important for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. The horse should also be allowed to graze in the sunlight. Pasture grass may be enough for a young horse, an idle horse or a mare in the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Aim to give a horse with rickets less calories overall, but more trace minerals.
Ask your veterinarian before giving vitamin supplements. It is possible to overdo this, and this may lead to toxicity. Cod liver oil is usually a safe supplement to give if necessary. If you feed grain, have the content analyzed to check that it does not contain more carbohydrates and protein than your horse needs. Always ensure that your horse has plenty of fresh, clean and cool water.
How to Feed a Horse With Rickets
Rickets, or epiphysitis is a condition that affects the bones and joints of horses. It commonly causes enlargement of the knee and may be noticed first when the horse becomes lame. It frequently occurs in younger horses, and is related to a nutritional imbalance. Though there is often an association between rickets in children (particularly in the past) and malnutrition, it is often the opposite in horses. Overfeeding of young horses is one of the most common causes of rickets. This is because a high-calorie intake destabilizes the metabolism. Treatment should focus on the establishment of a more balanced feeding regimen.