Re: RC: Re:enteroliths (was Feeding/hay suggestions)

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated Wed, 14 Feb 2001  4:59:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, "Michelle Fink" <michrowe@redwrench.com> writes:

<< Is there some other factor in enterolith formation?  I asked my vet about it
and he said he has not seen any in our area (he's been a vet for 20+ years).
Most people in the area feed straight alfalfa to their horses.>>

Yes.  There seems to be a specific trace mineral problem in southern CA (something to do with magnesium, if memory serves) that makes it a particular problem in that area--and there also seems to be a genetic predisposition to it as well, as there is a much higher incidence of it among Arabians, and among specific lines of Arabians as well.

We likewise feed straight alfalfa a fair amount of the time here in central Idaho, and did as well in central Oregon, and in 19 years as a vet, I likewise have never seen a case in practice or in my own horses.

Heidi