The
first thing I would do is pull blood and check his selenium levels. Depending on
where your hay is grown, it is likely deficient in this crucial mineral. I have
used Dynamite supplements for 15 years..no tie-ups ever! We never feed straight
alfalfa either, but it sounds like you don't.
Good
luck, but don't ignore it, or it will literally bite you in the
butt!
Ranelle
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Dabney
Finch Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 11:06 AM To: Stefanie
Daratony; ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: [RC] Tying Up- Help
Needed!
When he got in the best
shape ever was also when my horse Orzo started tying up in the exact way you
describe.
What worked for him was
taking him off any grain at all except for right after being ridden;
I fed rice bran and beet pulp instead and he maintained his weight and
had plenty of energy with which to do 100s.
He's been tie-up free
for years now on this program...also I supplement with Vit
E/selenium.
This lurker needs help. I've read the
archives on tying up but wanted some more advice. Cowboy, my 10 year
old Half Arabian (1/4 Saddlebred) and I have been doing great and planning
to do Tevis this year. We have about 650 miles over the past few
years in 50s. I am a conservative rider, not interested in
racing. Cowboy has been awesome on every ride that I've done with
him. Not a single problem, until last week.
Three days ago, we went for a short ride
for fun, some trotting and cantering, in the wash. The same
routine that we've done many, many times, nothing out of the ordinary at
all, and very easy for him. On the way home, he suddenly lost
impulsion, which is very unusual for him, and I noticed his rump muscles
shaking. I got off and walked home and the muscles in his hind end
were very stiff by the time we got back. I just couldn't believe
that this was happening.
Has anyone else experienced tying up from out of the blue like
this? And what did you do about it? Is it possible
it could just be an isolated incidence or can I expect this to be
a major problem from now on? He looks ok today, and seems to be
moving fine. His urine was never discolored, as far as I saw.
I am hand walking him and then will pony, then start riding again,
depending on how he continues to look and feel. I had a 50
planned for April 16th, but thinking I should forget about that regardless
of how well he is doing next week?
I thought my feeding / management
program was good. I generally only do a conditioning ride once a
week (usually about 12-15 miles) and then do pleasure riding or some arena
work 1-2 days. He is turned out on about a 1/2 acre
24/7. Daily,
he eats bermuda grass hay, practically free choice, about 3-4
lbs. of alfalfa, about 3-4 lbs. of Strategy, and beet pulp. I
generally put loose salt in his feed, but not religiously. Currently,
I've been out of it for a few weeks. I don't think he uses the salt
block much.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know
there can be many different causes- not enough warm-up, too much grain, too
much calcium, e'lyte imbalance etc., but I haven't changed anything in my
program and never had any problems before. He is currently in the best
shape that he has ever been in. I am so hoping to try Tevis and other
great rides this year.
