Re: RC: Foundering on pasture

[Farafix@aol.com]

Michelle,

I did not take any offense, sorry if I sounded like I did.  I thought perhaps 
there were different types of founder (I'm no veterinary expert!); I have 
read that it can be caused by several different things; & perhaps I did not 
have Fix's founder accurately defined!
One thing I should have mentioned is that Fix has excellent teeth!  Had an 
equine dentist out about 2-3 weeks ago who raved about his teeth --- all are 
in, the gums are real strong so his teeth aren't very slanted for a horse his 
age (26), and the cement in the molars is real good.  Thinking I could apply 
whatever I had done for Fix to preserve the younger horses' teeth, I asked 
him why Fix's teeth were so good.  "Genetics" was the reply.  So much for my 
great horsekeeping methods!
If Fix's teeth weren't so good, perhaps he could tolerate more access to 
grass.  
Another thing I notice is that when he's getting close to foundering he gets 
a fat pocket around his tail & a cresty neck, even tho he doesn't look fat 
around his rib cage or in his flanks (just looks in good flesh in those 
areas).  He was also kept too fat when he was younger so I try not to let the 
younger ones get too heavy --- altho I have no idea if obesity at a young age 
will predispose a horse to founder when it gets older --- just playing it 
safe with the younger ones.  Maybe someone else has more info on weight 
management and can "weigh" in.

Good luck with your senior citizen!

Nancy
Md


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