- Mar 31, 2010
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I have our friend's pony on loan for a couple of weeks to keep my Percheron company until my new off-the-track TBs arrive. The pony lived with us for 6 months last year, so we're used to each other's quirks. He's older than the hills (close to 40), and has virtually non-existent teeth. I got him through last winter without losing any weight. This winter he's in much worse shape. He's 13 hands and was about 500 when my vet weighed him last June. I'd estimate that he's lost 75 pounds, and a lot of his general condition. He can't chew hay, really doesn't chew grass very well, and has been leaving most of his grain. He won't eat beet pulp or chopped forage. My friend's vet told her to feed him anything he would eat. I've been doing that, but all I've been able to get down him is sugar cookies, Graham crackers, apple sauce, and handfuls of sugar cubes. He won't eat bread, and rejects anything with a mashy texture. Meanwhile, I've kept him blanketed 24/7 because he's so thin, and I'm really concerned because we're due for another cold weekend.
I think the ultimate answer is that it is time for him to be put down. However, it isn't my decision to make. I just need to keep this little guy together until he returns home in 2 weeks. My main concern is that with the exception of sugar, none of the foods on his "approved" list contain enough calories. I'm thinking that a horse that size needs 3000-4000 calories a day to keep his system functioning. Does that sound about right? He ate a sleeve of Graham crackers this evening, but that was only 560 calories.
. Do any of the horsey folks have any ideas for super-calorific, palatable foods that can be, well, gummed?!
I think the ultimate answer is that it is time for him to be put down. However, it isn't my decision to make. I just need to keep this little guy together until he returns home in 2 weeks. My main concern is that with the exception of sugar, none of the foods on his "approved" list contain enough calories. I'm thinking that a horse that size needs 3000-4000 calories a day to keep his system functioning. Does that sound about right? He ate a sleeve of Graham crackers this evening, but that was only 560 calories.
