Today, we are tackling the topic of swelling, a symptom I often encounter in horses.

Swelling, particularly in the udder or sheath, is usually accompanied by extremity swelling (peripheral edema) due to fluid pooling in the legs. Visible swelling is a common concern for horse owners. It is never a good sign, especially if it becomes chronic.

The Lymphatic System

When I see fluid retention in horses, I think about the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance between the blood and tissues, excreting toxins and supporting the immune system.

Fluid Retention  

Many owners fail to recognize fluid retention in their horses, mistaking it for weight gain. But they usually realize it when they notice the swollen or puffy tissues. Once these horses get put on a proper metabolic program, the swelling reduces, and they lose significant weight.

Factors Contributing to Fluid Retention

Fluid retention in horses can be the result of various factors. Insulin resistance and metabolic issues are common, but owners should consider thyroid health, liver function, and lymphatic efficiency. Damaged capillaries due to advanced insulin resistance can cause fluid leakage, and protein deficiencies can also result in fluid buildup, presenting a pot-bellied or bloated appearance.

Movement is Key

A big reason for fluid retention is a lack of movement. Horses must move as their lymphatic system relies on movement to function properly. Their hooves play a vital role in circulating blood and lymph, and when horses stand still for long periods, the fluid retention worsens. So movement is essential, whether through exercise or simply encouraging them to walk around in their environment.

Diet and Sugar Content

Sugar content in a horse's diet, especially from grass, plays a significant role in fluid retention. Too much sugar leads to glycogen storage, which causes water retention. By controlling the sugar intake and increasing fiber, protein, and healthy fats, the swelling will reduce, and metabolic function will improve. However, diet alone will not solve the problem if the horse does not move enough.

Allergies and Protein Deficiency

If swelling persists despite addressing movement and sugar levels, it is worth exploring allergies or protein deficiencies. Sometimes, horses react to particular types of hay or even alfalfa, which may lead to inflammation and fluid retention. Ensuring a balanced protein intake is essential, as low protein can cause fluid to pool in the belly area.

Stress and Hormonal Factors

Stress affects insulin and cortisol levels, potentially damaging capillaries and leading to fluid retention. Movement is a great way to reduce stress and improve circulation, and exercise is a critical factor in managing insulin resistance and overall health.

B6 and Magnesium Supplements

Once the diet and movement of the horse are optimized, supplements can help address any remaining fluid retention. Vitamin B6 is my go-to, as it helps reduce fluid retention by acting as a diuretic and improving kidney function. Magnesium can also be helpful, but B6 is usually the most effective supplement.

Conclusion

Fluid retention in horses is a common issue and often a sign of underlying problems like poor circulation, high blood sugar, or nutritional imbalances. Movement, diet, and stress management are the keys to addressing it, with supplements like B6 providing additional support if needed.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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Food is most important for horses.

Last time, we covered the signs indicating your horse may need a food change. Today, I follow that up by diving into five signs that your horse loves its current diet, which is critical, especially for easy keepers and metabolic horses.

Food Motivates Horses

Horses are highly motivated by food and need to eat constantly, so food restrictions can negatively impact their quality of life. When they cannot eat, they tend to fixate on food, leading to stress-related issues like delayed healing and a weakened immune system.

Introducing a New Feeding Program

When starting new feeding programs, it may take time for horses to adjust, especially if they are picky eaters. Owners often worry that their horses will refuse to eat the new food, but over time, with careful adjustments, most horses begin to enjoy their meals.

Behavioral Changes at Feed Time

One of the first signs that horses are enjoying their food is a change in how they interact with their owner. When horses become more engaged and attentive at feeding time, displaying excitement and curiosity, it is a sure sign that they are enjoying the food and starting to feel better physically.

Stomping in Satisfaction

Another sign indicating horses love their food is stomping their feet during feeding. That is an expression of satisfaction, similar to when someone taps their foot while enjoying a meal.

Closing Their Eyes While Eating

Some horses show their enjoyment by closing their eyes while eating, fully immersing themselves in the experience. That shows they are relaxed, content with their food, and savoring every bite.

Licking the Bowl Clean

Horses that love their food often lick the bowl clean. While some horses may leave food behind when not fully satisfied, a horse that finishes everything shows it has enjoyed its meal.

Improved Physical Health

A sign of a successful feeding program is improved physical health. When horses start improving physically, they show enhanced mobility, reduced inflammation, and overall better health, and that often coincides with them beginning to enjoy their new diet.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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Horses should love their food because it is important to them.

However, many horse owners struggle to determine whether their horse's diet provides enough nutrition or if something in their food could be causing them problems. So, I have identified seven signs indicating your horse may be ready for a food change.

Recognizing the Need for a Food Change

One of the biggest challenges for horse owners is determining when their horse needs a diet change. Many owners struggle to assess whether their horse is getting enough nutrition or if there could be a problem with their diet. To simplify that, owners must look for signs indicating a change is required. It could mean adding certain essential nutrients or removing any ingredients causing intolerances or digestive issues.

Excessive Hunger and Food Possessiveness

Metabolic horses, particularly those with insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), often show signs of excessive hunger. Those horses may be aggressive around food, constantly searching for more due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Stabilizing their blood sugar through appropriate dietary adjustments can significantly improve their satiety and behavior around food.

Lack of Interest in Food

If your horse plays with its food, tips the dish over, or walks away, it might be a sign they dislike something in their diet. Horses are food-motivated, and when disinterested, it could indicate a food intolerance or a taste preference. A process of elimination can help owners identify the offending item.

No Motivation to Approach

A change in their attitude toward food can be a sign of improvement. Horses that eagerly run to their owners for food without showing indifference are likely enjoying the diet and experiencing positive health benefits. This shift can indicate that the current nutrition plan is working.

Unusual BehaviorAfter Eating

Behaviors like cribbing or wind-sucking after eating can signal digestive discomfort. That may be linked to certain ingredients in the diet, like high levels of alfalfa or feeds with many additives. Removing the problematic items and supporting digestion with proper nutrients can alleviate those behaviors.

Eating Inedible Items

If a horse starts eating manure, dirt, or other non-food items, it may be searching for missing nutrients or trying to soothe its indigestion. Changing their food and perhaps introducing probiotics can help resolve that behavior.

Digestive Problems

Chronic digestive issues like diarrhea, fecal water syndrome, ulcers, and colic often indicate dietary problems. Feeding the wrong types of hay, such as coarse hay or straw, or giving a diet too high in sugars can cause bloating, distension, and gut discomfort. Adjusting the diet to include more suitable hay and reducing sugars can help resolve these issues.

Health Problems Not Improving

If the health condition of a horse does not improve despite lifestyle and supplement changes, it may be due to something in their feed. In such cases, stripping down the diet to just hay and water for a short period may reveal whether the food may have been the issue. Many commercial feeds contain similar ingredients that may aggravate the condition if not properly reviewed.

Conclusion

Understanding the dietary needs of your horse does not have to be complicated. Horses thrive on simplicity and variety, so focus on keeping their diet straightforward. Avoid overloading their meals with too many ingredients, and observe their behavior as you make changes. By keeping things simple and observing their responses, you can improve their health and happiness through a well-balanced, tailored diet.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally, now.