SmartPak’s Ask The Vet- Hot and Cold Therapy, Feed Labels, Horse Hydration, and more!

[originally published in the January 2017 issue of Show Horse Today]

Questions answered in this episode:
1. What is the difference between hot and cold therapy (i.e. sweating the leg and icing or cold hosing, respectively), and under what circumstances should each be used?
2. How do you break down and interpret the guaranteed analysis on a feed label?
3. I know during the fall and winter it is a lot easier for horses to become dehydrated. Because of the cooler temperatures, they aren’t as inclined to drink their water as they are in the hotter months. This was the reason my horse got impaction colic last week. It was a very scary experience and I really don’t want it to happen again. What are some ways to encourage horses to drink during the fall and winter months and make sure they stay hydrated, other than keeping fresh water in front of them all the time and providing a salt lick?
4. When should you switch your horse to a senior feed?
5. Are round bales healthy enough for horses to eat? Do they provide enough minerals to help maintain a healthy diet in horses?