In this episode we delve into one of the most pressing concerns for horse owners: managing equine gastric ulcers. Many owners reach out to Dr. Clair for help managing their horses diagnosed with equine gastric ulcers, especially chronic and recurrent cases. In this episode we are joined by guest Dr. Phoebe Smith DVM DACVIM, Veterinarian and Internal Medicine Specialist at Riviera Equine Internal Medicine and Consulting in California. Dr. Phoebe helps us to understand this complex condition while Dr. Clair shares her personal experiences and frustrations of managing ulcers after facing them firsthand with her own horses. Join us as we explore the symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies for equine gastric ulcers. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate this tricky condition.

In this episode we cover
- signs that your horse might have gastric ulcers;
- why scoping is the ultimate diagnostic;
- squamous vs glandular gastric ulcers;
- drugs commonly used to treat gastric ulcers and why one size does not fit all;
- important considerations on when and how to give these drugs;
- how to tell that it's ok to stop treating;
And so much more!

Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge to better support your equine companion!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Feeding senior horses especially over the winter can be a challenge as many lose condition over these colder months. Some senior horses require different approaches to feeding to ensure their needs are met as what worked in their younger years may not work any more. Chewing can become a challenge requiring frequent dental care and the possibility of needing alternative feed forms. Additionally some senior horses may benefit from supplements like joint support or digestive aids due to arthritic changes and less efficient digestion. By understanding these needs, paying close attention to their diet, overall health and living situation we can help senior horses live happy and fulfilling lives.

In this episode we discuss:
When does a horse become a senior horse;
What is any special nutrient requirements senior horses have;
What senior feeds are and when they may be necessary;
Other alternative feed forms that may benefit senior horses;
Dental needs and limitations senior horses;
How pain may impact your senior horse's body condition;
If and when to use blankets with your senior horse;
And so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Feed labels are the informational panels found on the backs of feed bags or seen in to the bottom seem. These labels provide a wealth of important details about the contents and composition of the feed, allowing horse owners to make informed decisions about how the feed might meet the nutritional needs of their horse. While the majority of these labels share a lot of information about the specifics of the feed such as the ingredients included and the amounts of various nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, they also omit some surprising things.

In this episode we discuss:
-the legally required label information;
-who decides what must be on a label;
-how to use ingredients lists to understand the feed;
- what nutrients are guaranteed and how to use this information;
-the measurements units often used on feeds;
-feeding directions why they can make or break whether a feed will work for your horse;
-answer listener feed label questions;
-and so much more!

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!