Horse Collaborative | August 27, 2015

(via flickr.com/Wendy)

Sudden weight loss in your horse is always alarming, especially when upping his feed doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. So what’s the next step?

(via flickr.com/Wendy)

Narrowing down a primary cause (or causes) often takes a bit of detective work. New stressors, such as moving a horse to a new farm or even changing his training regimen may cause him to lose his appetite, while the development of ulcers as a result of this stress and lack of eating can further complicate the problem. Meanwhile, dental issues or pain, often caused by sharp points on a horse’s molars, may cause him to drop food from his mouth while eating. Underlying medical issues, such as internal parasites or even more serious liver or kidney diseases can all play a role in weight loss.

Consulting with a veterinarian who can perform a full physical evaluation on your horse is always a good first step. In the meantime, here are five of the most common reasons why your horse may be losing weight, and some of the ways you can help him put the pounds back on safely.