kt
older horse muscle loss
Older horses need extra TLC, that’s for sure. But how do you know just what they need?
Because horses are very good at hiding what ails them, the key is to listen closely to what they do, and don’t, say.
Older horses are like puzzles; many aspects of their care require careful observation and sleuthing. Preventing illness and maintaining wellness can be easier, and cheaper, than solving problems after they arise.
Eldercare Checklist
Older horses are like puzzles; many aspects of their care require careful observation and sleuthing. Preventing illness and maintaining wellness can be easier, and cheaper, than solving problems after they arise.
Nutrition: When horses get older, their dietary needs change. Tooth condition, activity level, and illnesses are among the factors to consider. Discuss your older horse’s nutritional plan, including any supplements, with your veterinarian or a qualified equine nutritionist. Be sure to make any changes gradually, since adjustments can be difficult for older horses and affect them to a greater extent.
Hydration: As they age, horses can be less inclined to drink. Be sure they have a supply of clean, fresh water at all times. A heated water bucket is one solution during cold weather. Get one with a conduit-covered cord, and plug it into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for safety.
Body Condition: Watch their weight closely, but don’t rely solely on visual inspections. Run your hands over your older horse, especially in winter or if your horse has Cushing’s syndrome, when weight loss or gain can be masked by a hairier coat. Chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy treatments help keep elders comfortable and in good physical shape.
Oral Health: Older horses need more frequent exams (sometimes two or more per year) to catch and eliminate sharp points on their teeth that cause mouth discomfort. Watch for quidding (dropping mouthfuls of feed when eating) or head-tossing as signs of pain.
Hoof Care: Regular hoof care is essential for all horses; include daily visual inspections to catch problems early on.
Activity: Age-appropriate exercise provides physical and mental stimulation. Consider playtime as well as pasture time, alternate “jobs” they’re capable of, and handwalking around the neighborhood for new sights and sounds.
Cocoa’s Hot Year
It’s been quite a ride for 21-year-old Cocoa. Named 2008 Equine of the Year by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA), Cocoa developed a mysterious intestinal illness last June, spending eight days in intensive care after undergoing surgery at the University of California’s Davis campus.
“We got her about five years ago, from a woman that couldn’t control her. Cocoa can be quite hot for an able-bodied rider,” says Judy Lazarus, executive director and founder of Xenophon (pronounced ZEHN-nuh-fun) Therapeutic Riding Center of Orinda, Calif. www.xenophontrc.org
“However, as soon as a disabled rider is on her, it’s like she’s walking on eggs. Everyone here loves this horse.”
Age Was Not an Issue
Apparently, things were touch and go for a while with Cocoa’s survival. “While the ultrasound showed a mass, once the UC-Davis surgeons got inside there was no blockage, only inflamed intestine,” says Lazarus. “Despite her age and the cost, we did everything we could for her because they gave us an 85% chance of recovery and because she’s such a fabulous therapy horse.”
Cocoa’s now fully recovered, but Lazarus says that, in hindsight, she might have been developing this illness for a while and hiding her pain. “She was never very demonstrative after we got her, although she has impeccable manners. Now, after her illness, she’ll nicker to you and her demeanor is completely different. Horses are often very stoic when they’re not feeling well. It would be better if they’d let you know sooner!”
Reading The Signs
Hiding their illnesses or injuries is instinctual for horses; in the wild, showing weakness might have brought lurking predators. And since horses in their 20s and 30s have had lots of practice at it, uncovering what they’re hiding takes a skilled observer.
Watch for personality and gait changes, stiffness or heat where it didn’t exist before, or even a small wince during grooming. Horses speak not with words but with body language, so owners must listen with their eyes and take note of the small gestures that, interpreted correctly, can speak volumes.
The Touch of Gold
Listening to horses is just what Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist and volunteer Cathi Saunders does at the Hooved Animal Humane Society ( www.hahs.org ) in Woodstock, Illinois.
“Some of these abused horses have never had ‘good’ touch,” says Saunders. “I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to provide that for them?” She’s also found that the older horses are appreciative of her massage skills.
“At first they’ll look at you like ‘what are you doing?’ but within moments they relax, their head drops, their eyes soften,” she says. “By the time you’re done with one side, they’re like jell-o.”
Oh, My Aching Hock!
Relaxation and tension release aren’t the only benefits for the older rescues. “The massage improves their circulation and enhances their immune function. Because it increases the production of synovial fluid, it can reduce inflammation and swelling in joints,” says Saunders. “Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, releasing toxins and getting things circulating. It can help with flexibility and range of motion. Overall, it also just helps them feel better.”
Saunders points out that muscular problems can be cumulative. “If you pull your shoulder, the next thing your back is hurting. It’s because compensating for the injured body part can cause another one to act up,” she says. “It’s the same with horses, young or old; they’ll have a tendency to develop compensating injuries.”
Some DIY Tips
If you don’t have access to an equine massage practitioner, Saunders says there are many techniques that owners can learn to use on their own. She recommends looking for equine massage books and DVDs that are available online, selecting the best ones based on consumer reviews. As for the signs your horse is enjoying the massage?
“You’ll see the horse visibly relaxing, often dropping their head. You might get a big sigh, or they could even pass gas or manure. Some will actually fall asleep!” chuckles Saunders. She points out that even if a horse isn’t accepting the massage at first, they could become quite relaxed within just a few minutes. However, she says owners might need to adjust the massage pressure, especially if an older horse is sore or unused to massage. “It might be necessary to use a lighter pressure, but within one or two massages, an owner will get a feel for their horse’s preference. Over time, even more sensitive horses will become accustomed to and accept heavier pressure, which is necessary to release muscle spasms.”
Keeping Your Eyes Wide Open
You could run out of both time and money trying anything and everything to keep a horse healthy and comfortable in his old age. Or, to find out what he really needs, you could listen closely…with your eyes.
Lisa Kemp is an award-winning writer and marketing consultant for the equine industry. Her definition of a good day is one filled with any combination of horse people, horse images, horse stories, and yes, actual horses. For additional information, visit www.neohippus.com .