JT Equine and Canine Physiotherapy

17/05/2024

What is the longest a horse can safely go without food?

More and more I see horses and ponies stood for long periods of time with no hay or haylage. Usually under the guise of a “weight control diet”. So how long can a horse be without food before damage is done? And what damage is done?

For those with a short attention span, I’ll give you the answer to begin with - 4 hours, maximum.

Why?

Horses are grazers. They are designed to eat constantly. They have no way of storing their acids and digestive enzymes, they’ve never needed to. They have no gall bladder to store bile and their stomachs release acid constantly, whether or not there is food in the stomach and intestines.

A horses stomach only holds approximately 8-15 litres. Depending on the substance eaten, it takes on average 4-6 hours for the stomach to completely empty. After this, the acids and enzymes start to digest the inside of the horses stomach and then the intestines. This causes both gastric and intestinal ulceration. It has been estimated that 25-50% of foals and 60-90% of adult horses suffer from ulceration. But I won’t go into detail about this, there is a lot of information around about ulcers.

So is that it? Are ulcers the only concern?

No, having an empty stomach is a stress situation for a horse. The longer they are starved, the more they release stress hormones, cortisol predominantly. Cortisol blocks insulin and causes a constantly high blood glucose level. This stimulates the body to release even more insulin, and in turn this causes fat tissue to be deposited and leptin resistance. Over time this causes insulin resistance (Equine Metabolic Syndrome). All of these mechanisms are well known risk factors for laminitis and are caused by short term starvation (starting roughly 3-4 hours after the stomach empties). Starving a laminitic is literally the worst thing you can do. Over longer periods, this also starts to affect muscle and can cause weakness, and a lack of stamina so performance horses also need a constant supply of hay/haylage to function optimally.

Let’s not forget horses are living, breathing and feeling animals. We talk about this stress reaction like it’s just internal but the horse is well aware of this stress. Door kicking, box walking, barging and many other stable vices and poor behaviour can be explained by a very stressed horse due to food deprivation (we all have that Hangry friend to explain this reaction). Next time you shout or hit a horse that dives for their net, remember their body is genuinely telling them they are going to starve to death. They know no different.

But surely they spend the night asleep so they wouldn’t eat anyway?

Not true. Horses only need 20mins REM sleep every 24 hours (jealous? I am!). They may spend a further hour or so dozing but up to 22-23 hours a day are spent eating. So if you leave your horse a net at 5pm and it’s gone by 8pm, then by 12am their stomach is empty. By 4am they are entering starvation mode. By their next feed at 8am, they are extremely stressed, physically and mentally.

Now I know the cob owners are reading this mortified. I can almost hear you shouting at your screen “if I feed my horse ad lib hay he won’t fit out the stable door in a week!!”

I will say that a horse with a constant supply of hay/haylage will eat far less then the same horse that is intermittently starved. They don’t eat in a frenzy, reducing the chance of colic from both ulcers and over eating. Cobs included.

However I’m not suggesting you sit your cob in front of a bale of haylage and say have at it! There is a difference between ad lib and a constant supply. There is much we can do to reduce calorie intake and control weight whilst feeding a constant supply.

The easiest is small holes nets. There are many. Trickle nets, greedy feeders, nibbleze, trawler nets etc. My personal favourite is the Shires Soft Mesh 1”. They don’t cost the Earth, they are easy to fill and they don’t have knots so are much gentler to the teeth. Now often I suggest these types of nets to owners and the owner tells me “Oh no, *** won’t eat out of those” 🙄 this is nonsense. If he was left it, he would. Remember, you can give a normal net and one of these for them to nibble at after. Better than leaving them with nothing at all.

A few other tricks, hang the net from the ceiling/rafters, it’s harder to eat out of a net that swings. Soak the hay, a minimum of 4 hours to be effective. Mix with straw but be sure to introduce the straw slowly and make sure it’s top quality and a palatable type eg Barley or Oat, otherwise they won’t eat it.

Don’t forget exercise. The best way to get weight off a horse is exercise. Enough exercise and they can eat what they want!

And lay off the bucket feed and treats! Horses on a diet require a vit/min supplement in the form of a balancer but that’s it. The odd slice of carrot or swede won’t do any harm but no licks, treats, treacle, molasses, cereal based rubbish. Even if it says low sugar or the marvellously misleading “No added sugar”! Your horse would rather have a constant supply of hay, I promise.

Written by Vikki Fowler BVetMed BAEDT MRCVS

A few edits for the critics-

Firstly, feeding a constant supply does not mean ad lib feeding. It means use some ingenuity and spread the recommended amount of daily forage so the horse is never stood with out food for more than 4 hours. I am not promoting obesity, quite the opposite, feeding like this reduces obesity and IR. This can be done whilst feeding your horse twice a day as most horse owners do. Just think outside the box for your own situation.

Secondly I am in the UK and this post is UK specific, use some common sense when reading. Yes in warmer climates, soaking hay for 4 hours is dangerous and studies show 1 hour is plenty in hot weather but in the UK’s arctic climate, a minimum of 4 hours is required. Equally the UK feed exclusively grass hay. I can not comment on other types.

Thirdly, yes every horse/pony and situation is different, but this is a law of nature and all horses have this anatomy and metabolism. How you achieve this constant supply is individual, the need for it is not.

Fourthly, the use of hay nets in the UK is very very high. I’d estimate 95% of horses I see are fed this way and very very few have incisor wear or neck/back issues as a result. Yes, feeding from the ground is ideal, but a constant supply, I feel trumps this. Again with ingenuity both can be safely achieved.

Finally, straw can be fed to horses safely, introduced very slowly, with fresh water always available, plus a palatable and digestible type of straw which will depend on your area. Again many horses in the UK are bedded on straw and most of them eat it. This is not a new concept to us.

Final finally 🤦‍♀️ and I feel I must add this due to the sheer number of people contacting me to ask, feed your horses during transport!!! I am astonished this is not normal in other countries! Again in the UK, we give our horses hay nets to transport. We don’t go 10 mins up the road without a haynet and a spare in case they finish! Considering we are a tiny island and we rarely transport even 4 hours, we never transport without hay available. I have never seen an episode of choke due to travelling with hay available. If you are concerned, use a slow feeder net so they can’t take too much in at once.

If you get to the end of this post and your first thought is “I can’t do this with my horse/pony, they’d be morbidly obese”, you haven’t read the advice in this post thoroughly.

27/11/2021

This is something very close to my heart, sometimes too much information can be disadvantageous

When I first got out of veterinary school and started looking at horses prior to purchase (usually referred to as a “vet check” or a prepurchase exam), the horses usually fit into one of three categories. The first category was the horse with no problems noted at the time of the exam. That decis...

09/11/2021

Er zit altijd meer achter gedrag dan wat de meeste mensen denken. We kunnen niet ervan uitgaan dat dieren (en kinderen trouwens ook) altijd hun behoefte op een constructieve manier met ons delen - hoe dan ook? Dieren spreken ons taal niet. Dus gedrag is hun manier van communiceren met ons.

Te zeggen gedrag is ‘stout’ en ’ondeugend’ is te kort door de bocht en doet dieren en kinderne vreselijk onrecht aan.

Paarden zijn niet in staat om dingen opzettelijk tegen ons te doen. Ze doen alleen maar wat ze denken moeten te doen. Als het jou niet bevalt dan moet je erachter gaan waarom het paard het doet en in hoever jij dat gedrag op roept.

Schuld heeft geen plaats in een relatie.

28/06/2021

Dear Valued clients

As you know I’m committed to providing a thorough, professional and cost effective Veterinary Physiotherapy service with the animals welfare and client affordability at the heart of what I do.
I have been providing this service to my clients for the last 4 years and have been so grateful for everyone’s support and have kept my prices the same throughout.
I do however need to factor in the ever increasing fuel and insurance costs along with the costs of ensuring my knowledge base and tool kit are kept current and relevant.
So with that it mind, as of the 01/07/2021 my prices will see a small increase.

Horses 🐎 :£50
Dogs 🦮. : £40

I continue to offer a mobile service within the Thames Valley area and don’t charge any additional costs for those areas under 20 miles from my base in Bicester.

I look forward to your ongoing support .🙂
Jane x

28/06/2021

Dear Valued clients,

As you know I’m committed to providing a thorough, professional and cost effective Veterinary Physiotherapy service with the animals welfare and client affordability at the heart of what I do.
I have been providing this service to my clients for the last 4 years and have been so grateful for everyone’s support and have kept my prices the same throughout.
I do however need to factor in the ever increasing fuel and insurance costs along with the costs of ensuring my knowledge base and tool kit are kept current and relevant.
So with that it mind, as of the 01/07/2021 my prices will see a small increase.

Horses 🐎:£50
Dogs 🦮 : £40

I continue to offer a mobile service within the Thames Valley area and don’t charge any additional costs for those areas under 20 miles from my base in Bicester.

I look forward to your ongoing support .🙂
Jane x

23/06/2021

Equine and canine physio offering mobile service within the Thames Valley area.

Modalities as part of the treatment package as and where required
Laser treatment
Theraputic Ultrasound
PEMF (pulsed electro magnetic field therapy)
NMES (neuro muscular electro stimulation)
Manaual techniques inc fasical release .
Red and blue light Phototherapy

I Offer a bespoke service and the appointment includes a dynamic and static assessment of your equine or canine , palpation and appropriate treatment inc exercise/rehab plans where required .

Equine conditions (not exhaustive list) that physio is beneficial for :
Tendon/ ligament strains/tears/ruptures
Arthritic conditions
Wound repair
Kissing spine rehabilitation
SI rehabilitation
All round maintenance
Sports performance
Edema /Haematoma

Canine conditions
Dysplasia , elbow and hip,post surgical or conservative management of
Crutiate damage, both post surgical or conservative management
Wound management/repair
Arthritis
DM (degenerative myelopathy )
Spinal issues

Physiotherapy treatment is a useful therapy to improve and regain mobility and well being for both equine and canine , particularly in conjunction with other therapies such as hydrotherapy .
Feel free to message me with any questions.

I’m passionate about the health and recovery after injury of all our 4 legged friends and offer a professional and comprehensive service.

I visit both home and yard to offer this service and am fully insured and affiliated to a governing body.

20/03/2021

Charlie dog getting some well deserved massage from my trainee physio after a long walk !!

20/03/2021

New piece of tool kit , excited to be able to use the Pulsio on my equine and canine clients !
It’s been a godsend on my back that’s for sure !

18/12/2020

An excellent visual to explain Cruciate injury

07/10/2020

Oooh well done Buckingham equine , makes life easier for us therapists too !

NEW DIGITAL PHYSIO CONSENT. We are please to announce our new digital consent form for equine physiotherapy treatments. The form, located on our website (at the top right of any page), allows clients to request permission quickly and efficiently for their horse(s) to be treated for physiotherapy (including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic therapy, etc). It is a legal requirement that any horse undergoing manipulative therapies receives consent from a veterinary surgeon. This digital platform will make it much easier for clients to request consent and allows them to obtain an email response from a vet within just a few days. A service which we offer at no charge. The digital form is the first of its kind in equine veterinary practice in the UK and we are really excited about how much it can help our clients. Please go to our website to view or complete the form: https://buckinghamequinevets.com/equine-physiotherapy-consent-request-form/

29/09/2020

Interesting ... we do tend to feed our horses too much hard feed

17/07/2020

Arthritis naturally waxes and wanes, with intermittent flare ups no matter what you have done. 🙁
The important thing is that these falre ups are identified and managed with appropriate pain relief, reduced exercise and attention paid to minimising further damage and injury as well as maintaining quality of life in these down times. These flare generally last 7 days if managed correctly.

If you're worried your dog is having a lot of flare up, speak with your vet about how their treatment plan can be adjusted.
And don't forget to check out our website 👍 https://bit.ly/2TLUcLF

01/06/2020

Dear clients , new and existing

Thank you so much for your patience in these testing times , I hope that you are all keeping safe and well .

I wanted to keep you all up to date with my current services and practices in light of this ongoing pandemic.
I am now back working with both dogs and horses but with some slight changes.

Horses:
If there is the opportunity to be able to treat your horse without you being present then in the current climate that would be my preference . I would ensure thorough follow up and feedback via phone or text with regards to findings , treatments and rehab plans .
If you would like to be present then of course that’s not an issue , all I would ask is to ensure that the 2 metre social distancing rule is adhered to to ensure the safety of both you and I .

Dogs:
I’m happy to attend your home to treat your dogs . If you are able to provide a room in the house that your dog would be comfortable in and enable me to treat safely adhering to the social distancing guidelines then that is my preference . If not I will ensure PPE (face mask) is worn by myself .

I will obviously continue the vital cleaning and sanitising of my machines as I always have done between each use .

I will wash and sanitise my hands before and after each treatment .

I will avoid having to touch objects such as head collars and leads as and where safely and reasonably possible. If I do touch them then I will sanitise them with antibacterial wipes .

Please wherever possible can payment be made by Bacs . Where this is not , please leave payment in a sealed envelope for me .

If you don’t feel happy for me to attend and treat just yet but need some advice and guidance on how best to manage the health of your animal , please feel free to contact me , I’m more than happy to offer advice where I can .

I really value your custom and loyalty especially in these strange times .
Keep yourself safe and well 😄

20/03/2020

To all my lovely clients

We are entering unprecedented and uncertain times with the management of this corona virus .
With this comes Government guidelines encouraging us all to not move around , visit family , this has hit businesses exponentially.

I wanted to inform you and reassure you that at present I am working as normal as possible , out treating your beloved horses and dogs .

My working practices haven’t really changed much to be honest as hygiene in this profession is paramount
* washing hands before and after treatments
* hand sanitising before and after treatments
* sanitising machines before and after treatments

I am requesting where possible that owners continue to allow me to treat their horses and dogs but to perhaps consider whether it’s vital that you are present during the treatment or not . If not then let’s exercise social isolation where possible .
I absolutely value your custom and totally understand that Physiotherapy treatment may not be a priority in the current climate but just a little plea to not forget about us small businesses in these trying times.
I can offer help and advice over the phone for tips and exercises that you can do at home with your precious friends .

Everyone please keep safe , our horses and dogs will undoubtedly will be our saviours in providing us love and peace and a welcome distraction in these really tough times

23/07/2019

21/06/2019

09/06/2019

Great and interesting article . As a Physiotherapist I know and have seen how box rest can be hugely counter productive in the rehabilitation of tendon injuries
Ultrasound is a modality I use and has been hugely successful in the repair and rehab of these injuries along with gentle exercise and range of motion exercises .
Get a good physio on board if your horse succumbs to a tendon injury but prevention is always better than cure

Professor Roger Smith educates us on tendon injuries and how we look at them...

29/05/2019

Something that I’m always keeping an eye out for

Why it is important to lift your horses tail!!

To look at the symmetry of the perineum/v***a!

There may be a crookedness/deviation due to pelvic trauma or restriction or there may be a hollow or divet due to muscle tears leading to scar tissue and ligament damage .

I want to talk more on the implications of muscle tears leading to scar tissue in this area as I find this very commonly and they require ongoing management. Under dissection an obvious scar on the external part of the horse is often 2-3 times bigger on the inside and often affecting much more then one muscle!

The hamstring closest to the perineum is the Semimembranosus muscle, it has an origin on the sacrotuberous sacroiliac ligament (which is also commonly torn) as well as the tuber ischi (point of buttock). The semitendinosis is the next muscle across towards the outside - it has an origin on the Sacrum and the pelvis (tuber ischi). The biceps femoris is the most complex and requires a whole seperate discussion!!!

But just thinking about the semimembranosis and semitendinosis and the effect of the workings on these muscles if their structure is weakened by a scar. The effect it will have especially if unilateral on the pelvis, Sacrum and pelvic ligaments and the flow on effect tp the rest of the body!!!

Also remember a scar is NOT muscle tissue, when untreated it often has more nerve fibres --》 pain and is much more prone to tearing, lacking strength and stretch compared to healthy muscle fibres.

Tears in the hamstrings will affect a horses ability to collect, utilise the hind end correctly, hind leg stride length, the torque on the Pelvis and Sacrum leading to chiropractic restrictions.

The fascial lines will also be affected, connecting the hamstrings to areas like along the backline to the eyebrow!! the TMJ and spiralling across the abdominals.

The abdominals are directly affected as they insert on the pelvis in various positions, so if the pelvis is not in alignment and unable to function correctly the abdominals will not function correctly and therefore your horse will find it difficult to lift through the back and reach with the nose.

The effect on the joints - the semimembranosis has attachments to the inside of the stifle and into the gastroc tendon to the hock. The semitendinosis has attachments to the femur - effecting the hip and the gastroc tendon to the hock. A lack of flexibility in these muscles will limit the ability of these joints to flex and engage which will increase the chance of arthritis.

I have been involved with the treatment and management of head shakers related to hamstring tears as well as hamstring tears leading to a sore back and not wanting to go forward or issues with holding the canter.

It is important to have any dimple investigated by a professional body worker and put in place a management and rehabilitation program.

Regular chiropractic treatments by an Animal Biomechanical Medicine Professional (www.abmprof.com.au) to correct the associated pelvic and spinal restrictions , treating the scar tissue with Laser therapy (Photobiomodulation) or acupuncture on a regular basis i.e every 2-6 weeks depending on what you do in between (stretches, type of work, massage, redlight etc) and the extent of the scar tissue. Vetkin taping can also be a huge benefit. A stretching and strengthening program will hugely benefit and increase the comfort, wellbeing and performance of your horse.

So have a look under your horses tail - ask yourself - is there any resistance to lifting the tail? Is the line along the perinuem or the v***a straight? Are the muscles smooth - is there divets, dimples, ropey or stringy?

27/05/2019

Helpful guide people 😁

17/05/2019

So so very true , miss my Dee just as much now as I did when I had to let her go a year ago .
Dee entered heaven with a bobbed tail 😢

The best horses in Heaven
they have no tail.
This is a rule they all know
without fail.
For when a new horse arrives
with a short cut bob,
they all know that this horse
did a very good job.

His owner could not bear
to part with her friend
so she saved his tail,
wrapped in ribbons
and in braids,
to hold with his memory
in a very loving way.

To enter Heaven
without a tail
is an honor,
a message,
that without fail
announces to everyone,
far and wide
that this horse
was more than a wonderful ride.

But
this horse was loved and cherished by one
and when his time serving on this Earth was done
he left behind
a broken heart
and a soul
from which he never will part.

12/04/2019

Wishing all my wonderful clients a fabulous blue chip championship

Keep me posted with all your results 😘😁😁😁

31/03/2019

Team work makes the dream work 😁😁
Mandy Mcglynn
Emma McGlynn

13/03/2019

Some wise words

***** CALMERS! *****

For those of you thinking that this post is going to be about which “calmer” to use, then I’m about to disappoint you!

Pretty much every single day, a post comes up on some group on FB, asking for people to recommend something to “calm” a stressy or naughty horse. These posts make me want to cry!

Why do so many people think they need a calmer?! And if calmers really worked, why are there literally thousands on the market?! In my opinion, calmers act via the placebo effect for the rider, and if that helps, then great!

But I thought I would list my top “calmers”! This is more from my horsewoman head, than my vet head!

1. Feed your horse less, or don’t feed him/her at all! Lots of people feed a scoop of mix or nuts every day; make sure your feed is not the reason your horse needs a calmer! In a highly strung horse, often a basic chaff or fibre nut is enough!
2. Change from haylage to hay! In some horses, hay results in a much calmer horse!
3. Ride your horse frequently! If your horse spends 5 days a week being pumped full of haylage and mixes, with no exercise, he is going to be far more stressed/jolly than if he’s working hard!
4. Turn your horse out. And I mean 24/7 if facilities allow! This is better for a horse’s brain, joints and respiratory system! Sometimes the land and/or yard means that turnout has to be limited, but if this means you are struggling to ride a naughty horse, then moving yards to allow for more turnout may be your only option.
5. Buy a horse to match your capabilities as a rider. A tricky subject, but you only live once, and your horse should be enjoyable to ride! Don’t buy yourself a 17hh sharp warmblood, if you’d be happier on a bombproof cob! No amount of “calming nuggets” or “calming powders”, are going to turn a naturally sharp and spooky horse, into a quiet plod!
6. If your horse is only sharp/tense out competing, then go to a few shows/competitions and don’t compete (if the venue allows this). This will not only allow your horse to quietly hack around/work in, without the pressure of then having to perform, but may also show if his stress is due to your competition nerves! Likewise, asking someone else to ride your horse at a competition may show up whether it’s you or your horse that needs the calmer!
7. Some horses are genuinely very anxious and tense in a competition environment, even with a very calm jockey on board. The only way to try and cure this is practice and more practice, in the situations they find stressful.

Some people genuinely swear by certain calmers, and whether they are actually working on the horse or the rider, is something we’ll never know; but if they help you both, then carry on using them! There are so many different varieties out there, that it’s probably pointless to ask people to recommend a specific brand.

08/03/2019

If you are visiting Crufts today come and say hello 👋
I’m on the Photizo stand , would love to see you 😁

03/03/2019

Very interesting video about how pain can manifest differently and the effects of this can be huge

30/01/2019

Veterinary physiotherapist Hayley Marsh offers a variety of strengthening �exercises to do at home in between treatments using polework

29/12/2018

Animal Physiotherapy is a science based profession, the key aims are to

*Restore function
*Improve and maintain mobility
*Enhance performance

I provide an Animal Physiotherapy service in the Thames Valley area , specialising in horses and dogs .
Physiotherapy is hugely beneficial in the long term management of musculoskeletal and neurological injuries/conditions along with development and improvement in performance of the animal athlete.

Common issues that Physiotherapy could help restore

*Difficulty in working
over the back ,

*Engaging hind end

*Difficulties in canter, maintaining / striking off on incorrect lead

*Evasions such as biting issues, saddle fit , bucking, rearing, napping.

*Reduced performance , unwillingness to go forwards , refusals, knocking poles

Conditions that could be improved/repaired through the use of
Physiotherapy

* Osteoarthritis
*Ligament /tendon damage( suspensory/DDFT)
*Management if kissing spine cases ( including both conservative and post operative rehabilitation)
*Scar tissue
*Rehabilitation of post operative cases , CCL, Dysplasia etc
*Wound management
*Muscle spasm
*Nerve damage

I use a variety of modalities on a case by case basis following on from a thorough physical assessment and palpation.
These include the following
*joint manipulation and mobilisation
*Massage /trigger points
*Passive and Dynamic stretches
*Electrotherapy’s such as Therapeutic Ultrasound, PEMF, NMES and Phototherapy

Included in the service are rehabilitation or conditioning programmes tailored to the individual animal.
I am fully insured and registered with IAAT (International Association of Animal Therapists) and work closely alongside vets and other professionals associated with the care of your animal .

Prices per appointment
Horses £45
Dogs £35
Discounts available for 3 or more at same yard/home

For all enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact me ,Jane 07590374463

25/12/2018

Wishing all my fantastic clients both human and animal the best Christmas and thank you for all your on going support 🐾🐕🐎🐇🦄🐴

13/12/2018

For all my canine owners ,especially those whose dogs have CCL injuries, an interesting video 😁

12/12/2018

✨ SPINAL HEALTH ✨ As I was sorting through my laptop, I found this document that I believe is by Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre. Great images that show how management approaches such as feeding hay from the ground are important for spinal health.