has anyone ever successfully fed their horse straight ammonium chloride?? Tried a few concoctions thus far and my horse refuses (for obvious reasons) but just wanted to see if anyone has some tips.
Why would you even consider feeding a toxic compound to your horse!?
Per the Material Safety Data Sheet in my lab: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: It can cause skin irritation which is usually mild. Eyes: Causes moderate eye irritation. It may cause Salt Cataract, increased ocular pressure, and degeneration of the retina Inhalation: It can cause respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritation which is usually mild.
Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed. May cause digestive tract irritation with nausea and vomiting, and thirst. May affect behavior/central nervous system (headache, somnolence, confusion, drowsiness, tremor, convulsions, coma), eyes (Mydriasis), cardiovascular system (bradycardia), respiration (respiratory stimulation, apnea, hyperventilation, pulmonary edema). May cause serious metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia. Transient hyperglycemia and glycosuria may also occur.
Chronic Potential Health Effects: Skin: Prologned or repeated contactmay cause dermatitis, an allergic reaction. Inhalation: Prolonged or repeated inhalation may affect the kidneys.
Ingestion:Prolonged or repeated ingestion may affect metabolism (anorexia, metabolic acidosis) and urinary system (enlargement of kidneys).
Inhalation: Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause bronchospasm (asthma)
Are you dealing with bladder stones or prevention of? If so, try vitamin C – makes urine more acidic – more pallitable too.
Yes bladder stone related (or prevention more so)
The ammonium was recommended by his surgeon/vets so just trying whatever I can to keep him from having another surgery. He does get vitamin c.
Their biggest suggestion was to get him to drink as much water as possible, but that is much easier said than done. Gotta love our spoiled, picky horses.
For increasing water intake, one suggestion is to give electrolytes. Be sure he’s not dehydrated to start, but try 1/2 a dose. Or you can also add regular salt to grain or pelleted feed, or a mash. Start with a teaspoon and work up to a tablespoon. I attended the donkey symposium last year and an equine nutritionist recommended 1 tablespoon per 500 lbs of body weight for all equines. Some may not eat that amount but worth a try.
Experiment with flavoring water with salt, molasses, or both. Or juice. Or a handful of alfalfa cubes. Or soda. Or electrolytes if your horse likes the flavor.
Feed grain in a mash with lots of water.
Ammonium chloride is a common additive for sheep and goats, so it’s not toxic. It help prevent disorders of the urinary tract especially for males. Our goats have it mixed into their feeds. You might check with your feedstore about mixing a feed that would be specific for your horse. It takes a very small amount to keep things in the proper working order. If you feed a commercial feed, you might take the label to your feed store and discuss having a comparable feed mixed with added a.c. just for your gelding!
I use a product that potassium iodide and ammonium chloride for respiratory issues. Its a horse product and very good. Its called itz magic. Im unsure if you can get it there