Long story short - 35 year old gelding, minimal teeth, always been a hard keeper since his youth. Has been on a diet of large amount of Triple Crown Senior and soaked alfalfa/timothy cubes for many years, and does well. Gets good pasture most of the year as well. Had to switch feed this spring due to Covid stock issues, so since March he’s been on Brooks Fibre Omega which was the very closest feed to the TC Senior available. Gets GastroGard from time to time as needed, and Apple a Day electrolytes when there’s extreme weather. Test borderline/early Cushings but only treatment is a lower NSC feed - pergolide takes his appetite away and he’s been symptoms free otherwise.
Bloodwork drawn yesterday (went off his feed for a couple days, which is not unusual for him - tends towards ulcery symptoms and gets treated with GG.) Results show marked low magnesium and phosphorous levels, with chloride borderline. Vet has suggested an all-round vitamin/mineral supplement top dress.
I’d like to understand the process going on here better - whether this is caused by other minerals blocking absorption, if the cubes are throwing his calcium/magnesium balance off, or how common a finding this is. It’s my mom’s horse and she suspected a mineral issue recently as she noticed him eating the dirt around new fenceposts.
As he is still off his feed (eating grass and drinking fine) would also love to hear if there’s any suggestions for a more potent paste/drench vitamin/mineral product which might give him quicker relief if this is contributing to his symptoms.
Any feedback or experiences appreciated - thank you!
