Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Eating Slowly, Taking Long Time to Finish a Meal
Summary
Horses that take a long time to consume their feed may have dental or oral pain, or pain swallowing. Their appetite may be poor because of an underlying illness, or they may simply not like the feed. Slow eating is a more common observation in older horses because of inability to chew properly.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the horse seems to be having difficulty eating, in addition to showing this sign.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to body condition, heart rate, gum color and general demeanor. Watch carefully for a few minutes after you feed them.Try to differentiate between a mere feed dislike, versus other problems. Try different feeds. Are they picking up their feed and trying to chew but can't? Are they simply playing with their feed? Do they chew but are having difficulty swallowing? Are they showing any signs of abdominal pain (colic)? Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Until vet evaluation, be sure to separate a slow-eater so that they can finish a full meal without having to compete with others in a herd.
What Not To Do
Do not feed a "slow-eater" in a herd of horses. They will be out-competed and will lose weight.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
The veterinary exam for this sort of observation begins with a very thorough history and physical exam. An important part of this is a very careful dental exam. If the basics are ruled out, then blood work can provide clues to underlying disease.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is the horse also spilling or dropping feed, or quidding?
- Is there a particular feed your horse is eating more slowly?
- Is the horse attempting to eat?
- When did you first notice this?
- Is the horse simply not interested in the feed?
- How is the horse's weight or body condition score (BCS)?
- Does the horse appear to be losing weight?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
