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
Manure has Grain, Corn or Oats in It
Summary
This commonly occurs in horses fed whole grains, especially those that have poor dental health. It is especially common in older horses.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- 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). Consider your horse's body weight and the diet you are feeding. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.Keep in mind that today there are many high quality commercial pelleted feeds available that might be more easily digested and provide better nutrition than what you are feeding.
If you prefer feeding straight grains, consider buying rolled or crimped grains, because these are more digestible. But keep in mind that these may provide more nutritional value (particularly available carbohydrate), so make feeding changes slowly and be cautious of grain overload, colic and laminitis.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may suggest that you feed your horse more easily digested pelleted feeds, and/or may also suggest that they perform a dental exam to determine whether dental work is needed.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- What is the horse's dental health history?
- What type of grain and how much grain are you feeding?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- 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.
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
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health