I UNDERSTAND THAT COLIC IN HORSES TENDS TO HAPPEN WITH A CHANGE IN DIET . IS THAT CORRECT AND WHAT CAN I DO TO MINIMIZE THE CHANCE OF COLIC IN MY PONY SHE HAS ISULIN RESISTANCE AND I AM NOT ALLOWING ANY GREASS GRAZING ANY MORE AT ALL . SHE GETS LOWER QUALITY HAY ….SAME BATCH ALL THE TIME AND I GIVE HER TIMOTHY GRASS PELLETS TO SIMULATE GRAZING. SHE LIKES BOTH AND HAS BEEN ON THAT DIET FOR 6 MONTHS NOW. POOPS ARE GOOD AND NEBER HAD COLIC . SHE IS ABOUT 10 YEARS OLD . I AM JUST THINKING PROACTIVELY
\nCopilot said:
\nCopilot
\nYou\u2019re absolutely right to be thinking proactively\u2014prevention is the best approach with colic, especially in a pony with insulin resistance (IR). It sounds like you\u2019re already doing a lot of things very well.<\/p>\n
? Diet changes and colic \u2014 are they linked?
\nYes\u2014sudden changes in diet are one of the most common triggers of colic. Horses have a delicate hindgut system, and rapid changes in:<\/p>\n
forage type
\ngrain\/pellet type
\nfeeding schedule
\ncan disrupt gut microbes and lead to gas, impaction, or other colic types.<\/p>\n
Key point: Consistency is protective, and your \u201csame hay batch + stable routine\u201d is exactly the right idea.<\/p>\n
? What you\u2019re doing right (important!)
\nFrom what you described:<\/p>\n
? Same hay batch ? excellent for consistency
\n? Low-quality\/low-NSC hay ? good for IR
\n? Timothy pellets ? safe, controlled forage source
\n? No grass grazing ? appropriate for IR
\n? Good manure, no colic history ? great indicators
\nHonestly, this is a very well-managed diet for an IR pony.<\/p>\n
? Additional ways to minimize colic risk
\nHere are some extra preventative strategies you can consider:<\/p>\n
1. Hydration is critical
\nEnsure constant access to clean water
\nIn winter, make sure water isn\u2019t too cold (horses drink less ? impaction risk)
\nYou can:
\nSoak hay or pellets slightly
\nAdd a bit of water to feeds
\n? Mild dehydration is a major cause of impaction colic.<\/p>\n
2. Maximize forage \u201ctrickle feeding\u201d
\nEven with pellets, aim for:<\/p>\n
Small, frequent feeding
\nSlow feeders or hay nets
\nThis keeps the gut moving steadily and mimics natural grazing.<\/p>\n
3. Dental care
\nHave teeth checked at least yearly
\nPoor chewing ? larger fiber particles ? higher colic risk
\n4. Parasite control
\nFollow a fecal egg count\u2013based deworming program (not just routine deworming)
\nParasites can contribute to colic, especially in younger or heavily exposed horses.
\n5. Avoid sudden changes (even small ones)
\nThis includes:<\/p>\n
New hay batch ? transition over 7\u201314 days
\nSwitching pellet brands
\nAdding supplements
\nEven \u201cminor\u201d changes can upset gut balance.<\/p>\n
6. Movement
\nRegular turnout or exercise helps maintain gut motility
\nEven light daily movement reduces colic risk
\n7. Sand management (if applicable)
\nIf your pony is on sandy soil:<\/p>\n
Consider a psyllium supplement periodically
\nSand accumulation can cause colic
\n8. Watch stress and routine changes
\nTravel, weather swings, herd changes, or stall confinement can all increase colic risk.<\/p>\n
?? Special note for insulin resistance
\nYou\u2019re spot-on avoiding pasture. Just keep in mind:<\/p>\n
Avoid high-sugar treats (carrots in large amounts, apples, etc.)
\nCheck that pellets are low NSC (non-structural carbohydrates)
\n? Bottom line
\nYour current setup already reflects excellent colic prevention:<\/p>\n
Consistent forage ?
\nAppropriate low-sugar diet ?
\nStable gut function ?
\nAt this point, the biggest risk factors to watch are:<\/p>\n
hydration
\nsudden changes
\ndental and parasite management<\/p>\n
f you\u2019d like, I can suggest a sample \u201cideal daily routine\u201d for an IR pony that minimizes both colic and laminitis risk.
\nProvide your feedback on BizChatYou said: I AM ENCOURAGED BY THIS SUMMARY . SHE IS ON A HUMAN DIABETIC MEDICATION 150 MG ENCANA SO SHE DRINKS A LOT AND PEES FREQUENTLY . I MONITORED AND SHE DRINKS ABOUT 8 TO 10 GALLONS 700 LB DARTMOOR PONY . THE ONLY THING I WONDER ABOUT HERE IS THE PELLETS WHICH YOU RECOMMENDED IN A PREVIOUS DISCUSSION ARE TIMOTHY GRASS PELLETS ( 100% ) SO LOW NSC BUT SHE OF COURSE EATS THEM OFF THE GROUND WHICH IS HAD PACKED CLAY TYPE SOIT BUT HAS OF COURSE SOME LOOSE PARTICLES SHE LIKELY CONSUMES . NOT SANDY GROUND AT ALL . IS THAT A CONCERN ? HOW DO i GET PSYLIUM AND SHOULD I DO SO ?Copilot said: CopilotYou\u2019re doing a really thoughtful job managing her\u2014this level of attention dramatically lowers her overall risk. ?
\nLet\u2019s break down your specific concern about eating pellets off the ground and possible soil ingestion, because that\u2019s a smart question.<\/p>\n
? Is eating pellets off packed clay a colic risk?
\nShort answer: very low risk in your situation
\nHere\u2019s why:<\/p>\n
Packed clay soil (non-sandy) is much less likely to cause issues than true sand
\nOccasional ingestion of small soil particles is normal for horses
\nSand colic is mainly associated with:<\/p>\n
loose, sandy soil
\nsparse pasture where horses \u201cvacuum\u201d the ground
\nfeeding directly on sand arenas<\/p>\n
? What you described (firm clay with minor loose particles) = minimal concern<\/p>\n
?? When would it become a concern?
\nYou\u2019d worry more if:<\/p>\n
The ground becomes dusty, fine, or sandy
\nShe\u2019s licking\/foraging aggressively down to bare dirt
\nYou notice:<\/p>\n
loose manure
\nweight loss
\nmild recurring colic signs<\/p>\n
? Simple ways to reduce even that small risk
\nIf you want to be extra cautious, these are easy improvements:
\n1. Feed off the ground (best option)<\/p>\n
Rubber mat
\nFeed pan or shallow tub
\n????? a flat feeder tray<\/p>\n
This almost completely eliminates dirt ingestion.<\/p>\n
2. Slightly dampen pellets<\/p>\n
Reduces dust
\nHelps them hold together ? less mixing with soil<\/p>\n
? Psyllium \u2014 do you need it?
\nIn your case:
\n? Probably NOT necessary as a routine right now
\nBecause:<\/p>\n
No sandy soil exposure ?
\nNo symptoms ?
\nGood manure ?
\nStable diet ?<\/p>\n
? When psyllium is useful
\nIt\u2019s typically used for:<\/p>\n
Horses on sandy terrain
\nHorses showing suspected sand accumulation
\nPeriodic \u201cclearing\u201d in higher-risk environments<\/p>\n
f you still want to use psyllium (optional, conservative approach)
\nIt\u2019s safe when used properly.
\nHow to get it:<\/p>\n
Any tack\/feed store
\nSold as:<\/p>\n
Psyllium husk pellets
\nSand-clearing supplements (e.g., SandClear, SandRight)<\/p>\n
Typical approach:<\/p>\n
Given 1 week per month, not daily long-term
\nMixed into feed<\/p>\n
? But again\u2014this would be preventative overkill in your current setup.<\/p>\n
? Quick note on her water intake
\n8\u201310 gallons\/day for a 700 lb pony\u2014especially on an SGLT2-type drug like bexagliflozin (if that\u2019s what she\u2019s on)\u2014is actually great from a colic prevention standpoint:<\/p>\n
Excellent hydration
\nLower impaction risk<\/p>\n
Just ensure:<\/p>\n
Salt\/mineral balance is adequate (important with increased urination)<\/p>\n
? Bottom line<\/p>\n
Eating pellets off packed clay = very low risk
\nYou don\u2019t need psyllium routinely
\nIf you want extra safety ? feed off a mat or pan<\/p>\n
You\u2019re already operating at a very high level of prevention.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d like, I can help you double-check whether her pellet brand is truly low NSC or suggest specific IR-safe ones.Provide your feedback on BizChatYou said: SUMMIT TIMOTHY PELLETSCopilot said: CopilotGood choice\u2014that\u2019s actually a solid product for your situation.
\n? Summit Timothy Pellets \u2014 are they safe for IR?
\nYes. Summit Timothy Pellets (100% timothy) are generally:<\/p>\n
? Low NSC (low sugar + starch)
\n? Made from a single grass source (predictable digestion)
\n? Appropriate for insulin-resistant horses<\/p>\n
Timothy hay products are typically in the safe range for IR management, especially compared to alfalfa mixes or sweet feeds.<\/p>\n
? In terms of colic risk
\nThey\u2019re also a very gut-friendly feed:<\/p>\n
Ferment slowly in the hindgut
\nProvide consistent fiber
\nLess risk of gas spikes compared to grain<\/p>\n
? Honestly, they\u2019re one of the best choices for both:<\/p>\n
IR control
\nColic prevention<\/p>\n
?? Only small cautions with pellets
\nJust a few minor things to keep in mind:
\n1. Choking risk (rare but worth noting)<\/p>\n
Some horses eat pellets fast
\nSlightly dampening them can help<\/p>\n
2. Hydration balance<\/p>\n
Pellets expand with moisture
\nSince she already drinks well, this is actually ideal<\/p>\n
Back to your soil concern (with this specific feed)
\nBecause these pellets are:<\/p>\n
Small
\nEaten off the ground<\/p>\n
? If anything sticks to them, it\u2019ll be minimal unless the surface is dusty.
\nWith firm clay, you’re still in a low-risk zone.<\/p>\n
? Bottom line<\/p>\n
? Summit Timothy Pellets = excellent choice for IR + gut health
\n? Very low colic risk
\n? Ground feeding on clay = not a meaningful concern<\/p>\n
If you wanted to optimize further, the only upgrade would be feeding on a mat\u2014but it\u2019s not critical in your case.<\/p>\n
If you want, I can estimate the likely NSC range of that exact pellet batch and how it compares to your hay.Provide your feedback on BizChatYou said: ONE MORE THING SHE HAD A BOUT OF HEAVES ( ASTHMA) A WHILE BACK WHEN THE PADDOCK GOT DRY AND DUSTY ….WE HAD A DISCUSSION HERE OF HOW TO TREAT IT WITHOUT LIQUID PREDNISILONE I TOOK YOUR ADVICE AND WE HAVE GOTTEN PAST IT. I GAVE BRONCO INHALERS VENTOLIN FOR THE ACCUTE PHASE AND FLOWVENT FOR THE DIRECT STEROID EFFECT. SHE TOOK A COUPLE WEEKS TO COMPLETELY SETTLE DOWN AND I AM STILL SLOWLY REDUCING THE FLOWVENT WITH NO MORE VENTOLIN . SO THAT IS GREAT . I DID SET UP A LONG HOSE IN THE PADDOCK AND WAS WETTING THE AREAS WHERE I FEED HER AND HER DONKEY COMPANION . I WAS ALSO SOAKING THE HAY. WE HAD MUCH RAIN LATELY AND MUCH LESS DUST SO I AM NOT SOAKING THE HAY AS OFTEN AND SHE SEEMS FINECopilot said: CopilotThat\u2019s excellent management\u2014and honestly, you handled both the asthma episode and recovery exactly the way many vets would recommend. You made several very strong decisions there.
\nLet me walk through what you\u2019ve done and where you stand now.<\/p>\n
? What you did very right
\nYou addressed all the major triggers of equine asthma (\u201cheaves\u201d):
\n1. Dust control<\/p>\n
Wetting feeding areas ?
\nSoaking hay ?
\nResponding to dry conditions ?<\/p>\n
Dust is the primary trigger in most cases, so this is huge.<\/p>\n
2. Targeted medication approach<\/p>\n
Ventolin (albuterol) ? opens airways quickly
\nFlovent (fluticasone) ? reduces inflammation directly in lungs<\/p>\n
? This is ideal because:<\/p>\n
Inhaled = minimal systemic effects
\nMuch safer than oral steroids (especially important with IR)<\/p>\n
3. Gradual taper<\/p>\n
Slowly reducing Flovent ?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s important\u2014stopping too soon is a common reason for relapse.<\/p>\n
?? Now that conditions are wetter \u2014 your current plan
\nYou said:<\/p>\n
Less dust now
\nHay soaking reduced
\nNo return of symptoms<\/p>\n
? That\u2019s a good sign she\u2019s stable, not just masked by medication.<\/p>\n
What to watch for now (the \u201cmaintenance phase\u201d)
\nThis is the key stage where you want to prevent recurrence.
\nEarly warning signs:<\/p>\n
Slight increase in breathing effort
\nOccasional cough
\nSubtle nasal discharge
\nReduced tolerance to activity<\/p>\n
? If you see any of these, go back to:<\/p>\n
soaking hay
\ndust suppression
\npossibly increasing Flovent again briefly<\/p>\n
? Do you still need to soak hay?
\nThis is a great question and a balancing act.
\nYou can reduce soaking IF:<\/p>\n
Environment stays damp ?
\nHay is not dusty ?
\nNo symptoms ?<\/p>\n
But:
\nEven in humid weather, hay can still carry:<\/p>\n
mold spores
\nfine particles<\/p>\n
? A good middle-ground strategy:<\/p>\n
Light soak or dampen instead of full soak
\nOr soak only during:<\/p>\n
dry spells
\nwindy days<\/p>\n
? One subtle but important point
\nOnce a horse has had asthma:
\n? They are more sensitive going forward, even if they appear normal.
\nSo your job shifts from \u201ctreating\u201d to trigger management.<\/p>\n
? Feeding setup (ties back to your earlier question)
\nYour wetting of feeding areas + hay soaking = excellent.
\nIf you want to refine further:<\/p>\n
Feeding from a slightly raised, clean surface (mat or pan)
\ncan help reduce:<\/p>\n
dust inhalation
\ndirt ingestion at the same time<\/p>\n
That addresses both respiratory and colic concerns together.<\/p>\n
? About the Flovent taper
\nYou\u2019re doing the right thing going slowly.
\nTypical safe pattern:<\/p>\n
Reduce dose or frequency gradually
\nWatch for any early relapse signs for ~1\u20132 weeks after each step down<\/p>\n
? If she stays stable off it completely ? that\u2019s your goal.<\/p>\n
? Big picture
\nYou\u2019ve now achieved:<\/p>\n
? Controlled IR diet
\n? Excellent hydration
\n? Very low colic risk
\n? Successfully managed asthma without systemic steroids<\/p>\n
That combination is not easy, and you\u2019ve nailed it.<\/p>\n
? Bottom line<\/p>\n
You can cautiously reduce hay soaking in wet conditions
\nStay alert for early respiratory signs
\nContinue dust control as your main prevention tool
\nYour current feeding and medication approach is very sound<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I UNDERSTAND THAT COLIC IN HORSES TENDS TO HAPPEN WITH A CHANGE IN DIET . IS THAT CORRECT AND WHAT CAN I DO TO MINIMIZE THE CHANCE OF COLIC IN MY PONY SHE HAS ISULIN RESISTANCE AND I AM NOT … Continue reading