Weight/Gainer Supplement For Yearling?

Question
Hi,
My Husband has a yearling Thoroughbred filly.
Sunshine had an umbilical hernia operation on the 11th July.
Since her operation she has been losing weight and is now ribby.
She gets fed lots of grain and has lush pasture too.
I'm concerned and am wondering what to do?
I'm thinking of calling the Vet out to assess her.
She caught lice while at the Vet's clinic and I teated her.
Would this have anything to do with this?


Answer
Hi Irene;

It seems she's had a period of high stress.  Definitely have her checked by the vet.  You might be dealing with an auto-immune issue.  Maybe even something like a food allergy, or digestive upset.  Yearlings shouldn't need 'lots of grain'.  A handful is more than enough if forage is plentiful and of high quality.

I'd want to put her on a juvenile complete pellet...just a couple of cups per day.  Probably a daily probiotic.  Free choice grass mix hay along with her pasture.  I'd also want to suppliment her to boost her immune system.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt