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Are You Concerned About Colic During Covid-19?March 2020
Story by: Jackie Zions
One key to reducing the incidence of colic is making changes slowly. This includes exercise, feed changes and more. Dr. Kristen Frederick is just one veterinarian and equestrian providing helpful insight to keep everyone grounded during these rapidly changing times. "The COVID-19 epidemic is a public health emergency. All small businesses are taking a serious hit with this pandemic, including riding instructors and owners of boarding and lesson facilities. I'd like to address a few points that have cropped up on the internet,” says Frederick. “Yes, horses need exercise, but they will get by if not ridden by their owner that is complying with social distancing. Access to turnout, lunging, and hand walking are all options that can continue to be provided while restricting barn access to essential personnel only. If your barn is well-run, there is NO reason your colic rates should go up.” Frederick adds, “Barns, like any public institution, involve multiple people touching the same gates, stall latches, grooming tools, tack, brooms etc. Leather tack is difficult to disinfect. Disease will spread in a barn just as it will in any social environment. It's worth bearing in mind that the longer we fail to comply with social distancing recommendations, the more damage the virus can do, and this will deepen the already profound economic effects.” High grain, low forage diets and sudden changes in diet are two of the top risk factors for equine colic. A timely article from TheHorse.com makes recommendations for reducing feed for horses who have recently had a reduction in workload
Another important task during these difficult times is to stay in touch with your hay supplier to ensure a consistent supply. You don’t want to run so low that you lose the ability to implement safe transition periods from one batch of hay to the next.
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