For those of us in the Mid-Atlantic severe draught zone, we've really got to start examing the manure. Tuesday my daughter's horse had colic, which I first thought was gas. Fortunately, I took a close look at his manure and noted some small black items which resembled sunflower seeds. Since we soak sunflower seeds for the oil and mix it with beet pulp at feeding time, I first thought these were undigested seeds. I was smart to pick one out and I realized it was a pebble. The ground is so dry that grazing horses are pulling what little grass is left up by the roots. This horse was in a paddock which had pebbles. The pebbles were collected with the roots. It was then I knew it was time to call the vet. All things considered, we're fortunate because if I had gone with my with first assumption, I would have more problems than 4 quarts of mineral oil and a couple of doses of Banamine. The pebbles irritated the bowel and if I treated him only for gas, my daughter would not be riding him with hunt next Sunday.
It is amazing, I can't see a thing at 12", but I can spot a flea on my dogs rump at 50 paces. Sometimes I wish it were the reverse, but thank the Lord for small favors.
"Pebble" Colic
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