Watch for Muscle Wasting
If you own an older horse, keep an eye out for muscle wasting. Sarcopenia, as it’s also called, is generalized muscle loss that can lead to weakness. A metabolism that changes naturally with age may be to blame, impairing your oldster’s ability to digest crude protein and absorb essential amino acids. Check with your vet, though, as there are other potential causes of muscle wasting, including Cushing’s disease, chronic lung disease, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, and equine polysaccharide storage myopathy. Lack of exercise can also be a factor, as can neglected teeth that prevent proper chewing.
Digestible Protein
Commercial senior feeds can help horses when muscle wasting is due to a lack of adequate protein and overall nutrition.
★ Protein contents of 12 to 14 percent—what older…
