The Stable Magazine - April 2016

Management -
When stringhalt occurs after the break of the season
where pastures contain Flat Weed, the horses should
be removed from the pasture to a pasture free of any
Flat Weed or into a holding area and hand fed hay.
Dampened Lucerne hay is considered the best
roughage as it contains higher energy, protein and
minerals than grassy hay, and should be fed along
with supplements. Stringhalt affected horses must
not be left to graze areas affected by the presence of
Flatweed.
If the signs are recognised early, improvement can
occur over a 2-3 week period, with recovery in 2-3
months. More severe symptoms will often improve
over 6-12 months but some cases can take up to 18
months and may not fully recover.
In the chronic condition, loss of muscle on the
outside of the gaskin area and weakness in
the fetlock joint on one or both hind limbs can
complicate recovery.
Treatment -
Move the affected horse to a ‘dry’ paddock or one
free of flat weed. If this is not possible, the weed will
have to be removed manually or with the use of an
animal friendly weed spray (personal choice).
Feed moist hay only
Keep your horses environment calm - This is
of the utmost importance as the horse may be
quite distressed with its new affliction.
A well balanced equine mineral powder or Equine
mineral block should be readily available - be sure
the product you buy contains Vitamin E, Vitamin B1
and Magnesium proteinate, (NOT Dolomite or Epsom
Salts (magnesium sulphate).
Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for
Stringhalt; some horses may show improvement
while other horses show little despite long term
treatment. Prevention is by far an easier option and
at this time of year we need to be vigilant regarding
what is growing in our paddocks.
Your first point of contact should always be your
Veterinarian as they have a wealth of information
to offer and are always the first to know of new
treatments for any ailment that may have become
available.
ringhalt
symptoms, management & treatment
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