Is alfalfa hay OK after colic episode? Update post #5

[mtngirl]

My 10 month old filly had a bout of gas colic today. Vet came out, mineral oiled and gave shot of Banamine. We are both of the opinion that the filly is not drinking enough water (she's normally in pasture 24/7 with run-in shed). She's never been a big water drinker anyhow and the recent cold/snow hasn't helped. She doesn't seem to like to drink the water if there's any ice in it...and with the cold we've had, that's been a major issue.

Vet recommended giving her back her hay tonight but to soak it thoroughly and to also salt her water. Filly normally gets fescue mix hay of what I would call "fair" quality. I supplement by mixing some alfalfa in (though not every feeding). Would it have been better to just have fed the fescue only? I didn't think to ask the vet about the type of hay. When I left the barn filly seemed to be comfortable and was munching away at her soaked hay.

Other suggestions for increasing water intake? I've been giving her about 1-1 1/2qts of what I call "beet pulp soup" almost everyday...but missed Tuesday as I had to go out of town.

[cloudyandcallie]

When my friend's old eventer had colic surgery, the only hay the vet would let her feed the horse was alfalfa hay, soaked in water with the "alfalfa tea."

[rcloisonne]

I wouldn't be giving her any hay at all until things start moving along normally. Maybe some well soaked, soupy alfalfa cubes? Not sure how "gas colic" was diagnosed. She could be impacted if she hasn't been drinking. Hopefully, the vet tubed her with a lot of water before giving banamine which is very bad for the kidneys if she's dehydrated.

May I suggest you get a heater for your water to encourage her to drink more? While salt should always be available to horses, I wouldn't put salt in her water unless you also have an unsalted supply she can drink.

Good luck and I hope this resolves.

[dalpal]

Call the vet and ask a follow up question.

I boarded at a barn years ago, lady kept alfalfa on hand for incidents such as this...she felt it kept the horses "loose" after stomach issues.

I like alfalfa....if I owned my own farm, I would give every horse a section of alfalfa hay a day.

[mtngirl]

After a calm, peaceful night and morning, my filly began to be colicy again this afternoon. She is now at the vet clinic.

I posted another thread here asking for jingles with more detail.

Previous vet had recommended salt in water to entice her to drink more temporarily...which she did. She normally lives out 24/7 in pasture where a bucket heater is not feasable.

Right now I just want to get past this episode and then will worry about the other later. If she survives this, there's a possibility I can move her to a different pasture that has running water vs a tub that freezes.

Any jingles you send will be greatly appreciated.