Finding out your horse has Equine Cushings Disease can be difficult and one of the biggest problems our clients have is getting their horses to eat the Prascend. Many horses will take it for a short period then stop and others can sense it a mile off. What works for one horse may not work for another so we've put together a list of suggestions to try if you're having problems getting your horse to take the tablets. Starting with the easiest...
1. Hide it in their food. The tablets are cruchy so add something of a similar consistency to help disguise it such as small balancer pellets. Adding something with a strong taste will also help such as mint, garlic, tumeric or apple juice. Keep feeds small so they eat it all.
2. Put it in a piece of apple or carrot. Make a small hole and poke the tablet in. Vary the treat so they don't get too suspicous.
3. Wedge it in a polo or preferably three! Remember to feed plenty of polos without the prascend so your horse doesn't start to refuse them altogether.
4. Make a sandwich! Try Jam or Marmite (low in sugar).
5. Mix with some apple puree or custard.
6. If your horse doesn't have laminitis you could add a small amount of molasses or honey to a handful of feed and put the tablet in.
7. Dissolve the tablet in water and add to the feed or syringe directly into their mouth. (NB Do NOT crush the tablets).
8. Add a B Vitamin supplement to feed to encourage appetite, this may also help mask the Prascend. Contact us for a suggested supplement.
9. Slip it into the inside of their cheek. The tablets dissolve very quickly and many horses will tolerate this trick surprisingly well.
10. If all else fails contact us about a *new* paste product available!
Hopefully these suggestions will help, if there's anything you've found works that's not on the list please add to the comment box below. Above all else, don't struggle on in silence - we're here to help so if you have any questions or problems please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Jenny xx
Veterinary Surgeon, Ridings Equine Vets
