liver stones

[bellasonya]

Hey everyone!
There is a new TB at the barn under the age of 10 I believe. He was diagnosed with liver stones which is apparently quite rare. The owner was told to feed him a low protein diet. The barn before was feeding him sweet feed, not sure how much but I will say he does have some energy...no wonder! My question is... has anyone dealt with this? what would your recommendations be as far as a feed? He gets free choice hay and for now I know he is getting sweet feed until BO figures out a better nutrition regimen. I wanted to see if you all could lend us your expertise.
When I get more info I will be sure to post it.
Thanks!

[jenarby]

Wow, poor guy! I bet that is uncomfortable. So it sounds like they are hoping that a different diet will allow the stones to dissolve? Or is he having surgery or on meds for it? I've never heard of a horse getting liver stones before. Perhaps finding a good equine nutritionist would be helpful? Sorry I don't have any good advice but I'm very interested to hear how he does.

[diane]

sending Jingles for this boy

[animaldoc]

Are you sure it's not kidney stones?

[Skye Pilot]

Jingles to new ponee!

I had to look it up too. I guess the liver stone is the same as gall stones except where they are located. They are said to be as painful as gall stones or kidney stones.

I wonder if Ursodiol would help dissolve the stones?

[bluebluesea]

I'd suggest the owner discuss the diet with a qualified Vet nutritionist. Having gone through a feed related issue with my horse, I went through months and months of well-intentioned suggestions that may have actually aggravated the problem.

[bellasonya]

Well the new guy seems to be settling in quite well. He is getting beet pulp and was cut back on the sweet feed to calm him down. It is so hard to gather info on this condition as it is quite a rare. I would like to see this horse get a vet nutritionist to make sure he is getting all he needs in his diet. I haven't seen much of the BO lately to talk to her.
He was on meds for this but did not need surgery. At this time he appears to not have any flare ups...thankfully!
Thanks everyone for your posts!