Madalyn Ward, DVM shares her answers to specific holistic horse care questions from clients. To see more questions and answers on real holistic horse care situations check out our Holistic Horsekeeping and Horse Harmony Facebook pages.

Q – I have an 800 lb. Donkey who currently has 20% firm stool and 80% loose. It occurred about a month ago most likely from weather changes in our area. I put him on Pro-bi which helped within 5 to 6 days. Our weather has changed again from -7 to 55 and the problem has occurred again. I have him on a different probiotic in powder form since that time but it has now come back. Bloodwork is fine and fecal shows nothing. Can you recommend one of your probiotics for him? He only gets a handful of beet pulp twice per day soaked (no alfalfa) with free choice hay. Nothing in environment or feed has changed only weather.

A – My favorite probiotic for helping with challenges such as weather changes is the algae and probiotics blend you can find at http://holistichorsekeeping.com/blue-green-algae.html#NEWEEB. Give 1 tsp. a day.

Q – My 10 year old grade QH mare was just diagnosed with navicular. She was given a shot of osphos and I did 10 days of equioxx. However, I’d like to get her off the equioxx and onto a natural supplement. What do you suggest? She’s walking and trotting fine and looks sound.

A – I have a product on the website called Injury Pro. It could sure help with healing.

Q – I have a 4 year old thoroughbred filly that’s so tight on the back end the chiropractor can’t work on her. Equine winner patches aren’t helping fast enough. Any suggestions?

A – Have you tried any magnesium? I use Mag Restore that you can see more about at https://performanceequinenutrition.com/