Geriatric Care

Horses are defined as "geriatric" at around the age of 15 or 17. After this age, the needs of a horse can change drastically with regard to the teeth, endocrine system, tendons, GI tract and nutritional needs. One of Dr. Kivett's main interests is geriatric medicine. If you notice your older horse changing in regard to energy level, muscle development, weight, hair coat, fecal consistency, or breath odor, this can signal that a problem is developing. Equine Cushing's (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Periodontal Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease are all extremely common in older horses. These are all treatable, if not curable conditions. At Foundation Equine, we believe that "age is not a disease" and are committed to keeping your older athlete or companion healthy all the way to thirty and beyond!