Douglas Weiss has found excessive starch that ferments in the horse’s intestine releases toxic byproducts and also increases the permeability of the intestine, which allows these toxins to enter the bloodstream.

I had a few minutes between clients and was engaged in a conversation with one of the vets at the clinic where I’m a resident farrier. I was profoundly struck by what I observed during a momentary break in our discussion. Another vet walked up to us, excused himself and proceeded to ask the vet I was talking to for some suggestions on a case involving a foal with breathing problems. The clinic had already sent someone out to see this foal, but this was to be this vet’s first trip.

 During the December farrier liaison committee meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in Baltimore, Md., the joint role that farriers and veterinarians play in foot care was a major topic.