Feeding protected sodium bicarbonate attenuates hindgut acidosis in horses fed a high-grain ration.

Hindgut acidosis (HGA) is a common problem in horses consuming either large quantities of grain orfructan-rich forages. Horses suffering from HGA may develop anorexia, colic, or laminitis or displaystereotypical behaviors such as wood chewing and stall weaving. Feeding a protected sodium bicar-bonate (PSB) is a safe and effective method of attenuating HGA without producing a metabolicalkalosis. Authors’ address: Kentucky Equine Research, Versailles, KY 40383; e-mail:pagan@ker.com (Pagan). © 2007 AAEP.