My old mule can't keep food in mouth and is losing weight. Why?

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My first worry with older horses is their dentition (teeth). If you have never had your horse's teeth floated, it may be time for that. Lost teeth, impactions of feed, uneven wear, etc can all affect how much and how comfortably your mare eats. Your vet can perform this, after an initial exam. Best pulp can be good to put some weight on them, if it's a simple caloric factor. Last but not least, if you haven't dewormed in a while-consider taking in a fecal sample to your veterinarian to be checked. These simple things I try to take care of first, I hope this helps you!

Poor Molly! It sounds like she's very sick. Mucus dripping from her nose could be caused by a severe respiratory infection, a problem called choke which is caused by food blocking the esophagus, or some other type of illness. Her lack of appetite and weight loss may be related to this, or could be due to a separate problem. Regardless, if she hasn't eaten in several days, this is an extremely serious problem - she may die without prompt veterinary care, so I would recommend calling an equine vet out to come and see her immediately. He/she can do a complete exam and some diagnostic testing if needed to help determine what's wrong and get her started on appropriate treatment. The foal should start to become used to you the more you are around - feeding and handling Molly, etc. Over time, he will become less afraid and you can begin gently handling him as well. Go slowly and take your time to earn his trust.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Milo is having some issues eating and is experiencing some weight loss. There can be many medical causes for these types of symptoms including dental disease and tooth pain, pain from osteoarthritis, organ dysfunction, or other causes. My best advice to you and Milo would be to have Milo evaluated by a veterinarian to help pinpoint a cause so he can be treated appropriately and hopefully made to feel better around meal times. I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Milo!

When you go to the feed supply, you'll see horse feed designed for older horses to "gain condition " there are many brands available.a common reason for horses to lose weight is due to teeth problems. Your vet, or a certified equine dentist can check and float Midnights teeth to remove sharp points. Also check the quality of your hay or haylage to make sure it's fresh.

Unfortunately , if your bunny never had problems with his teeth before, then this overgrown front tooth is a sign of serious tooth problems overall. He likely needs his molars corrected as well as his front tooth. You will need to take him to a vet who does a lot of bunny work. He will need, anesthesia, radiographs of his head to check where and how bad the tooth problems are and then they need to be corrected. The dental problems are very likely the reason for your bunny to lose weight. Please male an appointment ASAP.

Poor Jim! It's certainly possible for intestinal parasites to cause weight loss, and you're correct that they can be resistant to many dewormers - so it would be a good idea for Jim to have a fecal egg count done by your vet to determine if this is the problem. It's also possible that he may need to have his teeth floated, as this is another common reason for weight loss if he can't grind his food properly. Systemic illnesses like liver or kidney disease, cancer, etc. can also cause dramatic weight loss like this. I would recommend having an equine vet come and out and examine him when you are able to - he/she can check his teeth and do a fecal exam, and may also recommend blood work or other testing if needed to help determine the problem.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from your description of the symptoms you are seeing, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Max so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I worry that something neurological is causing these symptoms, especially with Max's age. I would recommend having his blood tested as well as a physical examination. I hope this helps and Max improves! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.