b'INSIDEI\x1ef\x1crm\x19\x18i\x1c\x16causing gradually visible signs, say ourmetabolism issues, she explains.as well as patchiness or other unusual sources. With an underlying illnessBecause these appear over time, theypatterns. Dont ignore any coat issues, it can get easier to see the ribs, Davismight be more difficult for owners to de- because they can be related to a variety of says. That could be true weight loss, ortect because they see the horse regularly,internal illnesses. it could be lost muscle mass, especiallysays Bevevino. Soliciting an outsidersModifications in the coat are a huge over the topline, giving the appearance ofview can help, but an even more usefulsign for me, Davis says. Because hair weight loss. tool is photography.quality is related to nutritional status, This kind of muscle atrophy coincidesOne of the best monitoring devices wecoat changes are likely to reflect changes with illness primarily due to proteinhave is the camera in our phones, shein appetite or nutrient absorption ability.says. Take regular photos from the sameGastric ulcers are a common culprit angle and lighting to keep track of yourfor poor coat quality, she says. Theyre horses changes in body condition.just not getting the nutrients they need, and their overall health status declines 8 Change in coat quality because of those ulcers.Coat issues are usually easier to de-tect in spring and summer, when horses9 Change in bowel habitsshould shed out well and have slick, shinyFecal character, consistency, and coats, says Davis. But problems can beoverall output should remain fairly visible in the fall and winter, too.constant, says Davis. If their diet is con-Regardless of season, if the coat lookssistent, they should be passing the same a little rough or dull, or if theres hair losstype and amount of material every day, or thinning compared to previous years,she says. those are signs that somethings not quiteBe observant when cleaning the stall right, she says.or walking around the paddock. If you CATCH EARLYMetabolic disorders such as pituitarydont find any feces in the stall, thats not pars intermedia dysfunction (formerlynormal and could suggest an impaction, WARNING known as equine Cushings disease) canshe says. But if things are moving too cause coat problemsoften a lack ofquickly, causing frequent or soft feces, SIGNS shedding and elongated (guard) hairs,that could mean a disruption in the 24/7 Equine MonitoringFOR HORSESActivity Level TrackingReal-Time AlertsLocation MonitoringMotion DetectionFREE 3-MONTHS of subscription service with code HORSE0819With 1-year subscription.Offer expires 12.31.19ISTOCK.COMFarmJenny.com Hair coat changes, such as hair loss, inability to shed, or a dull or rough appearance, can indicate somethings not quite right.18August 2019The Horse | TheHorse.com'