For most horses confined to stall, maintenance-only requirements are necessary. However, severe trauma, burns, and sepsis will increase energy, protein and vitamin needs dramatically.
Some specific conditions dictate special nutrient requirements.
Total lack of feed intake for as little as 5 days reduces immune resistance, wound healing, and metabolic rate. Causes of starvation include inadequate intake due to inappetence or restriction, abnormal dentition or intestinal absorption, and parasitism. Introduce grain or carbohydrates slowly to avoid sudden increases in metabolic rate, which would be taxing to the weakened cardiac muscle. Avoid prolonged NPO situations in clinically ill horses, especially before or after surgery. Immediately after surgery, reintroduce hay as quickly as possible.