Equine Articles

Articles of interest for equine health and nutrition to help you with your horse's needs.

Allergies

As the show season begins to slow and kids return to school it is a time to reflect back on the crazy spring and summer we just finished in a busy equine practice. This is the time of year I like to review my previous cases and look for trends or common conditions I have treated. I have definitely noticed an increase in allergic reactions in horses.

Castration

I am often asked the question this time of year; "Should I castrate my weanling colt now or wait until next spring?" There are a number of things to consider when answering this question.

Colic

Everyone in the horse industry knows the word "colic" can strike fear in even the most experienced of horse people. If you have been involved with horses long enough some where along the way you or someone you know well will have lost a great horse to this dreaded condition. Colic is responsible for more deaths in horses than any other disease!

Lameness

As the show season progresses into late summer and early fall, our clinic has begun to see the annual influx of lameness issues in many of these horses. The stress these animals have been under has begun to take its toll. Every year it is the same and I would like to help prevent some of these cases in the future by implementing some simple management changes.

Laminitis

There have been many great horses lost and many more that have faced life ending careers due to an all too common condition in the horse, known as laminitis. Many will recall the death of the beloved race horse "Barbaro" due to this condition. Some of us also remember the great horse "Secretariat" who was also euthanized when laminitis became too painful for him to bear. In many cases if proper treatment is initiated immediately, complete recovery and reversal can be achieved.

Molds

Forage analysis is truly an under utilized tool in the equine world. Unfortunately, bales of hay do not come with a guaranteed analysis tag. I challenge everyone to get your forage tested and have your horse's diet truly analyzed.

Pemphigus Foliaceus

Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune condition. The disease is characterized by skin erosions, ulcerations, and thick encrustations of the skin and mucocutaneous junctions. The condition also occurs in humans with similar skin appearance.

Reproduction

The breeding season is fully upon us as evidenced by the number of times I use my ultrasound in a day. In a perfect world the conception rate would be 100%. Let's remember however, in Kentucky where horses are still bred naturally by live cover, and where management is as close to ideal as it can be, the average annual conception rate is still only 65%.

Selenium

With the majority of horses raised in selenium deficient areas, ensuring adequate selenium in the equine diet is very important. You should feel safe when using a commercially formulated product when directions are followed or under the direction of your veterinarian.

Shockwave and Acupuncture

Tendon, ligament and cartilage injuries can range from minor inflammation to complete rupture, which can result in permanent lameness or the end of a horse's competitive life. Once a horse has had this type of injury the risk of re-injury is very high. In the past few years there have been some new and exciting treatment options available for these types of conditions. I have seen some promising results with these new therapies and I am optimistic for the future of the horse that may experience these.

The Importance of Electrolytes and Salt

hen the weather turns hot it is important to remember proper hydration in not only ourselves, but also the equine athlete. Just like humans, horses cool themselves by sweating. Not only is water lost at this time, but also many very important minerals needed for proper body function.

Vaccine Reactions

Since I began practicing veterinary medicine the effectiveness and delivery methods of vaccines have improved dramatically. Today's vaccines are very safe, effective, and rarely cause reactions when administered properly and with good aseptic technique.

Weight Assessment

With the chill in the air it is good to see our appointment book at the clinic getting full with dental, vaccination and deworming appointments. Fall is a good time to be proactive in your horse's care and establish a good baseline for the winter months ahead.