Strangles is hardly a new disease, having been recognized as a contagious bacterial problem in horses for centuries. Yet it still remains a troublesome and persistent issue, and it is identified worldwide. Research has been directed toward
Herpesvirus is a particularly well-evolved virus that occurs in many mammals, such as humans, horses, cats, and cows. Each strain tends to be species-specific, meaning that viruses infecting one animal species do not usually infect another
The first thought that might run through your mind as you approach your horse in the pasture and see his swollen chest or belly is that he has been kicked. As you await your vet, you think back over the past few days, and realize that perhaps he
The World Championship 100-mile endurance race was held Jan. 27, 2005, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The race fielded 175 horses, with flags of 41 participating countries flying proudly over the Dubai Endurance Village, a facility built
I have a 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who is HYPP N/H positive. This horse is very gassy and tends to colic
“Your horse is ready to be released to your care at home.” These words bring relief that the surgery is past and your horse is ready to return to the farm. But then, you have an anxious moment wondering how to manage a post-operative situation. You are wondering what you should be looking for that might portend a back-slide in your horse’s recovery, and what you can do to make him comfortable
The axiom, “You are what you eat” does have relevance to horses with regard to health and well-being. Here’s a review some of the more common dietary problems that affect various organ systems in the horse.
In decades past, colic treatment was actually a misnomer. “Treatment” consisted of waiting out the colic while offering sedative-like drugs to dampen a horse’s misery. Either his body healed of its own accord, or he succumbed to death from overwhelming pain and shock. Veterinarians were reluctant to euthanize a horse with colic because one could never tell if he was going to make it or not. A
Equine influenza can strike a horse regardless of time of year. Competitive horses which attend events where other horses are congregated or horses which live in large boarding barns are particularly at risk. Not every horse which contracts a viral infection will display overt clinical signs, but such a horse might then be a carrier capable of infecting less immune-competent individuals. In
Beneath your helmet, your head feels hot and sweat drips off your face as you ride. Your horse’s neck is soaked, and your reins are slippery and lathered. The more you call for an effort from your horse, the more sluggish he seems. Despite moving across firm ground, it’s as if his legs suddenly are mired in deep footing, with the ground holding him down. Your horse has run out of steam–or
As the foal takes his initial stance, a proud owner takes stock to see how straight and strong the youngster’s legs are. Many foals are born with seemingly crooked legs (congenital). Most of these crooked legs straighten by the time the foal is a couple of weeks or months old. Some limb deformities develop after birth, as the foal grows (acquired). In determining what specific veterinary
In most cases of navicular disease, the condition affects both front feet with lameness as described previously. Horses most at risk are those with certain heritable conformation features such as upright pasterns and small foot size relative to body mass.
Technology and advances in medicine have given us tools to keep our horses alive longer.
In specific regions of the United States, one of the most commonly encountered forms of colic is “sand colic.” This is not solely a problem in geographic areas with obviously sandy environments. Anywhere there is sand, decomposed granite, or
Purchasing a horse means embarking on an exciting adventure. It is a big step along a path of realizing equestrian dreams and goals, no matter how small or large these might be. A new horse becomes part of your family and a distinctive part of
Many equine caregivers are giving medications to their horses this time of year for breeding, seasonal training, and competition. Often we take for granted the handling of commonly used substances, with never a thought as to adverse effects on
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