At long last, evidence supporting a link between the equine tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata and colic in horses was identified by a group of Italian researchers from the Universita degli Studi di Perugia.
Earlier thought held that A. perfoliata did not actually cause disease in horses, but that the parasites were simply an incidental finding in horses’ guts
Hydration and electrolyte depletion remain important factors to consider in endurance horses. Yet the impact of electrolyte supplementation on performance remains unclear and potential side effects may exist, relayed Harold Schott II, MS, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, a professor at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine at the 2010 Kentucky Equine Research Nutrition Confere
A mutation in the gene called myosin Va (MYO5A) is responsible for Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS), reported a group of researchers from Cornell University and The Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center.
Since much decision-making about feeding horses continues to be based on folklore, tradition, and misinformation, owners and trainers are encouraged to use nutrition resources, reported Olivia Martin at the 2010 Kentucky Equine Research Nutrition Conference held April 26-27. Martin operates the independent equine nutrition consulting firm Performance Feeding Inc. and supplies feeding a
Any antibiotic administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously can theoretically cause acute diarrhea; however, some antibiotics are more likely than others to upset a horse’s gastrointestinal tract.
Antioxidants like vitamins E and C are beneficial to exercising horses, but only at recommended levels, reported Carey Williams, PhD, equine extension specialist and associate director of the Rutgers University Equine Science Center. Williams presented this information in her talk titled “Antioxidant Research and Its Application to Feeding Horses” at the 2010 Kentucky Equine Resear
Loss of electrolytes has far-reaching consequences, impacting virtually all of the horse’s body systems.
Thanks to advances in identifying specific causes of tying-up, development of diagnostic tests, and improved recognition of the impact of diet and exercise on horses that tie up, affected horses can be successfully managed. Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, professor of large animal medicine and director of the University of Minnesota’s Equine Center, relayed this message during her talk &quo
Cornell University researchers have successfully created a model in horses to study infections caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans.
In horses, leptospirosis can cause fever, icterus (jaundice), uveitis and recurrent uveitis, abortion, and kidney failure, though clinical signs are variable.
In a letter to veterinarians dated April 28, Brett Whitehead, Director, Equine and Ag Retail Business, of Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, encouraged practitioners to return all PreveNile vaccine. The recall was initiated after an increased incidence in the number of adverse events following vaccination with currently marketed serials of PreveNile.
The company noted in the
Horses with life-threatening cecal impactions only have a fair prognosis after surgery, but those that survive to discharge have a good prognosis, reported a group of veterinarians led by Lewis C.R. Smith, BVetMed, CertES(Orth), MRCVS, from Rossdales Equine Hospital in the United Kingdom. Cecal impactions are not particularly common–they represent only 5% of all large intestinal
Know the facts of Equine Cushing’s, a hormonal disease in horses often linked to a pituitary gland tumor. Included in this fact sheet are an overview of the disease, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for future health.
The horse’s digestive system is large, complex, and functions like a factory, yet it is exceedingly delicate. Digestive tract dysfunction in the horse is an important concern for owners and veterinarians.
Vaccinating horses is generally considered to be the most cost-effective method of preventing infectious diseases; however, vaccines do have limitations.
Deworming is an essential part of managing your horse’s overall health. This free fact sheet is a general guide to deworming your horse, including common parasites, dewormer options, parasite control via manure management, proper scheduling and more.
In veterinary medicine, particularly equine practice, the recognition, classification, management, and overall importance of pain and pain management have only recently been described.
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