Cooling and freezing equine semen damages cell membranes, which results in loss of motility and general viability known as “cold shock.” Most domestic species have high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the semen, but the
Sometimes horses in renal (kidney) failure don’t respond to conventional treatment–fluids, diuretics, etc. Toxins in the blood irritate the stomach, making the horse anorexic and depressed. At that point, dialysis might be the only option. The
Puberty is a transitional period for horses, from a time of reproductive immaturity to a time where sexual behavior is demonstrated and sperm is ready for release in the colt, and the filly starts to cycle. Unfortunately, very little information is
Acupuncture has become a popular alternative therapy for chronic illness in horses, especially recurrent airway obstruction (also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heaves). Unfortunately, there are few objective studies supporting
Odontomas are benign tumors that arise from dental tissue in an animal’s mouth. These tumors can be quite invasive, most commonly affecting the maxilla or cheekbone. They can be surgically removed, but the procedure requires aggressive, extensiv
Tumors arising from melanin-containing cells (melanocytes) in the skin go beyond benign or malignant melanoma. In fact, there are four distinct melanocyte-derived tumor types, each classified according to clinical behavior and cellular
Athletic taping is commonly used in human sports medicine to begin a physical therapy program; it stabilizes injured soft tissues and helps prevent further injury. Years of experience in the use of athletic taping as well as scientific research
Maintaining dental health is believed to be critical to optimum feed intake, digestive tract health, and body condition. In Western Canada, there are about 70,000 PMU mares that usually don’t get routine dental care. Researchers from the Western
Post-operative abdominal adhesions are a significant problem in horses, as they can lead to intestinal obstruction or strangulation. In recent years, a laparoscope is used to look into the abdomen and break down any adhesions that have formed
West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in Indiana horses in 2001. In 2002, the state reported 704 cases, the fifth-largest outbreak in the United States. Michael Ward, BVSc, MSc, MPVM, PhD, from Purdue University’s School of Veterinary
Aminoglycosides, including amikacin, are known for their potent activity against bacteria that cause sepsis in newborn foals. Dosage protocols for aminoglycosides have been extensively studied in humans, and conventional dosing at eight- to 12-hour intervals is now giving way to high-dose, once-daily administration. Human studies have shown that amikacin is more effective and less toxic to th
Diseases transmitted by ticks are becoming more widespread. Recently, a case report was published detailing a common tick-borne illness in horses called equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA), once called equine ehrlichiosis. An 11-year old Hanoverian-cross gelding had recently been imported from Canada in good health and appeared normal when ridden one morning. That afternoon, however, he
Successful breeding of horses is not always as easy as presenting a receptive mare to a fertile stallion. There are many things that can go awry with the reproductive process. Broodmares that were once fertile and produced many excellent foals might one day face the realities of repetitive foaling injuries, chronic uterine infections, or simply old age. Stallions also can experience a decreas
The results suggest that certain mares have latent EHV-1, experience reactivation of the virus, and pass it on to their foals, allowing viral spread around the farm. Therefore, EHV-1 is continuing a silent cycle among foals even when the mares are vaccinated.
Musculoskeletal injury is the most common cause of lost training days for Thoroughbred racehorses. This type of injury, particularly fractures, is also cited as a major reason horses leave the industry. But the incidence and characteristics of fractures in racing Thoroughbreds are not well understood.
Characterizing fractures was the aim of Kristien Verheyen, DVM, MSc, and James Wood,
It has been reported that more than 80% of highly trained horses will develop gastric ulcers. But only one anti-ulcer drug, GastroGard, has been found to significantly decrease the risk of developing moderate to severe gastric ulcers during training (see Research Reports, The Horse, August 2004,
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