Latest News – The Horse
Unwanted Horse Coalition Newsletter Continues to Educate
The Unwanted Horse Coalition’s (UHC) Media Roundup newsletter has been educating its readers through articles and events relating to unwanted horses since November 2009.
Chronic Equine Weight Loss
While there are numerous causes for weight loss, a methodical evaluation of these horses is more important than the lengthy list of possible diagnoses.
The Equine Compulsion to Crib
What options exist to treat behavioral vices? In my case, a 5-year-old mare that I acquired off the track this spring is a cribber–something I was not aware of before I got her home. I have tried a few options so far, with no positive result.
Equine Navicular Disease
The navicular bone, a small, boat-shaped bone nestled deep in the protective womb of the hoof, only measures approximately 6 cm wide and 2 cm deep (top to bottom) in an average 1,200-pound horse, so how can such a small bone be such a nuisance? Part of the problem is that, despite its cushy abode and small stature, the navicular bone has a big job.
Bran Mash: What’s it Really Good For?
During the colder months, many horse owners go on a quest for wheat bran, probably so that they can make their four-legged friends a bran mash–a warm treat for horses on frosty winter days.

Equine Dystocia Advancements
Never is timing more important than during a dystocia; managing a difficult birth is truly a matter of life or death. But better understanding of dystocias and the urgency for veterinary intervention means more mares and foals are surviving than ever before.
2010: A Year in Review
With 2010 officially in the books, TheHorse.com decided to take a look back at a year that was filled with developments in equine medicine, breakthroughs in horse health, and, of course, a few chuckles along the way. With a new year just beginning, five of our fabulous freelance writers took a few minutes to recall their favorite news events of 2010.
The Fight to Conquer Equine Laminitis
Teams of veterinarians and farriers from around the country gathered at the fifth International Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot to discuss the most cutting-edge information available for the fight to conquer laminitis. This devastating hoof disease is caused by an inflammation of the horse’s laminae–interlocking leaflike tissues attaching the hoof to the coffin bone.
What’s New in the NICU? (Horse Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, is that special place in a veterinary clinic where premature, critical, and newborn foals receive intensive, round-the-clock care. The NICU handles everything from breathing problems to heart conditions to disease and more. If a foal’s in trouble, it’s the place to be.
TCA to Auction Stallion Seasons
The 21st annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) select stallion season auction will be held Jan. 8 at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington, Ky. The cocktail party-style event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and drinks followed by the auction at 8.
Chronic Weight Loss
While there are numerous causes for weight loss, a methodical evaluation of these horses is more important than the lengthy list of possible diagnoses.
Corneal Ulcers
I was wondering about corneal ulcers in horses. I have a 30-year-old horse that has lost eyesight in one eye from age, and I am treating him now for a corneal ulcer. I read your article on eye problems (November 2010 issue) and was wondering what medications are usually used for treating this problem. I know I am using (antibiotics) neomycin and polymyxin B and bacitracin, zinc ointment, and
Expanding the Effort
I believe that, in their hearts, every true horseman would like to see the perceived need for equine slaughter eliminated, even those who support it as the only practical way to deal with “unwanted” horses in America. Now, a unique opportunity to do just this has presented itself thanks to an unparalleled expansion of the country’s equine rescue and sanctuary resources to save horses displaced due
What’s New in the NICU?
The neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, is that special place in a veterinary clinic where premature, critical, and newborn foals receive intensive, round-the-clock care. The NICU handles everything from breathing problems to heart conditions to disease and more. If a foal’s in trouble, it’s the place to be.
Stem Cells Improve Cartilage Repair for Arthritic Horses (AAEP 2010)
Osteoarthritis (sometimes called degenerative joint disease) is the most common cause of lameness in horses and currently there is no cure.1 However, researchers continue to improve available treatment methods. At the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md., Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, director of the Orthopaedic
HSUS Releases 2010 Humane State Ranking
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has released its second annual “Humane State Ranking,” a comprehensive report rating all 50 states on a wide range of animal protection laws dealing with horses, pets, animal cruelty and fighting, farm animals, wildlife, and animals in research.