Latest News – The Horse
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are two of the six essential nutrients required by horses (the other four are water, carbohydrates, protein, and fat).
Equine Arthritis
Equine arthritis refers to an inflammation of the joint. There are different kinds of arthritis, such as septic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the most important arthritis affecting horses is osteoarthritis.
Equine Joint Injections
Equine joint injections can help veterinarians diagnose lameness or medicate a horse’s painful joint.
Equine Lameness
Equine lameness, defined as a deviation from a normal gait, is an indicator of a structural or functional disorder of the musculoskeletal system (the limbs or spinal column) that is noted while the horse is either moving or stationary.
Ultrasonography for Horses
Equine practitioners use ultrasound machines to help diagnose a number of physical abnormalities.
Composting
Efficiently managing manure is an important aspect of caring for horses. Composting is an economical and efficient method for managing manure for virtually any equine operation, regardless of size.
Vaccinating Older Horses
Reader questions whether older horses need to be vaccinated against equine influenze (“flu”); Dr. Justin McCormick’s answer discusses vaccination, vaccine efficacy, antibody titers, and increased risk of influenza infection in horses that travel.
Does Hand-Feeding Treats Promote Biting?
I’ve been told that hand-feeding treats to horses promotes biting. What is the “industry” stance on this issue? In my limited experience they seem to enjoy it and almost all horses I’ve hand-fed take it gently with their lips.
Cloning Horses and Other Equids
Cloning is defined as the process of creating a genetically identical copy of another cell or organism (i.e., bacteria, plant or animal) through non-sexual means.
Awards to Spotlight Second Careers for Thoroughbreds
After Thoroughbreds have completed their race careers, they are often ideal candidates for another vocation. To call attention to these horses’ second career possibilities, nationally recognized Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital has created a series of annual awards, the first of which will be presented to the top Thoroughbred sport horses of 2009.
Dogs Also Victims of 2007 Equine Influenza in Australia
Australian officials confirmed that the equine influenza virus infecting about 20,000 horses in the country in 2007 also infected dogs that had close contact with the sick horses.
“Dogs that were with or near equine influenza-infected horses were observed with a flu-like illness,” said Peter D. Kirkland, PhD, of the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute in New South
Country Singer Writes Song for Barbaro Documentary
Singer-songwriter and Nashville recording artist Templeton Thompson and her musician husband, Sam Gay, have written a song for the new documentary, Sculpting The Wind; Alexa King & The Making of the Barbaro Memorial Statue. The documentary chronicles artist Alexa King’s creation of the statue of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. The statue is now on display at Churchill Downs.<
Horse Wounds 101 (Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention)
With increased activity all horses are at a higher risk of sustaining traumatic lacerations or other wound types. Some might appear more serious than others, and the wound might be hours, days, or even weeks old before it is discovered.
Feeding the Immune System: Nutrient Support for Horses
The immune system is one of the most complex systems in the horse, consisting of an elaborate set of cells and cell mediators that respond to external factors such as stress, exercise, stage of life, and challenges from pathogens. Both humans and horses must consume nutrients to support all body systems, including the immune system. But how do we know which nutrients support the immune system?
Hoofin’ It in Boots
Hoof boots aren’t just for emergencies or soaking injured feet; these boots are made for walking, running, climbing, and more. Today an increasing variety of boots adorn the other-wise bare feet of trail horses, working horses, dressage horses, and even highly competitive endurance horses. Are boots right for you and your horse? If so, how do you pick out the right boot? Read on to find out.
Parasite Perspectives: Thinking Outside the Box
Scientists have been studying parasites for centuries. Many research hours have been spent developing new treatments, finding out their effects on the host, and even examining the life cycles. Some parasitologists are now approaching the subject of
