Latest News – The Horse
Spiders: Insect Invaders
Spider venom’s prime function is to paralyze insect prey so the spider can dine on them.
Severed Extensor Tendon
One afternoon in December, my gelding George lurched into the barn with a hole where his knee used to be. The emergency veterinarian, Dr. Zimmerman, soon confirmed our worst fears: George’s extensor tendon was severed, his
Leg Injury Rehabilitation
When your veterinarian informs you that your 6-year-old gelding has sustained a suspensory ligament injury in his left foreleg, your heart sinks. Not only are you concerned about the amount of pain and suffering your horse will endure in the
Dung Beetles
Dung beetles are amazing insects that spend their lives mucking out your pastures. The adults use liquid contents for nourishment, and they lay eggs in small manure balls (brood balls) they bury in the ground. In the process, they serve as
Trailer Shopping 101
Fulfilling your equestrian goals without a horse trailer is difficult. Your facility might be the best one going, but to really stretch your wings, it’s good to get out in the rest of the world. Even if you’re happy staying put, medical emergencies
Photosensitization in the Horse
Photosensitization is a serious skin condition characterized by “sunburned,” crusty skin that dies and sloughs away. It is usually caused by a reaction to something the horse has eaten, but the skin problem does not appear until the
Stone Bruises
Though a seemingly innocuous injury, a stone bruise can result in a horse’s demise if left untreated.
Treadmills for Diagnosing Lameness
Through the years, the treadmill has been a valuable asset in diagnosing various respiratory problems and complications in athletic horses, especially those involving the larynx and upper airways. Now another dimension has been added–the evaluation
Strangles: What to Know
The first reported case of strangles in a horse was in the year 1251, and it has continued to worry horse owners since that time. Your veterinarian has a wealth of knowledge about strangles infections in horses. This article will expose you to the
A Promising Future
When equine industry leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., on April 19 for the first Unwanted Horse Summit, it marked the start of an unprecedented effort by the horse community to address the care and fate of this country’s ?unwanted? horses. The
Puberty in Thoroughbreds
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 for Acute Heaves
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
Strangles Risk and Treatment
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
Feeding Hope or Hype?
Arthritis is a problem, but often a manageable one. A combination of management practices, which might include oral joint supplements, will be your best chance of making your horse more comfortable.
Farrier Licensing Controversy
Horseshoers (farriers) in the United States have long practiced with no regulation and only voluntary certification, but some in the industry think that should change–soon. An American Farrier’s Association (AFA) task force presented a proposal
Herpesvirus Breakthrough
Preliminary research on equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) from Cornell University indicates that the commercial vaccine containing modified live virus (Rhinomune) appears to be more effective in preventing infection than killed
