Latest News – The Horse
No Increase in PMU Mares At Slaughter Plants
Thousands of horses from shut-down PMU (pregnant mare urine) farms in Canada and North Dakota are finding new homes in the United States, but few are winding up at slaughter houses at this time, according to slaughter plant managers.
Dick Koehler, general manager of the Beltex plant in Fort Worth, Texas, said that his firm is never in the market for PMU horses because many of them are
Residual Effects of WNV
Horse owners should have equine survivors of West Nile virus (WNV) re-examined by their veterinarians before putting the animals back into work. In a study of Minnesota horses which survived clinical WNV infection, 40% showed WNV residual effects at six months after diagnosis; these neurologic effects can make the horse more dangerous to ride or drive. Julia Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, is an
Living on the Edge
Keeping equids in a “backyard horse” situation, subdivision, or small acreage presents a different set of challenges than keeping horses on a large farm or ranch. In urban/suburban settings, some of the important considerations include zoning, building codes (if you plan to have a barn, run-in shed, indoor arena, etc.), space for exercise, waste management, fencing, and neighbors. Security an
The Equine Eye (AAEP Wrap-Up)
“There are really only two ophthalmic disease: Corneal ulcers and everything else,” said Brooks. Therapies are different, and some therapies for the “everything else” can make ulcers worse, cautioned Brooks.
Post-Surgical Care
“Your horse is ready to be released to your care at home.” These words bring relief that the surgery is past and your horse is ready to return to the farm. But then, you have an anxious moment wondering how to manage a post-operative situation. You are wondering what you should be looking for that might portend a back-slide in your horse’s recovery, and what you can do to make him comfortable
Bereavement Leave?
I’m worried about my horses’ dependency on one another and any future bereavement of the horse left behind. Should I consider bringing in a third horse sooner rather than later?
Legislation Introduced for Expediting Horse ID Plan Use
Four bills that would accelerate implementation of a national animal identification system have been introduced in Congress–two in the Senate and two in the House of Representatives. Horses are not specifically mentioned in any of these bills, but will be included in a national animal ID program at some point in the future. According to an official in one bill sponsor’s office, specifics of
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Announces $850,888 in Grants for 2004
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has announced $850,888 in funding for 20 projects in 2004. The funding will be distributed to principal investigating scientists at a dozen universities and brings the foundation’s total funding since 1983 to $11,047,105 to underwrite 189 projects at 31 universities.
The research funded in 2004 includes the launch of 11 new projects and the
Some Federal Cash Will Go Toward MRLS Studies
Some of the $5.86 million the University of Kentucky’s School of Agriculture will receive from this year’s federal budget is earmarked for studies to determine the cause of mare reproductive loss syndrome.
The university has worked in conjunction with Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell to secure funding through the federal budget since 2000. A portion of the latest allocation has gone to
Managing Thin, Shelly Feet
Poor genetics, environment, nutrition, and foot care are the main causes of thin, shelly feet according to Ken Marcella, DVM, and farrier Jaye Perry. Marcella co-owns Chattahoochee Equine in Canton, Ga., and Perry, a farrier based in Cumming, Ga., has a large clientele of hunter-jumper and endurance horses as well as pleasure horses. Both men have practices all over the United States, with
Handling a Hostile Broodmare
My mare just had a colt today and I have a concern about it because she is 13 years old and not broken. She had been broken three times prior to me getting her, and she won’t come near anyone. My question is: How will I be able to mess with the colt without the mare coming after me? She is very protective of the colt, and I am very concerned about separating them when the time comes.
I
Preventing Supporting Limb Laminitis (AAEP 2003)
Laminitis in the contralateral (same end–fore or hind–opposite leg) limb is a well-recognized and potentially devastating sequela (result) in horses with complete fractures, sepsis involving a synovial structure, catastrophic breakdown injuries, and other conditions that cause unilateral non-weight-bearing lameness.
Lyme Disease Treatment and Vaccine
Nearly 50% of adult horses in areas of the northeastern United States are or have been infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Thomas Divers, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ACVECC, and others at Cornell Universit
Creative Purchasing
The standard means of providing for the horse farm is to pick up or have delivered bales of hay and sacks of grain when you run low, to purchase outright your horses and equipment, and to pay for your labor. But there are alternative ways that
The Grass is Not Always Greener
The word "horse" conjures up images of graceful, powerful animals roaming across miles of rolling hills, periodically stopping to graze on lush, green grass. In reality, such scenes are rare; these days, many horses live without
Fencing: The Art of Good Neighbors
To build and maintain good horse fence does take time and effort, but in the end it can be very rewarding. We shall assume that the proper fencing materials have been chosen. However, a quick review of good, safe choices is helpful.
