Latest News – The Horse

WNV in Kentucky Horses: Eighth Case of 2018 Confirmed
The affected 3-year-old filly from Fayette County presented on Sept. 28 with acute progressive ataxia (incoordination). As of Oct. 2, the fill is reportedly much improved with a favorable prognosis.

Haylage Not Ideal for Ponies With Insulin Dysregulation
Researchers had hypothesized that haylage would produce a lower insulin response than hay, as the sugar in haylage is partially fermented and could result in a less-pronounced insulin response.

WNV in Oklahoma Horses: Fourth Case Confirmed
The affected yearling Quarter Horse filly from Stephens County was not vaccinated against WNV.

Helium and Oxygen Ventilation Improves Outcomes for Horses in Surgery
Researchers found that horses ventilated with “heliox” rated better for two measures of respiratory mechanical function—low peak inspiratory pressure and higher lung compliance—compared to those breathing pure oxygen.

PPID, Pergolide, and Parasites
Researchers determined that horses with preclinical PPID (that is, blood values suggestive of PPID but aren’t yet showing clinical signs of disease) did not have higher fecal egg counts than healthy horses.

Do Hay Pellets Alone Provide Horses Enough Fiber?
Our nutritionist looks at whether all-pellet diets are good for horses.

EIA in Colorado: New Case, Unrelated to Ongoing Investigation, Confirmed
The newly confirmed positive horse’s home premises in Weld County has been quarantined and other resident horses will be retested in 60 days.
Police Probe Florida Horse Theft
Investigators describe the two missing animals as a chestnut Quarter Horse gelding with an “FD” brand on his front left shoulder and a palomino Quarter Horse gelding with a “SE” brand on his left hip.

Feeding Practices at U.S. Equine Veterinary Hospitals
Researchers found that 58% of responding hospitals said they consult a nutritional adviser about feeding their patients and 21% reportedly feed all patients the same type of feed.

Learning Theory Terminology and ‘Fair’ Horse Handling
Dr. Camie Heleski describes learning theory to help horse people and vets more safely and humanely interact with horses.

UK Graduate Student Spotlight: Alisa Herbst
Alisa Herbst is studying inflamm-aging (chronic low-grade inflammation) in senior horses.

Mineral of the Month: Calcium
Young growing horses, late-gestation broodmares, and lactating mares have higher calcium requirements than the average mature horse.

Fall Nitrogen Application Benefits Horse Pastures Year-Round
Fall is prime time to invest in pastures to protect them before and throughout the winter to ensure good grazing in the spring.

Preparing Horses for Severe Weather
By taking the necessary precautions and having a disaster plan ready, you can ensure that you and your horse are prepared when a severe weather situation arises.
Kentucky Foal Shot, Euthanized
Authorities are investigating after a foal in Nicholasville was shot and subsequently euthanized due to the severity of the injuries.

Penn Vet Faculty to Explore Imaging, Neurology at First Tuesday Lecture
On Tuesday, Oct. 2, Drs. Amy Johnson and Kate Wulster will explore how robotic CT can help neurologic horses during their presentation, “Integrating Innovation in Imaging: Advancements in Neurology.”



