b'EQUINE WELLNESS EXAMS 101in the lower limb. Hoof care neglect canhay alone (with water, of course). contribute, causing obvious discomfortHay testing can provide additional and lameness. Its almost always ben- information about protein, vitamin, min-eficial to shorten the shoeing/trimmingeral, fat, and carbohydrate levels. This is cycle, Reilly adds. The longer we go, theespecially important in areas of the coun-more detrimental effect it can be. try that have known mineral deficiencies Some sort of collaboration betweenin the soil, such as selenium, she says. the vet and the farrier is best, he says.Some conditions do complicate horses Whether your horse is a pasturedietary needs. Gastrointestinal or dental pet or an elite performance horse, theissues, for instance, can limit the amount veterinarian-farrier team is one of theof long-stemmed hay horses can consume.most important factors in his success. A majority of these horses still benefit Senior horse considerations Laminitisfrom having a reliable source of forage is a common hoof syndrome of elderlyavailable in the form of chopped, cubed, horses. The inflammation of the laminae,or pelleted hay products, says Routh. which connect the inner hoof wall toHowever, some may require transitioning the coffin bone and vice versa, is incred- to a complete feed intended to meet all ibly painful and can result in cripplingthe horses dietary needs, including forage. lameness. If severe or left untreated, theYour veterinarian will assess your(ivermectin 1.87%laminae can detach and the coffin bonehorses body condition during the well- praziquantel 14.03%)can rotate or sink, which can requireness exam using the Henneke body condi-euthanasia. While you can get a horsetion scoring system to determine whetherPastethrough a bout of laminitis, the diseaseyour horse is under- or overweight. This doesnt simply go away.allows you to evaluate fat deposits at sev- Anthelmintic and BoticideIf your horse has a history of any typeeral sites and score them from 1 (emaci- FOR ORAL USE IN HORSES ONLYof laminitis, part of a wellness exam isated) to 9 (morbidly obese). yearly radiographs, says Reilly. TheComing out of winter horses might be whole nature of laminitis is the inside anda bit thin at their spring wellness exam. outside of the hoof dont match, and earlyMany times a horse is simply not getting detection of any problems is helpful.enough feed, whether that be grain or With the guidance and care of a goodforage. But the solution isnt always asEZE dosesyringeveterinarian and farrier, your horse cansimple as increasing the volume. be trimmed and shod appropriately toWhen Im working with a horse owner live a comfortable and happy life.to find the right nutritional plan for theirFor the treatment and control of horse, I make sure I take into accountall major parasites including Nutritionthe age of the horse, the level of exercisetapeworms.When it comes to feeding horses, own- or performance desired, body condition, ers are increasingly adding a supplementand any concurrent diseases or endocrineFor use in horses 4 weeks of age for this, a top-dressing for that, and fourdisorders, says Routh.and older, including stallions types of concentrates. In nature horseFoals and yearlings require differentand breeding, lactating mares, diets arent usually that complex.vitamin and mineral proportions forup to 1,320 lbs.I believe that forage is often over- proper development, whereas adults looked as the most important componentrequire a more balanced diet. The horses of a horses diet, says Liz Routh, DVM, ofuse is yet another factor. (A nutritional Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic, in Michi- plan) will be drastically different between gan. There are many horses that canthe racehorse, the weekend trail horse, fulfill all of their nutrient requirements byand even the lactating mare, says Routh. consuming pasture and/or high-qualityAny horse with existing (endocrine) con-cerns will need a diet specially formulated to compensate for their individual needs What Are Vital Signs?and current body condition.EQUIMAX (ivermectin/praziquantel) Paste: FOR ORAL USE IN Vital signs are parameters to quickly as- Senior horse considerations DietsHORSES 4 WEEKS OF AGE AND OLDER. Not to be used in other sess your horses overall condition in thatanimal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities change as horses age. The efficiency of ain dogs, may result. Do not use in horses intended for human moment. Generally, they include heartconsumption. Swelling and itching reactions after treatment horses gastrointestinal tract decreases,with ivermectin paste have occurred in horses carrying heavy rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.infections of neck threadworm (Onchocercasp. microfilariae),Learn to measure these by visitingand geriatric animals are less able tomost likely due to microfilariae dying in large numbers. Not for use in humans. Ivermectin and ivermectin residues may TheHorse.com/normal-vital-signs or ask- absorb the nutrients and calories neces- adverselyaffectaquaticorganisms,thereforedisposeofproduct appropriately to avoid environmental contamination. ing your veterinarian for a vitals lesson.sary to maintain their condition. WellnessEquimaxHorse.com2019 Bimeda, Inc. All trademarks are the exams are a perfect time to reassess seniorproperty of their respective owners.TheHorse.com|The HorseMarch 202015WellnessExams.indd 15 2/5/20 12:02 PM'