Latest News – The Horse
DNA Vaccine Awaits Approval
A new vaccine to protect horses against West Nile Virus (WNV) has been developed and submitted for USDA review. If approved, it would be the first commercially available DNA vaccine for any mammalian or animal species.
Steve Chu, DVM, PhD, senior vice president, Global Research and Development, Fort Dodge Animal Health, explained the conceptual DNA vaccine to The Horse. The vaccin
Whip Use and Racing Falls
A study conducted by scientists at the University of Liverpool in England found that the risk of falling in hurdle and steeplechase races was significantly associated with whip use and a horse’s progress while competing. The results of the work appeared in a recent issue of the Equine Veterinary Journal.
The researchers looked at video recordings of races conducted at six British
Adverse Effects Associated With Systemic NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) drugs are an important component of therapy for equine pain, but according to researchers at North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, overuse and misuse of NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal injury, kidney damage, and even death in horses.
Because NSAIDs such as Bute, Banamine (flunixin meglamine),
Tips for Stallion Handlers
“Starting a novice breeding stallion can range from a quick and easy project accomplished in a few brief sessions to a challenging and time-consuming effort over many sessions and even a few weeks,” said Sue McDonnell, PhD, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and head of the Equine Behavior Lab of the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania (New Bolton Center), at the Hagyard
USEF Permits Use of Surpass
Effective Dec. 1, 2004, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Rule permitted the therapeutic use of Surpass, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory product (NSAID) recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in horses. This is a topical preparation of 1% diclofenac cream from IDEXX Pharmaceuticals.
The rule change, which was adopted by
AAEP Guidelines for Rescue and Retirement Facilities
Because of the vital services provided to unwanted, neglected, or abused horses by equine rescue and retirement groups, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has developed a new resource guide titled Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities. The guide is designed to help the non-veterinary caregiver successfully provide care to a rescued horse or a
Bute, Colitis, and Ulcers
The equine esophagus extends into the first one-third of the stomach, making horses susceptible to acid reflux disease. Naturally present bacteria can colonize in ulcers, and the stomach acid can keep them from healing.
A New Orleans Vet’s Perspective
“It’s just so amazing to me that in one day, it can all be lost and suddenly you live in a dangerous place,” said Allison Barca, DVM, who has served many of the horses in and around New Orleans for years. Most of Barca’s clients were affected by
Basic Horse Anatomy and Physiology
Gain an understanding of how the horse is constructed and what this means in the realm of form to function.
Shock Wave One Year Later
Scott McClure, DVM, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Iowa State University, has been at the helm of much of the shock wave therapy research performed in horses over the past five years. At HMT’s
Horses Need Special Winter Care Too
From the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Extension/CEPS
Most animals that live outside need special care during cold months, and horses are no exception.
Maintenance of the hooves is as important during the winter months as it is the rest of the year. Many horses encounter problems with their feet in winter because the owner fails to
Track Surface Conditions Influence Likelihood of Racing Fractures
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EHV-1 Kills Two Michigan Racehorses
At least two horses at Northville Downs Standardbred racetrack in Northville, Mich., contracted equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and were euthanatized. The first case was discovered Dec. 14, when a 6-year-old Standardbred gelding began exhibiting classic signs of the neurological form of herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) myeloencephalopathy (EHM). After the horse was taken to the Diagnostic Center
AQHA Set to Drug Test An Additional 300 Shows
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) will test for performance-enhancing medications at approximately 300 approved shows. The efforts to protect the American Quarter Horse comes from a recommendation made by a drug and medications task
Crunching the Numbers: California’s Equine WNV Mortality Rate
California horse owners have been keenly aware of the problem presented by West Nile virus (WNV) in 2004, but the problem took a deadly turn last year. The virus was discovered in all but one of the Golden State’s 58 counties, leaving only Del Norte County without any reported cases.
According to the California Department of Health Services, 42.2% of reported equine WNV cases in 2004
General Social Organization of Equids
All of the equid species remaining today can be divided into two general types of social organization: territorial breeders or harem breeders.



