Latest News – The Horse
Possible Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Cases in Iowa
At least two Iowa horses have been euthanized after battling what officials believe might be the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). According to Iowa State Veterinarian John Schiltz, DVM, officials know of only one premise possibly affected by the virus, where these two horses lived. “Some of the preliminary tests have come back negative, but the definitive testing is
Gastroduodenoscopy: What to Expect
Veterinarians have a variety of ways to look inside your horse to see what might be bothering him. One of these methods is gastroduodenoscopy, which allows the veterinarian to see the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum with the use of a gastroscope.
AAEP Convention: Fractures of the Distal Phalanx
Fractures of the distal phalanx (also known as P3 or the coffin bone) are common, especially in racehorses, noted Tara S. Rabuffo, DVM, of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. She and her colleagues reviewed case records and all related diagnostic materials on 73 racehorses (26 Thoroughbred and 47 Standardbred during an 11-year period) admitted to the George D. Widener Hospital
New Jersey Horse Recovers from Frozen Pond
A 2,000-pound Belgian gelding named Janyck (pronounced Yanick) has nearly recovered after a dramatic rescue from a frozen pond on Feb. 13. The 18-hand, 7-year-old’s misadventure took place in Woolwich Township, N.J. The rescue effort included the local fire department, neighbors, owner Alison Gieschen, Ernie Beier, DMV, and numerous volunteers.
Beier said, “It took two tow trucks and
Localized Equine Herpesvirus Detected at Penn National Racecourse
A small outbreak of equine herpes at Penn National Racecourse has prompted management of Philadelphia Park to bar horses shipping in to race as well as horses shipping out to “race and return” from the Grantville, Pa. oval.
Richard Schnaars, general manager of Penn National, stressed that the situation is “very localized,” with only two horses from the stable of trainer Bob Wolfe
West Nile Virus Vaccine Receives Full Licensure
The USDA has issued a full license to Fort Dodge Animal Health for its West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine that has been distributed under a conditional license since August of 2001. Results of efficacy studies completed and submitted to the USDA qualified the vaccine for full licensure. According to Tom Overbay, DVM, director, Field Veterinary Services at Fort Dodge, 95% of horses vaccinated with
AAEP 2002: Prevention and Control of Pneumonia Caused by Rhodococcus equi
Pneumonia caused by the bacteria Rhodococcus equi is an often-fatal disease that can be difficult to eradicate from affected farms. “The impact of this disease can be large because prevalence and case-fatality rates are often high; treatment is prolonged, expensive, associated with adverse effects, and not uniformly successful; the disease may diminish future performance; and farms
AAEP 2002: Vitex Agnus Castus Extract for Treatment of Equine Cushing’s Syndrome
Vitex agnus castus extract (Chaste Berry) has been reputed to have therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of Equine Cushing’s syndrome. However, results of a study at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center repudiated these claims. Jill Beech, VMD, professor of medicine in the School of Veterinary Medicine and chief of the section of large animal medicine at the New Bolton
Mules and Donkeys
In addition to long ears, she said, donkeys have a short, upright mane and have finer, lighter hair around the eyes and muzzle when compared to horses. Donkeys have no forelock and have a switch for a tail. Mules normally will have a full tail, but might not have a forelock.
Learned Vets
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is the leading provider of continuing education for veterinarians who deal with horses. The association is also committed to educating horse owners, and that commitment is growing as evidenced by the development of an Owner Education Committee and plans for assisting veterinarians in educating their clients through electronic and print
AAEP 2002: A Review of Equine Zoonotic Diseases: Risks in Veterinary Medicine
Zoonotic diseases are those that can be passed from animals to humans, and, noted Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM, of the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph, they are an ever-present threat to veterinarians. “A number of zoonotic agents may be encountered in veterinary practice and the severity of human disease can range from mild to fatal,” he said. “Prompt
AAEP 2002: Infectious Diseases Subdued, Not Eradicated
In discussing anthrax, screwworms, and piroplasmosis, Irby said that the three disease are related in that each “can affect equids, has the potential to devastate domestic livestock, is present in many foreign countries, and may first be detected by veterinarians in private practice.”
Irby re-iterated that it is imperative that private practice veterinarians realize tha
Horse Council to Focus on Education, Advocacy
The American Horse Council Convention and Congressional Conference for 2003 will focus on education and how it can lead to advocacy.
The convention, set for April 5-8 in Washington, D.C., will feature state horse council meetings, panel discussions on a variety of topics, an awards luncheon, and a Congressional dinner. It will end with a Congressional breakfast that will give participants a
Federal Funds to Support Animal Health and Disease Research
According to an Associated Press story on bloodhorse.com, The University of Kentucky (UK) will receive $11.36 million in funding in the current federal budget, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said Monday. Some of the funds will be spent on research into animal health and diseases, such as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS).
Of the
Ice, Snow, Cold Hit Horse Country Hard
From Kentucky up through New York, the recent winter storm’s ice and snow has caused major problems for horse owners and those in the horse business. In Kentucky, an inch or more of ice coated every surface starting Feb. 16, causing power lines to sag onto roads and fields, trees to split and drop limbs, and streets to become impassible. There was flooding in other parts of the state.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (AAEP 2002)
Scott McClure, DVM, PhD, of Iowa State, reported on the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on suspensory ligament desmitis. He noted that ESWT is being used for the treatment of equine musculoskeletal diseases.
