Latest News – The Horse
West Nile Virus Detected in Florida Alligators
Three farm-raised alligators from Central Florida have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), according to officials at the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This is the first time the virus has affected U.S. reptiles. Multiple agencies were involved in the diagnosis, including the CVM, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Florida
Actinobacillus Species Resistance
Colorado State University’s (CSU) Orthopaedic Research Center (ORC) was launched Nov. 1 with a formal dedication ceremony and open house. Led by Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ECVS, and his scientific team, the Center will continue investigations benefiting the musculoskeletal health of horses and humans.
Located just behind the existing James L. Voss Veterinary
Pigeon Fever (Dryland Distemper) in Kentucky
An unusual outbreak of the bacterial disease “pigeon fever,” also known as dryland distemper, occurred in Kentucky in early and mid-November 2002, according to Doug Byars, DVM, a specialist in internal medicine and equine critical care. He said 15 cases have been confirmed with bacterial cultures in the same period by Hagyard-Davidson-McGee veterinary associates in Lexington, and about 15 mor
Morris Funds Studies
Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has announced funding for eight new 2003 equine studies. Research topics include laminitis, endotoxemia, colic, genetics, immunology, and foal diseases. Nine continuing projects focus on similar issues as well as tying-up, equine infectious anemia, and neurological disease.
A complete list of these studies, including location, investigator, lay-language
Outside of Caterpillar Might Be Linked to MRLS
Since the beginning of the mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) in 2001, there have been many theories as to the cause of the problems. Honing in on the extreme number of Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) in 2001 and 2002, studies have shown that early fetal loss can be caused by feeding ETC to pregnant mares. It also has been shown that freezing the caterpillars does not destroy whatever
Environment and Hormones
Some natural and man-made compounds in the environment can disrupt the delicate reproduction hormone balance in many species, possibly including horses. Her suggestion was that although this cause of reproductive dysfunction had not been studied in horses, it should be considered in cases of reproductive abnormalities with no apparent cause.
Educational Brochures
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has recently revised and redesigned 21 client education brochures with the support of Bayer Animal Health and Purina Mills. The brochures are available to veterinarians and come in packages of 25 at a low cost. According to Dana Roberts, AAEP’s Owner Education Coordinator, several other brochures are in the works and will be available in
Managers Doing Good Job with Pastures
A week following the Dec. 23 release of information about the University of Kentucky’s pasture monitoring related to mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), Jimmy Henning, PhD, extension forage specialist at the University of Kentucky (UK) discussed some of the findings. There are some “real positive things” contained in the report, he said; the most important was that “we know a lot more
West Nile Virus Changed to Endemic Disease Status; Fees will be Charged for Some WNV Testing
Government veterinary officials recently designated West Nile virus (WNV) as an endemic disease in the United States. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) previously had considered WNV a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD), since it had never been detected in the United States prior to 1999. (Read more about WNV at
Sentinel Farm Summary; 2002 Pasture Monitoring Program
The following information was produced by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture from Wayne Long ([email protected]) and Jimmy Henning ([email protected]) of the Department of Agronomy (859/257-3144). This article also can be seen on the university’s web site at
AAEP 2002 Radiology Panel
The radiology panel discussion at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention on Dec. 7 included presentation of 10 case histories, clinical presentations, and radiographs, with one of four panel members selected to evaluate each case. Tim O’Brien, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVR, professor in the Surgical and Radiological Sciences Department at the University of California, Davis,
Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Resistance
When a prescribed medication doesn’t work as it should, one cause could be antimicrobial (antibiotic) resistance. Is the widespread use of antibiotics selecting for stronger and stronger pathogens that can resist the drugs we use to fight them? This was discussed at the Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Resistance Table Topic, moderated by Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, professor o
AAEP 2002: Feeding the Geriatric Horse
With more and more horses reaching geriatric status (over 20 years of age), it?s important to understand how their nutritional needs might change. Diets should be adjusted if necessary to help old-timers live long and healthy lives. David Pugh,
Kentucky Abortions Update
The ?blip? of abortions seen in August, September, and October in Kentucky has continued on through December. With only about 50 total abortions reported, this problem might not even catch the attention of many people in a normal year, as
Purchase Exams Table Topic
Purchase examinations are a big bone of contention in many equine sale situations–not so much over the necessity of them, but over what exactly needs to be evaluated and how to interpret the results. Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine
Horseman’s Day at the 2002 AAEP Convention
Horseman?s Day, held for the third time as part of the annual AAEP convention, was another rousing success. There weren?t as many people in attendance as there were in San Diego last year, but they were just as enthusiastic. AAEP officials said
