Latest News – The Horse
Wobbler Syndrome Signs and Diagnosis
A veterinarian can say several things that will chill every horse owner’s heart, including colic, laminitis, navicular disease, and wobbler syndrome. These cause fear because of the unknown–and often unfavorable–outcome for your horse. But as
Don’t You Stick Your Tongue Out at Me!
My 5-year-old Thoroughbred mare sticks her tongue out when I ride her, especially when asked to accept the bit
Bute Toxicity in Neonates
Q: My wife and I were told that giving Bute (phenylbutazone) to a mare in foal can cause heart defects in the foal, similar to aspirin taken by women in early pregnancy. Is there any connection?
A: Signs of phenylbutazone toxicity in foals whose…
Flushing Solution?
What type of solution is used to flush the tube after inseminating a mare and is it necessary?
Is He Sore, or Misbehaving?
Over the last few months, my horse has changed from a steady, reliable, and willing friend to a miserable grouch. He’s an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding that I have owned and used just for pleasure since he was seven years old, and I knew
Safeguarding Lower Limbs
Since bubble wrapping a horse isn’t an option, owners use boots and wraps to try to avoid lower limb injuries.
Ridding Sand From the Diet
In specific regions of the United States, one of the most commonly encountered forms of colic is “sand colic.” This is not solely a problem in geographic areas with obviously sandy environments. Anywhere there is sand, decomposed granite, or
Treat Hoof Punctures Early
It seems like such a mild problem, a nail or splinter in the tough hoof. The solution also seems simple–take the object out, clean the foot up, give the horse some time off, and everything will be all right. For superficial hoof wounds, that’s
Supplement Loss?
There are some regulatory rumblings that could change the way all of us feed and take care of our horses every day, whether you are a horse owner or a veterinarian. Many nutritional supplements are sold illegally. “What?” you might say. “How can
Acupuncture and Microdose Prostaglandin in the Mare
Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PG) is used to shorten a mare’s cycle and hasten ovulation for breeding. Unfortunately, the standard PG dose (5 mg) also causes undesirable side effects, including sweating, trembling, increased heart rate, and
Feeding Practices and Colic
There are multiple causes of colic, some of which are related to diet, stabling conditions, and activity level. Colic is painful for the horse, expensive to treat (especially if it requires surgery), and hard to predict. Determining which
Jump Landings and Tendon Strain
Lameness in show jumpers is often caused by forelimb tendon injury. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is most frequently injured, followed by the interosseus tendon (IT), and the accessory ligament (AL), while the deep digital flexor
Prolonged Bute Use Detrimental to Joints
Chronic use of phenylbutazone, or Bute, in horses with joint problems could be causing more problems than it’s preventing. A recent study showed that Bute and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) might be detrimental to
Carpenter Takes Top Job At AQHF
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has announced that Gary Carpenter will join the organization as Executive Director of the American Quarter Horse Foundation (AQHF) on May 6. Carpenter brings more than 20 years of service and
New Products and Distribution
Four new deworming products and a shift in distribution of the popular Zimecterin and Equimectrin dewormers are offering horse owners new options in deworming their horses. Zimecterin, developed and manufactured by Merial Limited but largely
First National Equine Identification Symposium
The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) has announced that the first National Equine Identification Symposium–ID/INFO EXPO 2002–will take place in Chicago, Ill., July 29-Aug. 1. The symposium and trade show will feature
