Keeping equids in a “backyard horse” situation, subdivision, or small acreage presents a different set of challenges than keeping horses on a large farm or ranch. In urban/suburban settings, some of the important considerations include zoning, building codes (if you plan to have a barn, run-in shed, indoor arena, etc.), space for exercise, waste management, fencing, and neighbors. Security an
Surgery for DDSP
Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) occurs when the palate partially obstructs the airway by becoming displaced on top of the epiglottis. This can affect breathing, especially during intense exercise. Jennifer Smith, DVM, University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, discussed the combined effects of the surgeries
Draft horses are enjoying a comeback. Not since the days when they were required to move the nation have the gentle giants been so sought after as riding and driving competitors. Draft crosses are found worldwide, competing at many levels and”P>Draft horses are enjoying a comeback. Not since the days when they were required to move the nation have the gentle giants been so”>Draft horses are enjo
Horse owners should have equine survivors of West Nile virus (WNV) re-examined by their veterinarians before putting the animals back into work. In a study of Minnesota horses which survived clinical WNV infection, 40% showed WNV residual effects at six months after diagnosis; these neurologic effects can make the horse more dangerous to ride or drive. Julia Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, is an
“The foot is involved, either directly or indirectly, in the large majority of lameness cases,” said Ric Redden, DVM, founder of the International Equine Podiatry Center in Versailles, Ky.
There they are: Your two best friends. Fred has been your buddy since you were a teenager, sharing your victories and disappointments, always steadfast and reliable. Bonnie has only been part of your life for a couple of months, but you’ve hit i
Thousands of horses from shut-down PMU (pregnant mare urine) farms in Canada and North Dakota are finding new homes in the United States, but few are winding up at slaughter houses at this time, according to slaughter plant managers.
Dick Koehler, general manager of the Beltex plant in Fort Worth, Texas, said that his firm is never in the market for PMU horses because many of them are
A study to determine the clinical signs of gastrointestinal rupture during colic was done by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and results were presented by Diana Hassel, DVM, of UC Davis.
I have a 14-year-old Paint/Quarter Horse with one blue eye that has been diagnosed with a detached iris. ” have a 14-year-
To build and maintain good horse fence does take time and effort, but in the end it can be very rewarding. We shall assume that the proper fencing materials have been chosen. However, a quick review of good, safe choices is helpful.
Purina Mills officials recently announced plans to roll out Purina Mills Horse Owner’s Workshops (HOW), which will give horse enthusiasts across the country the opportunity to hear about the latest in equine nutrition, veterinary care, and training tips from expert clinicians.
The workshops, hosted by local Purina dealers, will feature speakers from Purina, and will also feature local
Morgan stressed that good management practices can reduce the risk factors that contribute to neurologic disease incidence. Keep feed sources clean and free of opossums and protect your hay from rodent infestation.
Continuing education is a euphemism for most of life. We learn as we live. But if life is continuing education, then medical science is the fast track. For equine veterinarians, much of our professional continuing education takes place at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual convention, which is highlighted in a supplement that accompanies this issue of The Horse.
The word "horse" conjures up images of graceful, powerful animals roaming across miles of rolling hills, periodically stopping to graze on lush, green grass. In reality, such scenes are rare; these days, many horses live without
Leptospirosis, often called just “lepto,” can cause flu-like illness in horses that sometimes results in abortion or uveitis (moon blindness). In Kentucky, there seems to be a cyclic pattern to abortions caused by leptospirosis. In 2001, there were about 40 cases, but the past two years there were less than 10 each year. Through Jan. 29 of this year, there have been 33 cases, according to Nei
The traditional diet for horses includes oats, corn, and barley. Starch (a hydrolyzable carbohydrate) is a primary component of these. There is evidence that the horse has a limited capacity to digest and absorb starch from the small intestine.
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