There were nearly 14,000 reported cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in the United States in 2002 by the end of November, and many broodmares were exposed to the virus even if not clinically affected. As the country begins its fifth year of handling
Competitive endurance riders know that horses lose fluids and electrolytes during strenuous rides. Calcium and magnesium are also lost during prolonged aerobic exercise. Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) allows sodium to enter nerve cells, leadin
Colic surgery in horses is classified as a “clean contaminated” procedure because incisions into the intestine can allow bacteria to contaminate the sterile abdomen. Thus, prophylactic (preventive) antibiotic therapy is often administered prior
Beneath the smooth surface of articular cartilage, subchondral bone gives structural support to joints. Normally, newborn foals have a lot of water in this layer, which is slowly replaced by calcium and collagen as the foal weights his joints.
Hoof cracks are a common occurrence in the feet of many domesticated horses, and they can range in severity from a minor blemish to a cause of serious lameness. Causative factors can vary widely, ranging from injury to imbalance of the foot.
Do you know why a Thoroughbred can deliver that great burst of speed to eat up a mile in 1 1/2 minutes, or how an endurance horse can maintain the strength and stamina to cover long distances at steady speeds? Of course you do: Conditioning.
We’ve certainly had some tough moments in the past couple of years. And despite worry, the industry is strong, but changing. While some of the top-level owners of competition horses–those who own horses as business investments–might be jumping
As of Nov. 3, cases of equine illness caused this year by West Nile virus (WNV) confirmed at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories had risen to 12,843; 12,105 cases more than the final case count for 2001. Vaccinating for WNV and
A horse’s hair can be used as a diagnostic tool in assessing nutritional status, environmental poisoning, and drug use and abuse, according to Mark Dunnett, BVSc, of the UK’s Royal Veterinary College. Dunnett presented this topic at the Kentucky
You are ultimately responsible for your horse, for all issues from training to health care. In this day and age, you have access to a variety of health care providers and to a great deal of information–and misinformation–from people claiming t
Pathologists at the Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (LDDC) in Lexington noticed that a few more fetal losses were being seen than was usual during August, September, and October. That prompted increased surveillance and reporting,
Have you heard of horses getting colic from frozen sweet feeds?
William Moyer, DVM, head of the Department of Large Animal Medicine & Surgery at Texas A&M University and a member of The Horse‘s Editorial Advisory Board, recently was awarded a Distinguished Alumnus award by Mesa State College i
There are many charitable organizations and foundations that help horses or are involved in horse-related programs. These range from rescue groups (relocating neglected or abused animals or saving them from slaughter) to foundations that fund
Salmonella spp. can cause diarrhea, abscesses, septicemia, and other ailments in horses. The October 2002 issue of Equine Disease Quarterly, published by the University of Kentucky (UK) and sponsored by underwriters at Lloyd’s of
There’s nothing like a good stretch–when you wake up in the morning, during breaks at work, or before and after your workout. In human physiology, we know about stretching and its benefits for the athlete. Many practitioners and physical
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