Most horse owners are diligent about deworming their horses on a regular schedule. But there might be a more efficient deworming program that both horses and their owners can benefit from. According to Claudia K. True, DVM, a practitioner with Woodside Equine Clinic in Ashland, Va., basing a deworming program on fecal egg counts allows each horse an individualized deworming schedule and reduces

Appropriate biosecurity program protocols for respiratory diseases on the farm was the first issue addressed at the table topic on respiratory diseases presented at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md. Attendees agreed that segregating new arrivals/horses returning from horse shows and monitoring isolated horses’ temperatures are importa

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) recently introduced a new award, which recognizes public officials who make a significant contribution to keeping Kentucky’s horse community vibrant and growing. The first recipient of this award–the KHC Equine Heritage Award–was Representative Rick Nelson, whose district includes Harlan and Bell counties. Representative Nelson was commended for his perseverance

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) reminds animal producers, marketers, and veterinarians that maintaining a foot-and-mouth disease-free United States requires constant awareness and vigilance. Anyone involved with livestock needs to recognize the general signs of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and how to report suspicious symptoms. Foot-and-mouth disease is not contagious to people, but

Lynn Boggs recently turned to Facebook to find homes for 52 Ohio Thoroughbreds in need. The message she posted on Facebook gained international attention within hours, and all of the horses were placed in new homes within five days.

At the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md., Marjorie W. Miller, DVM, discussed medication rules from several equestrian governing bodies as well as the role of veterinarians in equestrian sport.

A Texas couple is facing multiple animal cruelty charges in connection with the alleged maltreatment of 39 horses removed from their Coryell County property earlier this week. In addition, 250 dogs, two Bengal tigers, two mountain lions, one primate, one deer, and one raccoon were found residing on the property.

A Florida man, Luis Miguel Cordero, was sentenced on Feb. 1 to serve four years in prison after he plead guilty to poaching two horses and butchering them for their meat. Miami-Dade County law enforcement authorities arrested Cordero in September 2009 as he attempted to poach two horses located in the pasture of a Northwest Miami-Dade County ranch. Cordero later confessed to the Miami Gardens

At the Table Topic session on shock wave therapy during the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md., attendees briefly discussed equipment–in particular, focused shock wave equipment. Treatment protocols were discussed in general. Practitioners noted a difference between treating specific injuries versus maintenance of a chronic problem. In treating a

A vaccine for Rhodococcus equi, the common bacteria that affects foals, often causing severe infections, pneumonia, and sometimes death, is in the final stages of development. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (ISPAH) said on Jan. 27 that a candidate vaccine for R. equi would be tested in a field trial in Germany in the near future.

A saddle can either encourage comfortable movement and clear communication between rider and horse, or it can result in discomfort and behavioral problems. Evaluating a saddle’s fit requires an understanding of saddle construction, the anatomy and dynamic movement of a horse, and the literal impact of the rider. If you haven’t evaluated your saddle’s fit recently, it could be time to do so.

Q: My mare foaled recently and the colt’s testicles and umbilicus are set way back between the hind legs, more than normal. The veterinarian checked him and said he can’t feel the penis. He has not seen anything like this before. Any ideas where I could find information about this condition?

Learn about the factors contributing to a foal’s healthy development as he grows into a young horse: Genetics, nutrition, social development, immunity, growth rates, weaning, hoof care, and more.