Fertility issues in the horse can stem from multiple causes. One cause in mares is due to a disorder of sexual development (DSD) whereby the sex chromosome complement (genotype, or genetic code) is abnormal and does not agree with the external appearance of the horse (phenotype, or observable characteristics).
Proper blood flow to the laminae of the hoof is critical at all times, but especially when a horse develops laminitis. Diagnostic techniques that can reveal how blood is flowing–or not–can help veterinarians catch laminitis early. Amy Rucker, DVM, of Midwest Equine in Columbia, Mo., discussed the importance of digital venograms in diagnosing and treating laminitis during the Sept. 17-18 La
An Illinois man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly beating his horse, according to a spokesperson for the Edgar County State’s Attorney’s Office. Dennis Hollingsworth was charged with one count of cruelty to animals and one count of violation of owners’ duties, the spokesperson said. Hollingsworth is slated to appear in court on Oct. 21 to answer the char
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) announced Oct. 15 that all blood and urine samples taken from horses competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were negative for all prohibited substances. Under FEI Veterinary Regulations, samples from a minimum of 5% of competing horses are tested, but almost 11% of the 752 horses competing in Kentucky were tested.
After a squabble in the field, horses might “kiss and make up”–at least in their own equine way. But even more often, post-conflict horses are visited by a “peacemaker,” probably to preserve the unity of the group, according to a new study by European researchers. Long-term pasturemates sometimes show reconciliatory behavior after a moment of conflict, and a t
With budgets tight, a number of horse farm managers have reduced costs by using a hay harvest of overmature grass pastures for bedding. On the surface it makes sense to bed stalls with this stemmy hay. But be cautious when using it for pregnant mares in their last trimesters.
State veterinarian Robert C. Stout was honored as the Kentucky Veterinarian of the Year by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association on Oct. 9 during the Mid-America Veterinary Conference in Louisville. “Dr. Stout’s dedication to veterinary medicine and Kentucky agriculture makes him more than worthy of this award,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. &quo
“With fall moving steadily toward winter, this is the time of the year when weak batteries reveal themselves as the temperature drops,” says Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians. While USRider and other motor plans are available to assist motorists when their batteries fail, USRider provides some c
When Alison LaCarrubba, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, head of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s equine ambulatory section, learned the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) would lend financial support to establish a castration clinic at the university, she recognized the program as a way to deliver a valuable veterinary service to cash-strapped horse owners a
Horses are an integral part of Kentucky’s culture. They possess qualities of balance, coordination, speed, reflex, strength, endurance, and stamina. Outside the traditional setting of a racetrack or an open field, though, horses can also be healers.
Following the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has announced that the following teams have qualified to compete in the 2012 London Olympics (Great Britain, as the host country, automatically qualify for all three events):
Dressage: The Netherlands, Germany, and U.S.A. Eventing: Canada, New Z
The quest to breed a better horse has led Thoroughbred breeders to try many unorthodox theories and systems, all with mixed results. To date, the success (or lack thereof) of most of these tools has been anecdotal, with no way to quantify whether a horse’s achievements were due to one or more of these breeding aides. Now, thanks to the rapidly developing advances within DNA co
The names, addresses, and photographs of convicted animal abusers residing in one New York county will soon be displayed online thanks to a new law that establishes the first animal abuse offender database in the nation. Unanimously passed by the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday, IR1879 establishes an online animal abuser registry similar to databases containing information a
A recent study found that using rectal swab samples could be an alternative way to test for the Lawsonia intracellularis bacteria that causes equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) if the foal has decreased or no fecal output. EPE is an emerging intestinal disease found in weanlings. Because th
More than 840 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, “Is your horse vaccinated against rabies?”
My vet recommended I soak my mare’s hay for an hour, but I see some indications to just wet it down. Is it just unnecessary to soak or actually harmful in some way?
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