The regenerative medicine field has progressed faster than Secretariat’s 1973 Belmont stakes win. And a Cornell University research team that uses horses’ own bone marrow to successfully treat joint injuries is helping take stem cell therapy to the next level. “Joint injuries such as chip fractures or osteochondral defects like osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) are extr

In the spirit of the proud tradition established by previous host cities, the International Equestrian Festival welcomes visitors to downtown Lexington for a celebration worthy of the “Horse Capital of the World.” The Festival, which takes place at the Lexington Convention Center Sept. 25–Oct. 10, offers something for everyone–from the experienced equestrian to the casual ob

A Florida woman faces a felony charge for failing to inform state agricultural authorities that a horse on her property tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). EIA is an infectious, potentially fatal viral disease transferred from horse-to-horse by biting insects such as horseflies and deer flies. Infected horses display acute or chronic symptoms including fever, anemia, edema, and gen

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is proud to announce plans for efficient recycling and waste reduction during the 16-day event, by partnering with Green Duck composting and recycling solutions company. Using eco-stations and compostable products, the World Games 2010 Foundation is projected to recycle and compost over 360 tons of material that otherwise would have gone to t

Proposed regulations governing out-of-competition testing for racehorses in Kentucky have been approved for consideration by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission at its Sept. 7 meeting. The regulations, which have been drafted, revised, and debated over the course of several months, were approved Sept. 2 by a 6-1 vote of the Equine Drug Research Council. The lone no vote was cast

We interact with microchips every day–in our computers, telephones, and even our kitchen appliances. But the thought of putting a microchip into a horse can make us uncomfortable. Fear not–veterinarians say microchipping horses is a quick and simple procedure that provides safe, permanent identification. Kevin Owen, DVM, owner of Electronic ID Inc. (the U.S. ditributor for Destr

The American Association of Equine Practitioners advises coastal veterinarians and horse owners to review their disaster response protocol during the height of the 2010 hurricane season.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced the state’s first confirmed equine case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year on Aug. 27. The affected horse was a 2-year old gelding kept in Oswego County. EEE is a rare viral disease of horses and humans that is spread by infected mosquitoes. To date, there have been no reported nor confirmed human cases of EEE i

Poultry and eggs were Kentucky’s leading farm commodity in 2009, with cash receipts of $911.6 million, ending the equine industry’s 10-year reign at the top of the list. According to a release Aug. 31 from state agriculture commissioner Richie Farmer, the equine sector was responsible for $780 million of the state’s total $4 billion. Kentucky farm cash receipts in 20

An effort to finalize proposed regulations on out-of-competition testing of horses in Kentucky erupted into a lively debate over penalties when two panels met in joint session via teleconference Aug. 31. The out-of-competition regulations have been drafted, revised, and debated over the course of several meetings and in public meetings conducted by a joint committee of the Kentuck

The number of piroplasmosis-positive horses imported from Europe varies considerably from one country to another, according to new findings by Swiss researchers. With piroplasmosis steadily creeping across the globe in the 21st century, spreading out of its once traditional tropical/subtropical regions, these researchers have been looking into prevalence statistics to better under

Experts advise: When it comes to respiratory illness in horses, save the gambling for Vegas. Be aware of the major respiratory diseases that horses are susceptible to at each point of their lives (commonly, heaves, Rhodococcus equi, and equine herpesvirus) and use preventive measures, both with management and vaccination, to head them off.

Recurrent colic is typically defined as three or more episodes of transient or prolonged colic occurring over a period of months or upwards of a year. Although a practitioner cannot always determine a definitive etiology without exploratory surgery, many diagnostics are available to help pinpoint the most likely cause of recurrent colic.

At what age is it safe to start introducing a young horse to loading on a trailer? We have no reason to go anywhere just now, but we want to teach him to load before he grows up and has to go somewhere.

In 1998 the USDA estimated approximately 1.4% of the horse population was overweight or obese. A more recent study, however, found the number of overweight or obese horses to be alarmingly higher. Weight management is an important issue in equine medicine, particularly as more details on the underlying mechanisms of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance surface.