Correcting Shelly Feet

Shelly, crumbly feet can be a challenge for horses and their owners. The feet break down too readily if the horse is barefoot, and they are unable to hold nails if he’s shod. In this article we’ll look at several causes and potential treatments for

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Colic and Digestive Health

Colic, defined as any abdominal pain, has resulted in the deaths of horses throughout recorded history, stated White. In fact, today it is second only to old age as the number one cause of equine deaths in the United States. White said it is one of

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Bulking Up, Not Adding On

Although training might make your yearling look like a bodybuilder, that physique doesn’t guarantee athletic prowess. Evolutionary factors–not early speed or exercise programs–determine the amount of fast-twitch muscle horses have as adults.

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Basics of Life

Reproduction in all species borders on the miraculous. In this article on reproductive anatomy, we’ll take a look at the reproductive organs of both the mare and the stallion and discuss just how they function in their effort to produce another “miracle.”

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The Equine Digestive System: A Food Factory

The equine digestive system is a complicated factory that is designed to process small amounts of food frequently and convert them into nutrients that can be absorbed and produce energy. The same, concerning the end result, could be said of the cow

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Angular Limb Deformities in Foals

Some of the common bone abnormalities of young foals are referred to as angular limb deformities. Instead of having straight legs, a foal is born with an angle or crook in its legs, similar to a person who is bowlegged. This angular

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Small Volume Resuscitation in Anesthetized Endotoxemic Horses

Endotoxemia occurs when toxins from the wall of Gram-negative bacteria crosses the intestinal wall and gains access to the bloodstream. Endotoxin becomes concentrated on the surface of white blood cells, causing them to secrete inflammatory agents.

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Tendons and Ligaments: Anatomy and Physiology

Tendon and ligament injuries often go hand in hand with horses involved in vigorous athletic pursuits. However, many tendon and ligament injuries can be avoided through proper conditioning and training regimens and by not pushing a horse beyond its limits in racing or other competitions.

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Could This be Back Pain?

My mare appears to be in pain particularly in the withers, shoulder, and stomach areas. Is it possible that she has a pinched nerve?

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A Look Back at the Feeding of Performance Horses

Body Builders–Muscles

In this article, we’ll take a look at how equine muscles function and are nourished, as well as examine some of the problems that have surfaced, such as hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) and tying-up.

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Anatomy and Physiology Part 6: The Head and Neck

The equine head can be compared to a computer. Housed within the skull are the major components–the brain and the sense organs. In addition to functioning like a computer, the equine head contains teeth for cropping grass and chewing food, and all

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Hoof Structure and Foot Facts (Book Excerpt)

The old saying, “No hoof, no horse” is very true, especially as it pertains to the horse’s working ability and soundness. The horse is an athlete; we use him for a variety of athletic purposes — racing, jumping, chasing cattle, pulling carts.

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