Breed-Specific Health Issues

Derby Death Spurs Action by Thoroughbred Groups

In the wake of the fatal injury sustained by filly Eight Belles in the May 3 Kentucky Derby, The Jockey Club has commissioned a seven-member Thoroughbred Safety Committee, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) board of directors

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Diagnosing Upper Cannon Area Injuries

Pain originating in the upper cannon bone area, just below the knee or hock, is common in all types of equine athletes. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly what structure is injured; some injuries can only be seen with high-field MRI.

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How Important Is That Airway Exam Grade?

The airways of many breeds of horses, particularly Thoroughbreds, are evaluated via an endoscope and graded before sale. The intent is to identify horses whose airways might have problems that could limit the horses’ performance at maximal

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Risk Factors for Gastric Ulcers in Thoroughbreds

Up to 86% of Australian Thoroughbred racehorses have been reported to have gastric ulcers. Many factors can contribute to ulcers, and researchers at Murdoch University set out to determine which ones were the most significant for this population

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Storm Cat Experiencing Drop in Fertility

Storm Cat, for years the No. 1 Thoroughbred stallion, has been experiencing difficulties impregnating his mares this breeding season at the Young’s family’s Overbrook Farm near Lexington. Fewer than half of the 31 mares that the 25-year-old

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Mules Have Their Day in Tennessee

The much maligned mule is getting a day of celebration but will have to share the spotlight with a breed of even sorrier reputation–the politicians.

The Mule Day parade set for Saturday is the highlight of a six-day celebration honoring th

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Campaigns Work to Keep Endangered Draft Breeds Viable

Suffering dramatic drops in numbers of registered animals, several European draft horse breed societies are coming up with targeted promotional campaigns in order to keep their breeds alive.

In England, the critically endangered Suffolk is

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Virginia: Free Pre-Race Steroids Tests

The Virginia Racing Commission will offer free pre-race testing for anabolic and androgenic steroids in horses that race at Colonial Downs this year.


The commission, at its March 19 meeting, unanimously adopted regulations and penalties

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Timing of Steroid Study Could Impact Regulations

The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has funded a research project to study threshold levels and withdrawal times of four approved anabolic steroids. But the timing of the study, which should be completed by August, could make it

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Ovariectomy an Option for Performance Mares and Molly Mules

Lacey is beautiful, full of personality, and very athletic–for a mule, that is. Her owners plan on showing their cherished mule when she is ready, but they face an obstacle that all owners of female mules or mares go through–heat cycles.

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Donkey Rescue Looking to Expand

Instead of finding homes for abandoned dogs or cats, one animal rescue group is asking Minnesotans to adopt donkeys.

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue has more than 1,000 donkeys, including abused and neglected domestic donkeys and wild burros.

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British Park Highlights Heavy Horses

There are several animal attractions at the Cornwall’s Crealy park near Wadebridge in the United Kingdom, but one of the most popular is the draft horse exhibit. Roger Harvey, manager of the park’s animal attractions, teaches the draft horses

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