How to care for the basic health needs of horses
What does a veterinarian look for when evaluating a horse for neurologic disease? Hint: The neurologic exam starts with simple field tests, not sophisticated imaging equipment. “Each clinician has his or her own method of performing a neurologic exam
A prepurchase examination or “vet check” of a potential horse purchase can identify any physical problems.
Carbohydrates are important energy sources for horses, and they are required for digestive health.
The horse’s large intestine absorbs large volumes of fluid from the bowel. When a situation interferes with fluid absorption from the large colon, fluid passes quickly from the body to increase the water content of the feces, resulting in diarrhea.
Changes in a horse’s heart size due to dehydration might lead to a misdiagnosis of heart disease based on echocardiogram, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
Learn how to clean and disinfect a dirty stall between horses, after a sick horse occupies it, or before placing a mare in the stall to foal (with Dr. Roberta Dwyer of the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center).
When it comes to designing diets, knowing the basics of how horses digest food is half the battle. It’s important to consider each horse’s energy requirements before developing a feeding schedule.
Dr. Pamela Wilkins offers recommendations for horse safety in extreme winter conditions, including providing shelter, warm water, and protecting older horses.
The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine has received a grant from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) for $20,000 in support of a State/Regional Disaster Management Training Program. The $20,000 from the AVMF is matched with in-kind gifts for a total value of $63,200. This program will provide emergency response training to aid animals before, during, and
“Back problems can be performance-limiting in the horse due to pain and reduced range of motion and flexibility,” reported Kent Allen, DVM, of Virginia Equine Imaging, as he presented on equine back pain at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore Md.
No building is completely fireproof, but farm owners and managers can take certain steps to minimize the chances of a fire occurring.
Back problems, stem cells for tendon injury, rehabilitating after an injury, pigeon fever, and more were discussed during the Lameness/Soft Tissue session at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. (Interview with moderator Dr. Brad Jackman)
Cold winds and changing winter weather might not seem like contributing factors for equine colic; however, these conditions can foster changes in routine and eating habits that could affect your horse’s well-being.
Current evidence suggests that the most successful treatments are a combination of the drug rifampin and a macrolide (an antimicrobial drug).
Excerpted tips on properly caring for the pregnant mare, newborn foal, and growing foal up to weaning with Dr. Nathan Slovis of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Preparing your horse for winter means different things in different geographic areas. For some, winter is time to remove a horse’s shoes and give him a break, while for others winter is a prime show season.
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