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.
A Cornell University scientist recently showed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can enhance healing and quality of repair at the cellular level in treating tendonitis and suspensory ligament desmitis. Lisa A. Fortier, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS
Any injury that tears skin or causes painful swelling around the eye should receive immediate veterinary attention.
What exactly happens the minute after the direct trauma (like a kick or a collision)? How does the blood pool?
Without the dedicated and valuable work of horseshoers, horse owners would be in trouble.
It’s like the old adage in the farrier industry: No hoof, no horse. Thousands of hard-working horseshoers keep the animals healthy, comfortable,
One afternoon in December, my gelding George lurched into the barn with a hole where his knee used to be. The emergency veterinarian, Dr. Zimmerman, soon confirmed our worst fears: George’s extensor tendon was severed, his
“A simple heel bulb laceration may look like a regular ‘nothing’ cut, but it could be life-threatening if it’s in the coffin joint, so you need to get it evaluated right away,” said Robin M. Dabareiner, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, while describing a
There are a number of modes of therapy that can help maintain joint health and reduce pain associated with joint disease.
Like keeping the pistons of an engine lubricated for smooth, easy movement, the tendon sheaths of a horse function similarly by providing a friction-free environment in which tendons can move.
Horses with chronic inflammation of the digital flexor tendon (DDFT) sheath that doesn’t respond to conventional therapy might be suffering from longitudinal tears in the DDFT. Warmbloods which suffer from chronic annular ligament constriction
Bog and bone spavin don’t necessarily have to end your horse’s performance career, but they certainly require careful attention and care.
Scientific researchers have learned that the injuries suffered by human and equine athletes, especially as they relate to joints, often are very similar. Now, they are using that knowledge in their attempts to find ways to prevent injuries to both.
Competitive endurance riders know that horses lose fluids and electrolytes during strenuous rides. Calcium and magnesium are also lost during prolonged aerobic exercise. Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) allows sodium to enter nerve cells, leadin
Driving home one evening at dusk, you notice a horse standing listlessly in a small, fenced paddock on a farm located a few miles from your home. The horse looks quite thin, almost to the point of emaciation, and there is neither food nor water
My training is in equine myotherapy and sometimes I get asked about a thumper. Can you tell me more about this tool?
The American Humane Association has donated $2,000 to provide an emergency food supply for 30 horses and 1,100 head of livestock affected by the flooding in Minnesota. Combined with a matching donation by the Humane Society of the United States,
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with
