
Diagnosing Performance Problems in Western Horses
A practitioner reviews the comprehensive approaches he takes to home in on performance issues in Western horses, including physical exams and advanced imaging techniques

A practitioner reviews the comprehensive approaches he takes to home in on performance issues in Western horses, including physical exams and advanced imaging techniques

Researchers and veterinarians around the world strive to learn more about the lamellae and have made scientific advances in laminitis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention over the past several years. Here’s what we know.

Some horses with neuromuscular disease could have a protozoan parasite Sarcocystis fayeri in their skeletal muscles, researchers learned.

A standing equine PET scanner will soon be available at Santa Anita Park. Veterinarians and researchers hope it will ultimately help identify subtle pre-existing bone changes before they lead to catastrophic injuries.

Researchers developed the new method for horses based on work conducted in humans. The procedure involves two stabilization devices: an intervertebral device to reduce compression and screws with rotating heads and connecting rods to stabilize the vertebrae.

No matter what devices farriers use, their goal is the same: to give each horse the best opportunity to run to his potential. Here’s how they help racehorses succeed on the track.

Drs. Mick Peterson and Wayne McIlwraith weigh in on what we’ve learned about racing surface safety, issues currently at hand, and what the future could bring.

Do abscesses occur more often in front or hind hooves? Do male or female horses recover from hoof abscesses quicker? When are abscesses most commonly diagnosed? Researchers found answers to these questions and more in a recent study.

Experts share information about the steps needed to identify PSSM, how to distinguish between the types, and recommendations for managing affected horses.

Is it cause for concern if a horse lies down frequently?

Researchers confirmed that a technique called acoustic myography could be useful for evaluating suspensory ligament function, which could mean more straightforward diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and monitoring of these injuries as they heal.

Horses can experience back pain during flexion and bending through the body, which can lead to resistance in the canter. Dr. Kevin Haussler of Colorado State University explains.

Intra-articular (administered into the joint) polyacrylamide hydrogel helped decreased lameness in horses with naturally occurring arthritis, researchers found.

Both cold and heat therapy can help improve injury healing, but they can be difficult to apply to horses. So, researchers recently tested a pneumatic sleeve designed specifically for administering contrast therapy to horses’ lower limbs. Here’s what they found.

An analysis of data from the Equine Injury Database revealed an overall fatal injury of 1.68 per 1,000 starts in Thoroughbred racing,

While there was no significant difference in outcome between patients treated conservatively compared to surgically, the overall prognosis for long pastern bone damage in sport horses remains guarded, researchers said.
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