Complimentary Commercial Content This is a music track, but not just any music track. It’s specially designed to help relieve stress in horses. The Relax Trax audio is also available for download at https://equinerelaxtrax.buzzsprout.co... Source: Boehringer Ingelheim US: Equine Health, You Tube, June 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
8 summer horse health concerns
Horses are not really designed for summers, writes Christine Barakat. She shares the need for vigilance as the summer progresses to monitor hooves, heat stress, insect allergies, sunburn and more. Source: EQUUS, June 16, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: This article is a good reminder for horse owners. Consider it for newsletters, social media and as a resource for 4-H, horse camp … [Read more...]
Colic. What a pain in the gut!
Sponsored Content Colic is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses whose specialized digestive tract is easily thrown out of balance. Experts say 4 percent to 10 percent of all horses will experience at least one episode of colic in their lifetime. While most cases are resolved on the farm with medical treatment, approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of cases … [Read more...]
Petco begins serving rural pets and farm animals
Petco launched a community-driven test concept to address the health and wellness needs of pets and farm animals in rural communities. The grand opening of the first location was in Floresville, Texas, last Friday. The Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply centers will be new, standalone retail facilities located at the heart of small towns and rural communities. The company … [Read more...]
10 benefits of magnesium for horses
While magnesium is an essential mineral for horses’ health, they can experience magnesium deficiency and toxicity. Emily Fought shares its benefits, but advocates horse owners consult with equine nutritionists to ensure individual horses get the right amount. Source: Cowgirl, May 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
12 pet safety tips for the 4th of July
Firework fears, fireworks debris, heat, humidity, water, hot pavement, cook-outs and more create risks for pets in the coming days. Animal health pros can’t overcommunicate the need for animal safety and caution as the holiday activities commence. Source: ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. Link. … [Read more...]
The risks of poor arena air quality
Airborne particles and ammonia fumes in your horse’s stall are a concern, but so is the air quality in your indoor arena, writes Christine Barakat. Dampening arena footing with water may slightly cut down on the dust for a short period of time, but the only long-term solution is to replace the footing. A dusty indoor arena can be harmful to your horse’s respiratory health as … [Read more...]
Heat, humidity factors in equine heat stress
Complimentary Commercial Content Horses need clean water, shade, moving air and exercise breaks to avoid overheating when temperatures and humidity combine to create heat stress. Source: Equine Wellness, June 24, 2021. Link. Evidence suggests that insulin action is a key component of the heat stress response. Chromium improves insulin function and results in efficient … [Read more...]
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™ marks 25 Years
Congratulations on 25 years’ efforts to protect more pets and helping to strengthen the bond between animal owners and their dogs, cats and horses. As a result of a multi-channel distribution approach consisting of direct-to-consumer, co-branded partnerships and white label brands, C&F Pet has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. The company also has a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 9, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 8 rules for working with your relatives. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, June 2, 2022. Link. =================================== Credit score 101: How is it calculated? Source: Daily Finance, June 3, 2022. Link. There are five categories of credit score: payment history, amounts owed, … [Read more...]
10 things veterinarians want horse owners to know about Banamine® (flunixin meglumine)
This is handy information about using flunixin meglumine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug available in injectable liquid and oral paste formulations. Banamine® (flunixin meglumine) made by Merck Animal Health is the pioneer brand. Source: Daniels and Daniels Equine Services, Inc. as seen on The Horseaholic. Link. … [Read more...]
Court ruling deems horses naturally inclined to do mischief or be vicious
In May 2006, Anthony Vendrella’s 2-year-old son was bitten by a horse at Glendale Farms in Milford, Connecticut. The injury required corrective surgery and left a permanent scar. Vendrella sued the farm’s owner, lost his first lawsuit and won his appeal to the Connecticut Supreme Court in 2013. The court deemed horses as “inclined to do mischief or be vicious” and found the … [Read more...]
Ramey: Being an equine vet is wonderful and terrible
David Ramey is a Los Angeles area veterinarian specializing in the care and treatment of performance and pleasure horses. He is an author and frequent equine content contributor. His perspectives are dependably down to earth, pragmatic and often surprisingly honest. His article shared here exposes the trials and tribulations that accompany the joy of being a horse doctor, … [Read more...]
The quality of life question ALL DVMs should be asking
Certified in hospice and palliative care, Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV, faced agonizing thoughts and questions when her own dog’s quality of life reached a decision point. Her wrestling, rationales and emotions are expressed in her blog post. The decision point came in the form of a question Buisson now uses with clients when facing end of life decisions. What will he be … [Read more...]
4 ways to have cost conversations with clients
Sponsored Content Compiled from more than 1,200 veterinary professionals, results from the 2021 AAHA Financial Care Study* shine a spotlight on opportunities for practices to improve the way they discuss costs with animal owners. The four key takeaways and the associated statements shared in this article are worth reviewing with the entire veterinary team. These statements … [Read more...]
Horses don’t need glasses
Remembering the famous Mr. Ed from reruns of the 1960s television program, Rebecca Berry became curious about horses’ eyesight. She says horses rarely have issues with their eyes focusing light, which is why they don’t need glasses, contacts or a powerful light source. Source: Horse Network, May 17, 2022. Link. Horses are thought to have 20/30 to 20/60 vision. This … [Read more...]
No rain? No problem for mosquitoes.
The thing about mosquitoes is they’re very diverse in the habitat they can modify to, and it’s their adaptive behaviors that allow them to be successful.” - Justin Talley, PhD Source: Drovers, May 26, 2022. Link. 3 of 5 core equine diseases are spread by mosquitoes. EEE, WEE and VEE are spread to horses by mosquitoes, which feed on infected birds and rodents that serve as the … [Read more...]
Plants that keep mosquitoes away
Plants that keep away mosquitoes and provide food, for both wildlife and humans, are ideal for home environments. In addition to tasting great and reducing the mosquito population, they provide us with the options to offset the use of some chemicals. Among the plants listed are lavender, basil, thyme and rosemary. Source: Countryside, May 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Video captures mare bonding with new foal
Rachel Reilly, an Iowa equine photographer, recorded the moment a mare and her newborn foal first bonded. Remember to turn on the sound when playing the 15-second video. Source: PetHelpful, May 18, 2022. Link. Video loads slowly in article. … [Read more...]
Surprising findings about why horses paw
Researchers have suggested pawing behavior in horses may have nothing to do with boredom, rather possible discomfort associated with exertion. Horses were more likely to paw in the afternoon, after they had been exercised, and they were less inclined to engage in the behavior on Sundays, when they were not exercised at all.” Source: EQUUS, May 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Keeping an only horse from being lonely
Hope Ellis-Ashburn shares her experiences after losing one of her horses, leaving only one horse remaining. By not rushing to add a companion horse, she discovers ways to keep her lone remaining mare happy: Spend more time at the barn Providing horse-proof toys Feeding unlimited hay – this one had drawbacks Utilizing slow feeders Adding a goat or donkey … [Read more...]
How and why to take a horse’s pulse
Horse owners will appreciate learning about pulse rates as a horse health indicator. Teaching them during an exam to monitor pulse is an excellent way for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to engage with them. A horse at rest will typically have a pulse rate between 30 and 40 beats per minute. If a horse who hasn’t just finished exercising has a pulse rate of 50 beats … [Read more...]
Ways to measure, promote employee satisfaction
Complimentary Sponsored Content Many practice leaders claim they prioritize the happiness of their teams. But can they measure how well they deliver their intent? Join Ivan Zak, DVM, and guests gather to better understand a structured approach to collecting feedback. Expect to hear ways to measure and promote employee satisfaction, common mistakes businesses make when … [Read more...]
Hay could be in short supply next winter
Experience is a good teacher if you pay attention. Kenny Burdine, University of Kentucky extension, cites challenges with hay supplies in 2007. He shares reasons why he thinks it will be prudent to ensure adequate hay stocks going into the winter of 2022-2023. Source: Hay and Forage Grower, May 17, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: A little coaching at the local coffee shop from … [Read more...]
Springtime skin problems in horses
Horses can develop allergies, infections and other skin conditions at any time of year, but some are more common during the warm, wet spring weather. Heather Smith Thomas reviews four equine skin problems that are common in spring. This article and previous AHD posts providing information on hives <Link> and an allergy infographic <Link> offer animal health pros … [Read more...]
Washing pet toys and accessories reduces risks
Developing a cleaning schedule for dog’s toys and bedding can help keep pets and people healthy by reducing the number of bacteria and allergens in the environment. It’s good practice to wash dog’s toys every couple of weeks. How often?? Between the bacteria that live or pass through your dog's mouth and those that live and reproduce in the biofilm left on his toys, there are … [Read more...]
KC Animal Health Corridor announces dates, speakers for 2022 Animal Health Summit
Gathering live again, the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor will welcome industry leaders and guests at the 2022 Animal Health Summit August 29th through August 30th at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City, Missouri. The Summit theme, The Way, represents the answer to the question, “Where do we go from here?” The summit will feature industry thought leaders … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 12, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The Great Resignation is becoming a great midlife crisis. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, April 28, 2022. Link. =================================== The cost of pet care for cats is often underestimated Source: Catster, April 22, 2022. Link. Cost findings for annual and lifetime spending are … [Read more...]
Disease outbreak in BLM facility: Wildfires, dust storm and wind indicated
Source: Paulick Report, May 7, 2022. Link. A highly contagious, equine respiratory disease outbreak began on April 23 at the Cañon City Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burro Facility in Colorado. We noted the explanation of outside horses being brought into a vaccinated herd during relocation caused by fire and drought. … [Read more...]
Keep manure samples cold
Research suggests the way horse manure samples are stored can have a significant impact on the accuracy of fecal egg counts. Comparing various preservation techniques, the researchers found the egg counts in refrigerated samples remained more stable than others. They recommend storing samples for no longer than a week before testing. Source: EQUUS, April 26, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]