Commentary Surgical site infections are a major concern regardless of the species. There are myriad articles and studies of specific surgery types and conditions. Surgery suite sanitation and infection control papers add more content to libraries. Estimates suggest that four percent to 10 percent of horses will experience colic at least once in their lifetimes. Although … [Read more...]
Yes, animal chiropractic is a thing
Commentary Having a conversation* with Dr. O (William Ormston, DVM) is mind-expanding. He is a veterinarian with a passion for exploring, learning, teaching and sharing the benefits of animal chiropractic, a branch of physical medicine. We are pleased to share this recent article. For a four-legged animal to move correctly, it requires every bone, muscle, ligament, tendon … [Read more...]
Equine network debuts brand for new horse owners
The Equine Network announced My New Horse for equestrians just getting into horse ownership or riding. Partners Kent (aka Kent Feeds) and W.F. Young assert the brand will deliver a community and resources to new horse persons at the beginning stages of ownership. The website will feature content created by industry experts, Kent nutritionists and editors of respected … [Read more...]
Alfalfa hay linked to photosensitivity in horses
The type of hay a horse eats can influence his susceptibility to photic reactions. St. John’s wort, buckwheat and other plants have been found to contain compounds that can cause photosensitive reactions. Research published in 2016 from the University of California–Davis confirms that alfalfa hay can induce primary photosensitive reactions in horses, although the exact … [Read more...]
Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke in horses (podcast)
Jeanette "Jay" Mero, DVM, outlines the clinical signs of heat exhaustion and stroke in horses in these editions of the podcast. Consider sharing the podcasts with animal owners on social media and in newsletters now as horses are being transported to field activities, local fairs and shows or for rodeo events. Source: Ask the Horse Podcast, July 20, 2119. Link. (2:00) This … [Read more...]
12 plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes
If the dry weather has burned out some landscape flowers, consider adding plants that repel mosquitoes ahead of the late summer and early fall biting frenzy. End-of-season discounts are generally available on remaining plants as fall approaches. . . . a lavender plant smells a whole lot nicer than a bottle of bug spray.” Source: Country Living, April 3, 2023. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 20, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 13th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 13th AHD Bulletin – A new federal pregnancy law is now in effect; what HR needs to know. Link. States outlaw noncompete agreements. Link. You’re capable of courage. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Nutrition for equine hoof health; feeding the foot
Commentary Horses, like us, need proper nutrition for healthy skin and nails (and hooves). The hoof is a living organ. A horse’s diet plays a crucial role in the quality and durability of the horn that makes up his hooves. Lynn Taylor, PhD, and Ashley Wagner, PhD, shed light on the dos and don’ts of feeding for optimal hoof health in this article. Today’s diet is … [Read more...]
Blister beetles in hay are a danger for livestock, horses
Got grasshoppers? Then it is likely blister beetles may be present as grasshopper eggs are a main food source for them <Link>. With drought causing more hay to be transported about the country, it is important for livestock producers and horse owners to monitor the hay and their animals for signs of blister beetles. Elizabeth Cronin shares some ways to reduce the threat … [Read more...]
Looking back while charging forward
As the third quarter of 2023 begins, the animal health industry continues to adapt to ever-changing new norms. Dr. Google’s influence may be diminishing as new information sources expand in the B2C sector capitalizing on major publications’ use of their databases from other markets. It is important to remember media sources still influence animal owners’ understanding and … [Read more...]
Ringbone; never good news but not a death sentence
Ringbone and other forms of equine osteoarthritis is a common problem that occurs in horses all over the world, writes David Ramey, DVM. There’s no known cure for the condition, it is progressive and it doesn’t let up. Ramey discusses the history of ringbone, factors involved, options to redirect horse activity and ways to try to control the clinical signs of the disease … [Read more...]
The two horse worlds
Although acknowledging some overlap, David Ramey, DVM, describes what he calls two horse worlds. The pleasure versus performance designations have a lot to do with the expectations of owners. Ramey asserts the owner of a horse that’s valued because he’s a very special individual who makes his human’s life better just by being there may look askance at the owner of a horse … [Read more...]
How does laminitis affect the hoof? (video)
Complimentary Commercial Content Mike Barker explains how laminitis affects the horse's foot. The video is part of a curation of hoof care highlights <Link>. Source: American Farriers Journal, YouTube, June 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Avoid algae in horse and livestock water troughs
Working to maintain algae-free water helps keep horses drinking as temperatures rise. Here are two resources addressing algae growth suitable for sharing with horse and livestock owners on social media or in newsletters. Frequent water tank cleaning is important, especially in warm months and especially with plastic tanks.” Clair Thunes, PhD, says most algae don’t pose a … [Read more...]
10 pet safety tips for July 4th activities
July 4th celebrations may be fun for us, but they can be stressful for pets. Here are 10 common-sense tips to keep in mind for the holiday. Source: PetMD, June 24, 2023. Link. Here’s how to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July. Keep your pet indoors. Create a safe space for your pet. Prepare for noise phobias. Make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID. … [Read more...]
Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses
A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
AAHA announces 2023 AAHA Mentoring Guidelines
The July AAHA Trends provided the first look at the updated AAHA Mentoring Guidelines last published in 2008. “The 2023 guidelines present a modern blueprint to building a better culture for the profession,” according to Jessica Vogelsang, DVM. Now available on the AAHA website, the 2023 Mentoring Guidelines materials include a single page Guidelines at a Glance … [Read more...]
Concerns rise as drought reduces hay supply
Early-season drought conditions across much of the country have affected the hay supply. Beyond basic availability, there are concerns about nutritional value, dependability of the hay source and what is in hay bought from an outside source. Whether buying hay for horses or cattle, there are important considerations to get the quality and value animals need. The five … [Read more...]
How horses heat up and cool down varies considerably
To better understand how horses’ body temperatures increase during exercise, researchers used a smart thermometer horses swallow as a pill. They confirmed that horses cool down at different rates, suggesting generalized protocols for avoiding heat stroke might not be ideal for all horses. Source: The Horse, April 19, 2023. Link. The gastrointestinal pill has been a reliable … [Read more...]
Equine asthma and obesity
Environmental conditions are routinely associated with airway health and disease. In her research, Michelle Coleman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, identified a gut-lung axis as an integrated system with bi-directional cross-talk between the lungs and intestines. In obese horses, the microbiome is different than in a non-obese horse and increases the risk of developing equine … [Read more...]
Chiropractic care for companion animals
Mobility problems affect the quality of life for 10 percent of dogs, says Marie Barling, DVM. She also notes that figure may be understated since 20 percent of dogs have arthritis. In this article, Barling share the opportunity to extend care beyond prescriptive medicine to include elements of physical medicine including laser, acupuncture and manual therapy, including … [Read more...]
The horse owner’s role in fighting gastric ulcer syndrome
With treatment and care information given in different forms yearly, it's assumed most owners will follow prescribed actions to help their horses battle their gastric ulcers. But, it requires owners to make adjustments to their daily routines. Ideally, the ulcer medication omeprazole needs to be given to horses on an empty stomach to allow the stomach to thoroughly absorb … [Read more...]
Understanding proud flesh
As a horse’s wound begins to heal, pinkish granulation tissue fills in the gaps between soft tissues. Granulation tissue normally stops forming as the skin edges grow together to close the wound. But when healing doesn’t go according to plan, the granulation tissue becomes exuberant. It keeps growing until it bulges above skin level keeping newly formed skin from growing over … [Read more...]
NAVC Announces “Show of Shows” theme for VMX 2024
Complimentary Commercial Content VMX is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary education conference. As the first veterinary conference of the year, it sets direction for the industry and is the forum for veterinary education, new innovation, patents and product introductions. The North American Veterinary Community announced the theme for the 41st … [Read more...]
Managing horse wounds, bandage or not?
Researchers are working to determine whether bandaging is the best option and in what circumstances. Marcio Costa, DVM, PhD, and colleagues evaluated the wound-healing process in four study horses, with and without bandaging, as well as the types of bacteria colonizing those wounds. All the wounds developed bacteria colonies, but the kinds and amounts of bacteria varied … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccination programs contribute to human and animal welfare
Kim Campbell Thornton shares the experiences of Arnold Plotnick, DVM, whose Mission Rabies work is a reminder to us how important rabies vaccination and prevention efforts are domestically and abroad. In addition to protecting animals from disease, vaccination programs can open up opportunities for domestic dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered.” Source: Veterinary Practice … [Read more...]
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility holds ribbon-cutting ceremony (video)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate dedicated the long-anticipated National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility on May 24th. This new 48-acre facility at the northern edge of the Kansas State University campus will be one of the top laboratories in the world to study and diagnose animal diseases. The … [Read more...]
The June deadline is here!
More than 100 products will no longer be labeled OTC after June 11. They will then require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. The majority are labeled for use in food animals. Sixteen are labeled for food and companion animals, and two are specific to companion animals, according to the FDA. The FDA states that "veterinarians are generally not required to examine … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 25, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 18th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 18th AHD Bulletin – Make it clear! Link. The most dog-loving states in America. Link. The Bridge Club to discuss affect of new VCPR legislative efforts. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Handling horse wounds from sterilization to stitches
When an injury is found on a horse communicating with a veterinarian is a priority and the sooner the better. Alexandra Tracey, DVM, Dipl. ACVS-LA, and Dean Hendrickson, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, weigh in on the dos and don’ts of wound care, from discovery to recovery. Before choosing a wait-and-see approach horse owners should be encouraged to relay as much information as possible … [Read more...]