Not all riders pick up lameness cues from the saddle. Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, offers 10 cues for horse enthusiast to learn. A bit more attention may help avoid more serious injuries. “With guidance, people can become much more aware of these subtle signs in the saddle,” shared Sue Dyson, Vet MB PhD. Don’t try to ride it out!” Source: The Horse, December 12, 2023. … [Read more...]
Improving bandaging efficiencies
Commentary Fans of the Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows frequently get to see animals bandaged. It is fascinating to see various veterinarians apply bandages and how they often explain what they are doing with layers and yards of materials. Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for effectively using bandages for post-operative patients in this article and … [Read more...]
An expert’s view on calming products for horses
Horse owners can choose from several types of products formulated to help calm horses. Animal behaviorist Bonnie Beaver, DVM, DACVB, DACAW, discusses feed supplements, pheromones and aromatherapies marketed to promote calmness in horses. She emphasizes the need for caution and veterinarian counsel. Source: EQUUS, July 12, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Recent advances in equine CT
Elizabeth Acutt, DVM, shares how veterinarians are applying computed tomography in equine medicine and what they’re learning about its use. She explains the differences between the two main types of CT scanners: the fan beam and the cone beam. Source: The Horse, November 28, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 30, 2023
Recent posts from AHD’s weekly Bulletins – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 2023 archives. Link. Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 2023 archives. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ============================================ Merriam-Webster's word of the year . . . Authentic Source: BBC, November 27, … [Read more...]
Nose twitches versus ear twitches – different impacts and welfare considerations
Twitching is used to help subdue horses and avoid using drugs. Twitching the upper lip causes endorphins that kick in as soon as the twitch is activated and subside once the twitch is removed without any sedative effect. An alternative method involves twitching the ear which likely involves fear or stress compared to lip twitching. … the use of a nose twitch could be … [Read more...]
Looking back: most read posts from the November 2022 AHD Bulletins
Most read posts give us a sense of the priorities, problems and pain points animal health pros are experiencing when serving animal owners, their animals and each other. Despite what seems like a heightened sense of urgency, the most read posts from a year ago are grounding and remind us little changes. Animal health remains a repetitive business which benefits from educating … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 9th AHD Bulletin – Age-specific products for senior companion animals. Link. Better cat visits. Carriers and caregivers are the key. Link. The value of teamwork. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Copper sulfate use by farriers raises concerns
While there is no ban on the use of copper sulfate in the farrier industry, a professional and educated approach should be used as the common thrush treatment can be dangerous to farriers, horses and the environment. Source: American Farriers Journal, September 19, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Taming the anxious horse
You can’t control what a horse has learned in his lifetime, especially if you didn’t raise him. What can be controlled, however, is the situation the horse is in and how handlers react to the horse. Most horses don’t really want to be to be bad or good, they just want to be safe and comfortable, writes Heather Smith-Thomas. In this edition of EQUUS Extra, authors explain how … [Read more...]
Fall wellness exams can help prevent horse problems in winter
Christine Barakat’s article is a reminder to horse owners and veterinarians. Beyond the list of seven wellness topics and health checks, the toughness discussion deserves consideration when calling on equine owners. If the clinic has facilities on site, having a series of all health checks could make the process smoother and uncover issues horses have when trailered to the … [Read more...]
Intra-articular antimicrobial use might not be needed with equine joint injections
For decades, equine veterinarians have been using antimicrobials intra-articularly but this route of administration is considered off-label and there are no established appropriate dosages for practitioners to reference. Despite research showing antimicrobials do not have a significant effect on post-injection infection rates intra-articular antimicrobial therapy usage appears … [Read more...]
Polyester halters, a biosecurity hazard
A new study from Sweden shows that extra effort is required to sanitize halters and other gear made of polyester webbing. The research showed bacteria responsible for strangles were more likely to persist on polyester-webbing halters than on leather ones. The article also references the importance of disinfecting other tack and clothing items. Source: EQUUS, October 25, … [Read more...]
WARNING! Choose rodent poisons wisely
Since rodents flock to buildings this time of year, we’re reposting this as a reminder that Bromethalin, second-generation rodenticides, have NO ANTIDOTE. The distinction between consumer retail and professional formulas remains a concern. The post contains several references about baits and toxicity. Source: Animal Health Digest, November 12, 2019. Link. Second generation … [Read more...]
Mineral blocks may not be ideal for mules
Madeline Boast, MSc, offers concerns about using mineral blocks to supplement mule nutrition. She says the gold standard recommendation for mules is to provide them with their required vitamins and minerals in their diet, then simply allow additional salt blocks to be free choice. Source: The Horse, October 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Equine shivers research update
Shivers, a chronic neuromuscular condition in horses, dates back centuries, but its causes remain a mystery and it remains untreatable. Research studies by Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR finally created a definition of the disease that differentiates it from other neurological diseases horses experience. By the definition we presented, shivers horses always … [Read more...]
Extension cord safety
Cold weather brings out the space heaters and heat lamps in many animal housing locations. Karen Kopf shares safety measures for barns that also apply to coops, kennels and other animal enclosures. She says permanent use of extension cords is not advised for safety reasons. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. Cords usually fail in one of these ways: … [Read more...]
Equine boots and wraps revisited
Applying leg protection during exercise remains a risk versus reward situation, says Luke Brock. His study team from Middle Tennessee State University measured temperature increases in limbs during exercise where horses were equipped with a variety of common leg protection. <Study> results support the hypothesis that convection cooling is impaired by boots and wraps … [Read more...]
Pessimist or optimist? Researchers study horse personalities.
The link between motor laterality and emotion is well established in humans and rodents, Now researchers studying cognitive bias in horses found that they differ in their laterality depending on the emotionality of test situations. When horses were stressed, or challenged with frightening objects such as umbrellas, they displayed increased left laterality, a indicator of … [Read more...]
Equine night vision nowhere near as good as many people believe
Neuroscientist Janet Jones, PhD, shares vision challenges horses have that refute the common perceptions of horse owners. A horse’s eyes require 45 minutes to adjust from brightness to dark or from dark to bright. Depth perception is affected as well. Source: EQUUS, September 21, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters to help horse … [Read more...]
Stallions need to socialize
Social contact for horses is not just nice to have, it’s a fundamental need, says Anja Zollinger. Isolating a stud is not healthy even though it minimizes conflict and the risk of injuries. She shares how a Social Box system reduces stress levels by enabling stallions to engage in natural behaviors resulting in actions indicating improved welfare. Source: EQUUS, October 10, … [Read more...]
Study examines impacts of 3 styles of feeding horses
Horses with access to free choice feeding or a slow feeder spent more than half their day doing natural activities such as foraging, according to results from a Morris Animal Foundation study. Taking care of horses means more than just giving them a place to stay, food and water. It means giving them an environment where they can do things that are part of their natural … [Read more...]
Rebound gastric hyperacidity in horses after discontinuing omeprazole
Omeprazole is often used to treat equine gastric ulcer syndrome and is effective when the horse is being dosed daily. Once treatment stops, the ulcers may recur rapidly. Glandular ulcers may recur as rapidly as within three days. Tapering the medication dose is unlikely to minimize this rebound effect as previously thought. Australian researchers found gastrin production in … [Read more...]
Bedding basics and options
Commentary Farm and stable visits filmed for Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows often reveal less-than-ideal conditions for the animals being housed. Bedding is critical for individual animal comfort, environmental safety and general management of biological risks. Heather Smith Thomas and Christine Barakat present the pros and cons of various stall bedding options in this … [Read more...]
Equine vet, emphasis on laminitis treatment is misplaced
The exact cause of laminitis remains unknown and once the pathological progression is in process, it doesn’t matter what caused it, shares Dallas O. Goble, DVM, DACVS. He admits it is impossible to prevent all cases of laminitis, but believes that attention to certain factors can greatly reduce the number of cases including these areas: Hoof care Exercise Nutrition … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 5, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 28, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 28th AHD Bulletin – Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials. Link. The 7 repro mistakes dairy producers can’t afford to make. Link. Emotional intelligence and teams. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
6 ways to protect horses from red maple poisoning
The danger posed by wilted or dried red maple leaves has long been known but evidence is growing that, under the right circumstances, other types of maple leaves can poison horses as well.” – Helena Ragone, PhD Source: EQUUS, September 27, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like this are important reminders for busy horse owners. Consider using them for social media and … [Read more...]
How does long-term NSAID use affect the horse’s gut microbiome? (Podcast)
Purina’s Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD, describes the potential effects of long-term NSAID use on the horse’s gut microbiome. Research has shown there are changes to the microbiome of a horse on chronic NSAID administration . . . " - Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD Source: The Horse, September 25, 2023. Link to excerpt (2:08) Listen to the full recording of Ask The Horse Live Q&A, … [Read more...]
NAVC shares 2024 VMX educational direction and World’s Fair style event plans
Complimentary content NAVC will host its 41st annual conference January 13 through 17, 2024 in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center and everywhere virtually. The first global veterinary conference of the year, VMX empowers the direction for the animal healthcare industry. Key continuing education session highlights include: Technology’s impact on … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 28, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 14th AHD Bulletin – The manager squeeze: How a new workplace is testing team leaders. Link. Most-read 2023 posts by Patrick T. Malone. Link. Use caution when feeding drought-stressed corn. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary … [Read more...]