A June poll reveals how frequently a group of respondents deworms their horse(s). Information like this can help veterinary teams understand client behaviors and may provide opportunities to improve horse stewardship. The sponsored article below was linked with the poll results. In it, Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares what scientists are learning about equine parasite … [Read more...]
The business side of farriers and footcare
Data collected from the 2024 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey provides an interesting look into the business of equine footcare. In addition to what they charge and where they buy supplies, we noted how farriers communicate with their clients. The metrics on what work they are doing, the types of horses and metrics on laminitis and white line disease will be … [Read more...]
Review: Diagnostic testing for tick-borne diseases; recommendations, interpreting results
Ticks are making the news across the U.S. as resident populations bloom and areas experience new tick species migrating into a region for the first time. A large percentage of vector-borne diseases reported are vectored by ticks, with dogs acting as sentinels for human exposure to concerning bacterial, protozoal and viral agents. In this article, Doctors Schlemmer and … [Read more...]
NOAA predicts above-average 2025 hurricane season
With 70 percent confidence, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which will become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 may grow to major hurricane intensity of Category 3 or stronger. The article includes concerns over staffing, which, beyond the political turmoil, should be fair warning for individuals and businesses to … [Read more...]
Ramp up fly control or breathe through your teeth
Maggie Gilles provides a reminder all animal health pros need. Fly control begins with regular sanitation to remove manure and organic material from breeding areas. To increase effectiveness, it is important to implement one or more of the fly reduction approaches targeted to different life stages of the pesky flies. Stable flies and horn flies are the primary targets for … [Read more...]
Horses grazing with donkeys can be exposed to lungworms
While horses and donkeys can be great companions, infected donkeys can infect horses with lungworms. Kimberly S. Brown shares some basic facts about lungworms in donkeys and horses with help from Zoetis’ Nathan Voris, DVM. The article is a good review and is worthy of sharing with horse owners; those with donkeys already and those who may be tempted to bring home a donkey from … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 5, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 29, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 29, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Building rapport key to getting a decision (video). Link. 20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs. Link. Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis. Link. New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas … [Read more...]
7 biosecurity tips horse owners must know
North Dakota State University Extension and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists share the seven priority areas for biosecurity in this article. Whether a large or small equine operation the use of common-sense biosecurity and biocontainment practices helps minimize health risks. Source: Dakota Farmer, May 21, 2025. Link. Many horse owners overlook basic … [Read more...]
Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis
Some of the most mainstream and popular modalities currently used to manage osteoarthritis in horses are a) autologous conditioned serum, b) autologous protein solution, c) platelet-rich plasma and d) mesenchymal stem cell, explains Matt Leshaw, DVM. He explains how each of the methods is done and relates successes noting regenerative medicine is still in its … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 29, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 22, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 22, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Continuous improvement. Link. Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats. Link. Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion. Link. Tick-borne diseases of concern in U.S. horses. Link. Public comments sought on acupuncture, … [Read more...]
Public comments sought on acupuncture, embryo transfer as veterinary specialties
The American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture and the American Embryo Transfer Association are seeking recognition as veterinary specialty organizations. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties has put out a call for public comment on these two proposed specialties. The AVMA is seeking comments on the proposals through August 12th <Link>. Source: AVMA, May 16, … [Read more...]
Tick-borne diseases of concern in U.S. horses
You may know and remember that ticks are capable vectors of several equine diseases but do your horse owner clients? Animal health pros can help clients understand the increasing risks from new ticks, regional expansion and disease prevention. Consider this article for newsletters or social media. Adding your own experiences with ticks in your local area while servicing clients … [Read more...]
What are the risks to horse teeth and wellness from wearing a grazing muzzle?
AAEP’s Horse Owner Education Committee shared this information on Facebook. They compare the relatively minimal risks of tooth wear to the potential consequences of not wearing a grazing muzzle, especially in at-risk horses. Source: AAEP, Facebook, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Grazing muzzles and weight control, Horse Sport, May 24, 2024. Link. Researchers reported the … [Read more...]
Did you know that horses can recognize human emotions?
Karen McComb’s research is highlighted in this video explaining just how sensitive and intelligent our equine partners are. Horses can distinguish between emotional cues displayed not just in human facial expressions, but also in emotional vocalizations and postures . . . they also perceive cues related to angry emotional states as more negative.” Source: Rider Guider … [Read more...]
Choosing the best hay for horses
Horse hay has its own set of standards that are exclusive to equine, writes Amber Friedrichsen. She reviews grass types, how to cut the best hay and more. Source: Hay & Forage Grower, May 13, 2025. Link. Regardless of hay type, the best forage for horses must be free of weeds, mold, and dust. Weeds can be unpalatable, toxic, or painful to eat. Also see: Search Results … [Read more...]
A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health
Haylie Kerstetter provides a review of the prevalence of respiratory viruses, their clinical and subclinical effects on horses, and management strategies in this article. It reminds us of the importance of managing airway inflammation and reduced respiratory efficiency in active horses. Source: The Horse, April 25, 2025. Link. Respiratory viruses pose ongoing challenges for … [Read more...]
Sovereignty comes from behind to win muddy Kentucky Derby
Sovereignty charged past race favorite Journalism down the stretch to win a muddy 151st Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths in front of 147,406 onlookers at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The victory was a first for all of Sovereignty’s connections <Link>. All 19 of those horses are descended from Secretariat <Link>. Source: NBC Sports, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Where are the horses in the U.S.?
The map from the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census can help animal health pros visualize where the majority of horses live in the U.S. Wild and feral horses are likely not captured in this population depiction. The American Horse Council estimates that there are about 6.6 million horses currently in the U.S. <Link>. Source: Brandiwyne Tack & Feed, Facebook, April 19, … [Read more...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks
Content provided by Merck Animal Health A new survey of AAEP members builds on a 2023 survey of horse owners, where researchers sought to better understand of owners’ knowledge and awareness of biosecurity practices for preventing infectious disease in the United States. The results of both surveys reveal many horse owners underestimate infectious disease risks and only take … [Read more...]
Reminder: Don’t bring home more than ribbons from shows
Fair and show season is here and Sophie Varner’s article reminds us of the importance of planning for animal biosecurity to protect our livestock investments before, during and after shows. The same goes for horses going to events or trail rides. AND . . . don’t forget to protect the pets that travel to shows and events. Veterinary teams can use Varner’s article as a … [Read more...]
The 4 lengths of horse’s feet
Here’s a situation where physics and trigonometry can benefit performance and horse welfare. Randy S. Luikart explains the thought processes defining four different lengths of the overall hoof: too short, protective, optimum and too long. He defines each and how they apply to different equine disciplines. The importance of shoeing each equine discipline varies on what and how … [Read more...]
Decoding a fly spray label
To effectively reduce the number of flies terrorizing horses, horse owners, retailers and veterinary teams need to identify and consider eight important elements from the various product labels available. The EPA tightly regulates label language. Know that the small print gives the types and levels of active ingredients, which vary from one fly product to the next. This … [Read more...]
AVMA updates report on veterinary use of cannabidiol
The AVMA’s newly updated report, Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine captures the latest evidence-based context, clinical developments and legal considerations as research and regulations continue to evolve. These include: Safety data and pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs and cats Clinical trials exploring CBD-rich hemp products in dogs, cats, and horses Regulatory updates … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply launches service to streamline pet prescriptions
Tractor Supply launched Tractor Supply Rx in a bid to enhance convenience for customers ordering pet and animal medications. Its features include automatic delivery through the Autoship program, access to expert pharmacy advice and a price match guarantee. The objective is to provide an easy, one-stop shopping destination for the 38 million Neighbor’s Club members, of whom 75 … [Read more...]
Environmental management is key when dealing with equine asthma
Call it the heaves, inflammatory airway disease or recurrent airway obstruction, equine asthma occurs when horses are hypersensitive to dust and mold in their environment. A two-fold approach with medication and environmental management is the best way to reduce the effects of equine asthma, according to Rachelle Thompson, DVM, DACVIM. Source: Paulick Report, February 18, … [Read more...]
Selling the emotion
Pet owners don’t see their animals as “just pets.” They’re family. They worry about their dog’s arthritis, their cat’s weight gain, and whether their rabbit is secretly plotting world domination. Source: Veterinary Advantage, March 2025. Link. When you tie the product to real-world outcomes, you help your customer see the immediate impact.” INSIGHTS: Speak your customer’s … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
Tracking the track: The impact of different grazing strategies on managing equine obesity
Research findings suggest that track grazing systems prove useful in effective equine bodyweight management in vulnerable horses. Horses susceptible to bodyweight gain or with metabolic issues lost significantly more bodyweight in the track grazing systems than similar horses kept on traditional restricted grazing systems. There were no significant changes to their behavior, … [Read more...]
Farrier’s spring hoof care e-guide now available
The 2025 American Farriers Journal's Spring Hoof Care e-Guide offers education for farriers and animal health pros to support wellness with equine clients. These areas are covered: Prevent and treat thrush with proper trimming and hygiene. Recognize the signs of white line disease and take corrective action. Adapt hoof-care routines to combat moisture-related … [Read more...]