Horse enthusiasts will return to a more regular riding schedule as temperatures rise. The horses may not be in shape or health to withstand the rigors of increased activity. Equus shares insights and videos to help horse owners recognize the differences between out-of-shape horses and those that have an underlying health issue. Melinda Freckleton, DVM, is featured. Source: … [Read more...]
Research suggests equine influenza virus is zoonotic
Duke University researchers recently sought to answer a longstanding question about the equine influenza virus (EIV). Can it infect people? Their answer is “yes.” Their ongoing work may lead us to better understand human-to-horse infections, as well as horse-to-human transfers. Source: Equus, March 22, 2018. As for what individual horse owners can do to protect themselves … [Read more...]
The vaccinations horses need
Vaccines are the most effective weapons for protecting horses against the ravages of disease. The editors at EQUUS provide an overview of how vaccinations work and how best to use them to protect horses. Articles like this are valuable for social media posts, websites and to help reinforce lifestyle protocols for horse owners. Source: Equus, March 19, 2018. The American … [Read more...]
Spring is gas colic season
Some types of gastrointestinal disturbances are more likely during certain seasons. In spring, gas is the usual culprit of gastrointestinal disturbances. Gas colic develops when a horse ingests forage that is high in sugar, usually lush spring grass. Excessive fermentation then occurs in the gut, which creates a buildup of gas. Source: Equus, April 2015. Although gas colic … [Read more...]
Extreme weather requires preparation
Caring for horses often presents challenges when rain, drought or snow dominate the headlines. The Equus team discusses ways to prepare for abnormal extremes. This is good content for social media posts, websites and to use in training sessions with horse owners. Source: Equus, November 2014. For horse people, the weather is a constantly changing variable that has a direct … [Read more...]
Horse coughing may indicate trouble
Sometimes coughing in horses is harmless. It may be the first sign of serious trouble. Heather Smith Thomas reviews how to tell the difference. Notice the background information about the horse’s activities. These references will help veterinary staff members ask good questions when receiving a call from a horse owner. Source: Equus, October 5, 2017. Knowing when to call … [Read more...]
Red maple leaves dangerous for horses
Red maple leaves contain toxins that bind to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that normally carry oxygen throughout a horse’s body. This destroys the cells and leads to organ failure within 48 to 72 hours. Green leaves that fall and wilt, when a branch falls during a summer storm, for instance, are most toxic, but those that wilt naturally in autumn are also … [Read more...]
EPM continues to be a threat
Advances in diagnostics and treatments have greatly reduced the number of horses who succumb to Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This potentially debilitating neurological disease remains a threat to horses throughout the United States. Its range is spreading, too. Finding more effective ways to prevent and treat this disease continues to challenge … [Read more...]
Rainrot diagnosis becomes high tech
Rainrot can be nothing more than a pesky irritation that comes along with the rainy/wet season of the year. It has the potential to become more serious if not managed. Formerly, diagnosis was limited to evaluating skin scrapings under a microscope, but new technology may improve diagnosis; all at lower cost than cytology. Source: Equus Magazine, December 2016. In chronic … [Read more...]
When to worry about your horse’s cough
Multiple illnesses and conditions can cause horses to cough. Sometimes it is harmless, but it may be the first sign of serious trouble. Here are some of the more common causes of equine cough: aspiration pneumonia inflammatory airway disease (IAD) influenza pleuropneumonia pneumonia recurrent airway obstruction (RAO, “heaves”) rhinopneumonitis … [Read more...]
Prevent winter impactions
Colic can happen at any time, but during cold weather the incidence of painful gastrointestinal impactions typically rises sharply. Mild dehydration is a normal underlying cause. Source: Equus, January 2016. To protect horses from impaction colic this winter, ensure they always have access to fresh water. It’s a pretty good bet that ice will dissuade a horse from drinking, … [Read more...]
Prep older horses for winter
Fall will soon turn into winter. Horses older than 15 years need special attention to prepare them for the cold months. Prevention is the focus of these tips. Source: Equus, November 15, 2015. Here are five ways to make sure aged horses are ready for the cold weather months: Establish a healthy body weight Have his teeth checked Address his arthritis Ensure … [Read more...]
How horses see the world
Common problems between horses and their handlers are often rooted in how differently they see the world. Here’s what you need to know about equine depth perception, night vision and other sight-related systems. Source: Equus, March, 2016. Understanding the variance between equine and human vision helps us to train horses more effectively states Janet L. Jones, PhD. She … [Read more...]
Fall brings risk of red maple poisoning in horses
As fall approaches, it is important to remind horse owners about the dangers posed by leaves from some maple trees. Horse owners who board horses or have just found new stable accommodations may not remember to check on tree varieties. The green leaves from fallen limbs are also toxic as they wilt and dry. Source: Equus, September 2016, page 30. Wilted or dried red maple … [Read more...]
15 museums dedicated to horses
Horse enthusiasts will appreciate knowing about these museums that celebrate horses. Summer travelers may find one or more of these along their vacation routes. Source: Equus, July 2016, page 50. (link unavailable) Fifteen must see museums: Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, Aiken, SC American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, Amarillo, TX … [Read more...]
Threats in the water for horses
Summer is the peak season for diseases cause by organisms that thrive in ponds, streams and marshes. Heather Smith Thomas shares prevention ideas. This is good information for anyone working with horse owners. Source: Equus, July 2016 page 38. (link unavailable) There’s no reason not to enjoy local rivers and lakes as long as the right precautions are taken. Both people and … [Read more...]
10 most poisonous plants for horses
Hundreds of poisonous plants grow in North America, and many are common. "I defy anyone to tell me they have a pasture with zero poisonous plants," says Jeffery Hall, DVM, PhD, a toxicologist at Utah State University. Source: Equus, June 2014. According to Anthony Knight, BVSc, MRCVS, plant toxicologist from Colorado State University, these 10 plants are those most … [Read more...]
Summer horse health concerns
Summer is almost here. Horse owners and their channel support teams need to keep in mind common health concerns. Summer can be hard on horses. Source: Equus, Issue #403. The specifics of the season will vary by location, but there are some nearly universal concerns. Here's a quick look at some of the conditions that could adversely affect the well-being of horses this … [Read more...]
Fighting equine influenza
Equine influenza virus can spread through an entire herd in a matter of days. We can no longer assume that older horses are immune. This feature covers the virus, viral mutation, pathways and recovery. Veterinary teams, dealer associates and sales representatives will appreciate the fresh resources on this ugly virus. Source: EQUUS, June 2016. (direct link … [Read more...]
Sedating for a lameness exams may improve procedure
Mild sedation during lameness exams can help the procedure move along more smoothly and safely. However, the relaxation result of the sedative could skew results. Read this piece to learn what common lameness indicators the sedation affects and how veterinarians and owners take that into consideration. Source: Equus November, 2015 But sedation can make a horse sluggish, so … [Read more...]
Enteroliths: Colic-causing rocks
Enteroliths are rock-like concretions that are similar to gallstones in humans. They form in the large intestine of a horse; usually after the ingestion of a small pebble, grains of sand or other small, hard object. These rocks can cause anything from mild colic symptoms to full impactions that require surgery or lead to death. Luckily, there are things horse owners can do to … [Read more...]
Laminitis – special report
Horse owners will read and mull over the information shared in this laminitis special report. Two main articles discuss 1) the increasing prevalence of the endocrine form and its relationship to grass and forage and 2) keys to preventing laminitis. There’s no doubt that many questions could be asked of veterinary teams, dealers and retailers as a consequence of reading and … [Read more...]
Local conditions affect West Nile Virus spread
Carried by birds, predominately crows and jays, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitos. Rainfall and land cover affect the incidence of disease, according to Mississippi State University researchers. Local land areas with a greater variety of vegetation and landscape seem to reduce the incidence according to the study. Vaccination is still critical to prevent … [Read more...]
Equine cellulitis
When a horse’s leg swells to double or triple the normal leg size overnight, owners and vets must take immediate action. Cellulitis, while common, can be frightening for owners. Having a veterinary professional respond quickly and decisively is critical to avoid further injury. Caused by bacteria penetrating the dermis and multiplying in the subcutis, the origins of cellulitis … [Read more...]
Prevent winter colic
Colic tops the list of winter equine health challenges. Water, diet and movement are critical. Equine veterinary teams and dealers will appreciate this resource when working with horse owners. The content is also appropriate for websites, newsletters and blogs. Source: EQUUS, February 8, 2016. Cold weather may conspire against your efforts to keep water flowing to your … [Read more...]
Horse longevity
Two articles cover equine aging in this issue. Manage Your Horse to Live Longer and The Science of Aging cover: Dental care Weight monitoring and diet/nutritional management Activity needs Hormonal imbalances Arthritis and chronic inflammation Vaccination efficacy Parasite control Stress Equine veterinary teams and equine sales representatives will benefit … [Read more...]
Cozy barns create equine respiratory risks
Optimal ventilation is critical to equine respiratory health. Too much vs. too little is discussed in this email that horse owners received this week. This content can be used effectively on DVM websites, in blogs and newsletters. Source: Equus, January 11, 2016 email. A shut-tight barn may feel warmer, but the lack of air circulation allows ammonia fumes and dust to … [Read more...]
Runny nose
Horse owners will likely keep this checklist and photo-filled story on equine nasal discharge. The article will cause horse owners to notice their horses’ sniffles and consider calling their veterinarian. Veterinary hospital personnel will appreciate the resource, as well. Source: Equus, January 2016, page 26. (direct link unavailable) The color, odor, quantity and … [Read more...]
10 ways to help horses with heaves
Equine veterinarians and dealers will appreciate this extensive article as a resource when servicing horses and owners experiencing RAO (recurrent airway obstruction). Reps calling on equine vets and dealers may wish to share this article with customers as a resource for websites and for specific customers with chronic problems. Source: Equus, December 2015, page 42. (direct … [Read more...]
American Pharoah: Making history, what makes him run, ranking, personality
The latest issue of Equus is full of information about American Pharoah’s Triple Crown winner. He is the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes) since Affirmed in 1978. American Pharoah joins a very exclusive group of equine racing athletes. A deep bruise in his left front hoof might have kept him from racing had it … [Read more...]