A horse’s circumstances can change enough during a year that his vaccination program needs changing. Some instances that call for a review or of a vaccine routine include: Location Increased interaction with other horses Advancing age Source: EQUUS, March 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Risks can come from other animals that frequent a location. Raccoons, skunks, … [Read more...]
EQUUS pop quiz: horse terms
Revisit horse-related terms and information with SAT-style analogy questions. It’s a fun way to be sure your knowledge of terms is current and where you have gaps. Have fun! Source: EQUUS, May 3, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Poisonous plants for cattle, horses, dogs, cats
Spring brings a flowery green up but, plants toxic t0 our critters may lurk among the blooms. We compiled some resources for cattle, horses, dogs and cats below. Use them on social media and to solve problems with animal owners. Source: Plants toxic to cats, ASPCA. Link. Source: Plants toxic to dogs, ASPCA. Link. Source: Poisonous plants that can kill cattle, BEEF, … [Read more...]
Time for equine soundness exams
Now is the time to make sure your horse is ready for the rigors of regular work, writes Christine Barakat. When scheduling horses’ spring shots, veterinarians need to schedule some time to evaluate horse soundness and joint health, as well. A soundness exam serves two purposes: it will identify any current soundness issues that need to be managed the exam will provide a … [Read more...]
Easy equine fitness plan (includes video)
Equine veterinarian Melinda Freckleton, DVM, helps a reader with divided time develop a schedule to exercise her out-of-shape horses. Her guidance is worthy of social media posts and inclusion in e-newsletters. Before you embark on any fitness program, make sure that each of your horses is sound and ready to ride. Is he healthy? Is he shod or trimmed … [Read more...]
Encouraging horses to drink
We’ve all heard the adage, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” While possibly true, the authors suggest the following to help a horse drink water: Make sure the horse can access clean water at all timesGive him some spaceTry electrolytes Source: EQUUS, February 15, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Horses need water in winter, too. Be sure to keep water … [Read more...]
Things to know about DMSO
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in an industrial solvent turned anti-inflammatory therapy. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for topical use on horses. However, veterinarians regularly use the chemical off-label in other ways to treat an array of inflammatory conditions from laminitis to neurological problems, writes Christine Barakat. She shares some history … [Read more...]
4 easy ways to ice-proof a horse’s hooves
Snow and ice can cause ice balls to build up on horses’ hooves. Horse owners will appreciate this reminder when you share it on social media and in e-newsletters. When snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, it warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. . . Walking on an uneven mass even for a short time can cause a … [Read more...]
New thinking about cribbing
Most owners want to stop their horses from cribbing. This is easier said than done. Cribbing has been a challenge for centuries with no known reason for this behavior. The horse places his upper teeth firmly on a hard object---be it a fence, stall door, water trough, or anything he can reach---pulls back, arches his neck, and gulps air into the upper part of his esophagus with … [Read more...]
Equine shipping fever may indicate something more serious
Travel is stressful for horses. A horse’s environment during transport may not be dustier than his home barn, but if he can’t readily lower his head, airborne particles may take a greater toll on his health. If horses get a respiratory infection after transport, like people with colds, they usually just get over it. Sometimes, however, a fever and cough that start soon after … [Read more...]
What you need to know about Eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis
EQUUS reprises Laurie Bonner’s article from last fall to remind horse owners of the importance of protecting their animals from eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EED) and western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE). EEE easily ranks among the worst diseases a horse can get. Caused by a virus that is spread mainly by mosquitoes, the disease damages the horse’s central nervous … [Read more...]
Fly control around horses is important
Flies, fly control methods and fly products for horses are presented in this Equus advertising section . The material is worthwhile even though it may be promotional. Source: EQUUS, May 30, 2018. Link. Climate conditions vary every season, and different fly species can move into new areas with the changing weather. Here’s a quick rundown of the ways you can curb the insects … [Read more...]
Horse: Unfit or unwell? (includes videos)
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...]