Sommaire pour May 2017 de Equus

Equus|May 2017

LETTERS

Other causes of pain As a massage therapist and barefoot farrier, I have often encountered horses like the one described in “Signs of Pain” (Consultants, EQUUS 472), who displayed evidence of stiffness and discomfort in his rear legs. Often, I find that I need to adjust the trim to fix a long toe, low heel configuration, and then a massage of the entire horse is needed to return the muscles to health. Don’t discount the simple solutions; over the 23 years of my professional career I’m still amazed at what can be fixed. Candy Giordano Davie, Florida For the love of Morgans I am enjoying the series Deb Bennett, PhD, has written on the practically perfect horse: the Morgan (“The Mystery of the Morgan Horse,” Conformation Insights, EQUUS 469, and…

6 min

Equus|May 2017

POP QUIZ DRY RUN

Which of the following is an indicator of dehydration in horses? a. dry, reddish gums b. “sticky” skin that remains tented for more than two seconds when pinched c. dark urine d. all of the above MESSY SPRING MANURE Loose manure seems to be an annual, messy rite of spring. Slightly soft to downright watery stool is typically a sign that a horse has indulged in too much new pasture too quickly. Not only does spring grass have a higher water content than the hay your horse ate all winter, but its higher carbohydrate levels pull more fluid into the gut, and some ends up in the stool. Beyond the mess, runny spring manure is a warning sign that your horse’s system is having a hard time coping with the…

5 min

Equus|May 2017

IN FOCUS: AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS (AHS)

Definition: Highly fatal, insectborne viral disease endemic to sub- Saharan countries. Causes: AHS is caused by infection with one of nine strains (serotypes) of a virus in the Reoviridae family. Two insect vectors, both of which are biting midges, are known to carry the virus: Culicoides imicola and Culicoides bolitinos. The disease is transmitted between horses, mules, donkeys and zebras through the bites of these insects, peaking during warm months of the year when insects are most active. Zebras are thought to be reservoir hosts, meaning they harbor the virus for long periods of time without becoming significantly ill. Signs: There are three types of AHS: A cardiac form, which leads to swelling in the depressions just above the eyes, along with the head, neck, throat and shoulder, in addition…

1 min

Equus|May 2017

On guard against EYE INJURIES

Lara knew something was wrong as soon as her mare came to the gate. Allegra’s lower eyelid was hanging loose and blood oozed from what looked like a fresh wound. The mare squinted as she faced the morning sun. Lara walked the mare into the shade of the barn and called her veterinarian. Dan’s gelding was squinting slightly one Sunday morning, and tears trickled from his left eye. Dan rinsed the eye with cold tap water, but the gelding didn’t seem to be in any discomfort. An emergency call to the veterinarian would be costly on a Sunday, so Dan decided to wait a few days and let nature take its course. After all, money was tight. “It will probably heal on its own,” he reasoned. Only one of these…

10 min

Equus|May 2017

Tail Blocks The truth about

As a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal (ACVIM), I am trained to handle some of the most complicated illnesses that horses can develop, ranging severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease neuromuscular disorders, respiratory impairment and neonatal problems. Diploma Medicine complic from s to neu neon Diplomates are typically the veterinarians you are referred to when your horse has a serious or complex disorder that requires more than the basic level of diagnostics and care. Our additional years of training---four or more years beyond veterinary school---prepare us to solve the toughest problems in equine health. As a result, we tend to see many cases of rare and severe equine disease. In recent group discussions among ACVIM Diplomates, it was clear that an alarmingly high number of cases they see…

10 min

Equus|May 2017

Beyond basic care

In most ways, barn dogs require the same care as house, hunting or show dogs: a suitable diet, annual veterinary exams, vaccinations, deworming and protection fleas, ticks and insects. But life around horses means exposure to particular set of hazards and situations that can have an impact on a dog’s health and happiness. Here are things you can do to make sure your barn dog stays healthy and vigorous for years to come. from aro a p ation dog’ 6 th 1.Keep toxins out of reach. For many dogs, Eat first, ask questions later” is a way of life. Unfortunately, the freewheeling lifestyle of barn dogs can enable them to ingest toxic substances without anyone noticing until it’s too late. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty…

5 min

Equus|May 2017

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FENCE

What type of fencing is best for horses? Pose that question to owners in different parts of the country, and you’re likely to get a variety of answers---some delivered quite vehemently. “People often become emotional about fences,” says Marti Day, of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State University. “Some think wire fence is evil and that you must have board fence for horses.” Others might insist just as firmly that wire is the only viable option for their own properties. But the correct answer, really, is, “It depends.” “There are many good fences, and different situations can make them good or bad,” says Day. “You can’t make a blanket statement as to what is a good fence and have it cover all the possibilities.” What’s “best” for…

21 min

Equus|May 2017

GLOSSARY

anemia---shortage of red blood cells, commonly caused by excessive bleeding, infection, dietary deficiency or presence of toxins in the body. ataxia---incoordination of the muscles, which results in shaky, irregular movements; may also be accompanied by weakness and loss of proprioception. chromosome---the self-replicating genetic structure of cells containing the cellular DNA that bears in its nucleotide sequence the linear array of genes. Each species has a constant number of chromosomes set in pairs in the nucleus of each body cell; the horse has 64, or 32 pairs. corneal ulcers (ulcerative keratitis)---disruptions or sores in the transparent outer membrane of the eye caused by trauma, infection or disease; usually accompanied by inflammation. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)---large organic molecule that consists of two chains of nucleotides wound around each other; the material of which…

3 min

Equus|May 2017

MEDICALFRONT

GOOD NEWS ABOUT LIFE AFTER COLIC SURGERY Colic surgery may temporarily sideline a horse but it’s unlikely to end his career, according to a new study from Finland. Researchers at the University of Helsinki reviewed the records of 236 horses who underwent surgery for colic between 2006 and 2012. In addition to collecting clinical data related to diagnosis, surgical treatment and postoperative care, the researchers gathered information about each horse from national competition records and conducted follow-up interviews with owners. They found that 74.9 percent of the horses survived surgery to be discharged from the hospital. During the first year after the operation, 20 percent of those horses had one or more colic episodes, and 38 percent had an episode of colic in the period between discharge and the end of…

9 min

Equus|May 2017

A survivor’s story

Each year, I am one of thousands of horse owners in South Africa who spends six months anxiously awaiting the end of insect season. For us, biting midges are more than simply a nuisance---they are a mortal threat to our horses because they can carry the virus that causes African horse sickness (AHS), an untreatable and potentially fatal disease. AHS is a reality in this part of the world, so horse owners carry on with riding schedules and day-to-day responsibilities even when the risk is highest. Our daily routines do, however, revolve around the need to protect our horses from insects, and we are on constant alert for signs of AHS. A few years ago, a particularly bad outbreak occurred in my area. It seemed like almost every day, from…

8 min

Equus|May 2017

UNDER WRAPS

“I’ve had a good bump round; my little horse Refused the brook first time, Then jumped it prime; And ran out at the double, But of course There’s always trouble at a double.” ---Siegfried Sassoon, “What the Captain Said at the Point-to-Point” The lightweight, breathable Fine Mesh Fly Sheet and Neck (suggested retail, $129.99), from Shires Equestrian Products, offers double chest straps, a triple-strapped ergonomic bellyband and a large tail flap. The detachable neck has loops that can be attached to a halter for added stability. The chest is lined to prevent rubbing. In white, with orange-and-navy trim, in sizes 66 to 84 inches. Visit shop.shiresequestrian.com. Your horse will stand out when he wears the Tough 1 Deluxe Mesh Fly Sheet in Tough Timber Print (suggested retail, $92.88), from JT…

2 min

Equus|May 2017

A persistently watery eye

Sometimes copious, persistent tears signal a common and usually harmless equine eye problem: a blocked tear duct. Technically known as nasolacrimal ducts, these tiny passages allow tears to drain from the eye down through the nostrils. If the ducts become clogged with mucus or other material, tears collect and spill over the bottom lid of the eye. To clear the blockage, a veterinarian will run a small tube up through the horse’s nose and flush saline through the channel. After a tear duct is flushed, it may never become clogged again, but some horses are prone to blockages and it may be best to simply leave them. When that’s the case, however, it’s important to protect the area below the eye against scalding with a thin layer of petroleum jelly…

1 min

Equus|May 2017

Tail alteration: “NICKING”

Tail nicking is primarily seen among American Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walking Horses and other breeds in which a high tail set is desired. In the nicking procedure, tendons that attach to the underside of the tail are cut to allow the dock to be placed into the desirable upright position by a tail set, which is a harness-like device that holds the tail in place while the injury heals. After a nicked tail has healed, a horse will likely wear a tail set most of the time when he’s not being ridden. Although many horsepeople think that the nicking of a horse’s tail is harmless—and some horses who have undergone this procedure do retain the ability to move their tails—a number of complications can arise. The most troubling story of tail…

2 min

Equus|May 2017

Going to the dogs

“Love me, love my dog: by love to agree, I love thy dog, as well as I love thee.” ---John Heywood, The Proverbs and Epigrams of John Heywood (1562) The Rambo Ionic Dog Blanket (suggested retail, $53 to $70, depending on size), from Horseware Ireland, features a soft inner lining infused with ground tourmaline, a crystal that releases negative ions. When placed against the skin, the coat is designed to stimulate blood flow to the muscles, to increase the flow of oxygen and aid recovery from exercise. The coat is also recommended for easing discomfort in dogs with arthritis and other mobility issues. Available in black, with black-and-orange trim, in sizes XXS to XXXL. Call 800-887- 6688 or visit www.horseware.com. Now available in a variety of bright colors, the SmartPak…

2 min

Equus|May 2017

One horse’s journey

Recently, during a bout of insomnia, my mind wandered back to a time years ago, when Moe, my Appendix Quarter Horse gelding, was severely lame, and the veterinarian said he needed complete stall rest, two different medicines and daily soaking and poulticing. So I moved Moe to a large dairy barn in the middle of the rolling hills and pastures of northwestern Pennsylvania. I went there twice a day to feed and medicate him, fill his water buckets, soak and wrap both front hooves and muck his stall. He was housed in the belly of this old barn---a gigantic open space with wooden hay mangers built into both sides of the long walls and rows of tiny windows way up high. I suppose this was where the farmer used to…

5 min

Equus|May 2017

CONSULTANTS

BEHAVIOR Coping with a “macho” gelding My gelding is the leader of our herd, and he takes his job seriously. He is always on the lookout, he always wants to be with his girls, and he gets anxious when separated. Since he always wants to know where his ladies are, they are a big distraction. I’ve dealt with barn- and buddy-sour horses before, but this guy is so full of energy and spirit I’m just not sure anything is working. I am open to more suggestions or just reassurance it’s a long slow road I’m riding. Cristy Howell Pittsboro, North Carolina Your horse is not unusual. Many geldings display this type of behavior. I would not describe it as dominance but rather as male sexual behavior. He may also be…

3 min

Equus|May 2017

ADVERTISERS’ PRODUCT GUIDE

ASSOCIATIONS American Horse Council www.timetoride.com ......................................................... 83 The Right Horse Initiative www.therighthorse.org ..................................................... 26 United States Hunter Jumper Association www.ushja.org .................................................................. 60 BARNS, STALLS & FOOTING ClearSpan ......................www.clearspan.com/adequus ... 40 EVENTS Rolex Equestrian Events .................................................... 84 FARM & RANCH SUPPLIES ElectroBraid Fence ........ www.electrobraid.com .............. 23 Kubota ...........................www.kubota.com ....................... 21 Red Brand......................www.redbrand.com ................... 59 GIFTS, ARTS & COLLECTIBLES E-Carved Doors .............www.ecarveddoors.com ............ 56 Showoff Ribbon Racks .www.merbeth.net ...................... 94 GROOMING Cowboy Magic ..............www.cowboymagic.com.............. 8 Mane ‘n Tail ..................www.manentail.com .................. 86 ShowSheen(WF Young) www.absorbine.com .................. 75 HEALTHCARE Banixx ............................www.banixx.com ....................... 94 Buggzo (HorseTech) ......www.horsetech.com .................. 90 Biomedical Research ....www.epoequine.com ................. 15 ClariFly (Central Life Sciences) www.centralflycontrol.com ................................................. 5 ColiCare (SmartPak) ...... www.smartpak.com/colicare....... 2 Cosequin (Nutramax) ....www.cosequinequine.com ........ 36 COS (Doc’s Products) ....www.coscanine.com .................. 67 Equimax (Bimeda) .........www.bimedaequind.com ........... 16 Equioxx (Merial)…

2 min

Equus|May 2017

FUNDAMENTALS OF CONDITIONING

Your trail horse may not qualify as an “elite athlete,” but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need careful conditioning as he makes the transition from a slow winter schedule to the active spring season. Keep these four principles of conditioning in mind as you ease him back into work: • You need to stress your horse slightly—but only slightly—to increase his fitness. Push him too hard and you’ll risk injury. A good measure is his respiratory rate: Watch his breathing when you stop work; it should return to normal within two minutes. If it doesn’t, you’ve done too much. • Increase either speed or distance with each session, but never both in the same ride. And it’s generally best to do long, slow workouts for a few weeks before you…

1 min

Equus|May 2017

COULD IT HAPPEN IN THE UNITED STATES?

African horse sickness (AHS) hasn’t been found in the United States, but its arrival could be just around the corner. Outbreaks have occurred in Spain and Portugal as well as North Africa, and the nature of the virus means that North American equestrians would be wise to arm themselves with information about the disease. The increased incidence of infections with the bluetongue virus, which is closely related to AHS and is transmitted by the same Culicoides insects, is a warning sign. Before 2006, it had not been seen in Northern Europe, but its global spread demonstrates the ability of these “exotic” viruses to move into areas previously free of the disease, even when these areas lack the usual vector. For example, during the Northern European outbreak, which included the United…

2 min

Equus|May 2017

Parasite control

It’s not often that a traditional horse-keeping routine gets completely upended, but that’s exactly what has happened with equine parasite control over the last two decades. After years of faithfully deworming horses every eight to twelve weeks, rotating among products of different chemical classes, horse owners in the mid-1990s were told that approach was misguided and even potentially harmful. Here’s the problem: Each time an anthelmintic (worm-killing) chemical is used, most of the targeted pests in a horse’s gut die, but a few---those least susceptible to the chemicals---survive. Those remaining parasites go on to reproduce, and when they do, they can pass on their ability to withstand the deworming agent to the next generation. Over time, with each successive dose, a population of parasites that no longer responds to deworming…

9 min

Equus|May 2017

Subpalpebral lavage system

Ocular medications, particularly those used to treat serious conditions such as corneal ulcers, often must be applied multiple times per day or even hourly. Not only is this schedule difficult to maintain for the average horse owner, but the “patient” often becomes resentful of the process, adding to the challenge. A good alternative is a subpalpebral lavage system, which delivers eye medications frequently and easily. The system, which is put in place by a veterinarian, consists of a long silicone tube that passes through small incisions on the upper or lower eyelid and is secured to the facial skin with sutures. The tubing, which is woven through the mane and draped along the crest of the neck, ends in a closed port secured to the mane. Medication is then injected…

1 min

Equus|May 2017

Tail alteration: DOCKING

Docking the tails of workhorses—amputating the distal bony part of the limb—is an old tradition that was originally performed to keep the tail from getting caught in the harness or equipment. If the horse hooked his tail over a rein and clamped down, for example, the driver could lose control of the team, and it was also done to keep the tails out of the way of farmers who walked close behind plows and other equipment. Today, docking is done mainly in draft breeds, primarily for cosmetic purposes. For the show ring, the appearance of a short tail can be achieved by trimming and/ or braiding. Docking may be done either surgically or by ligature—placing rubber rings or other binders around the end of the tail to cause tissue to…

1 min

Equus|May 2017

Barn Dog Bonanza!

Cosequin New Active Lifestyle Cosequin, the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, introduces NEW Active Lifestyle for your weekend warrior. Eight KEY ingredients help support both joint and pad health. To learn more, visit Cosequin.com. COS™ Pellets COS™ Pellets (Canine Orthopedic Solution) is a solution to your canine orthopedic problems. This revolutionary formula supports the bone and joint health of dogs in all stages of life. COS is designed to decrease inflammation and joint pain while dramatically strengthening cartilage of the bone to help maintain a mobile, pain-free pet. Doc’s Products, Inc. is so certain your dog will show improvement within five to seven days of using COS, we proudly offer you a risk-free, 100 percent money back guarantee! (866) 392-2363; www.coscanine.com. UltraShield® Flea and Tick Dog Collar…

2 min

Equus|May 2017

STOCK&TRADE

DEEP BUT GENTLE CLEANSING Product: Banixx Medicated Shampoo Description: Formulated to treat fungal and bacterial skin infections including rain rot, scratches and girth itch while providing gentle cleansing, Banixx Medicated Shampoo contains 4 percent chlorhexidine, a skin disinfectant. The shampoo, which is free of alcohol, soaps, sulfates, steroids, fragrances and dyes, is enriched with marine collagen proteins to moisturize and strengthen coat hairs. Banixx Medicated Shampoo is safe for use on dogs as well as horses. Price: suggested retail, $19.99 for a 16-ounce bottle Source: Banixx Wound Care; 877-944-0795; www.banixx.com FOR SAFE RETURNS Product: Multipurpose Horse ID Collar Description: This two-inchwide nylon collar incorporates a bright orange reflective strip for visibility in low light and a business card-size pocket to secure your contact information. The collar, which goes around a…

1 min

Equus|May 2017

Another reason to ride

I rush back into my house, still slightly warm and wearing riding clothes that are damp from the sweat of a summer afternoon’s jumping session in my arena. I make a beeline straight to my home computer and eagerly log into the website of my breed registry. A few days later, I return home from a lengthy trail ride with friends, tired but eager to reach my office desk where my computer awaits. Next week, I’ll be happily logging in again after a dressage clinic. What could possibly be so exciting that I race home after a ride to sit in front of my computer? I can’t wait to track my progress in my breed registry’s horseback riding incentive program. By completing these last three activities, I reached my 500-hour…

3 min