Table of contents for July 2017 in Equus

Horses of the past I read “America’s Major Horse Breeds Emerge” (Conformation Insights, EQUUS 473) with fascination. I’m amazed at the detail of research Deb Bennett, PhD, has done. However, for all the detail recorded in horse registries, the most unfortunate lack in investigating horses born before the late 19th century is the lack of good photographs. All we have are drawings, prints or paintings, many of which are done in what was regarded as a stylish, graceful form. Artistic tastes showed a preference for light, elongated bodies, very slender legs, thin curvy, almost serpentine necks and very small heads. These characteristics show up in paintings and etchings of many outstanding horses of the 18th and 19th centuries, including several pictured in this article. It is unfortunate that the reliance…

THE EHV-1 VIRUS New research suggests that equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) can persist much longer in water than previously thought, meaning that biosecurity measures taken during an outbreak must include buckets, troughs and natural water sources. EHV-1 is one of five strains of herpesvirus known to affect horses. EHV-1 infection typically results in respiratory disease (rhinopneumonitis), but it can also cause pregnant mares to abort their foals. In rare cases, the virus attacks the central nervous system, producing signs ranging from incoordination to paralysis. This potentially fatal neurological form, technically known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalitis, is often referred to as “neuro” EHV-1. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and Freie Universität Berlin decided to investigate the viability of EHV-1 in water after observing interspecies EHV…

Youth that rides the wildest horse, Youth that throws the deadliest steer, Spending strength without remorse, Grappling with the ghosts of fear, Knows it only holds to-day All it freely flings away. ---Vance Palmer, “Youth and Age” Combining top-of-the-line luxury with performance, the Star Lady Carbon (suggested retail, $1,839.95), from Kask, features a lightweight, impact-resistant molded carbon outer shell. The lining is 100 percent merino wool, which is both naturally breathable and antibacterial. A self-adjusting fitting system cradles the back of the rider’s head, and the chinstrap is lined with softened leather for comfort. Available in sizes 6 ¾ to 7 ¾ (every centimeter from 52 to 62), in shiny black. Visit www.kask.com. Riders who purchase an Equi-Pro Western helmet (suggested retail, $59.95), from International Riding Helmets, can choose from…

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. EQUIOXX® (firocoxib) is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses. Firocoxib belongs to the coxib class of non-narcotic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to firocoxib should not receive EQUIOXX. WARNINGS: EQUIOXX is for use in horses only. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Do not use in humans. Store EQUIOXX Tablets out of the reach of dogs, children, and other pets in a secured location in order to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Consult a physician in case of accidental human exposure. Horses should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests should be…

A long-acting, injectable form of omeprazole may be available for horses soon, according to an Australian researcher who recently completed an efficacy study of the drug. First developed as a human medicine, omeprazole is used to treat and prevent gastric ulcers in horses. The medication is currently available only in an oral paste formulation that must be administered daily. The new omeprazole formulation is injected intramuscularly every seven days. In addition to less frequent administration, the injectable form of the drug offers other benefits, says Ben Sykes, BVMS, PhD, of the University of Queensland. “The use of an intramuscular formulation bypasses the problems observed in some horses with very low absorption of omeprazole, especially in horses consuming free-choice hay diets---this would be a key advantage,” says Sykes (see “Effects of…

(15% w/w ponazuril) Antiprotozoal Oral Paste Caution: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For The Treatment Of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) In Horses For Oral Use Only BRIEF SUMMARY Before using MARQUIS, please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: INDICATIONS MARQUIS (ponazuril) is indicated for the treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona. WARNINGS For use in animals only. Not for use in horses intended for food. Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. PRECAUTIONS Prior to treatment, a complete neurologic exam should be completed by a veterinarian. In most instances, ataxia due to EPM is asymmetrical and affects the hind limbs. Clinicians should recognize that clearance of the parasite by…

Have a question about your horse’s health, care or training? Our experts offer solutions for a range of equine-management problems. Write to EQUUS Consultants, P.O. Box 7510, Falls Church, Virginia 22040; email: EQLetters@aimmedia.com. Send photos when helpful. HOOF CARE Coping with brittle hooves Q: My horse has problems with her hooves. They seem to be brittle---they crack and tend to split. She never acts like they cause pain, and she walks and trots just fine. But the way they look concerns me enough that I’ve tried a couple of different hoof dressings. Is there anything more I can do? Is it an inherited trait? Could it be a deficiency in her diet? Name withheld upon request A: The most important point you mention in your letter is that your mare is…

albumin---protein found in almost all animal and many vegetable tissues. antibody---disease-fighting substance produced by the body in response to the presence of an antigen. antigen---substance, often a protein, that the body’s immune system recognizes as foreign and reacts to by producing an antibody. ataxia---incoordination of the muscles, which results in shaky, irregular movements; may also be accompanied by weakness and loss of proprioception. bursa---sac or cavity filled with fluid, located at a joint or other area where friction is likely to occur. It provides lubrication between ligaments, tendons and the bones over which they run. carbohydrates---large group of carbon-based compounds, including starches, sugars and cellulose, that are found in plants and form the largest class of animal foods. Carbohydrates, together with proteins and lipids, are principal components of cell protoplasm,…

A study from Utah suggests that young riders who don’t wear helmets are at a much higher risk of sustaining head injuries in the event of an accident. Researchers at the University of Utah Medical Center reviewed the rec ords of 142 children admitted to its pediatric trauma center from 2005 to 2015 for riding- and rodeo-related injuries. Most of the injuries– 83 percent–were associated with riding horses, while 13 percent occurred during bull riding. The data showed that only 28 (19.7 percent) of the injured children were wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. More than half of the young patients brought in for treatment were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), damage to the brain caused by a jolt, bump or other mechanical impact. Overall, the data…

• Considerations: Boots that provide full coverage from the coronary band to the knee/hocks offer the greatest protection for your horse’s limbs. But, of course, to do their job, boots need to fit properly and stay on. Durability is also an important consideration, particularly if you haul your horse frequently. • Options: Shipping boots range from simple fleece varieties that can be used on any leg to boots made of shock-absorbing materials that are contoured for front or hind limbs. Contoured boots tend to stay in place better, but only if they fit well. The majority of closures on modern shipping boots are Velcro, but their placement, size and number can greatly affect the stability of the boots. On many shipping boots the coronary/ heel area is reinforced with heavy…

The opossum is the definitive host for Sarcocystis neurona, meaning that the protozoa can mature and reproduce within its body. 1. The opossum excretes the parasite eggs, called oocysts, in its feces. 2. The oocysts release a secondary stage, called sporocysts, which may contaminate feed or water and be consumed by other animals. 3. The horse may ingest sporocysts. Horses are considered aberrant hosts because, so far, no evidence has been found that the protozoa complete their life cycles in horses. 4. In some cases, the protozoa may cross into the horse’s central nervous system and damage the spinal cord and/ or brain, causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). 5. Other animals—including raccoons, skunks, cats and armadillos— may ingest the sporocysts and become intermediate hosts. 6. Once inside the intestine of an intermediate…

EASIER HOOF TREATMENT ▸ Product: Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot ▸ Description: Designed to make treating abscesses, punctured soles and other injuries easier, the Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot keeps poultices, medications and other dressings in place and free of contamination. The machine-washable boot, which fits closely over the horse’s foot, features a grooved sole for traction, a diagonal zipper designed to stay closed while worn, and a Kevlar interior for durability. It can be used with or without shoes. Available in blue, in sizes 0 to 9. ▸ Price: suggested retail, $57.95 ▸ Source: Woof Wear, distributed by Toklat; 888-486-5528; www.toklat.com SCRUB AWAY MUD ▸ Product: Tiger’s Tongue Horse Groomer ▸ Description: Made of stiff but flexible textured polyurethane, the Tiger’s Tongue Horse Groomer is designed to remove embedded…

Belle was my dream horse. I’d raised her from birth, and she was one of the prettiest Appaloosas I ever saw. She was intelligent. Sometimes I think she read my mind, and she could give me a look that was almost human. Sadly, I lost Belle in May 2015 after a 10-month battle with a horrible infection I’d never heard of---pythiosis. In the spring of 2014 we had abundant rain here in Georgia. Part of our property flooded, and a few weeks later the pond was full of grasses and lily pads. My horses had access to this pond for 25 years. They would stand in the water to escape flies and occasionally roll in it. In July 2014, I found two tiny cuts on Belle’s forearm and belly. Within…