Vet Articles

Equine veterinary articles on horse health and lameness

Azoturia/Tying-up Syndrome — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

Tying-up or azoturia in horses is a muscle metabolism problem. The causes are several but the result is the same, muscle cramping.

The Coggins Test (Horses) — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

The "Coggins Test" screens the horses blood sample for exposure to the virus causing Equine Infections Anemia.

Fescue Pastures: Don't Judge a Book by the Cover — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

Looking out over a lush meadow of fescue grass, one can only assume that horses view it as a field of chocolate ice cream. The disturbing truth is that like ice cream, fescue has some negatives to go with the positives.

"Proud Flesh" Too much of a good thing? — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

One of the more common conditions that a vet is called in for are leg cuts. Depending on where on the leg it is and how big it is, the would is either sutured or cleaned up, bandaged and allowed to heal from the inside out. In either case, the most important thing is to discover the problem early because studies have shone that complications are much more likely with older wounds.

Rehabilitation of the Injured Horse- One owner's viewpoint — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

 

Stifle Problems (in the Horse) — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

A chronic weak stifle is, in great part, due to a general lack of muscle tone in the hind limbs. That is aggravated by poor confirmation, deep footing, poor shoeing (too much toe or extended heels) or pre-existing hock or fetlock arthritis.

The Older Horse-Special Considerations — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

Often a first-time horse buyer is attracted to a mount that is older, more mature and less flighty. If the rider is not very experienced, then the older horse allows him to gain some confidence in the saddle. It is important to realize that owning a senior equine has some special considerations.

Sesamoid Injuries (horse) — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

Sesamoid injuries are most common in race horses presumably due to speed and over extension of the fetlock joint. In 2 year olds, early signs of stress can be seen radiographically as wide channels running through the sesamoid bone termed "sesamoiditis". This channeling may be due to increased blood supply demands by the bone in response to increased "pounding".

Navicular Disease (in Horses) — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

Navicular Disease is a vascular disease (insufficient blood supply) and, as such, is affected by changes in shoeing, ground surface (clay vs. sand vs. road) and exercise.

How to Buy a Horse at an Auction — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

In these situations where a prepurchase exam cannot be done, you can only hope to pick up a "Red Flag" suggestive of some problem the horse may have. Unfortunately these flags may be subtle.

Moonblindness (in horses) — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

The cause of "moonblindness" or "periodic opthalmia" in horses is not known. Several etiologic agents are known to cause symptoms to appear - they include Leptospira spp., onchocerciasis, parainfluenza 3 virus and equine influenza virus.

Horse Hauling — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

It has become commonplace to trailer horses everywhere. A short trip to the park for a trail ride, a lesson across town or an appointment at the vet clinic hardly seems worth the effort to take precautions...or does it?

Winter Weather - What about the Horse? — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

There are several "extra" considerations when it comes to your horse's well being/survival during very cold winter weather. It is important to take special precautions because it is much easier (and cheaper) to think ahead than react after the fact.

How to Tell a Horse's Age by his Teeth — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

Starting at 2 years of age the horse's front teeth (incisors) are the way to tell age. There are three sets of incisors, central, intermediate and corners. Open the horse's lips and look to see if all are baby teeth or adults.

Horse "Hay Fever" — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

A common condition seen in young and old horses alike is allergic Respiratory Disease. Unlike humans, horses that have allergies tend to show more flu-like symptoms and less sinus and nasal effects.

Your Horse's Feet -A Good Foundation is Important — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

One of the first questions you have to answer after getting your first horse is, "Does he need shoes?" The answer depends on the quality of foot he has and the kind of ground he is on. When you are evaluating your horse's feet, several things should be considered.

Colic in the Sandhills (horses) — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

The Carolinas are home to an ever increasing horse population and as numbers increase so does the incidence of several types of colic. When bringing a horse to this region there are several precautions to be taken.

Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage-Healthy Lungs Make Healthy Horses — by sean — last modified 2006-10-21 03:33

One of the most significant problems other than lameness that the athletic horse may have to endure is pulmonary hemorrhage - bleeding from the lungs. As the name suggests, this is a problem induced by intense exercise.