Posted on Friday, Nov 9, 2007 - 9:51 am:

This newsletter offers a way to keep up with the horse information added to Horseadvice.com without overwhelming your email box. Posted every day or two this newsletter will highlight the new topics and discussions added to the main sections of Horseadvice.com. Note that replies to discussions, and some member's only posting areas are not displayed here. For a complete listing of topics and discussions please visit us at Horseadvice.com.

Research Summary: Influence of induction on the neonate
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HorseAdvice.com: Equine Reproduction: Pregnancy, Foaling, & Neonatal Care: Induced Labor (Parturition or Birth) in Horses: Research Summary: Influence of induction on the neonate
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Wednesday, Nov 7, 2007 - 8:15 am:
We have long counseled against induction under almost any circumstance except in the case of the pregnancy endangering the health of the mare. Foaling and foal complication rates are very high. Here a slower induction technique is attempted to see if there are fewer complications. However there were very serious complications in almost 1/3 of the inductions but none of the natural births. For more on induction see the article on this topic, "Induced Labor. DrO

Theriogenology. 2007 Jan 15;67(2):372-81.
Influence of induction of parturition on the neonatal acute phase response in foals.
Duggan VE, Holyoak GR, MaCallister CG, Confer AW. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 1 BVMTH, Stillwater, OK, USA. vivienne.duggan@ucd.ie

The objectives of the present study were to determine whether induction of parturition in mares at term with low doses of oxytocin (2.5 i.u. i.v. every 20 min) affected the incidence of peripartum complications or inflammatory responses in the neonatal foal. Parturition was induced in 11 of 26 mares and the remainder foaled spontaneously. Serum concentrations of amyloid A (AA; an acute phase protein) were measured (with a commercial ELISA) from 0 to 72 h postpartum in 18 of the neonatal foals. The incidence of dystocia and premature placental separation was higher in induced mares (2 of 11 and 1 of 11 versus 0 of 15 and 0 of 15, respectively), whereas retained fetal membranes were more common in spontaneous foalings (2 of 15 versus 0 of 11). When abnormal foals were excluded (to decrease the influence of endogenous serum AA elevations), serum concentrations of AA increased to the same extent over time in foals with induced versus spontaneous parturition; foals with spontaneous parturition had a mean serum AA concentration of 7.8 microg/mL at birth that increased to a maximum of 58.9 microg/mL at 36 h; foals with induced parturition had a mean serum AA concentration of 5.4 microg/mL at birth that increased to a maximum of 41.4 microg/mL at 48 h. Baseline serum AA concentrations were lower in induced foals. We concluded that inducing parturition with low doses of oxytocin in mares at term did not affect (relative to spontaneous parturition) the temporal dynamics of serum AA concentrations in the normal foal in the first 72 h of life. However, the induction procedure may lead to complications during parturition that, if not detected early, could result in the development of an inflammatory response in the neonate. Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?6/212813

Malpractice / negligence of veterinarian
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HorseAdvice.com: Equine Business and Law: Legal Discussions: Discussions on Legal Articles not covered above: Malpractice / negligence of veterinarian
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Posted by memberj on Wednesday, Nov 7, 2007 - 7:14 pm:
I have not seen this bad situation posted and I hope someone can help. I brought my 8 y.o. horse to a local horse vet for teeth flotation. The horse was sedated, procedure done in my presence, and the horse given a reversal drug of yohimbine. The horse died within minutes of being given yohimbine. The horse was not given a health check, no forms were signed and I was not given any warnings about the drugs used. I am so sad. I have kept notes of the whole incident and it has been 4 weeks. I have met with the vet and asked for him to consider giving me compensation. He said he has filed it with his insurance. What should I do? Get a lawyer? Thanks. Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?9/212814

Lyme - totally new direction with this horse
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Fever of Unknown Origin: Lyme - totally new direction with this horse
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Posted by TOD on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 - 10:12 am:
Hi Dr. O' well things have taken a slightly different turn in the past 24 hours. My 6yr old Holsteiner just came back with a Lyme Titer of 20,000,ELISA, and a very strong positive on the Western Blot. Now the question for me is, is this what I'm really dealing with??? My Vet said that until we treat this, there is no point on doing any further diagnostics( By the way, my Vet says he's not a good candidate for Nerve Blocks , as he's not "Lame" per say, just not comfortable, not "using himself", so blocking him wouldn't really help with the diagnosis).`We live in Connecticut, and my best friends mare has just gone through the same diagnosis(different Vet practice), we have our horses together.

Having read all of the articles on this site as to whether or not Lyme is an actual illness, and what a high titer may, or may not mean, and to muddy the water more, the fact that Vet's in this area feel very strongly Lyme does make horses sick, and a high Titer along with Western Blot, accompanied my symptoms does indicate a real case of Lyme, I as an owner am very confused as to what direction to go. This Vet treats with IV Tet. at her clinic for 3 weeks, with a cost of $1,700+, 8 weeks of Doxy =$800. So what should I do, what treatment protocol should I go with? Will I be pouring money into something that isn't truly the cause of the symptoms my horse is having. I'm so confused as to which direction to turn, my Vet had felt Ultra Sound of his Proximal Suspensory was in order until this very strong indication of Lyme came back yesterday. Please help me go in the right direction with this poor horse, I'm starting to pull my hair out! Thanks so much, TOD. Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212816

Stiff in hind legs, also giving out
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Lameness topics not covered above: Stiff in hind legs, also giving out
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Posted by Adria Weatherbee on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 - 11:33 am:
Hi all,
Last Thursday my mare (7 yo TB) was very stiff and really un-forward, not like her. I had had a lesson on her the day before, 1/2 hour not stressful. So I figured she was a bit tired, she is in pretty good shape though. Yesterday I had a lesson and she was the same, REALLY stiff, not tracking over, she has a really nice free trot usually. Her hind leg (right) keeps giving out as well, if she's really tired sometimes she will do this but yesterday it was after about 10 mins of just walk and a little trot. She actually stumbled twice on the same leg on 2 consecutive strides. My trainer noticed immediately she was off. The only thing different is that I have been cantering her lately, not a lot, but at each lesson 2x a week. She does have mild DJD in her front fetlocks, could she possibly have some DJD in her stifles and it is just now showing up with regular canter work? It may explain even further why she never raced.Any input would be great, I'm going to give it another week and if it's unchanged I'm going to call the vet.Thanks,Adria Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212817

Interfering...Figuring Out Why
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HorseAdvice.com: Training & Conditioning Horses: The Gaits of Horses: Interfering...Figuring Out Why
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Posted by Terri on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 - 1:51 pm:
I have a relatively green, unconditioned 4yo TB that I am just getting out on trails. I've had him for almost a year and a half...he was conditioned to race (got him from the track last summer) but never did so due to back soreness in the lumbar region. Last fall he had chiro work done on two occasions that seemed to make him feel much better. He strided up under himself more deeply and felt normal under saddle where before he was short-strided and ouchy to palpation in the lumbar area. He has been pretty much taking it easy since then with a few rides and a little ringwork here and there, and had one 4-week session of regular trail riding by a friend who was helping me out with him. This past Sunday we went on an organized trail ride and took it very slowly, staying out for about an hour and a half at a walk. The terrain included a good number of small hills (this is a relative term ..I live in coastal VA and a hill might be a 6-8' incline on a trail!) He did extremely well--crossed bridges, did not spook at mountain bikers, and listened to me. Overall I was very pleased as this was only my second trail ride on this horse.

By the end of about an hour and 20 minutes of riding I began to hear a "swish-swish" as he walked along and asked the rider behind me if he was interfering on both hinds, and she confirmed that he was. He is not base narrow, but does toe out slightly on the rear, and I do worry about his comfort level because of his history with back problems. His farrier is a barefoot trimmer. He was also interfering a few months ago (August) when my friend was "trail training" him and at that time he was fully shod...she was the one who advised that I keep rear boots on him while riding. I'm trying to figure out if this might be more conformation-related or condition-related. Any ideas? Anyone have experience with this type of thing happening? I don't want to ask too much of him and don't want to hurt him in any way... Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?7/212819

Swollen rear leg
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Leg Swellings: Hot & Painful Legs: Swollen rear leg
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Posted by Nadia F on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 - 9:19 pm:
Hi, Dr O, I was at the barn Tuesday night to see my horse. He was standing in his stall - looking like he was asleep when I got there. I just gave him an apple and a hug. Nothing at the time seemed out of sorts. Wed AM, the barn called me. My horse does not want to come out of his stall, nor walk and would not eat his Equine Senior. His right rear leg is rather swollen - hoof is warm. I thought it might be an abcess. I get out to the barn - he is pawing in his stall, will not walk or move, resting his hind leg. I notice that there is a scratch on his right hip -it drew a small amount of blood, blood was dried. I put some nitrofurizone on it. He will not put weight on the leg and I can see his muscles are twitching in his hip. Sheath is also somewhat swollen. Temp is 104.4. I call the vet, she comes out. We can't find any puncture wound on his leg. She suspects ehrlichia as there have been a few cases reported in the area. Symptoms seem to fit. Left hind might be a little swollen. She takes blood, then gives him banamine and a large dose of tetracycline. He seems to be more comfortable and wants to eat his hay after about an hour. I go back out last night, temp is 102.4. I try to walk him around the arena - ok, but leg is still hurting. Vet out again today. More banamine and tetracycline. Temp is now 99.2. He now has a normal appetite, but leg is still rather swollen. The blood test came back - did not find the parasite - but had high neutrophils and monocytes. WBC-normal. I went out tonight - temp now 98.1. Healthy appetite, but leg is still swollen. I wrapped both back legs to see if it will help reduce the swelling. She wants me to start giving him Doxycycline tomorrow. Could there be something else going on - lymphangitis? Or could he have whacked his leg somehow? Should I have an x-ray done? Thanks. Use this link to go directly to the discussion: http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212821

Stifle Injections
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb: Stifle Lameness: Stifle Lock: Upward Fixation of the Patella : Stifle Injections
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Posted by Geoff Stewart on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 - 9:33 pm:
Dear People: I have a 5yo Standardbred mare that the trainer felt was occasionally locking her stifle. The trainer and the vet felt they were a little weak and decided to inject both stifles with iodine. At her last run she wanted to run out and eventually broke. On examination by me this morning she was sensitive to touch on the lower portion of the front of the stifle. This seems to explain her running out. The question is are there any side effects of iodine injections to stop UPF? Is it possible that such an injection has done some damage? What would I look for to solve the problem? rEGARDS gEOFF Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212822

Care Tips
By visiting our Care Tips section you might learn how to throw away that manure fork and replace it with a hammock! Maybe not, but if you post a great and original tip you can have time added to your membership and we will pick up the tab and that is almost as good.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/3/667.html

Training Tips
Members, horses not cleaning their own stalls yet? Better yet a little training tip that has made your horses behavior or your riding much improved? Best training tips get published in the newsletter and if your tip is posted you get 3 months added to your membership and we pick up the tab.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/7/668.html

Product Reviews
Have you found a great product you can no longer do without or how about a stinker that you want to warn other members about? We will publish the best organized reviews in the Newsletter and if yours is published we will add 3 months to your membership.
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 - 6:13 am:

This newsletter offers a way to keep up with the horse information added to Horseadvice.com without overwhelming your email box. Posted every day or two this newsletter will highlight the new topics and discussions added to the main sections of Horseadvice.com. Note that replies to discussions, and some member's only posting areas are not displayed here. For a complete listing of topics and discussions please visit us at Horseadvice.com.

Fast sprayer
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Tips and Tricks: 2007 Add New Care Tips Here: Fast sprayer
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Posted by Diane on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 11:16 am:
Thought I'd jump in here on an old post. I use this sprayer, and I LOVE it. It's a Gilmour WheelPump sprayer. The large one sells for about $100. You fill it and wheel it where you want to go. The wheeling action pumps the sprayer for you! It's clogged on me one time, but it was spray I mixed and left in over the winter. It was easy to hose out and clean parts on. Ten minutes later, I was back in business. I recommend it for fly sprays.[Easydoesit.jpg]
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?3/185034

Fecals
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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Dewormers (Anthelminics) : Dewormer Topics Not Covered Above: Fecals
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Posted by Leilani on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 3:12 pm:
Dr. O,
My veterinarian doesn't seem to think that fecals are necessary. Since my horses have been on ivermectin only for the past 14 and 6 years respectively, is there a laboratory that I can mail fecals to?
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?5/212801

Ivermectin/moxidectin resistance found in Canadian study
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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Dewormers (Anthelminics) : Dewormer Topics Not Covered Above: Ivermectin/moxidectin resistance found in Canadian study
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Posted by LL on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 9:00 am:
Hi DrO,
Have you seen this recent report on the above?
www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk/parascres.htm
There seems to be growing resistance to these pillars of our deworming programmes. I'm getting worried.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?5/212790

Mysterious Upper Leg Lameness
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Upper Front Limb: Diseases of the Upper Front Limb topics not covered above : Mysterious Upper Leg Lameness
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Posted by Ann Rude on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 6:05 pm:
Hello everyone. I am brand new to this forum. I hope I do this correctly. I have a 2 1/2 year old gelding. I do not ride him yet, although I have saddled and bridled him. He is not nor has been in any kind of work. He splits his time between an approximately 20 x 75 paddock and 10 acre pasture. He is a cross between a Swedish Warmblood and a German Riding Pony, which means he is sort of a mish mash, but is mostly Trakehner. He has a lovely conformation and (when he's sound) beautiful movement. He is currently 15 hh.

About 2 months ago I noticed he was slightly off, nothing serious, just a little hitch. Thinking perhaps he'd been kicked, I rested him with no pasture turnout and treated the area (elbowish) where I felt he looked lame. I would say he was .5 on a scale of 1-5. This persisted for several weeks, so I took him to a vet. At the vet exam, he trotted and flexed sound on pavement. The vet x-rayed the entire right front leg and the left front foot. (His right front is slightly clubby). He found nothing conclusive. Maybe some evidence of an old injury.

This vet suggested he'd bruised the toe of the club foot and gave me some aspirin. I took him home and he seemed fine for a couple of weeks, but then started getting worse. I was trying a new chiropractor who is also a vet, so I had him examine the gelding. At this point, he was flat tire lame at the trot -- 3/5. The vet could not get a pain response no matter what he tried. He blocked the foot to rule that out. The block had no effect. He suggested buting him for a few days to see if the lameness responded in order to rule out something neurological like EPM or West Nile. He poured over the previous vet's x-rays and offered to take them to the university for another opinion.

Mac responded well to the bute regimen (5 days) and remained sound for about 7 days. Then he became maybe a 1/5. When the lameness went back to 3/5, I made an appointment with the second vet to do further blocks. The day of that appointment, although the very night before he'd been a definite 3/5 lame, he was sound. None of the vets who've looked at the x-rays could point to anything in particular.

I've been keeping daily track of Mac's soundness. He was sound after the failed vet visit, then a slight offness, .5-1. Yesterday he was fine. He offered to canter on that leg easily. Today he was again 3/5.

He will put weight on the leg. I can easily lift the left front on either hind and he'll support himself. There is no heat or swelling anywhere along the leg. The lameness is only apparent at the trot, but when it gets really bad, he won't canter on that lead. It looks to me, and the 2nd vet who saw him lame, like it is in the elbow area - where the leg joins the chest. I welcome opinions and advice.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212802

Not Listening to My Leg
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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Basic Riding Skills: Questions on Use and Position of the leg: Not Listening to My Leg
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Posted by Linda Lashley on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 10:02 am:
I am having trouble getting my horse to listen to my leg when turning. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. He moves forward nicely but when we go into a circle, he will pop his outside shoulder out and push as if he wants to keep going straight. My response is to use my leg lightly to ask for the turn, if no response then I press hard with my boot, then I take the reins and basically end up pulling him around.

Can you give me some better ideas of how to handle this situation? He moves forward nicely and sometimes turns with just the touch of my leg. I would like to get him more responsive and less resistant so I think some exercises might help. Can you give me some ideas of different exercises that help a horse learn to get off my leg? Thanks, Linda
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?7/212796

To breed or not to breed...
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HorseAdvice.com: Equine Reproduction: Horse Breeding & Artificial Insemination: Preparing Your Mare for Breeding: To breed or not to breed...
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Posted by estrella99 on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 5:20 pm:

Thank you Dr. O for your article and other members for your follow up post. I had a post entitled 27 year old mare in big trouble. I lost her. It was indeed a heartbreak. So my bestest pal shipped her champion mare here to help fill the void. She said I could breed her and keep the foal. (good friend huh!). So We have picked the stallion, a very nice stallion. The mare is a proven broodmare. She is actually related to the mare I lost. So I though I should begin reading. Found Dr. 0's article. I have raised a foal before, actually the mare I lost. It was fun. But then again it was 27 years ago. Then I started thinking, what if I don't get the foal I hoped for? What if I had to sell it? I couldn't really guarantee a home for life with someone else.

Then I realized the mare I had was the way she was because of the circumstances and events during that time. That's what made us who we were together. Kinda of separating the emotion from it. Faced with the reality. So for me I think producing a foal with expectations may not be the best thing for us.

Although cloning is an option! I heard it's about $10,000.00 for a cat. I also heard cloned animals don't live very long. But then again I could have been the first to post a question about a cloned horse! So wish me luck in finding not a replacement, but a horse that is just as special. Thank you again. Oh yea and my friends mare...She is sure an easy keeper...a little pudgy since her visit here..good thing it's blanket season! Gotta fix that, who knew? I was hoping it was just long hair.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?6/9228

Care Tips
By visiting our Care Tips section you might learn how to throw away that manure fork and replace it with a hammock! Maybe not, but if you post a great and original tip you can have time added to your membership and we will pick up the tab and that is almost as good.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/3/667.html

Stall cleaning a thing of the past!!!!
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Tips and Tricks: 2007 Add New Care Tips Here: Stall cleaning a thing of the past!!!!
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Posted by Diane on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 11:02 am:
Hi, I haven't read all the previous tips and tricks, so hopefully, this won't be duplicitous. I have 7 horses, some as long as 15 years, and I have kept them in various conditions. However, the best one, and one that took 15 years to figure out, is PERFECT!!!! I provided a private stall that's connected to a small run for each horse. The stall has a rubber mat floor in it. I NEVER put shavings or bedding of any type in there. I'd put shavings in the small run. They absolutely WILL NOT pee in their stall, as long as the door is open to their run. My theory is because it splashes their legs. And once they start going outside to their run to pee, they figure that's a good spot to poop, too, and they do. I had two horses that would poop in their stall, so I started just putting that manure out in their respective runs every day. Now they never use their stall, they go outside. They'll nap out there in their manure, but, hey, who doesn't? I spent NO time cleaning my barn. They currently have a run-in shed for access during their pasture time. It's 12 x 24, and all 7 of them crowd in there like a can of sardines. But they will NOT poop or pee inside. I'm in heaven! Thought I'd pass it along.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?3/212797

Training Tips
Members, horses not cleaning their own stalls yet? Better yet a little training tip that has made your horses behavior or your riding much improved? Best training tips get published in the newsletter and if your tip is posted you get 3 months added to your membership and we pick up the tab.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/7/668.html

Product Reviews
Have you found a great product you can no longer do without or how about a stinker that you want to warn other members about? We will publish the best organized reviews in the Newsletter and if yours is published we will add 3 months to your membership.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/board-auth.cgi?file=/10/5544.html

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 9:54 am:

This newsletter offers a way to keep up with the horse information added to Horseadvice.com without overwhelming your email box. Posted every day or two this newsletter will highlight the new topics and discussions added to the main sections of Horseadvice.com. Note that replies to discussions, and some member's only posting areas are not displayed here. For a complete listing of topics and discussions please visit us at Horseadvice.com.

Research Summary: Ciprofloxacin Use in Bacterial Eye Infections
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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Eye Diseases » Corneal Ulcers, Fungal and Bacterial Keratitis » Research Summary: Ciprofloxacin Use in Bacterial Eye Infections
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Posted by dro on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 8:29 am:

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone family, that is effective against most gram negative bacteria and shows activity some against pseudomonas. In undiagnosed infections it should be used in combination with a antibiotic effective against strep, a common cause of keratitis in horses.
DrO

Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov-Dec;10(6):344-7.
Pharmacokinetics of topically applied ciprofloxacin in equine tears.
Hendrix DV, Stuffle JL, Cox SK.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4544, USA.

Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of topically applied ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in tears of healthy horses. Animal studied Twenty healthy, adult, mixed-breed horses. Procedures Twenty study horses were confirmed free of ophthalmic disease by complete ophthalmic examination. Seventy microliters of 0.3% ciprofloxacin (Ciloxantrade mark) was placed in the ventral cul-de-sac of each eye using a microliter syringe and 19-g cannula. Population kinetics were carried out by sampling the tear film from the lower cul-de-sac of each eye with tear test strips at 5, 10, 15 and 30 min and 1, 2, 4 and 6 h post administration for a total of five samples at each time-point. Sample collection time was 15 s. Concentrations of ciprofloxacin were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Results Mean (+/-SD) of the Schirmer tear test results from all eyes was 23.4 +/- 4.8 mm wetting in 1 min. Mean concentration of ciprofloxacin in the tears at 5 min post administration was 498.4 +/- 266.8 microg/g. Mean concentration rapidly declined and began to plateau at 30 min. The mean tear concentrations of ciprofloxacin at 30 min and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 h were 66.6 +/- 56.0, 60.25 +/- 55.7, 42.25 +/- 30.9, 36.25 +/- 32.0, and 45.5 +/- 46.5 microg/g, respectively. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in normal horses are similar to those in rabbits and humans. Topical application of ciprofloxacin resulted in a mean tear concentration of ciprofloxacin that remained above the MIC(90) levels for most pathogenic bacteria for 6 h post administration. Use this link to go directly to the discussion: http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/212788.html

Research Summary: Hormonal Basis for Training Let-Down?
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HorseAdvice.com » Training & Conditioning Horses » Muscoskeletal Conditioning » Exercise Physiology and Conditioning » Research Summary: Hormonal Basis for Training Let-Down?
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Posted by dro on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 - 8:48 am:

Training "let down" is a common phenomena in race horses and probably seen in other equine endeavors as well. Let down is seen as decreasing performance, appetite, and weight loss for no identifiable reason. Gastric ulcers should always be ruled out with this history and constellation of symptoms. This condition appears in humans as well who report depression as the main symptom and has been associated with hormonal changes. Using already completed research this paper looks at this possibility in horses and finds further research into this possibility is indicated.
DrO

Vet Q. 2007 Sep;29(3):82-101.
Hormonal responses to acute exercise, training and overtraining. A review with emphasis on the horse.
de Graaf-Roelfsema E, Keizer HA, van Breda E, Wijnberg ID, van Der Kolk JH.
Department of Equine Sciences, Medicine Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. e.roelfsema@uu.nl

Overtraining is an imbalance between training and recovery leading to symptoms associated with a neuroendocrine dysbalance called the overtraining syndrome, a disease characterized by behavioral, emotional and physical symptoms similar with depression. Although the prevalence of overtraining is high in human and equine athletes, at present no sensitive and specific test is available to prevent or diagnose overtraining. Nowadays, it is believed that combination of different (hormonal) parameters appear to be the best indicators of overtraining. Therefore, this review provides a summary of previous literature examining the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) axis to acute and chronic exercise as well as overtraining in humans and horses. The exercise induced hormonal responses seem to be equal for the equine as well as the human athlete, which makes comparisons possible. Repeated bouts of exercise are suggested to provide a way to detect subtle changes in hormonal responses in the individual athlete, which may make them an important tool in detecting early overtraining. This should be combined with corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation tests and basal ACTH and GH pulsatility determination. Further research is needed to establish the correct training intensity and rest period for the exercise test in equines. Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/7/212789.html

Help-White line and lameness (long)
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: White Line Disease or Onchyomycosis: Help-White line and lameness (long)
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Posted by marie anne on Monday, Nov 5, 2007 - 12:25 pm:
Pictures follow-not for the faint of heart, these feet are ugly. However, he is walking easier, but still stepping short with the right front. I think the front angles (to the extent you can tell) look okay.[front feet.jpg] [front right.jpg] [Robie.jpg]. Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212730

Horse death from parasites
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract: Parasites and Worms : Large Strongyles and Bloodworms : Horse death fro parasites
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Posted by Sara Lee Edwards on Monday, Nov 5, 2007 - 2:25 pm:
We purchased a horse to replace our grandson's lifelong horse, who had died in August. Three weeks after we purchased the horse, she died. An autopsy by our vet revealed 2 feet of gangrenous bowel. Our vet feels her bowel was blocked by strongyles, it blew open, and she died. We were wondering, if when we first purchased her, would it have helped to worm her? The seller SWORE the horse was 100% sound and she had wormed her. The horse never did well at hour house, not much appetite, sweat heavily....we feel some of these symptoms MUST have been visible in the time prior to our owning her for three weeks. Our question is....wouldn't it have taken longer than three weeks for a bowel to block off and turn to gangrene? Wouldn't the seller have noticed she was off her feed and the heavy sweats? She DID have a fan running on the horse, which we did think was odd. Would the horse have survived had we wormed her immediately, or was it too late by then? Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212781

Are vaccinated Horses at risk from an UNvaccinated one?
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Horse Vaccines, Vaccination, Coggins Test: Vaccine Schedules: Are vaccinated Horses at risk from an UNvaccinated one?
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Posted by J. Battersby on Monday, Nov 5, 2007 - 4:28 pm:
In my small boarding barn (6 horses) all the horses are vaccinated with the normal schedule (Spring/Fall). This fall, however, one of the owners of an older 22yr old horse does not want to give the flu/rhino to her horse due to some systemic issues (laminitis/loose stools, etc). She thinks adding vaccinations to the mix will further mess up her horse. My main concern is whether the other horses, who are vaccinated and older (25+), will be at risk for these diseases, albeit in a milder form if her horse gets ill? This is causing a great deal of concern among the other owners. This barn has clinics and haul-in horses. Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?3/212782

Mature horse "down on pasterns"
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Muscle & Tendon Diseases: Tendon Laxity and Contracture: Mature horse "down on pasterns"
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Posted by Deborah Gray on Monday, Nov 5, 2007 - 9:41 pm:
I'm not sure if this fits into the same category as "long sloping pasterns" but this 5 year old paint mare that my trainer has looks very "down on the pasterns" in the front. Her fetlock actually drops behind her hoof. This occurs when she is just standing. She is very clumsy as she canters and gets an attitude when pushed into this gait. My question is, can we rule out pain from a conformational standpoint when pushed into a canter or, do we assume she has been turned out too long and just doesn't want to work? To me I would think this would put increased stress on the front end and result in long term negative affects. Also is there a publication you would suggest I purchase on equine anatomy faults? Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212786

Undiagnosed lameness
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb: Stifle Lameness: Overview of Stifle Lameness: Undiagnosed lameness
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Posted by Cathy Johnson on Monday, Nov 5, 2007 - 11:05 pm:
Hi Quick question. My daughters horse is totally lame at the walk but fine at the trot and canter. The vet hasn,t a clue. Xrayed stifel and hock, Nothing there. Nerve blocked stifel and hock no great change. Any suggestions would be great. Also only lame under saddle or bare back. Runs, bucks has great time in the field. Thanks Use this link to go directly to the discussion:
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212787

Care Tips
By visiting our Care Tips section you might learn how to throw away that manure fork and replace it with a hammock! Maybe not, but if you post a great and original tip you can have time added to your membership and we will pick up the tab and that is almost as good...more!

Training Tips
Members, horses not cleaning their own stalls yet? Better yet a little training tip that has made your horses behavior or your riding much improved? Best training tips get published in the newsletter and if your tip is posted you get 3 months added to your membership and we pick up the tab...more!

Product Reviews
Have you found a great product you can no longer do without or how about a stinker that you want to warn other members about? We will publish the best organized reviews in the Newsletter and if yours is published we will add 3 months to your membership...more!

Posted on Monday, Nov 5, 2007 - 8:34 am:

This newsletter offers a way to keep up with the horse information added to Horseadvice.com without overwhelming your email box. Posted every day or two this newsletter will highlight the new topics and discussions added to the main sections of Horseadvice.com. Note that replies to discussions, and some member's only posting areas are not displayed here. For a complete listing of topics and discussions please visit us at Horseadvice.com.

Research Summary: Dangers of Antibiotic Use
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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Antibiotics and Antimicrobials: Antibiotic Use in Horses: An Overview: Research Summary: Dangers of Antibiotic Use
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 - 10:49 am:

I consider it one of horseadvice.com's main missions to educate about the dangers of inappropriate antibiotic use in horses. It is a rampant problem among equestrians and equine veterinarians. Here is an article detailing one of these dangers to humans that has been in the news lately. Though the popular news has somewhat inflated the newness and seriousness of the problem at this time it could get that bad. In particular here is to note that one risk factor for developing resistant bacterial populations (like MeRSa) is prior administration of antibiotics. For more on this see the "Antibiotic Use Overview" article associated with this discussion. Just click on it off the navigation bar at the top of this page.
DrO

Can Vet J. 2007 Sep;48(9):921-6.
Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in horses admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital.
Weese JS, Lefebvre SL.
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1. jsweese@uoguelph.ca

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging problem in horses; however, the epidemiology of infection and colonization is poorly understood. This study evaluated factors associated with MRSA colonization at the time of admission to a veterinary teaching hospital. A case-control study evaluating historical factors was performed. Previous colonization of the horse, previous identification of colonized horses on the farm, antimicrobial administration within 30 days, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and admission to a service other than the surgical service were risk factors for community-associated colonization. A better understanding of risk factors for MRSA colonization is important to elucidate the epidemiology of this emerging veterinary and zoonotic pathogen, and to design evidence-based infection control programs.

http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?5/212749


Research Summary: Incidence and Cause of Night Blindness in Apps
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Eye Diseases: Night Blindness in Horses: Research Summary: Incidence and Cause of Night Blindness in Apps
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 - 11:45 am:

This is a ground breaking study of a Canadian population of appaloosas that found night blindness associated with the gene that codes for a leopard or "spotting" skin pattern. All horses that had clinical symptoms of night blindness carried two "active" leopard alleles: LpLp. At least one active (Lp) allele was present in one third of all the horses in the study.

In that same study it was found that homzygous active leopard allele (LpLp) and heterozygous leopard allele (Lplp) groups had significantly smaller vertical and horizontal corneal diameters than the lplp group had. This would appear as the "appaloosa eye" where large amounts of white, the sclera, show around the cornea. However it remains uncertain what the predictive value of the presence of one or two inactive leopard genes (Lplp or lplp allele) or the presence of "appy eye" is for the condition in other populations of Appys and will require further study. For more on this disease see " Night Blindness in Horses" which you can directly access from the navigation bar at the top of this page.
DrO
PS, If we have members who have horses with a strong Appy eye I would be interested in knowing if they have symptoms of night blindness.

Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov-Dec;10(6):368-75.
Clinical and electroretinographic characteristics of congenital stationary night blindness in the Appaloosa and the association with the leopard complex.
Sandmeyer LS, Breaux CB, Archer S, Grahn BH.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 584.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in Appaloosa horses in western Canada, investigate the association with the leopard complex of white spotting patterns, and further characterize the clinical and electroretinographic aspects of CSNB in the Appaloosa. Animals studied: Three groups of 10 Appaloosas were studied based on coat patterns suggestive of LpLp, Lplp, and lplp genotype. Procedures: Neurophthalmic examination, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, measurement of corneal diameter, streak retinoscopy, scotopic and photopic full-field and flicker ERGs and oscillatory potentials (OPs) were completed bilaterally. Results: All horses in the LpLp group were affected by CSNB, while none in the Lplp or lplp groups was affected. The LpLp and Lplp groups had significantly smaller vertical and horizontal corneal diameters than the lplp group had. Median refractive error was zero for all groups. Scotopic ERGs in the LpLp (CSNB-affected) group were consistent with previous descriptions. The CSNB-affected horses had significantly longer photopic a-wave implicit times, greater a-wave amplitudes, and lower b-wave amplitudes than the Lplp and lplp (normal) groups did. No differences were present in photopic flicker amplitude or implicit times. Scotopic flickers in the CSNB-affected horses were markedly reduced in amplitude and abnormal in appearance. No differences were noted in OP implicit times; however, amplitudes of some OPs were reduced in CSNB-affected horses. There were no differences in scotopic and photopic or flicker ERGs or OPs between the normal groups. Conclusions: CSNB was present in one-third of horses studied and there was a significant association between CSNB and the inheritance of two Lp alleles. ERG abnormalities support the hypothesis that CSNB is caused by a defect in neural transmission through the rod pathway involving the inner nuclear layer.

http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212751

Flaxseed
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Nutrition topics not covered by the above: Flaxseed
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Posted by Alice Houle-Evans on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 8:04 am:
I was told by a local feed store (and verified this info. with vet) that flaxseed must be ground daily as it does not hold nutritional value for more than 24hrs otherwise??? Also...amounts given seem to vary so much....what is the suggested daily amount for an average horse for general purposes???
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?3/19306


Clinical Case: Exophthalmos (bulging eye) due to Cyst
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Eye Diseases: Topics on Eye Diseases Not Covered Above : Clinical Case: Exophthalmos (bulging eye) due to Cyst
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 8:08 am:
The main value of this report is how one goes about investigating abnormalities in the eye socket, in particular exophthalmos.
DrO

Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov-Dec;10(6):394-7.
Retrobulbar dermoid cyst in a horse: a case report.
Munoz E, Leiva M, Naranjo C, Pena T.
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona,
Edifici V, Campus UAB, Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona, Spain.

A 4-year-old Andalusian horse was presented for examination following a 3-month history of exophthalmos of the right eye and a soft swelling of the right supraorbital fossa noted after blunt head trauma. Ultrasonographic examination of the swelling showed an anecogenic mass of 5 cm in diameter involving the retrobulbar space. Centesis of the mass through the supraorbital fossa was performed and yielded a serous fluid with 7.2 g/dL of total protein and density of 1040. No cells were seen in the sample. A tentative diagnosis of cyst was made. The cyst was surgically removed and the definitive histologic diagnosis was retrobulbar dermoid cyst. No recurrence has developed 18 months following the complete removal of the cyst capsule. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous reports of retrobulbar dermoid cysts in horses. Localization, causes and success of surgical treatment of dermoid cysts are discussed.

http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212746


My First Winter!
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Routine Horse Care: Winter Care for your Horse: My First Winter!
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Posted by Melissa Baker on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 9:47 am:

Well, i just bought my first (an hopefully last)horse farm. I finally get to have Moose and Sweetheart in my backyard. But, I have a few winter questions...

I currently live in South Florida and my new farm is in Ruffin, NC - about 30 miles north of Greensboro. I am moving December 3. I have no experience with real winters, let alone caring for a horse in those conditions. I know to some a North Carolina Winter is not a real winter, but for me it is . The winter article has helped alot. Moose came to Florida 3 years ago from upstate NY, so I'm sure he'll be fine. I always keep him clipped, and in the winter here I always clip every 3 weeks because his hair grows like a weed even though its not too cold. But I am letting him get furry as we speak and I think he'll look like a real Moose by the time we get there. Now Sweetheart has lived in S.FL her whole life and although she is getting furry, I am concerned it's not enough. She has a hard time with winters here (she's very fat too). I have plenty of blankets but I am concerned about how she will adapt. I'll have a barn at my new place, so they'll have shelter. But can a horse who has never endured cold weather handle it? What about arthritis, does it make it worse? Both of them are arthritic. Any tips for the first time winter goer?
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?3/212747

Thinning out a mane
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Routine Horse Care: Hair Coat Care: Thinning out a mane
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Posted by Gwen Robison on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 3:00 pm:

I think I am the queen of silly questions, and no important information to help others. For that I apologize. Anyway, about my silly question-how can I thin my horse's mane without actually pulling it? My tbs mane is so thick, he looks kind of like a muppet (cute, though). I know that pulling it will thin it, but he is sensitive about it, so I won't continue. The cool new combs that trim manes works for trimming the length, but won't thin it out. Any thoughts? Thank you!
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?3/212748

Horse won't let me soak her foot
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: Hoof Abscesses, Bruises, and Gravels: Horse won't let me soak her foot
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Posted by Cyndy on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 - 7:39 pm:
some really good ideas here... thanks guys. I bet my kids will go for the diaper or the rubber feed pan....wish I'd thought of any of these before I wrestled with soaking last winter. Great brain trust!
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/show.cgi?4/212744

Care Tips
By visiting our Care Tips section you might learn how to throw away that manure fork and replace it with a hammock! Maybe not, but if you post a great and original tip you can have time added to your membership and we will pick up the tab and that is almost as good...more!

Training Tips
Members, horses not cleaning their own stalls yet? Better yet a little training tip that has made your horses behavior or your riding much improved? Best training tips get published in the newsletter and if your tip is posted you get 3 months added to your membership and we pick up the tab...more!

Product Reviews
Have you found a great product you can no longer do without or how about a stinker that you want to warn other members about? We will publish the best organized reviews in the Newsletter and if yours is published we will add 3 months to your membership...more!

Posted on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 12:37 pm:

This newsletter offers a way to keep up with the horse information added to Horseadvice.com without overwhelming your email box. Posted every day or two this newsletter will highlight the new topics and discussions added to the main sections of Horseadvice.com. Note that replies to discussions, and some member's only posting areas are not displayed here. For a complete listing of topics and posts please visit us at Horseadvice.com.

Laying down for long periods of time
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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Routine Horse Care: Geriatric Horse: Problems and Care : Laying down for long periods of time
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Posted by Patricia Bell on Thursday, Nov 1, 2007 - 12:30 pm:
I've got a 30 year old QH mare with of course age related arthritis. She is in a pasture with 3 pasture mates. She is good weight and everything so that's not a worry. Yesterday my plumber said that she was laying down for over two hours. Is that because she's old and needs more rest? She was up and eating when I got home and remained up until around 9:30. They were all laying down at that time. Should I worry about the length of time she's down?
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/3/212740.html

Chronic rear leg stiffness after colic surgery/casting event
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Spine, Back & Pelvis: Topics on Diseases of the Back Not Covered Above: Chronic rear leg stiffness after colic surgery/casting event
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Posted by Christine Libby on Thursday, Nov 1, 2007 - 1:30 pm:
My three year old Paint gelding severely coliced back at the end of May 2007. From rolling violently he casted himself in the pipe corral fence which left a large gash on his left rear cannon bone. He ended up having to have surgery and was then hung by all four legs on the crane like mechanism to get him on the operating table. It was torsion colic and it saved his life but now he is not sound. About a week after he came home from the hospital I noticed that he would occasionally stop and rest his left rear leg. He had a month of complete stall rest & daily hand walking twice a day. Months 2-3 consisted of daily hand walking and the occasional turnout in a small paddock after month two. The whole three months he still would stop and rest his left rear leg mostly at the beginning of our walks and always if we had to go up any type of slight incline. After month three post operative I started to slowly increase his exercise by larger turnout area 40 X 60, and easy lungeing. It only made him more sore so I had my regular vet out. They flexed him, lunged him, nerve blocked his left stifle and found no conclusive evidence that anything was wrong. She suggested that it was probably muscular and a scan could localize the problem but the therapy would be the same. More rest. After another month of rest and no change in his leg resting episodes I had a vet chiropractor out. He said that he had a tipped pelvis, his left hip was definately sore, lower back out of adjustment, withers were out of adjustment and his right side of his neck was sore. He did some accupuncture therapy on him, adjusted his neck and hips and gave him B12 shots. The horse has never been "lame" by normal terms, no head bobbing or obvious gait faults just "off". I have only tried riding a few times at the walk and he was very good, no behavioral problems but the next day he would be very reluctant to walk and consistanly rests his left rear leg. I am at the point now where I don't know what to do, who to turn to and what therapy is right to get this young horse back in shape, pain free and normal again. I am reluctant to give him bute because of his colic predisposition. HELP!
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/212741.html

Horse Accident in Illinois
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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Stories and Discussions: Horse Accident in Illinois
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Posted by Nicole Tucker on Thursday, Nov 1, 2007 - 5:28 pm:
Hey, not sure if ya'll had heard about this, so thought I'd post the link to the story.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-horse_weboct29%2C0%2C5960426.story? coll" target="_blank">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-horse_weboct29,0,5960426.story?coll =chi-stockticker-misc
Note: Pictures on the website show horses who are alive and being cared for, the dead horses are covered with tarps. Nicole
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/10/212742.html

New Cushings Diagnosis
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Endocrine System: Cushing's Syndrome and Pituitary Tumors: New Cushings Diagnosis
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Posted by Erika L on Wednesday, Oct 31, 2007 - 6:34 pm:
Dr. O, my 18 year old Saddlebred mare was recently diagnosed with Cushings via thyroid tests and Domperidone test. I did not see the Domperidone test in your article on Cushings. This mare does have typical signs of Cushings: long hair, little muscling, weird little hard fat patches while slim body build, exercise intolerance with easy sweating, etc. She also tends toward laminitis in the fall if I don't watch her like a hawk (slight episode this September, seems sound now), and a little arthritis. Boy! what a wreck for only eighteen! Seems to have aged rapidly in the past couple of years.

I realize that many horses that are prescribed Thyro-L really aren't low thyroid, but I am giving it to her on my vet's recommendation because of the Cushings diagnosis. Sugar is also getting .5 mg Pergolide/day (850lb horse). Now for the issue at hand: as stated in your article, many horses will test false positive for Cushings in the fall. Does that mean that I should retest later, or based on the physical presentation as typical, can I go ahead and trust this diagnosis?

Do you think in light of the Pergolide treatment that the Thyro-L is also necessary, or does the Pergolide help normalize the thyroid? Would love to keep my vet bills down if retesting isn't necessary. Any recommendations? Thanks, Erika
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/212736.html

Facial Whorls
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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Questions: Facial Whorls
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Posted by Julie Masner on Thursday, Nov 1, 2007 - 7:59 pm:
I can't find the discussion some members had about whorls and cowlicks. One of my new weanlings has two--middle of her face, one slightly above eye level and one below? I know some of you have been interested in this and would like to know what the thinking is on dual whorls! I'm getting a little feel for her personality, so this may be an interesting comparison. Wish I could remember who was studying this. Thanks, Julie
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/10/212743.html

Horse won't let me soak her foot
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: Hoof Abscesses, Bruises, and Gravels: Horse won't let me soak her foot
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Posted by Mary Persons on Thursday, Nov 1, 2007 - 8:57 pm:
My mare suddenly came up lame and the vet said it was an abscess. She trimmed and pared it, but said I still need to soak it at least twice a day in water and Epsom salts. I cannot get her to put her foot in the bucket; and the two times I did, she kept it in there for less than 30 seconds. I tried feeding her while soaking, but nothing works. I am at my wits end. I am at a complete loss and need suggestions. I don't have a barn with a stall yet and nowhere to really confine her. What do you do when the horse won't let it's foot be soaked??? Please help! I'm so worried.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/212744.html

Small corneal ulcer
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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Eye Diseases: Corneal Ulcers, Fungal and Bacterial Keratitis: Small corneal ulcer
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Posted by Judy Henslee on Thursday, Nov 1, 2007 - 10:51 pm:
One of our horses was squinting one eye yesterday morning. He had been fine the night before. We immediately put antibiotic ointment and atropine in the eye and made an appointment with the vet at 1 yesterday. The vet felt that there had been some trauma with a resultant corneal ulcer. She thought it looked deep, my husband thought. She gave the horse Banamine and said to give Bute 2 gm. 1 X day, atropine 2 times/ day, and antibiotic ointment 4 or more times per day. By last night the horse had his eye completely open and it looked shiny and normal, without discharge. It still looks fine. No tearing, no squinting, no discharge. We are continuing the treatment as recommended. We are going to be out of town for about 36 hours over the weekend. We are nervous about people scratching his cornea with the medicine tube itself. How long do you normally continue treatment? I understand that one risk with eye problems is healing over when a bacterial infection is lurking in the wound...resulting in a horrible infection, worsening ulceration, etc. When do you typically see this happen? I.E. how long after the eye appears to be healed (healing) are we at risk for this happening? I tried to click on "more" in your article Dr. O., but my computer wouldn't go there. Any help would be appreciated. We will call the vet with an update tomorrow, but would appreciate your opinion. Our horses are like our children. I want all the info I can get! Judy
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/212745.html

Care Tips
By visiting our Care Tips section you might learn how to throw away that manure fork and replace it with a hammock! Maybe not, but if you post a great and original tip you can have time added to your membership and we will pick up the tab and that is almost as good.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/3/667.html

Training Tips
Members, horses not cleaning their own stalls yet? Better yet a little training tip that has made your horses behavior or your riding much improved? Best training tips get published in the newsletter and if your tip is posted you get a month added to your membership and we pick up the tab.
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/7/668.html

Product Reviews
Have you found a great product you can no longer do without or how about a stinker that you want to warn other members about? We will publish the best organized reviews in the Newsletter and if yours is published we will add a month to your membership.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/board-auth.cgi?file=/10/5544.html