Posted on Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 - 9:46 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. To view replies click on the link to the discussion. For a complete listing of topics and discussions please visit us at Horseadvice.com and click on Today's Discussions.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract: Colic in Horses: An Overview of Colic: Research Summary:
Blood glucose in horses with acute abdominal disease
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 - 8:52 am:
Here is a somewhat techinical study that finds blood glucose concentrations of horses with acute colic having both diagnostic and prognostic information. Early a low blood glucose concentration was strongly indicative of a strangulating (like a twisted bowel) lesion while persistently elevated levels indicated a poorer prognosis. In general abnormal blood glucose concentrations were indicative of more serious disease and poorer survival. DrO

J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):1099-103.
Blood glucose in horses with acute abdominal disease.
Hollis AR, Boston RC, Corley KT. New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA 19348 ahollis@vet.upenn.edu
BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in critically ill humans is associated with increased glucose production and insulin resistance and is associated with death. This might also be true in horses presenting with acute abdominal disease. HYPOTHESIS: Throughout hospitalization, hyperglycemia will be common in adult horses presenting with acute abdominal disease. Hyperglycemia will be associated with a worse prognosis for survival to hospital discharge. ANIMALS: Two hundred sixty-nine adult horses with acute abdominal disease. METHODS: Observational retrospective study. Records were reviewed for 269 horses that had glucose data analysed and recorded at the time of hospital admission: 154 horses had a first sample after admission; 110 horses at 24 hours after admission; 74 horses at 36 hours after admission; and 49 horses at 48 hours after admission. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of glucose concentrations with survival, in addition to the association of glucose concentrations with surgical, small intestinal, strangulating lesions, and lesions requiring a resection. RESULTS: Of 269 horses presenting with acute abdominal disease, 50.2% had blood glucose concentrations greater than the reference range (75.6-131.4 mg/dL); 0.4%, below the reference range; and 49.4%, within the reference range at admission. Of 269 horses, 2.3% had blood glucose concentrations below the reference range at some point during the first 48 hours of hospitalization, all of which had strangulating intestinal lesions. Horses that did not survive to hospital discharge had a higher mean blood glucose concentration at admission; at the first sample after admission; at 24, 36, and 48 hours after admission; and higher maximum and minimum blood glucose concentrations in the first 24 hours after admission. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Derangements of blood glucose concentration are common in horses with acute abdominal disease. Hyperglycemia is much more common than hypoglycemia in these animals. Hyperglycemia in the first 48 hours of hospitalization is associated with a worse prognosis for survival to hospital discharge.

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Fats and Oils in the Diet of Horses: Research Summary:
Effects of Fatty Acid supplemention on blood levels
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 - 8:28 am:
Unlike other species horses on diets with severely restricted essenetial fatty acid content do not show problems in one (and only) study that severely restricted the intake for a long period of time. The reason is unclear. In this study the question to be answered is what does supplementation do to the blood levels of essential and nonessential fatty acids. Supplementation resulted in a marked increase in blood levels, now if we only knew what this meant from a health stand point. Stay tuned... DrO

J Anim Sci. 2008 Jan 11;
Circulating fatty acid profiles in response to three levels of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses.
King SS, Abughazaleh AA, Webel SK, Jones KL.
Department of Animal Science, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Fatty acids of the omega-3 type confer health benefits to humans and other species. Their importance to equine physiology could include improved exercise tolerance, decreased inflammation and improved reproductive function. The circulating fatty acid profile for the horse and the acquisition and washout of fatty acids in response to omega-3 supplementation were determined in the present study. A fatty acid supplement high in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docohexaenoic (DHA) acid was fed to deliver EPA plus DHA at 0 (control), 10, 20, or 40 g/d to 16 mares (n = 4/group) for 28 d. Plasma was collected at -11, 3, 7, 10, 16, 23, 30, 37, 44, 70, and 87 d relative to beginning of supplementation. Plasma was analyzed for the presence of 35 fatty acids by gas chromatography. Fatty acid concentrations were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measures. Plasma EPA and DHA increased (P

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings: Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin: Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin:
Research Summary: Topical stannous fluoride for bacterial infection
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 - 8:36 am:
A new topical antibacterial gel shows promise for treating bacterial skin infections which could include scratches and dermatophilus.
DrO

Vet Dermatol. 2007 Dec;18(6):444-50.
Investigation on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a 0.4% topical stannous fluoride preparation (MedEquine Gel) for the treatment of bacterial skin infections in horses: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Marsella R, Akucewich L.
Blanche Saunders Dermatology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. MarsellaR@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu
The purpose of this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a novel gel containing 0.4% stannous fluoride (MedEquine) for the treatment of cutaneous bacterial infections in horses. Twenty privately owned horses diagnosed with bacterial skin infections based on physical findings and cytology results were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a placebo or an active ingredient treatment group. The product was applied on affected areas daily for 4 weeks. Cytology and clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Owners scored pruritus weekly. Both owners and investigators were blinded to the allocation to the groups. At the end of the study, stannous fluoride gel treatment significantly decreased the investigator's clinical scores and owners' pruritus scores while no significant changes were detected in the vehicle treatment group. At the end of the trial, none of the horses in the stannous fluoride group required additional therapy while four of ten horses in the vehicle group required systemic therapy to resolve the infection. No adverse effects were detected in any of the groups. The gel formulation made compliance easier for owners compared to the traditional bathing regimen and allowed spot treatment, which was particularly helpful in animals with localized infections. These favourable aspects of the treatment were highlighted by the owners of the horses enrolled in the study. In conclusion, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (MedEquine) was an effective and safe therapy for the topical management of bacterial skin infections in the horses included in the study.

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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Dewormers (Anthelminics) : Quest (moxidectin):
Quest and Debilitated Horses?
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Posted by Natalie Sorscher on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 - 11:47 pm:
Hi Dr. O,
I'm a little anxious about Quest, though I understand from your article and several threads on the site that it's not as dangerous as some people would suggest. You mention in the article that Quest is not suitable for debilitated horses. Could you please elaborate on this? Specifically, my horse is recovering from a Staph infection and has persistent severe lameness in one leg - should I seek a substitute?
Thank you, Natalie

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Behavior and Training: Topics Not Covered Above:
Training with limited resources
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Posted by Heidi M. on Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 - 9:54 pm:
Hi. I admit I've avoided posting in a few months due to feeling like an amateur among way more experienced horse people. But here goes anyway. I want very much to train my three=year-old gelding to trail ride. What do I lack? A round pen, a corral, a level yard, a paddock in which to separate Coyote from the rest of the herd including his pseudo-mother mule while I train him, enough money to purchase a $500 set of training tapes, and serious training experience. What do I have? Almost 30 years of trail riding experience, a sincere respect for horses, an occasional burst of common sense, and (yes, believe it or not), time. I could really use some ideas and encouragement out there. I'd also like to know what precautions I can take to avoid as much as possible getting hurt while training. I admit my gelding kicked out at me a few months ago while I was longeing him, and it really bothered me. I got after him well enough to regain his respect (by the end of the lesson, he was doing that foal biting response that I've read means submission). I'm a Type A personality, and that is also against me. But I'd really like to see this thing through, as he's the first foal I've ever raised from birth and he's got many qualities that I will have a hard time finding elsewhere. So, go ahead...give it your best shot. Just please don't talk over my head.

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses:
Dressage Suitability: What do you guys think?
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Posted by Gwen Robison on Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 - 8:18 pm:
So I have my sweet ottb, and we are cruising along with our everyday horse stuff. Some days better than others (horrible day last Saturday, in which he was a TURKEY on the lunge line). I am wondering though, how we are doing with our training.
My trainer and I have been working with him since late August (usually 1 lesson and 1-2 trains a week). Now it is mid January, and we are still focusing on the same issues as we were then. I am questioning the "status quo", but am feeling so badly about it. I adore my trainer, and consider her a wonderful friend.
To put it clearly, he is still very inconsistent within the rhythm of his trot, and that is what we continue to try to develop. To me, this is a very basic skill that we should be beyond (for the most part) by now. My trainer rarely gets on him because she says she doesn't feel comfortable getting on him when he is being "fresh"-his fresh is not the typical tb fresh-even I am not apprehensive. I respect her though, and know that this is something that she has always been up front about. At this stage in her life, she doesn't want to take risks like that. She seems to do some nice work with him on the lunge line, but I can't help but wish I could see some growth.
I addressed this with her, and she said that her method takes a great deal of patience (which I totally get-there are no artificial aides or "short-cuts"). I have asked her about sending him to a trainer (or her) for a few months, to solidify his skills for me, and she feels strongly that this is a bad idea. She feels that when horses are sent off, they learn to respond to the trainer, then when the owner gets them back, it is a whole new learning curve.
Am I being impatient? I would love some thoughts. Thanks, guys!

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Care Tips
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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.
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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 Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 - 9:17 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. To view replies click on the link to the discussion. For a complete listing of topics and discussions please visit us at Horseadvice.com and click on Today's Discussions.

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HorseAdvice.com: Training & Conditioning Horses: Behavior and Training: Halter Training and Tying Horses:
Research Summary: Hereditability of Behavioral Traits

Posted by Imogen Bertin on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 5:57 pm:
Though not a surprise to most breeders here is work that supports the idea that behavior is hereditable. Noting the response of the horse to 4 aspects of examination I presume they compared them to other horses with the same parentage and found correlations that led thme to their conclusions.
DrO

J Anim Breed Genet. 2007 Aug;124(4):185-91.
Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation for behavioural responses by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

Oki H, Kusunose R, Nakaoka H, Nishiura A, Miyake T, Sasaki Y. Japan Racing Association, Equine Research Institute, Tokami-cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi, Japan.

Genetic variation of the behaviour of racehorses is one of the major concerns for racehorse breeders. In this study, the heritabilities of behavioural responses to the inspections of conjunctiva, auscultation and blood sampling and the genetic correlations among them were estimated in the Thoroughbred racehorse. The estimation was done with Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling based on the univariate or bivariate threshold animal models. The behavioural responses were scored with four categories at the first entrance quarantine in Miho Training Center of Japan Racing Association from 1993 to 1995. The behavioural responses were treated as categorical or binary traits, with both showing similar results. The estimated heritabilities were in the range of 0.23-0.28, suggesting a genetic component in the variation on these traits. The estimated genetic correlations among the traits were very high (approximately 0.9), suggesting that these behavioural responses may be measures of the same trait. Because of the high genetic correlations, repeatability threshold model was applied assuming the responses to be a genetically identical trait measured with three different tests. The estimated heritabilities (approximately 0.23) were at the lower bound of the former estimates. The revealed high repeatabilities (0.97-0.98) suggest a strong contribution of the individual temperament on the behaviour of racehorses.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Respiratory System: Foal Pneumonia: Rhodococcus: Research Summary:
Tulathromycin (Draxxin®) Use in Lung Abscess

Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 8:59 am:
This might be huge but does require some further study. In this study one small dose injection once a week of a widely available and affordable antibiotic was effective in curing lung abscesses of unknown etiology in foals! The work needs to be further studied for rhodococcus in particular but this looks very promising and may have other uses in the horse where a macrolide is indicated. For more see the article on Rhodococcus.
DrO

Vet J. 2007 Sep;174(2):418-21.
Evaluation of tulathromycin in the treatment of pulmonary abscesses in foals.

Venner M, Kerth R, Klug E. Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover D-30173, Germany.

Tulathromycin is a new injectable macrolide antibiotic used for the treatment of pulmonary diseases of swine and cattle. In this study, 37 foals with sonographic evidence of lung abscesses were treated with tulathromycin and 33 foals (group 2) with a combination of azithromycin once daily for the first seven days of therapy, thereafter every other day) and rifampin. The bacterial aetiological agent was not determined. The foals were only mildly sick and the median number of pulmonary abscesses was 1.4 (group 1) and 1.6 (group 2). Thirty foals in each group were treated without modifying therapy protocols until all clinical signs of disease had subsided. Tulathromycin was administered for a mean of 53 days, and azithromycin/rifampin for 42 days. The following side effects were associated with tulathromycin (279 IM injections): self-limiting diarrhoea in 11 foals; elevated temperature in six foals, and swellings at the injection site in 12 foals. This study provides some evidence that tulathromycin is well tolerated and appears promising for the treatment of pulmonary abscesses in foals.

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HorseAdvice.com: Training & Conditioning Horses: Muscoskeletal Conditioning: Exercise Physiology and Conditioning: Research Summary:
Creatine Supplementation and Muscle Physiology

Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 9:24 am:
We have been saying all along there was no support for the use of creatine as a training aid and here is some work that looked and did not find a benefit to the use of this popular supplement.
DrO

J Anim Sci. 2005 Mar;83(3):579-85.
Aerobic training, but not creatine supplementation, alters the gluteus medius muscle.

D'Angelis FH, Ferraz GC, Boleli IC, Lacerda-Neto JC, Queiroz-Neto A. Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal Campus, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of creatine on the muscular responses to aerobic training. Twelve purebred Arabian horses were submitted to aerobic training for 90 d, with and without creatine supplementation, and evaluated with respect to BW and BCS and to the area and frequency of the different types of muscle fibers in the gluteus medius. Supplementation consisted of the daily administration of 75 g of creatine monohydrate mixed into the ration for the 90 d of training. Physical conditioning was conducted on a high-performance treadmill, and training intensity was stipulated by calculating the velocity at which blood lactate reaches 4 mmol/L, determined monthly for each animal. The individual intensity of physical force at 80% of aerobic threshold was established. Morphometry of gluteus medius muscle fibers was performed on frozen sections processed for histochemical analysis of myosin adenosine triphosphatase and immunohistochemistry of slow-contracting myosin. The results demonstrated that the animals maintained a moderate BCS without alteration of BW during the course of training, providing evidence of equilibrium between food intake and caloric expenditure during the study period. The present study demonstrated that aerobic training for 90 d caused hypertrophy of fiber types I (P = 0.04), IIA (P = 0.04), and IIX (P = 0.01), as well as an increase in the relative area occupied by type I fibers (P = 0.02) at the expense of type IIX fibers (P = 0.03), resulting in modifications of the contractile and metabolic characteristics of the gluteus medius muscle. It was not possible to show any beneficial effect from creatine on the skeletal muscle characteristics examined.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Joint, Bone, Ligament Diseases: Arthritis and DJD: An Overview :
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Aggressive strategy for rehabbing OTTB

Posted by Laura Welch on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 4:59 pm:
I am currently evaluating youngsters (3-4 YO) to retrain off the track -- as I have done many times. However, I wondered, Dr. O, if you have any advice on an optimal strategy for halting nascent degenerative joint disease and setting the stage for maximum useful life for my new guy? I know I can't undo what's done, but might aggressive interventions stop damage from progressing?
I'll get a PPE, but that can only tell me the horse's state at the moment (probably won't get films--some OTTBs are sound with ugly radiographs while others X-ray clean and are lame soon after). It's often impossible to know if a trainer used (damaging) steroids indiscriminately, and there's almost always some joint wear/damage from over-training as babies.
Do you think there's any value in "proactive" interventions in a sound horse with suspect history--in essence assuming that there IS subclinical DJD and treating it? My vet loves IM Adequan, and I'm financially able to use it on the "can't hurt, might help" theory (my old warmblood mare seems to do well with a course of it every fall). I give high-dose oral PSGAGs/HA (Cosequin, Recovery EQ and CortaFLX) on the same principle. But what about a more aggressive strategy? Even IA triamcinolone acetate -- since it's had some reported broad benefit -- or IA Adequan or Legend?
I'm about 7 for 10 keeping OTTBs sound long-term (enough for 3' hunters and first/second level dressage). If finances are no object, might there be a benefit to treating key joints upon arrival--with appropriate rehab and physical conditioning--to get the horse stabilized and on the road to long-term soundness?

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Tack and Training: Tack and Training topics not covered by the above:
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Bareback pad and halter feels safer!

Posted by Winifred on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 3:26 pm:
Hi, I'm an older rider, in my fifties, with fears that I didn't used to have. I have a paint gelding and, most recently, a 15.2 hand Haflinger pony, both of which are extremely sweet-natured horses.
Far more experienced riders than I have recommended this bit and that, and this saddle and that, but the only time I am truly comfortable on either of them is either bareback, or, better, with a bareback pad, and just reins attached to the halter. These far more experienced riders tell me that I am insane, that I need leverage and control, but my thinking is that I would rather sacrifice leverage and control for the danger of being dragged by a stirrup: that's my big fear. Plus, it just seems so friendly, and the horse can respond to my leg. And, so far, both do.
I'm sure there's the chance that if either horse spooked and ran, that i'd stand a far better chance of staying on with a saddle but there's that falling off and getting a boot caught in the stirrup thing.
Please, if there's anyone out there who can relate, reply.

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Horse Pasture, Fencing, Barns: Barn Design and Layout:
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Outdoor Water Tank Repair

Posted by Dove2 on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 5:57 pm:
Ooops, I burned a hole about one third way up on my hard plastic water tank with the electric floating heater. Can anyone suggest a way I can repair the hole? It's burned clear through in a shape that looks like a "W." Are there safe vs. non-safe sealers? Help!

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HorseAdvice.com: Training & Conditioning Horses: Behavior and Training: Working Around Horses Safely:
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Problems returning to barn after ride

Posted by Jennifer Vorsteg on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 - 11:05 am:
I'm hoping someone has some good advice for this problem. My horse is on great behavior during our ride but when we start to head back to the barn he becomes agitated and gigs badly. This doesn't happen all the time and I can't figure out what the triggers are, but I need some help on how to handle it. Just as background, we have two large fields. We ride in one field and to go back to the barn we have to pass through a gate to enter the other field. He acts up worse in the first field and generally calms down as we get closer to the barn. Everything we've tried worked at first, but it doesn't last. We've tried circling and backing him up, but he fights back and we're afraid he's going to rear. We've tried serpentining our way back to keep him focused on us but that doesn't work anymore either - he bulges and tenses up and acts like an idiot. We tried doing our work in the area beside the gate and he was very tense most of the time, calming down a little, but when headed through the gate he got agitated again. If you get off and walk him back he's also bad. He is ridden with another horse who is completely calm. Any ideas on what to try?

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Localizing Lameness in the Horse :
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Protecting hind leg when turning on forehand

Posted by Carla McKenzie on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 - 10:41 am:
I'm not sure how to interpret this, but occasionally, my mare will "protect" her left hind leg when asked to move her haunches to the right. She doesn't do it consistently and will also sometimes protect the right hind when moving the haunches to the left. By protecting I mean she steps off the weighted leg quickly. She can do a normal, crossing turn on the forehand either direction, but every so often she seems to take a bad step, especially on the concrete or when coming out of the gate. As far as I can tell, she is sound under normal riding conditions and doesn't seem to struggle with lateral work.
I'm asking because I tend to be a little hyper sensitive to irregularities in this mare. I had the vet out a few years ago for some NQR-ness and her canter does feel a little funky from time to time (sometimes funky to the left, sometimes the right), so I was planning on having the vet out soon for another lameness evaluation. The original diagnosis/prescription was back alignment, esp. the sacroilliac and the chiropractor. It helped tremendously, but being such a subjective treatment, I still worry and tend to be overly critical.
Thanks for the help.
Carla

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Localizing Lameness in the Horse :
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Tailing altering and hind end lameness

Posted by Karen Boso on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 5:03 pm:
We just purchased a mare who was shown successfully on the ApHC circuit (2X World Champion in Hunter Under Saddle). We found out that early in her career her tail was fixed/altered (whatever you want to call it). Also, early in her career they started seeing a hind end lameness with muscle deterioration in the hip. I've been reading up on tail fixing and have seen that it can cause major issues. Her tail is a mess - very sad. Has a huge kink in it and trembles when you massage and move the vertebrae around. Could the lameness be associated with the tail? What would you recommend?

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Upper Front Limb: Overview of Lameness of the Knee (Carpus):
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Yearling knees
Posted by ann on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 - 9:43 am:
Attached is a photo of my warmblood filly, taken last fall when she was 14 months old. Normal at birth, her knees rather than staying flat have developed a slight puffiness in front, rather than the flat knees of my other yearling. She's perfectly sound and has never been injured and her knees appear the same on both sides. Is this something I should worry about?[Chloe 14 months.JPG]

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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.
http://www.horseadvice.com/cgi-bin/advisor/board-auth.cgi?file=/10/5544.html

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: Product Reviews: Other: Got something that does not seem to fit in above?:
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Steward Clogs for Ringbone

Posted by Lisa Zieman on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 7:33 pm:
I have to share my thrill with how well the Steward Clogs work for my rescue horse with bilateral high ringbone. I've had him a little over a year now, and he was quite lame when I got him. The vet said to just rocker and roll the toe (excuse me if I don't quite have that expression right), and that no shoe would work better than that. So, for about a year, that's what I did. I gave him regular Bute and Naproxen, particularly in the winter. He was still lame however. Well, about 8 weeks ago, my new farrier recommended trying the Steward Clog. Wow! What a difference. He no longer appears lame at all. I've quit giving him regular NSAIDs. A pair costs $20, and can usually be reset a time or two. Of course there's the additional cost of shoeing, vs. the cheap barefoot trim. I would recommend that anyone in a similar position consider trying these! I wish I would have a year ago!

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Posted on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 11:29 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.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract: Weight Loss in Horses: Lawsonia intracellularis & Proliferative Enteropathy: Research Summary: Case Study of Outbreak of Proliferative Enteropathy in Canada
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Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Friday, Jan 11, 2008 - 9:33 am:
Here we present the summary of a case study of an outbreak of Proliferative Enteropathy on a Canadian farm that we present here to make breeders more aware of this growing disease problem of weight loss and diarrhea in weanlings, for more see the article associated with this discussion. DrO
Can Vet J. 2007 September; 48(9): 927â??930. An outbreak of protein-losing enteropathy associated with Lawsonia intracelluaris infection was diagnosed in 6 standardbred foals from a farm in Ontario. Wildlife exposure may have been involved in the perpetuation of disease in this outbreak. The clinical presentation, treatment, outcomes, and pathological findings are described.
In December 2002â??January 2003 over a 4-week period, protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) as a result of Lawsonia intracellularis infection was diagnosed in 6 standardbred weanlings (2 colts, 4 fillies) on a farm in southwestern Ontario. All foals were between 7 and 8 mo of age when presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Veterinary Teaching Hospital (OVC-VTH) for diarrhea and weight loss. All 6 affected foals had been born on this farm and, following weaning at 5 mo of age, had been housed outside in 2 groups according to sex. A further 18 foals on the farm remained clinically normal. No previous cases of PLE had been reported from this particular ownerâ??s herd. However, the farm on which the 6 affected foals had been raised had been purchased 2 y earlier. Six years before, in 1997, while under the management of the previous owner, PLE associated with Lawsonia intracellularis had been diagnosed in 3 foals from this farm at the Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph. Between 2000 and 2001, no horses had been on the farm for approximately 12 mo. The 6 foals in this 2002â??2003 outbreak were of a different breed and were unrelated to the previous cases. The current ownerâ??s breeding herd had been moved from a farm where PLE had not been identified.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Lower Limb: Annular Ligament Constriction: Annular Ligament Constriction
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Posted by Natalie Sorscher on Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - 3:07 pm:
Hi Dr Oglesby,
My Morab gelding, age 17, is suspected to have constriction of the annular ligament (front left) following an SDF tendon injury from March 2006. The vet has not confirmed this by nerve block yet (he planned to recently but was foiled by an open submandibular abcess) but has ruled out some other possibilities with radiographs. I have a couple of questions about what I've observed in my gelding with regards to annular ligament constriction:
His lameness seems more severe than your article and the existing discussions describe. He will not extend his front left leg past his right leg to take a step at any time. Is this degree of unsoundness atypical?
While there was heat all the way up his front leg when he initially became lame (one month ago), what very little heat remains seems localized right over his heel, is this to be expected?
If there were necrotic tissue in his tendon, would anything I could observe indicate its presence?
The gelding's lameness occurred immediately following his kicking out and taking off on the longe line during rehab. He literally went from sound at the trot to unable to walk in a matter of seconds - is this typical?
If I haven't provided enough background information, please let me know. I just didn't want to go on ad nauseum. Thank you so much for your help and for making all the information you do available online.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract: Colic in Horses: Enteroliths in Horses: Diagnosing possible Enterolith
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Posted by Sara Wolff on Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008 - 8:22 am:
Our 19 yr. old mare went to the vet yesterday morning with what appeared to be mild colic. She had a similar episode this past New Year's eve day. She was just not interested in breakfast, and had been lying down. Yesterday a.m. it looked a bit worse than the first episode and when I went in the barn she was lying out flat and kind of moaning. It also looked like she'd been pacing a lot and had rolled.
At the vet's her heart rate and respiration rate was slightly elevated. She had low grade fever both times. She was passing stool, and when tubed nasally, there was some gas but not a lot. Yesterday blood work was done, but the results won't be back until late this afternoon at the earliest.
After being seen by the vet yesterday I almost took her home, but he suggested I leave her so he could observe her. Around 4p.m. he called me and said he'd like to keep her overnight as there was something just not right. I just received a call this morning at 5:30a.m. saying she seemed to be in a lot of pain even though two hours earlier she had seemed fine. At 5:30a.m she was sweating heavily, pacing and rolling. He gave her Banamine and something else (sorry, it didn't register as I was still half asleep.) He is thinking she may have an enterolith, but without complete blockage. The other options would be possible something with her liver or an other organ, but we couldn't know that until blood work comes back. Her only other symptom is that she seems "ouchy" in her flank area.
Does this sound like an enterolith? Would she have had more colic episodes if it were? Would ulcers present this way? Aside from tearing her ACL on her knee, she's always been very healthy. She had one very mild episode of colic several years ago; I walked her, she passed stool, and then was fine. That is the only other time she's had even a mild colic.

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Behavior and Training: Topics Not Covered Above: Natural response to happiness or spook = head toss/buck
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Posted by Cheryl.L.Moran on Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008 - 8:06 pm:
Hi everyone. I raised my gelding from 3M. I do all sorts of desensitizing ground work (Parelli) and he has been under saddle for a year now. He will be 5 in MAY. He has always been very gentle to do ground work with and a solid citizen under saddle; really a true joy to work with.
As I watched him grow up out in my pasture I always took note that he had a natural tendency to throw his head down, shake it back and forth, do a little bucking and take off in a canter .... when he got excited or a little spooked. Usually it was during play but I always figured this would come in to play one day when I was on him.
We worked for a LONG time without this ever happening while I was on him. Including training while breaking to saddle, working while very green, working sessions as he grew, trail rides, casual rides in open pasture, etc. I would have considered him pretty much spookless until a few weeks ago!)
Well? I was on board a few weeks ago, during sort of strong winds (duh.) We had a great, short training session. Starting with some lunging in the round pen, followed by walk, trot work in the arena - which all went great even considering the high winds. I decided to walk him out in the open pasture (not uncommon for us) and he got a little tense about a distant neighbor walking around in camoflauge. The neighbor was working in his yard and as we got closer the neighbor started banging on something and off we went! 1st was the head down, 2nd the head toss, 3rd the buck and then the canter and bucking across the field ensued. I chickened out and pretty much let myself fall off. I was so mad I fell off and I felt that if I had just thought positive thoughts instead of thinking I was about to die I could have ridden it out. He's really so big that he cant really get too rambunctious!
I got back on........rode.......got off.......got back on and then finished with a trail ride through the woods and he was fine.
(sorry for the long note but I want you to understand what is going on so that no one thinks he is sore, or ill mannered)
Ok - tonight I rode. Same story. He was fine in the round pen, we had some very pleasant walk - trot work in the arena - followed by a walk through the open pasture. ( I like to reward him with a nice, relaxing, fun ride after we work). We did great in the field until he saw a different neighbor out working in his yard. And the guy's yappy dogs were barking. I felt the horse tense a little. So, remembering my last experience I starting thinking positive. I began keeping the horse's mind busy with a little circling, stop, go, circle, etc. Staying calm and reinforcing a positive experience. He was doing nicely so I decided enough was enough and went to walk him back to the house. Well, then he let two squirrels scare him! Off we went. Head down, head tossing, buck, canter, buck, etc. I STAYED ON! I wasnt about to give up this time. He was going to have to give me all he had to dump me.
I really dont think he's trying to get rid of me or sore or anything. I think it is just what he does.
It all happens so fast. Other than being a little tense I hardly have time to see the initial head down sign coming.
As I brought him back to planet earth and got to quit bucking I gave him a scolding and gave him some sharp 'corrections' with my reins/bit. I know it's probably not the best way to handle it but all I could think is that I HAD to let him know this stuff is unacceptable.
Obviously the common issue is people walking around in distance. I can work on that but how do I work with the head down, head toss, buck thing????
Thanks everyone. You always provide some good insight!!!

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Tack and Training: Questions on Training Aids: Leather cavesson
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Posted by Lori on Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008 - 9:31 pm:
I have been given a leather cavesson to use for lunging. It is nice leather, it has a throatlash, an adjustment on the noseband, this one also has and extra piece that does up under the jowls half way between the noseband and the throatlash. Over the noseband it has several metal rings for attaching the lunge line. What is bothering me is the weight of the noseband. Since the metal is fairly good quality it is also quite heavy, like two or three times heavier than any bridle. Has anyone had experience with a cavesson like this? I am concerned that it simply is too heavy. Thanks for the help.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings: Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin: Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin: Hair Loss Surrounding Abscess
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Posted by Natalie Sorscher on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 12:09 am:
Hi Dr. Oglesby,
My gelding had a submandibular abscess from a Staph infection. It opened about a week ago. It's pretty circular and large - about three inches in diameter. The wound seems to be healing well so far. Since the abscess opened, he has lost all the hair within two to three inches of the wound. Is this par for the course? What could be causing the hair loss? Following my vet's advice, I'm washing the wound with water and gentle soap and using a spray he gave me two to three times daily.
Thank you!

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings: Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin: Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin: Dermotopholis?
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Posted by Mary Dobbs on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 1:21 am:
Hi Dr.O, Thanks again for this wonderful website! On Jan 2nd, our 3 1/2 yr old Andalusian stallion named Shambhala or Sham presented many quarter or nickel size welts on his sides, a large patch of hair coming off from his topline in the saddle area, under his long winter coat and many smaller bumps on his muzzle,jaw, near his eyes, on his stomach, behind his front legs and near his sheath. Vet wasn't sure what it was, 2nd vet suggested Dermotopolis. Have been giving him antibiotics and hydroxizine for itching. The scabs are very sore when removed. Just read your information about dermotopolis, photo of the scab and hair is identical to Sham's. Have used some diluted Betadine, but Sham very reluctant to allow us to put it on him. It seems it may be a burning feeling for him. Tried using warm water and betadine, made no difference. Will continue to try and wash areas, but Colorado winter coat is long and thick and weather cold. Have noticed he doesnt look as thrifty as he should. He was on good leafy alfalfa hay and small amount of grain last winter and good grass hay, small amount of grain and pasture this summer. Not sure why he isnt looking really great, as he receives excellent care? He is usually wormed 3 - 4 X a year and is due for another worming. He is not in training yet and is not under saddle. He has a large clean stall with a connected paddock. He is unblanketed as he prefers no blanket. He does love to roll in both paddock and pasture. Any suggestions you can make would be gratefully appreciated. He is on excellent high protein grass /alfalfa mix hay and very small amount of Equine Adult grain; with daily turnout on a 2 acre pasture paddock with good grass for several hours. thanks so much, Mary Wind Horse Farm Colorado

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings: Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin: Rain Rot and Rain Scald: Dermatophilus: Hives, bumps, rain rot, fungus??
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Posted by Pinehurst on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 10:39 am:
* 9 year old bay KWPN gelding * Have owned for 2 years * Just over 2 months began showing small hives all over his sides; small bumps in large clusters spread over his sides. * Thoroughly checked stall, paddock, etc and no changes to anything in his routine (shavings, hay, flyspray, etc). * Have been consistently there for 2 months; change positions, show up in different places within these sites, but most consistently on sides, back and rump, stifle * We have tried several things: anti-fungal shampoos and treatments, oral steroids, dex, and some super expensive Chinese Herbs the vet recommended. None have had an effect. * Hives have gotten larger when they appear now, and sometimes appear in a line on his side. Some small crusty bumps (vet thought was dermatophulus) also appeared at the top of his buttocks. * I shaved his entire body close this past week to eliminate hair being a part of the factor. There were some tiny round spots without hair on the top of the rump (presumably the dermatophilus) * The hives/small bumps continue to appear in various places around his sides and now down onto his legs. On some of the hives there seems to be slight thickness; He has some scaly patches of dry skin beside. * The large hives are very hot to the touch, but do not seem to bother him. The small bumps are not warm, and also do not seem to bother him (other than trying to clip over them!) * He is not itching/biting at them, but for a while seemed generally listless/uneasy. He has since gotten back to his old personality, but the bumps persist. * He has never once had any fungus issues, skin conditions, etc in the 2 years we have had him...though muddy weather, drought, etc. he has always had perfect skin and coat. Always been easy to care for, not sensitive to changes in weather, environment, etc. * He is of excellent health, and has a shiny glossy coat otherwise. Even clipped right down, there is a good gloss to his coat. * During the day he shares a one acre grass paddock with another horse, who does not exhibit any of these symptoms. We have tried changing the paddocks, etc but still no change nor changes in any of the other horses in the barn...lives in a 12x12 stall with shavings overnight * He gets a 10% pellet, joint supplement, showing chaff, beet pulp and occasionally flax seed (nothing new). On a 3-way rotational worming schedule. * He is curried and groomed daily * He in in a regular work program 5-6 days/week
I took some pictures of some of the larger hives the other day, but do not have them on this computer...I can try to upload later if that may help?
Any ideas on the obvious that we may be missing, or alternatives to try?? We are already down nearly $600 playing guesswork on how to fix it.

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Stories and Discussions: NAIS- for your information
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Posted by Chris Doyle on Saturday, Jan 12, 2008 - 4:29 pm:
I have just been notified that the USDA is planning on using breed registries to implement the livestock identity program, starting as early as March 08. I (being computer stupid) was unable to upload the actual article, but the following will lead you to it. We all need to be aware of this, as it is going to be shoved down our throats if we don't watch out. [] 46.7 K Nationwide-flyer-080112.pdf ""
If you go to the website- farmandranchfreedom.org, then click on action alerts, then click on Jan. 11 you will get to see the article on 'breed registries'. Am very sorry I am not computer literate enough to post it here for you. Thanks for reading, Chris Doyle

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Stories and Discussions: Starving Horses article in today's LA Times
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Posted by Susanne Ryder on Sunday, Jan 13, 2008 - 5:41 pm:
In today's Sunday LA Times there is a story on the front page about the epidemic of starving horses brought on by drought conditions in the Southeast (as well as by new horse owners who have bought, bred, or otherwise created a situation they can't now afford) and some of the rescue operations under way. A similar article in the Wall St Journal a week or two ago focused on this situation too not and not just in drought-affected areas.
Does anyone know anyone who is directly involved in rescue operations in these areas - if possible I would like to know somewhere we can donate where the contribution would go directly to help out some of these horses!!

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings: Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin: Coronary Band Disease: Coronitis: Coronitis linked to leg swelling??
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Posted by Pinehurst on Sunday, Jan 13, 2008 - 9:53 pm:
We know of a horse whose owner has said he has cellulitis...has had it for several years, is worse in summer time than other times of the year. He's a big warmblood, 7 this year.
We took a look at him today, and the first thing I noticed was the tufted fur and raw skin on all four coronet bands; looked consistent with coronitis as described and shown in your articles here.
However, he also had severe swelling in his right hind leg from coronet to hock. Reminded me of lymphangitis, but just in the one leg, was NOT sore on it, trotted and cantered completely sound. They said that several times throughout the year it will just blow up like that....that they used DEX to try to control it.
Is this consistent with cellulitis? Does that go hand and hand with the coronary band issues?
Is cellulitis a fairly manageable condition, or does it worsen chronically with time? Any ideas of the costs that would be associated if one were to try to maintain a horse with this (or these) conditions (obviously varying by area, vet, but ballpark treatments)?
Thanks!!

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: First Aid: Taking Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration: Digital Thermometers
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Posted by Ilona A on Sunday, Jan 13, 2008 - 10:19 pm:
Dr O, Are mercury thermometers still more accurate considering the improvements of technology. I am about to order a thermometer and would like a recommendation if possible. Thank you. Ilona

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Routine Horse Care: Equine Dentistry: Swelling on face of 10 day old foal
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Posted by Ilona A on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 12:17 am:
Dr O. This foal is 10 days old, developed this swelling, I don't know if it is the result of toxin or teeth (too young for teeth I think). I have attached a picture and it is clear on the RHS. Benadryl and antibiotics were recommended...does this sound right? [HORSES FOAL SWOLLEN FACE.jpg]

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Hoof Care, Hoof Trimming, Shoeing Horses : Care of the Hoof: an Overview : Amateur Farrier Hour
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Posted by Stacy Upshaw on Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 12:23 am:
Okay I'm here tonight to give all you other amateur farriers a giggle...
Turns out that as you gain more confidence with a hoof knife and sometimes cut towards yourself you shouldn't be mouth-breathing. Neither do I recommend carrying on conversation with your three yo about any topic lest you get what I did - a nice meaty piece of frog in the MOUTH!!! YUCK! GROSS!! I'm still not over it...
On another topic, do any of you clean your tools in between horses? I do 6 at my farm and 2 at a friend's place. I wonder if I could be sharing fungus or bacteria, but I have never seen a professional sanitize tools at all. Any thoughts?

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Care Tips
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Training Tips
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Product Reviews
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - 10:06 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.

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Stories and Discussions:
Am I too old to do this?
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Posted by Cyd Schlotzhauer on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 3:11 am:
OK, here goes. I'm a new member and have been on this site for a couple hours now reading all your stories, questions, and advice. So I want to know what you think.
I'm 53 yrs old and here is my story so far....
My daughter and I bought a very calm, beautiful broodmare (Palomino in foal) We sent her to a local trainer and she came back a mess (sores all over her head, headshy, and scared of everything). They told me she broke 4 halters and couldn't be tied in cross-ties or the hitching posts because they weren't strong enough for her. They told me she was not the horse for me (I am too inexperienced), I could ride in a restricted area, but they said she was way too spooky for the trails.
I had groomed her, longed her, and we were doing so well together, I decided to ride her for the first time in the roundpen one day by myself. (i know, WRONG) We took maybe 10 steps forward, she spooked, bucked, was turning in circles and the next thing I know I was slammed into the railing, drug for a bit, and then once I was unseated, fell to the ground.
Result: broken ribs, contusions, etc, and a 5 week medical leave. The scariest thing I have ever done, is get on my daughters horse 8 weeks later in that roundpen. I was nearly in tears, but I did it.
We are still trying to sell the Palomino. ********************************************** Now I have an 8yr old gelding that is well trained and has a calm disposition. He was used as a lesson horse at a local equine center. He was also used by the owner during his clinics, and has been out on trails a lot.
I rode him in their arena and did well. The owner even took me and my daughter out on a trail ride before I bought him and we did well.
So far at home, I have ridden him three times and fallen off twice. Not Shadow's fault.
My plan is to get more riding lessons, hopefully with Shadow, and learn from the professional that trained him.
Do you think 53 is too old to learn how to ride?

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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx): EQUIOXX (firocoxib):
Equioxx)Previcox) - effectiveness and Length of Use
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Posted by Lucy on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 5:42 pm:
My vet very nicely gave me a prescription for Previcox for my 13 year old gelding who has had severe arthritis in his hocks from an early age. He had been on daily bute (1 gram/day) along with glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, MSM, BL solution for a few years. I started him on the Previcox about a month ago at 57 mgs per day. He is looking better - now trots enthusiastically out of his stall in the morning instead of trudging out to the field. I am thinking the improvement is from the Previcox but am afraid to believe it. I am wondering what the experience of others who have been using Previcox has been. I am also concerned with the long term use of the drug. Dr. O, I know there isn't a lot of history on this, but would you advise continuing use of Previcox as an ongoing daily therapy for a horse that is uncomfortable without some type of NSAID. Would it be a good idea to skip the Previcox once or twice a week or would that not be a long enough break to have any benefit? Thanks for your thoughts on this.

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Questions:
Sudden agression
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Posted by Gayla Sappingfield on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 8:22 pm:
Hi All
I am a constant reader of horseadvice.com but have never posted myself I guess I am just shy. I am hoping to get some advice.
I have an 11 year old arabian gelding who I have owned since he was 2, I also have a 21 year old arab mare, 16 year old arab gelding and a 7 year old paint mare. My 21 year old mare is the herd leader, followed by my 11 year old gelding, the paint mare and at the bottom is my 16 year old gelding. My 11 year old gelding has always made sure the others know his place in the herd but suddenly he has become extremely aggressive toward my paint mare, at every opportunity he tries to pin her in a corner to kick her, bite her and basically is constantly picking on her. They are only turned out together in the afternoon after morning feeding, they are all fed separately and stalled in a 4 stall shedrow with attached paddocks. I normally leave him turned out in front of my barn at night this morning he actually attacked her through the barn door. At this point I know he cannot be turned out with her at all but I do not know how to keep him away from her barn door unless I never turn him out. Has anyone experienced this issue before? He is not aggressive toward any other horse or people.
Thank you so much for your help. Gayla

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HorseAdvice.com: Inspiration, Art, Entertainment members_only: Humor:
It's me or the horses!
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Posted by Erika L on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 9:19 pm:
Here's a great ad...sure to get attention! Husbands/wives/kids--beware of what you say! http://www.equinenow.com:80/horse-ad-59734

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Horse Trailers, Trucks, & Trailering Horses: Trailering Horses topics not covered by the above:
Moving horse across boreder
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Posted by Lori on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 9:38 pm:
I am looking into the possibility of buying a horse in US and bringing it into Canada. Could someone tell me what paperwork I would need and if there is a quarantine at the border? Thank you. Lori

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Hoof Care, Hoof Trimming, Shoeing Horses : Correct Shoeing for Owners and Vets:
Is this under run heels?
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Posted by Michelle on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 9:49 pm:
Update:
November 1st blew in wild and wicked and the whole month stayed that way. By the time my farrier tools arrived in the mail, the warmest day was -30 C plus windchill. Poor Mac, he stood around a lot longer than planned before it warmed up enough for us to try a trim, and that was probably the first week of December. I had planned to do a Borax soak as well, but how do you do that in those temps?
Anyway, I studied my Pete Ramey DVDs and off I went for the first trim. I had a hoof knife and a rasp. It was dissapointing that even though it had been the last week of August when he was last trimmed, there was hardly any more hoof, and very little to work with. I did what I could, somewhat awkwardly I might add, and managed to bring his heels back about 1/4". Yesterday was the second trim, and I was pleased to see he had a little bit of growth, roughly equal to last time, and I gained a little ground with the heels again, this time a little less than 1/4" I would guess. The toe is so short I have just used the smoother side of the rasp to clean it up and verify that I am at live sole, and then rocker the edges all around. The balance has improved slightly, with probably a 55/45 heel/toe ratio. What I wouldn't give to have a good barefoot farrier standing over me while I raps giving me tips and pointers.
So, now that I'm trying out this farrier thing I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for holding that foot between your legs without causing yourself bruises? Maybe my technique needs work, or maybe I need some padding, cause darn my legs are sore. I'm getting better with the rasp and knife, though, so thats a good thing. I also did my daughter's mare's front feet yesterday, and she had a HUGE amount of growth, which took forever to rasp down, so I should probably invest in some nippers for her. Hopefully I'll get her hind feet done today too. It was about +2 C yesterday, and much easier to trim compared to the -15 C last time. I can't wait for spring.

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: Product Reviews: Other: Got something that does not seem to fit in above?:
Hoofjack--my favorite farrier tool!
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Posted by Julie Masner on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 11:51 pm:
I've mentioned the Hoofjack in a couple of posts regarding trimming feet, so thought I'd do an actual product review. I love mine and could not trim six horses, including a pony, without this! It not only saves your back, but the horses seem to really like them and get used to them quickly. My three weanlings, who had never had a foot picked up before, were comfortable with it their first trim--and they weren't tied or held! They are actually a professional's tool, but if you're doing your own trimming, they make a world of difference. I especially like the part that the horses puts their hoof on so you can rasp from the top. Prices vary on the internet, but first go to the website http://www.hoofjack.com/ and order the free DVD, then shop around but be sure you get the hoofjack as the immitators aren't as solid or well made. This makes it a real possiblitly for us "saddle bags" to do our own trimming without it being such a chore. It's pricey, but by stretching out or eliminating your farrier visits, it pays for itself. I usually have my farrier check my work on one or two horses about every twelve weeks and I do them all myself every five or six weeks, so the savings are considerable.

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HorseAdvice.com: Equine Reproduction: Pregnancy, Foaling, & Neonatal Care: Pregnancy, Foaling, & Neonatal Care topics not covered by the above:
Could this be related to pregnancy ?
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Posted by Lynn on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 11:48 pm:
Hello again,
Well it has been a couple of weeks since my last post. I am ready to pull my hair out We went back to the vet last week, and he is still unsure as to exactly how far along she is. At first he said 8 months, but when I mentioned that her bag was filling up, he said she could be a lot further along than what he was feeling. He said the foal has moved up a great deal and was much easier to get to though. He ran something by me that made me come home and research at this site. He mentioned that it could be possible with the swelling of the eyes,that she could have Equine Viral Arteritis. He said that normally that is followed by swelling of the legs, and loss of the foal most of the time. But, the time to both test her, and treat her has passed us by. He said she would have contracted this by the stud who bred her. He wants to see her in 6 weeks to make sure the foal is still alive, and if not he wants to make sure she does not mummify the dead foal, as happens in rare cases. Now I have researched this, but I do believe that at this point that my brain is on information overload. As lame as this may sound, I need some help, and I know the people at this site are far more knowledgeable than I am in these areas. If you will, please look at the picture I have uploaded in my profile. This was my mare in August of 2007. The pictures I will post at the end of this message were taken on Jan 6th (this past weekend). Here is a list of things we have encountered since we came to own her back in May of last year.
The swelling above the eyes... I give her chasteberry powder 2x a day.
watery discharge of the eyes...she was treated in the spring and through the summer with antibiotics and sulfa. this treatment also covered the cloudiness in her left eye. The meds did not help, but since putting her on the Chasteberry her eyes have not hardly watered at all, and the cloudiness although still there, is not as bad.
Nasal discharge. There has been no treatment for this. Her nose runs just a little, but it has done this every day since we have owned her.
Popping of the joints. Not severe, but it still happens.
And as mentioned before.. her edema. I know I have read from the links this is common in pregnant mares... I guess I would just feel better if I saw a picture lol.. hers is growing on a daily basis now. It is very predominant on both sides ...the pictures do not do it justice.
Her bags are filling, but they are far from full, I am searching for a way to explain.. in front of her tits is very soft, and warm, and is filling with fluid..but the bag itself does not seem to be filling. Is this normal? I mean there is fluid in the bag...there just seems to be more in the front. Now to top off all of this, I go out this evening to treat her for what is or might be a slight case of rain scald, and one of her back fetlocks was slightly swollen. I rush to the vets office before he closes, and got some bute, and my husband swung by the feed store for thrush treatment. I am being faced with so many things "she might have" and then facing the problems I see she does have that I am not quite sure what to do. My vet said he has researched and looking at her leaves him stumped. I guess I just need some help with the process of elimination! So many of her symptoms could be so many different things. I would like at least like the peace of mind of knowing that I am doing everything I can for her. Please Dr O.. tell me if I am in the right direction, and if not please advise as to which way to go. Thanks in advance.

[DVC00051.JPG] [DVC00053.JPG] [DVC00054.JPG]

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Posted on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 9:41 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.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Nervous System: Neurological Conditions Not Covered Above: Neurological topics not covered above.: Staggering and Difficulty Lowering Head
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Posted by Angie J. on Sunday, Dec 2, 2007 - 9:56 am:
Dr.O,
Here's what I've observed:
Eighteen year old mare walking very slowly and stiffly. Head held to the right, body trying to go left. Hind legs crossing over to keep balance, stumbling if she tries to go any faster. Difficulty lowering her head to eat; appetite is fine, drinking, & going o.k. Very light chills when I first noticed her having problems.
I had an insulator busted off my Horse Guard fence, and the bottom tape on the ground, signs of a disturbance near that fence post. Do know that my mare has a sore spot on her neck.
The painful area is on her left side, about where the neck joins the shoulder. A hands width (with my fingers spread out)from the base of her mane.
She has had for years a bump on the shoulder on that side which makes saddle fit difficult. She also has low ringbone on the same side.
Based on what I've described, would that, in your opinion be enough to cause her staggering, head lowering troubles? To me, this seems similar to what she has acted like in the past from vaccinations given in her neck area. Only she is in more pain now.
I am giving her Bute twice daily and keeping her stalled. And massaging the painful area.
Thank you for any comments or any suggestions you may have for anything else I should check for or watch for.
Angie

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Cardiovascular, Blood, and Immune System: Discussions on Cardiovascular, Blood, and Immune System not covered above : Questions about aneurysm
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Posted by Sweetbay on Sunday, Dec 30, 2007 - 6:12 pm:
Have there been any studies on the causes of aneurysm in horses? What percentage due to parasite damage? Has it been shown to be familial?

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Reproductive Diseases: Problems During Pregnancy: Twinning & Management of Twins: Stallion standing that is one of a twin
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Posted by Karen Nolte on Monday, Dec 31, 2007 - 10:50 am:
DrO, I came across a gray Morgan stallion standing at stud that is one of a twin. He has a twin brother who is also healthy and productive. Can the stallion pass on a higher instance of twins or offspring that will have a higher instance of twins? He is a coming 4 year old stallion with his first foal crop due this spring. He is everything that I am looking for in a stallion. I am not planning on breeding anything to him in the next couple of years, but am thinking about in the future. I'm just wanting to do my homework first. Thanks, Karen

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Muscle & Tendon Diseases: Tendon Laxity and Contracture: LARGE coming 2y/o standing on toes
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Posted by Zoe Williams on Tuesday, Jan 1, 2008 - 3:37 pm:
Update: Shortly after my last post I stopped using the splints. The pressure sores were not healing and when Fahren grew again he started knuckling on his right front again. I has herd through the splint people of a supplement from Virginia Equine research inc called Tenon-Eze that is supposed to help return a horse to normal levels. I was skeptical but decided to give it a shot. He was to eat that supplement and whole oats and grass mix hay and plain salt. I had him on that for 1 week and talked to the folks at VER. They said a newer supplement of theirs EquineExcell plus stress eze was better, they had me switch to that and add their mirachrome (chromium) supplement. About 1 week ago I took off Fahrens toe extension shoes and have him barefoot. Maybe it is all coincidence, but his angles ARE dropping. I will take pics soon but my camera is out of commission. They said with his age i would see noticeable results in 6 weeks and I am already seeing a difference. I hope it continues. He is getting 6 lbs of whole oats, 5 oz of EquineExcell, 3 cc of mirachrome, 6 flakes of hay and free choice white salt lick/day in 2 feedings.
OK, Here Goes Ingredients EquineExcell plus Stress EZE:
Calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, zinc sulfate, ascorbic acid, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, vitamin E supplement, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, menadione sodium bisulfate complex, folic acid, ferrous sulfate, vitiman B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, niacin, thamine mononitrate, vitamin a supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, vitimane d-3 supplement, cobalt proteinate, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, pyridoxine HCL, d-biotin, sodium selenite, yeast culture, brown sugar
1100lb horse-5oz day on Grass Hay and Pasture
Fahren eats 2.5oz with 3lbs whole oats and 3 flakes grass hay twice/day He also gets the Mira-Chrome Chromium supplement 1.5cc twice/day
Per lb Per 4oz serving Ca, min 2.5% 2835mg Ca, max 3.5% 3970mg P, min 1% 1130mg mg, min .72% 815mg Potassium,min .72% 815mg Zinc 10055ppm 1140mg Iron 2350ppm 256mg manganese 4550ppm 515mg Copper 2455ppm 315mg Iodine 45.5ppm 5.15mg Cobalt 26ppm 2.95mg Selenium 23.64ppm 3mg Vit A 560,000IU 140,000IU Vit D-3 67,800IU 16,950IU Vit E 2,800IU 700IU Menadione(Vit K)120mg 30mg Vit B-12 11.5mg 2.88mg Riboflavin 320mg 80mg d-Pantothenic Acid240mg 60mg Niacin 960mg 240mg Thiamine 800mg 200mg Pyridoxine 0.8mg 0.2mg Folic Acid 320mg 80mg Biotin 0.4mg 0.1mg
Also contains Yeast Culture (B Vits) and the following Natural Amino Acids: Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Tryptophan, Isoleucine, Phenylananine, Arginine, Histidine, Valine
They had me switch to this from their Tendon-eze supplement, they said it was better. Tendon-eze has less things and they dont give amounts: Ca, P, Vit: A, D-3, E, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Se, and the amino acids (the underlined ones are not in equineexcell): Lysine, Cystine, Tryptophan, Theronine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Phenylananine, Arginine, Histidine, Valine
Ingredients: dicalcium phosphate, yeast culture, Calcium carbonate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, ferrous sulfate, sodium selenite, Vitamin A Acetate, vitimane d-3 supplement, Lysine, Cystine, Tryptophan, Theronine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Phenylananine, Arginine, Histidine, Valine, Brown Sugar, Artificial Flavor

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Muscle & Tendon Diseases: Tendon Laxity and Contracture: Horse Uprightness
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Posted by Kaymid on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2008 - 10:32 am:
Sorry about the mis-post. Perhaps someone might have some information on this. I have read the previous articles, none of which really apply.
I am very impressed with this website, grateful for the knowledge represented here. I have a 6 year old mare who is the love of my life. She is 17 h thoroughbred and recently had an episode with lameness thought to be connected with her "uprightness." She has had a pad put on her left front foot, she is now walking well. I want to keep her happy and healthy. Are there any wrapping issues or other precautions I can take to keep her sound? She is my forever horse, I'm not interested in showing her. Her past lameness occured after she was on turn-out for two hours. I'm not as educated as many of your readers are, I'm a re-entry person who just loves her horse. The vet x-rays showed normal margins and hoof alignment, coffin bone was normal. Thank you in advance for your response.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Lameness topics not covered above: Pelvic fracture
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Posted by Bess J on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2008 - 11:34 am:
my 10 yr old oldenburg mare fractured her pelvis about 6 weeks ago. My local vet was not able to quickly diagnose the problem due to lack of equipment, in that time the fracture worsened because she layed down twice which caused it to fracture more. I took her out of town for a bone scan two weeks ago and the fracture was discovered. The vet that scanned her advised that she be tied in her stall for 6-8 weeks to avoid her laying down and causing the fracture to worsen further. My local vet informs me that a horse should not be tied for more than 21 days at a time? BTW, the fracture is on the bottom of the pelvis and does not appear to involve a joint. I am seeking ANY advice on the issue of keeping her tied and anyone who has experienced this with their horse or knows of horse that has experienced this.

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Questions: Question about pipes of Living Quarters in Winter
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Posted by Corinne Candice on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2008 - 11:31 am:
In the case of staying in horse trailer living quarters in the winter (four horse Aluminum) with freezing temps, is there any way to prevent freezing of the water pipes? There are safe space heaters going so the temp is 65 inside. Should I leave the faucet to run at a small drip to keep it from freezing? I had that idea as you have to do that in old houses but didn't as it's not close to a water source to refill the water tanks. Now no water this AM, first time but it was the coldest it's been last night, although generous forecasts for the weekend. As the sun is coming up there is a small drip every now and then when I check. Any advice? If it's extreme out should we leave a small drip in the faucet? Also anything you can add to the toilet tank to prevent that from freezing as well? We will be staying in a four horse at internship during winter shows so any tips will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb: Overview of Diseases of the Hock (Tarsus): 2 yo with bog spavin after OCD operation
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Posted by Cathy Branson on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2008 - 10:24 pm:
Hi Dr. O, I've read all the stuff on bog spavins etc. I have a 2yo colt who had OCD in one hock. He had never been lame, but xrays showed up OCD in one hock and so we operated when he was 14 months old. He is now 25 months old, has still never been lame, but has a bog spavin that comes and goes. I had him xrayed recently, to check that all was well before I started breaking him in. Xrays were clear, and the previous OCD had healed well. I started breaking him in (he is a very quiet warmblood - so far, very easy to train and easy to deal with) a couple of weeks ago. After some rain, I was lungeing him, and he had a bit of a leap and a buck in a damp spot, and his legs went out from underneath him. Since then, the bog spavin has been quite large, and showing on both sides of the joint. That is when I took him to be xrayed, but, as I said, the xrays were clear, and all looked good. He isn't lame; he moves exceptionally well, and is very happy in the short work sessions that we have. Is it possible that there is a problem lurking within the joint still, that doesn't show up on xrays? Should I be concerned? Should I try a hock boot, to apply pressure to the joint capsule that is so swollen? Would this have any long term effect, or only as long as you are applying the boot? Should I keep on working him? Am I doing damage working him while the bog spavin is so big? Wow, what a lot of questions. Sorry! But he is a very well bred horse, and moves like an angel, and I am a bit wary of the possibility of totally wrecking him; also, of falling in love with a horse that is destined to be unsound! My vet suggested that we could drain the swelling and inject it with something, if the bog spavin bothered me for cosmetic reasons. But would that be making complications unnecessarily?

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Questions: Does anyone have info on this horse?
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Posted by Lea-Anne Lesch on Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 - 6:37 am:
I've been trying to get any info or pictures of the clydesdale stallion Doura Champion of the Glen. He is Amanda's sire. His sire is Doura Magnificent and is dam is Flash of the Glen. I emailed the Clydesdale society several times but have never received a reply. Can anyone please try to get any info or photos of him and/ or his sire and dam and his offspring?

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Horse Pasture, Fencing, Barns: Barn Design and Layout: Barn windows
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Posted by Michelle on Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 - 10:15 am:
I'm planning to build a barn this summer. The layout we are thinking of is 36' x 48', split down the middle so my husband gets 36 x 24 at the west end for cold storage of his tractor and car etc, and I get 36 x 24 on the east side for the barn. The north side will be 48' and have a porch with an 8' overhang just to make it pretty as it faces the house and is rather close. So, back to the barn plan...
I'm still working out the layout, and I should maybe mention that it's going to be a pole-shed frame with metal siding and roof, but the basic factors I have to deal with are: cold Canadian winters and hot summers, mosquitos and flies, and 4 to 6 horses that really will not be spending much time inside. I'll probably put them in to escape the bugs, and occasionally in winter when the wind is terrible, but other than that they will really only go in when one is all bathed and ready to show and needs to stay clean, or all sweated up on a cold day and needs time to dry out.
So, my questions are this: 1. How concerned do I need to be about ventilation when the horses will seldom be inside? I'm planning a cupola on the roof, and possibly some ventilation at the top of the walls under the eaves. Windows and doors will be arranged directly opposite each other for air flow. 2. Windows. It's a small place, and the windows will end up in the stalls in some places. The windows will be sliders with screens, and I plan to put up grills to cover the glass, but are screens, grills, and working shutters a better option? Two windows will be on the hot south side, and I want to block heat when necessary, but I'll want that glass in the winter to help produce heat, too.
Any advice would be appreciated.

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Behavioral Problems: Stall Wall Kicking: Mare that loves to kick things
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Posted by Shelley on Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 - 4:02 pm:
Some good friends of mine are considering buying a mare that, other than a kicking habit and possible associated tendon swelling, is suitable. Needless to say they will have the tendon ultrasound to determine the prognoses for healing. But the obvious problem is the need to stop the kicking for the leg to heal. Since she was returned after the failed soundness exam the owners offered the horse for free. Something about making house payments. . . they had her at a rather expensive H/J barn. To further describe her behavior, she loves to kick things, anything. She seems to know better than to kick at other horses or people. It seems she loves the good wack when she makes contact. She will kick at the pipe fencing of her pasture, she has very good aim and makes a small dent every time. She also kicks in her stall. The original owners have put up stall padding in her stall. But this does not stop the kicking. I love the idea of hanging a mat from a 2x4 in the stall. I think this would be a perfect deterrent considering the characteristics of how this mare kicks. The problem will be the fencing in her pasture. Does anyone have any ideas for this? I think they would like to try kicking chains. I would sure like a picture or diagram if anyone has one. Thanks, Shelley

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: Navicular Disease / Syndrome : Bruise or abcess??? if not then what?
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Posted by Gretchen E Scott on Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 - 7:27 pm:
I thought it was time for an update in case it may be of some help to another in my situation. Now some 4 months of "conservative" therapy he is still slightly off more tracking to the left than right. And remains slightly positive to hoof testers on the inside of the Right front which has been that way since the beginning. We are in process of making and appointment to get to New Bolton. It is my hope that they will be able to give me some sort of diagnosis. I will keep you posted. All good thoughts greatly appreciated

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Hors