Posted on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008 - 8:54 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. 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: Nervous System: Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors: Wobblers or Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy: Research Summary:
Fractures of the cervical vertebral odontoid

Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Monday, Feb 25, 2008 - 8:44 am:
The cervical odontoid is a finger like process off of the front upper edge of the second cervical vertebra. Here is described several cases of fracture that cause symptoms consistent with Wobblers or other fractures of the neck vertebrae. Like other neck fractures this would most commonly accompany a fall or other traumatic accident. However the prognosis for horses with mild to moderate symptoms appears to be fair to good with conservative treatment. This should be a consideration for any acute onset of reluctance to move the head, stiffness, or quadriplegia (incoordination in all four limbs). DrO
Vet Rec. 2008 Jan 26;162(4):116-9. Fractures of the cervical vertebral odontoid in four horses and one pony.
Vos NJ, Pollock PJ, Harvey M, Brennan T, de Blaauw S, McAllister H.
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Northern Ireland.
Four horses and one pony, ranging in age from one to 11 years, were diagnosed with two different types of odontoid peg fractures. Their clinical signs included reluctance to move the neck and head, dullness, and abnormalities of gait. Radiography was essential for the diagnosis, and the method of treatment varied depending on the severity of the neurological signs, the intended use of the horse, and financial constraints. Optimal treatment requires a technique that allows decompression, anatomical alignment, and stabilisation of the odontoid fracture. If the clinical (neurological) signs are not too severe and the animal shows signs of feeling peripheral pain, conservative treatment can be applied, as is common practice in human surgery. All except the pony made a full recovery.

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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx): Adequan, use in Arthritis:
Pentosan versus adequan

Posted by Nicola Sturgess on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008 - 11:21 am:
Does anyone have a view on the efficacy of Pentosan versus Adequan. I have one vet who swears by pentosan but everyone I know that has used it says it doesn't work and that this has been proven in clinical studies.

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Worms, Deworming, Parasite Control: Deworming Schedules:
Worming in sub zero weather

Posted by Susan M. Herrick on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008 - 4:06 pm:
Dr. O, It has been miserably cold here in Iowa. Dusty the old guy, had that bout of impaction colic a few weeks back. We are over due for our worming, as I have been worried about worming during the cold. Is there any reason that the stress of deworming would have on already stressed out freeeeeezzzzzing conditions. I usually have them on an 8 week schedule. They were done beginning of November, so I am about 4 weeks behind. Is there any reason, I should continue to wait till it maybe warms up? suz

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Muscle & Tendon Diseases: Muscle & Tendon Diseases not covered above:
Extensor Tendon Injury Over Knee

Posted by Laurel Walters on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008 - 10:09 pm:
Hello, this is a first time posting for me so please bear with me as I figure things out.
I've just taken over the care of a mare that suffered a kick to her left knee about 4-5 months ago. There was initially quite a lot of swelling and over the months she's had a number of problems including a bad reaction to antibiotics. Lots of time spent with the vet. Anyway, the mare still has quite a lot of fluid on the joint. Topical DMSO and oral bute haven't helped. The vet drained the fluid 10 days ago and applied a bandage that was removed after 5 days. The knee looked good after the bandage was removed but it had refilled with fluid within two days. It is warm to the touch. The vet believes that damage to the extensor tendon was originally missed and that she's now developed tendonitis. They believe that the damaged tendon sheath is continuing to excrete fliud into the joint. She is only slightly off on the leg. They have proposed surgery to remove the tendon sheath. They indicate that the prognosis following this surgery is good. There is not a vet in my area that does this surgery so she would have to be trailered and initially rehabed out of town making this surgery an even bigger issue to deal with.
Has anyone had any experience with this type of injury? Any thoughts on a more conservative approach to treatment? Anyone had experience with this type of surgery?
The mare is a 15 year old TB and has been a A-circuit jumper until a year ago.
I'd appreciate any and all thoughts you'd be willing to share.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Urinary System: Penile Prolapse in Horses:
Diagnosed Penile Prolapse - Horse taken to UF

Posted by Marti Thompson on Thursday, Feb 21, 2008 - 2:13 pm:
Dr. O and Members, I thought I would share my current on going experience as this is not a common disorder with a common cure.
THE BACKGROUND: Monday (2/18) afternoon - My 10 year old gelding's penis was found to be enlarged and hanging out. Our local vet was contacted. She recommended warm water soaks - wrapping the penis up (as shown on this site)). The swelling persisted and another vet (a surgeon) was contacted on Tuesday afternoon, the surgeon schedule an appointment to bring the horse to the clinic the next afternoon. Meanwhile the local vet quite concerned recommended the University of Florida has a department head with quite a bit of experience with this uncommon condition.
Wednesday (2/20) Patrick taken to UF yesterday. He was examined by a Theriogenologists and confirmed to be suffering from priapism (cannot retract his penis). We described events leading up the priapism.
Tuesday 2/12 for x-raying his stifles, Patrick was sedated with ace or domosadan (sp?). We also noticed on Tuesday that his penis was hanging out during work, thinking that he had to urinate, but when put up to relieve himself he didn't urinate. The Doctor questioned us about prior partial erections and we told her that Pat dropped his penis and would be partial erect almost every time he was groomed since we have owned him, 3 years.
Friday 2/15 Patrick was again sedated with ace or domosadan (sp?) so that his stifles could be injected with steroids and HA. Saturday and Sunday Patrick was observed being content and his usual playful self in his stall. He was in a sheet and since he has such a short clean hair coat was not groomed over the weekend. So it isn't clear how long his penis was prolapsed.
Back to the exam on Wednesday, 2/20 though ace is suspected, the vet is concerned that previous symptoms before sedation indicate nerve damage. Patrick’s tail was deadened by his previous owner via the trainer (an unethical practice common in the AQHA show ring, I was not aware of the tail issue when I purchased the horse) this may be causing chronic fibrous nerve damage. Parasites can also cause the nerve damage. Treatments of Phenylephrine were started Wednesday afternoon and continued today. They reduce the swelling but only for about two hours.
Thursday 2/21. The team has told me they will recommend a partial or full phallectomy, depending on the amount of erectile issue that has to be removed if Patrick doesn’t respond by tomorrow. The good news is that though the surgery is expensive the recovery if expected to be complete.
I’ll keep you guys posted. Meanwhile I am praying for a good outcome for this wonderful animal.
Marti

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Spine, Back & Pelvis: Lower Back Pain in Horses:
Back/hip pain?

Posted by Kathy Williams on Thursday, Feb 21, 2008 - 6:04 pm:
Hi, I'm hoping someone may have some ideas to help me. I have a 22 year old gypsy cob type mare, just over two weeks ago I noticed she was reluctant to drop her head to her feed bowl on the floor, although she seemed to have no trouble grazing. The following evening she seemed a little uncoordinated with her back legs while negotiating the hill from her paddock to the barn. I called the vet out the next day. After watching her walk forward, backward, in circles and up and down hill she decided that she had probably slipped badly or fallen out in the paddock and strained some muscles. She gave her an injection of Banamine and prescribed bute for a few days, but said I could continue to turn her out. 4 days later I felt that she was unsteady enough on her back legs that turning her out was no longer an option,due to the danger of her falling. My vet came out again, this time she did a rectal exam and found no evidence of any pelvic problem. Rocking her from side to side whilst applying pressure above the hip area did result in the mare showing signs of discomfort around the area of the left hip, (ears back,and trying to bite, very unlike her normal placid nature). The diagnosis was some type of traumatic injury to the hip, possibly from falling and landing hard on it. The vet doesn't think it is a neurological problem as she says the symptoms are so localized and it came on so acutely. She recommended stall rest and twice daily bute. Since then there has been no real change, my girl is still very unsteady on her back legs, but everything else is fine. Eating well, temp, pulse, respiration normal. She did have one day this week when she was worse, I think she either fell or lay down and had trouble getting up. I found her with a slight abrasion above her left eye, and very reluctant to move. Since then she has gone back to just being generally wobbly and unsteady.
Would a hip injury cause this amount of instability in the back end, or should we be looking at something else?
I should just point out that I have had this horse since she was about 10 months old and there is no history of any previous injury, she is semi-retired and only in very light work, but again no history of any abnormalities when ridden.
Living in Bermuda makes it just about impossible to conduct much more in the way of diagnostics. We have only 2 vet practices on the island and they are both mainly small animal. There is no chance of x rays, or more sophisticated techniques without shipping her off the island, which is obviously not an option in the condition she's in!
Any advise on similar problems, possible diagnosis, prognosis etc. If a hip injury is the problem, how long before I could reasonably expect to see any improvment. I don't care if I can't ride her any more, I just want to see her comfortable. She's been part of our family for a long time.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Treatment Methods: Rehabilitating Injuries to the Tendons and Ligaments:
Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) may help

Posted by Michelle Spinosa on Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 - 1:45 pm:
Dr O,
Can you give us an update on shockwave treatment? Results of new studies etc?
Thanks

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Equine Nutrition an Overview of Feeding Horses: Hay smells strongly of cat urine

Posted by Diane E. on Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 - 4:19 pm:
Dr.O. I rent a barn down the road to keep my hay, have kept it there for years with no problems. They do have cats....quite a few. Most of my hay reeks of cat urine I have been trying to throw the obvious stinkin ones to the side. I am starting to run very low on hay because of this. My husband says I should feed it to them, but I refuse. I thought I've read somewhere that EPM can be linked to cat urine also. Beside I just don't think it would be healthy. I'm thinking it would make good cow hay personally. Is there harm in feeding cat pee hay...out of curiosity.

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HorseAdvice.com: Equine Reproduction: Pregnancy, Foaling, & Neonatal Care: Pregnancy, Foaling, & Neonatal Care topics not covered by the above:
Bagging up and dripping milk at 5 mo

Posted by Tamela Kelm on Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 - 5:20 pm:
My mare is due to foal around April 16 2008. This will be her 3rd foal. Her first foal was carried with out any problems but with her second foal she started bagging up on one side and then looked almost like she was waxing at 5mo. I called the vet and they came out and did blood test, ultra sound and palpated. Every thing came out fine so he put her on tucoprim and it took care of it he just thought maybe she got poked and caught an infection in the bag. Now with her 3rd pregnancy she again did same thing about 6mo along. I put her on the same antibiotic and it disappeared but now at 9mo I see it again. It is not always on the same side either. Her bag is not hard but again has what looks like waxing. I put her again tocuprim but would like to know the cause and if there is anything I can do about it. I am hoping I am spelling the antibiotic right.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: Founder & Laminitis: Rehabilitation and Derotation of Foundered Horses:
Chronic rotation

Posted by Cecelia L Bulkley on Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 - 5:31 pm:
My mare is 28 yrs old and has severe rotation in her front right hoof. She probably foundered about 10 years ago, I've had her for six years. My farrier has been trying to work with the hoof for the last 6 years but it seems to be taking a turn for the worse. I had an xray done today and her vet said it's completely rotated. I've been able to ride her, mostly walking and trotting but noticed her favoring her right side. There's been a lot of rot and a recent abcess which came out of the coronary band. Here's photos from this week. I can email xray once vet emails them to me. I read your article and my biggest concern is how to deal with this at her age. She's learned to compensate and has not shown much lameness, only recently. I'm afraid too extreme action may be too much. Besides her hoof she's in great condition, people can never believe she's as old as she is. Her vet is thinking about what's the best approach and is getting back to me later, but I wanted to get a second opinion. [Lady front right sole.jpg] [Lady front view.jpg] [Lady right.jpg]

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: Wall Cracks and Thin Sensitive Soles:
Toe crack

Posted by Melissa Baker on Sunday, Feb 24, 2008 - 2:25 pm:
Last month I got a new mare (Thank's to Cyndy and Hank getting her here )
She's barefoot. When she came she had a hairline crack in her RH toe that looked to have a filed "X" at the top which I assume is to keep it from growing. But it had cracked above it. She also had one on her LF that has increased in size too. My farrier came out and trimmed her and said it wasn't a big deal. Both cracks are about 1" high and haven't separated in any way and are not painful to her.
After reading the article I would have to guess that it is from very poor hoof care, her previous owner only trimmed if she HAD too. I got her from a friend so I've known this horse since she was 1 and she's 4 now. Her conformation is great, body score great, hooves are great except that. MY footing in my ring is fairly hard, it's all screenings.
My questions are...
Do I have to shoe her?
Is this something I have to wait until it grows out before I keep riding?

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Nutritional Content of Common Feedstuffs for Horses:
Teff Hay

Posted by Nancy E. Hodges on Sunday, Feb 24, 2008 - 6:44 pm:
Hay is hard to get this time of year, and I'm almost out of hay. When I went to my hay dealer, he had orchard grass hay and teff hay. I liked the looks of the teff over the orchard grass, and the teff was cheaper.
I have four donkeys. One has Cushings and is insulin resistant, but he has never foundered and is reasonably healthy. He's on Pergolide. Another donkey is prone to founder.
I picked up two bales of the teff to try out. The only thing they could tell me was that the protein content was 11%. They picked out two bales with courser stalks as I thought that would be safer (more fiber). Teff is a grain, but the hay looks similar to a ryegrass. Does anyone know the sugar content of teff hay? Teff is a grain, and I have been told to avoid cereal grain hays as they are too sweet for equines with Cushings and insulin resistance. One of the men that works at the hay barn actually tasted the hay. He said that it was somewhat sweet but not as sweet as the three-way (oat/wheat/barley).
If the teff is okay, I'll get more. If not, I'll shop around for some more hay. The orchard grass, though a grade 2, is a very dark green. The donkeys aren't too fond of orchard grass. My vet thinks something a little coarser than orchard grass would be better too.
Nancy

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Forages for Horses, an Overview:
Peanut hay

Posted by Wanda Martinez on Sunday, Feb 24, 2008 - 9:33 pm:
Does anyone think peanut hay will grow in Colorado? i would love to try.

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Uncommon Feed /treats for Equines:
Carrot leaves

Posted by LL on Monday, Feb 25, 2008 - 8:09 am:
I've just bought a bunch of fresh carrots with all the greenery attached and am wondering whether it's safe to give the greens?

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Probiotics and Yeast Culture Products:
Yogurt for Horses

Posted by Denise Nader on Monday, Feb 25, 2008 - 3:30 pm:
Dear Dr. O -
My horse just finished a 45 day course of doxy for treatment of lymes. In order to make the doxy a little more palatable I mixed it with molasses and Stoneyfield organic whole milk french vanilla yogurt. After he finished the doxy I figured I would finish off the carton of yogurt by adding it to his feed a few teaspoons at a time and he absolutely loves it. Is there any harm in giving a horse yogurt on a regular basis?

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Hoof: White Line Disease or Onchyomycosis:
Levi's white line disease is back

Posted by Susan M. Herrick on Monday, Feb 25, 2008 - 11:43 pm:
Dr. O, I had the farrier out today, to do my other 2 horses, she noticed that Levi's back foot seemed longer than the other. This is the one that had a center crack in it. When it was first discovered by the 2 hours away farrier, he dug out sand and gravel in the separated area, and filled it with Keratox, heated it and melted it in. Did not say he had any white line, I asked. This last trimming, I told him I thought the crack was getting longer. He trimmed him and assured me it was fine. This was Friday the 1st. I had the farrier even out his feet, and when she did so she discovered soft black, smelly gunk. Same as before, I helped to dig it out with my bone currette, and it went all the way up the crack, almost to the coronary band. 1. Could the white line disease have been that aggressive, 3 weeks since last trim? Or did the other guy miss it? She nipped away a big chunk from the front/center will take pics tomorrow. I dug out what I could with the bone currette, it seems like a clear channel straight up the center of his foot with solid foot on either side. I then dumped thrush buster in the channel, and all around. He is not scheduled to go up to the farrier/vet until March 11th. This new farrier was going to go with me, to learn how to work on Levi's feet to save me the long trip. 2. Will two weeks be a major problem, if I dug out what I could feel in there. I am sure it goes all the way up the center of his back foot. 3. Can they cut away a big chunk of center wall, and still have his foot stay together? I was so sure I would be able to ride this boy this summer. Why can't I get rid of this. It is now in a 3rd foot? The other 2 front, so says the farrier, are doing great? He stall is kept with fresh wood shavings daily, it has been snowy and they have been out daily. Is there anything I can do to his environment? Would straw be better than bedding? Help suz

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Care Tips
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Training Tips
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Product Reviews
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008 - 8:40 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: Respiratory System: Laryngeal Hemiplegia: Research Summary:
Sedation influences laryngeal function

Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Monday, Feb 18, 2008 - 7:51 am:

Horses may not tolerate the passage of the endoscope through the nasal passages requiring sedation for examination of Roaring. Sedation prior to examination for laryngeal hemiplegia is a often studied phenomena and still there has not been agreement of whether it effects the results of the test with somewhat conflicting results. This study demonstrates that sedation effects laryngeal abduction and suggests that horses that display hemiplegia only during sedation may be in an early stage of the disease. DrO

Equine Vet J. 2007 Nov;39(6):553-6.
Sedation with detomidine and acepromazine influences the endoscopic evaluation of laryngeal function in horses.

Lindegaard C, Husted L, Ullum H, Fjeldberg J. University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Dyrlaegevej 48, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Endoscopy of the upper airways of horses is used as a diagnostic tool and at purchase examinations. On some occasions it is necessary to use sedation during the procedure and it is often speculated that the result of the examination might be influenced due to the muscle-relaxing properties of the most commonly used sedatives. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of detomidine (0.01 mg/kg bw) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg bw) on the appearance of symmetry of rima glottidis, ability to abduct maximally the arytenoid cartilages and the effect on recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) grade. METHODS: Forty-two apparently normal horses underwent endoscopic examination of the upper airways on 3 different occasions, under the influence of 3 different treatments: no sedation (control), sedation with detomidine and sedation with acepromazine. All examinations were performed with a minimum of one week apart. The study was performed as an observer-blind cross-over study. RESULTS: Sedation with detomidine had a significant effect on the RLN grading (OR = 2.91) and ability maximally to abduct the left arytenoid cartilages (OR = 2.91). Sedation with acepromazine resulted in OR = 2.43 for the RLN grading and OR = 2.22 for the ability to abduct maximally. The ability to abduct maximally the right arytenoid cartilage was not altered. CONCLUSIONS: Sedating apparently healthy horses with detomidine or acepromazine significantly impairs these horses' ability to abduct fully the left but not the right arytenoid cartilage. This resulted in different diagnosis with respect to RLN when comparing sedation to no sedation. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Since the ability to abduct the right arytenoid cartilage fully is not altered by sedation, it is speculated that horses changing from normal to abnormal laryngeal function when sedated, might be horses in an early stage of the disease. To confirm or reject these speculations, further studies are needed. Until then sedation during endoscopy should be used with care.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract: Diarrhea in Horses: Salmonella Colitis:
Salmonella

Posted by Elizabeth Sambor on Monday, Feb 18, 2008 - 2:09 pm:
Dr.O To make a long story short we had a mare and colt that was released from a hospital (mare was in for chip removal). Colt acquired salmonella infection while being at the hospital. When the horses were released they did not inform us that all cultures were not back yet and two days after getting the horses to the farm we were told the PCR was positive for the colt. We have kept him in isolation (separate farm) and have been doing precautions. This was about 5 months ago, the colt is still having diarrhea. The local vet thought it was due do the fact he was on antibiotics (the hospital had him on them for weeks). We have been culturing him for salmonella intermittently and the last set came back with PCR+. Since he still has diarrhea do we treat? We do not know what to do at this point. This is a clients horse and he wants to sell which we can not do for him till colt is neg and free of loose stools. We do not feel that the hospital did the right thing releasing him prior to neg. culture results but that is neither here or there. I am def. concerned with the diarrhea for months like he has had. Any ideas?

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Eye Diseases: Glaucoma:
Glaucoma

Posted by Dawn Kimball on Monday, Feb 18, 2008 - 12:03 am:
Hello, I have a welsh mountain pony that has cushings and glaucoma in the left eye. I have been told by the equine opthamologist that surgery is my best option. She said I could try laser, my other options would leave her blind in that eye but more comfortable. The other options were eye removal and sewing up the void, prostethetic eye, or using an injection that would deaden the inside of they eye but leave the eye intact. Does anyone have any experience in this area that they could share? I am trying to figure out the best way to treat her, and I can't afford a lot on costly treatments that don't work. I would appreciate any guidance or advice.

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Fat or Obese Horse Nutrition:
Hanks WWD 2 help me make it to spring

Posted by Diane E. on Saturday, Feb 16, 2008 - 12:54 pm:
I really didn't want to start another thread on this, but the other one takes awhile to load. IF I can just stay tough until April we will have this licked I think. I so don't want Hank getting fat again and I can't make up my mind if he is. The tape and the hair thing isn't working. Some days I can feel his ribs and some days I can't (weird huh). You fellow members have been such a help I took some pictures of him to get your opinion. Your honesty keeps me in line.
[016.JPG] [012.JPG]

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Routine Horse Care: Estimating Weight, Height, and Body Condition Scoring:
Head Growth

Posted by cp on Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008 - 1:56 pm:
Hello, when does a horses head stop growing?
I had a bridle custom made for my QH who will be 3 in May. Not sure what happened with the sizing, but it's on the last hole already.
He hasn't been started yet, but has worn the bridle for some ground work so it's used now.
I'm wondering if heads grow any more after 3 years of age? I've read articles about growth and how the skeleton fuses, but don't think I've seen anything about when the head is done.
thanks!

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HorseAdvice.com: Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses: Dressage Suitability:
QH Mare and Dressage

Posted by Leilani on Friday, Feb 15, 2008 - 4:21 pm:
I am helping a friend of mine with her 15yo QH mare. The mare's foundation is Western, but she is now boarded at a dressage barn and the owner has been riding her in that discipline.
Things have been going along nicely until the past week. My friend is showing her this weekend in lower level (sorry not familiar with the nomenclature) so the pressure has been on both horse and rider. Yesterday she was balking, flinging her head and generally looking and acting very unhappy. Last weekend this mare was at a Western clinic and had a great day.
I questioned the owner re feed, temp, feet, etc., and any other changes that may have affected her attitude yesterday.
I am helping her at the show so I'll get more first hand experience with the mare under these circumstances. Anyone care to chime in?
PS Pearl has done pretty well in the WP classes in the past.
Thanks all. Leilani

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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Dewormers (Anthelminics) : Quest (moxidectin):
Quest caused loose stool?

Posted by Erin Lower on Sunday, Feb 17, 2008 - 11:14 am:
Dr. O,
Last Saturday (the 9th), my mare was dewormed with Quest. I was not aware that my new barn used this type of paste as a part of their deworming programme, and my mare hasn't had it before coming here. She had it (although I didn't know this) the first week that she arrived and had loose stool then as well, but I assumed that this was due to a feed change and nerves about being at a new barn.
About 2 or 3 days after being dewormed this time, Rockin started to pick at her hay. She usually cleans up very quickly, but I didn't worry too much because the bale that they were feeding was of a poorer quality than usual, so I just assumed that it wasn't as tasty.
She continued to pick at the hay increasingly during the week, until Friday evening. I let her out of her stall. They had been in due to extreme cold that day, but that is not unusual here for this time of year. She rolled twice in a row (she can get over on both sides without getting up, so this was a bit unusual). I noticed her kick at her stomach with her hind legs once or twice, but I was unsure if this was because of me blow drying her tail or not.
I put her away that night and came out early yesterday (Saturday). She was outside, rolling a fair amount and kicking at her tummy a bit, and not eating well but still wanted to eat. At about 8 AM I gave her 60 cc's of pepto bismol and walked her, and within 45 minutes she was eating slowly but comfortably and not rolling/kicking at her stomach anymore.
I gave her another dose of pepto bismol last night at around 7 PM because her stool was still quite loose and she was looking a bit listless. She wasn't attempting to roll or kick at her stomach, though. This morning her stool is firm again, she is perky and her appetite has returned to normal.
So... based on that information, does it sound like it was the Quest that caused the loose stool and sore tummy? If so, why would it do so? I can't say what the specific dose was, other than that they said that she only got the dose recommended on the tube. Should I remove her from their deworming programme and use a rotating programme of my own without Quest paste?
Also, if the loose stool comes back in the next day or two, should I give the pepto again or have the vet out?
Thanks again for the advice!

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb: Overview of Diseases of the Hock (Tarsus):
Rehabbing a Slab Fracture

Posted by Lloyd R on Friday, Feb 15, 2008 - 2:52 pm:
Hello all equine lovers,
I have had a recent operation performed on my 3 year old filly, standardbred racehorse. The operation was performed on the 28th of December, 2007. This operation was performed when the injury was new(within 1 week)
A group of 4 veterinarian surgeons recommended that that we use a cortical bone screw rather than just rest as it is proven more reliable in studies and in their own experiences. I was told to follow up a month after surgery with Adequan I.M. once a week for eight weeks. Please comment on the surgery and the follow up treatment with your own thoughts or suggestions.
The operation was for a slab fracture of the hock(third tarsal bone)
My question for all who care to comment is, what was your rehab time frame and did your horses make a full recovery and continue performing at a high level?
Best Regards,
Lloyd

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: First Aid for the Lame Horse:
Swelling in Decending Pectoral after fall

Posted by Muffi Delaney on Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008 - 10:11 am:
Dr O. Sunday my horse took a fall on some hard ice while running in the pen. He fell hard and legs were in the air. Garnered some Road Rash - nothing bad - Got up immediately. (was under western saddle too - no rider)Did not then and now seem lame at all. Even lay down on the side Monday in the sun to nap. This morning there is a swelling in the What I think is the Decending Pectoral muscle on the left side - see picture. It isn't the best picture but the area fits in the palm of my hand - extra flesh where the other side there is none. It is warm to the touch but he does not appear to be tender there i.e. does not flinch at all when palpitated. but it is definalty warmer than the other side - but not burning hot at this time. Question - should I have him looked at by the VET or is this just a resudual from his wipeout on Sunday? I cleaned and dressed the wounds (road rash) with ointments to keep them clean - there are no wounds near swelling. Please advise of best course of action - either to watch and it should go away or be agressive and call the Vet. thanks so much. [HA Comet Chest.JPG]

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Horse Vaccines, Vaccination, Coggins Test: Vaccines and Adverse Reactions:
Vaccine reaction in jack

Posted by George on Sunday, Feb 17, 2008 - 1:19 am:
DrO - I wasn’t sure if other equines are included in discussions on horseadvice.com. What about donkeys? If not, ignore this message. Our young jack continues to have a severe allergic reaction to vaccines. The first year everything was fine with the 7-way. Since then we tried the 5-way and 4-way, both of which produced allergic reactions. The severity of the reaction has increased significantly from year to year. Last year the swelling in the face and mouth was accompanied by a cough. This occurred after pretreatment with NSAIDS (banamine), as suggested in your article on vaccine reactions. It takes only a few minutes for the reaction to occur. In each case about 12 hours are required after an injection of dexamethasone for the symptoms to disappear. This year we thought about either giving single injections over a period of several weeks or administering the 3-way (minus influenza) and West Nile (I saw online that West Nile is now included in the 3-way with tetanus and east/west encephalomyelitis). We have since discovered that a single dose of tetanus toxoid does not produce any side effects. Could the influenza vaccine be the culprit? I have heard of reactions from this vaccine in horses. Based on your article, I suppose all we can do is find the culprit by a process of elimination or decide not to vaccinate based on risk. Any more advice on this problem?

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: Product Reviews: Apparel:
Crocs "Specialist" make awesome barn shoes!

Posted by Lisa Baker on Friday, Feb 15, 2008 - 9:54 am:
I've been wearing Crocs for a few years now, but recently found a slightly different model, called the Specialist. It's got no holes on the top or sides, and a slightly raised lip around the heel. Still a clog style shoe, but with the heel strap, there's almost as much coverage as a normal shoe.
I LOVE these shoes - they are SO comfortable, they keep my feet dry, they clean up just with water, and they are virtually non-slip on ice! I'm in northeast Texas, so weather isn't terribly cold, but they keep my feet warm even on 20 degree days, with just a pair of thin wool socks - and I'm from Montana, so have worn them in much colder conditions, too, and they're still amazing.
I was at first concerned that my socks would end up soaked, since we're so humid and the grass in the morning is usually drenched, I have in the past had to pour water out of my shoes AND wring my socks out, just from the dew - but even with the relatively low profile, my feet stay mostly dry - so much better than my old leather sneakers, the constant wet/dry was awful on them. If we've had serious rain and I've got to wade through deep mud, I don't use these (then I wear my Muck Boots, but that's another review!) but that's about the only time I don't wear them.
Another good thing, they're only $35! I bought mine at www.surfanddirt.com. One fit tip: I thought they were too tight at first - they were a little snug if I had heavy socks on, so I almost got the next size up, but my husband convinced me to give them a try, since the material stretches a little and does mold to your foot - and I'm glad that I kept these, they turned out to be perfect.

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Posted on Friday, Feb 15, 2008 - 7:50 am:

This newsletter offers a way to keep up with the horse information added to Horseadvice.com without overwhelming your email box with individual posts. 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.

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HorseAdvice.com: Training & Conditioning Horses: Behavior and Training: What Makes for a Good Trainer:
Research Summary: The Saga of King, Queeny, and Jacky

Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 - 7:35 am:
Imagine this conversation in the paddock while Queeny is being trained by Mr. Whisper, often referred to by the horses as "Pesky". King turns to Jacky and says, "Yeah, Queeny thinks Pesky is great, but what the heck does she know?" Jacky replies, "I don't know...she eats my hay, she must know something."
Here is a fascinating study that suggests that your interactions with other horses will effect interactions with a horse. The conclusion is to make training easier you should line up your horses in paddocks so they can watch you train. Then start your training day with the most dominant horse and work your way down the hierarchy! DrO

Anim Cogn. 2008 Jan 9;
Horse sense: social status of horses (Equus caballus) affects their likelihood of copying other horses' behavior.
Krueger K, Heinze J.
University of Regensburg, Biologie I, Universitatsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany, Konstanze.Krueger@biologie.uni-regensburg.de.
Animals that live in stable social groups need to gather information on their own relative position in the group's social hierarchy, by either directly threatening or by challenging others, or indirectly and in a less perilous manner , by observing interactions among others. Indirect inference of dominance relationships has previously been reported from primates, rats, birds, and fish. Here, we show that domestic horses, Equus caballus, are similarly capable of social cognition. Taking advantage of a specific "following behavior" that horses show towards humans in a riding arena, we investigated whether bystander horses adjust their response to an experimenter according to the observed interaction and their own dominance relationship with the horse whose reaction to the experimenter they had observed before. Horses copied the "following behavior" towards an experimenter after watching a dominant horse following but did not follow after observing a subordinate horse or a horse from another social group doing so. The "following behavior," which horses show towards an experimenter, therefore appears to be affected by the demonstrator's behavior and social status relative to the observer.

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding: Rehabilitating Malnourished Horses:
Refeeding a starved thoroughbred

Posted by Yvette on Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 - 3:36 am:
Hi DrO, On the evening of February 8th (Friday) I received a desperate call from a neighbor 1 and 1/2 miles down the road. He had been given a 4 yr old filly in October and having absolutely no horse experience had placed her in the care of a young man across the road who owned three horses. They each received one five lb flake of hay twice daily and lived in a paddock with a shelter built to house the previous owners 2 small arabs.There was no bedding. Here in Manitoba everything is frozen solid from Oct. til early April.Temps have been -25 to -45 quite consistently for the last 2 months. The filly's owners had added 2 litres of Front Runner 10% protein and 1 litre of sweet feed to her daily ration. Horses here need at least 40 lbs of hay a day to keep their summer weight.She was not allowed in the shed and was horribly beat up by the other horses and run off the little hay she did receive. She arrived at our barn with eyes cloudy and dull,gums pale and stocked up badly in the hind.The hay she had been eating was mostly bottom - very poor. I asked them to continue giving her the 2 flakes a day of crummy hay and 2 small flakes of good hay (that had about 20% alfalfa since I had no straight alfalfa in the barn. I gave her 1 litre of beet pulp (soaked) and 1/8 cup of canola oil and added a red mineral salt lick to the corner of her stall.I instructed them to purchase alfalfa cubes and equine senior instead of the pleasure pellets and sweet feed she had been receiving. I asked them to feed the beet pulp mixture twice daily and said we would slowly wean her from the bad hay to alfalfa over a couple of weeks. I explained the dangers of insulin overload and related problems through abrupt over feeding that I had learned from your articles. Her original owner instructed them the next day to give her unlimited high quality timothy hay which they did. Monday morning I noticed she had a constant trembling motion in her head and asked them to have her evaluated by a vet. Her original owner sent his vet out on monday afternoon and the instructions he left were as follows;
1) 4 lbs complete feed and 3 lbs of whole oats divided into two feedings daily 2) NO beet pulp (IT ACTS AS A LAXATIVE) 3) Free feed timothy hay with 30% or LESS! alfalfa content 4) 1 tablespoon of blue salt mixed into grain mixture
Today she is listless, depressed looking and not eating her hay. She is standing slightly tucked under and urinated twice in three hrs with only a very small amount each time. Her manure was a very soft ball the first three days but is now cow pie consistency. I think the vet's current regime is harming her and am tempted to call my own vet but her owners say they have to follow her breeder's vet's instructions because he gave her to them. I personally think that any race track breeder who gives a filly straight from the track to a little girl with only a few hours of riding experience under her belt is not a very concerned person. I sometimes think I should just butt out and let the chips fall where they may but the little girl and her dad love the horse and I'd hate to see anything bad happen. Any advise on the feeding problems would be greatly appreciated.
Yvette

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Respiratory System: Discussions on Respiratory System not covered by the above :
Sinus infection in older horse due to tooth abscesses

Posted by Susan Davis on Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 - 10:49 am:
Dr. O, I have an older mare (19 or 20) with a sinus infection due to abscesses in two top molars. Her nose continues to run these days and we have increased her SMZ'z to 25 am/pm as we have already encountered resistance? I know that is the max dosage (or perhaps too much), but she is a huge horse (17H warmblood type) and I feel like we have to try anyway. Her gut seems to be handling this, and I have her on U-7, Neighlox, and Vitaflex's multivitamin supplement Accel (with probiotics in it). She also gets vit E 5000 (for shivers), Cortaflex HA, and a daily dewormer. She lives on 2 bute a day for her backend. Do you think I should give her folic acid in addition? (I read about the side effects in the medication area.) This dosage level has seemed to slow down the discharge and take away the putrid smell for now.
She is also compromised in the hind end - old pelvic fracture and horrible stifles, especially the RH. She lives on 2 Bute a day, I have gotten the stifle injected, and she is still short on that RH. She has trouble going down to roll and getting up, and we turn her into her stall very carefully when we bring her in from turnout - you get the idea.
She's been on and off SMZ'z for about 3 months now (18 and 18 til now and mostly "on" them), and we have begun to get the nasty smell and putrid discharge while on SMZ's, as I guess we have already encountered resistance. I have also given her a couple of courses of Equistim which have seemed to also help some.
I don't think she's stable enough to stand for tooth removal as it sounds quite involved for the top teeth and she will probably need a lot of TQ, etc.? As for surgery - I cringe at the thought of her breaking her pelvis again trying to stand after the anesthesia. I don't think they'd take her as a surgical candidate anyway.
I am looking into trephining. Is this a big deal? Do you think it would buy much more time? Can I flush it myself after the first flushing by the vet? (In other words, can she come home and be turned out while I continue to flush it?) Have you had success with other antibiotics? (I am comfortable giving IV injections too.) Do you think the maxilla is probably infected now too, judging from my description? How long can they live with an active sinus infection without pain? What kind of bad things will happen if she continues to just "live" with the nasty discharge?
I am just trying to make her quality of life good enough so she can hang out with her friends for as long as possible, within reason. I am not looking to spending huge amounts of money (in the hundred is fine) or doing experimental type things just to extend quantity of life. (I've worked at New Bolton and seen those sorts of things before ..not that there isn't a place for them...just not here.) It's quality over quantity. I don't want her to turn into some freak show just to stay alive, and whatever I do, she needs to keep getting turned out with her friends, not stay inside. Perhaps I am being unrealistic? I know I have a lot of questions and am asking a lot, but I am really in a quanadry right now. I'm just looking for more information or other ideas. Thanks for your time.

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HorseAdvice.com: Member's Services members_only: The Lounge: Kick back and relax.: General Interest Questions:
Facial Whorls

Posted by Kaymid on Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 - 3:14 pm:
I have a mare with two swirls, and somewhat of a bump between her eyes. She is the sweetest, kindest mare ever. She does get a little frustrated when I ask her to do things she doesn't yet understand, and she can be reactive to literally nothing. But she is wonderful, and she has been good to me, a re-entry rider.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Nervous System: Neurological Conditions Not Covered Above: Neurological topics not covered above.:
Not quite talk therapy

Posted by CarlajA on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008 - 11:46 am:
Hi Dr. Olgesby,
I have just attended my fourth workshop/seminar for Neurotherapy Using the LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System)at Stone Mountain Center in New Paltz, NY. This treatment is a form of biofeedback and has been designed to help heal the brain from such insults as physical and emotional injury and the resulting issues: personality change, depression, memory loss, PTSD, anger, "stuck" (unable to learn from mistakes), seizures, etc. This treatment is a positive aid in many other issues, but these are not related to my questions.
"The LENS approach appears to address underlying neuropsychological functions as a rehabilitation tool increasing the self-regulatory capabilities of the brain. It appears to do this by re-toning the brain's reaction to stimulation, interrupting the inhibitory self-protective mechanisms of the brain that interfere with connectivity, and facilitates cortical functioning that integrates sub-cortical electrical activity and normalizes recorded scalp potentials. This takes the form of reducing high amplitudes and releasing the suppression on abnormally low recorded amplitudes. The emphasis is on disrupting dysfunctional patterns and letting the brain re-establish the connections in ways it sees fit to do, without micromanagement. The mechanisms by which this process occurs are not understood at this time. If, however, the calculations generating the feedback are corrupted or removed, improvements in functioning are no longer seen." "LENS involves measuring and recording electrical signals from the scalp, and using the frequencies of those signals to guide the speed of the feedback signal from a feedback assembly to the client. The extremely weak electromagnetic pulses come from the EEG cables and are neither visible nor able to be felt. The recorded EEG signals influence the electromagnetic feedback; the feedback, in turn, changes the quantity and frequency of the recorded brainwaves signals. The intensity of the field is less than a trillionth of a watt and is on for a few seconds during each session. For reference, a cellular telephone generates a signal millions of times the power of the LENS feedback signal."
The website for Dr. Stephen Larson at Stone Mountain is: www.stonemountaincenter.com. Dr. Larson wrote The Healing Power of Neurofeedback, The Revolutionary LENS Technique for Restoring Optimal Brain function. The person who designed this treatment is Dr. Len Ochs and his website is: www.ochslabs.com. It is devoted to just the LENS and is very clear to read and understand.
The Journal of Neurotherapy, the official journal of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research includes, in issues Volume 10, numbers 2/3, 2006, articles on the "LENS" and "The LENS Neurofeedback with Animals". This is available on line at http://jn.haworthpress.com. This article is fascinating and raises the questions of can and how to help damaged animals.
There are many counseling centers throughout the world that offer this non-medical, non-invasive treatment. I have seen first hand amazing healing occurring for the right situations. Some of us involved with Stone Mountain have our own animals of which most of them are rescues. We have been using this treatment on our animals and have found many behaviors attributed to confusion, naughtiness or fear are resolved. These were not training issues as much as issues due to physical injury or abuse (physical or emotional). The University of California at Davis conducted research on neurofeedback. Both Holiday and Williams have since retired: their research had been on line for a duration, although I believe it no longer is. Diana Grubbs is presently working with Cory Hammond (see Journal of Neurotherapy) as lead and with Len Ochs as consultant, on a project with UC Davis to perform a study on the effects of the LENS on animal behavior problems. Using this therapy is a strange topic for most veterinarians to consider or even know that it exists, as it is primarily used in conjunction with psychotherapy. We've tried to interest our local veterinarians in this treatment to no avail.
Several of us would like to offer/volunteer neurofeedback to equine rescue organizations, animal sanctuaries and ASPCA's. While non of us are veterinarians, we are certified in the use of EEG for treatment. Some of us have a BS in science.
And so, the questions....How can this treatment be offered by a lay person? We have concerns about legality and ethics. As this is not a medical procedure, are there any laws regarding using psychological modalities on animals? If this can be done, what would one do for insurance? I have liability insurance for teaching dressage through Farm Family, but this is so new and cutting edge, that not even the health insurance companies know what to do with it. Anyway, we are all hoping that we can help these furry people. We have all seen animals suffer.
Sorry that this is so long. I couldn't ask the questions without providing information. Thank you for any input. Truly. Carla Adinaro.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings: Overview of Diagnosis of Skin Diseases in Horses :
Patches of hair loss

Posted by Jane Besel on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008 - 12:42 pm:
I accidentally added the following to a discussion of skin problems. Sorry to post this twice.
My grey mare, age 8, has developed patches of missing hair on her back--both sides, back end of rib cage. The hair comes off in little clumps with powdery material at the base of the hairs. It is progressing rapidly--areas are now the size of my hand and had been just a few inches two days ago. All I have to do is brush my hand over the edges of the patches and more hair comes out. I don't see the scabs described in the dermatophillus article although there is some kind of thin, almost leathery, material. (Maybe that is a scab--I haven't picked at this or tried to remove it for fear of causing pain.)No itching appears to be present. The vet is not available for a farm visit right now (we live 'way up in the mountains and snow is predicted) but I want to do something now before it gets any worse! Please help!

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Reproductive Diseases: Problems During Pregnancy: Placentitis:
Possible Placentitis at 290 days?

Posted by CCTexas on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008 - 12:13 pm:
Hello,
I purchased a mare last week that is due to foal in approx. 7 weeks (she is at 290 days as of today). I noticed when I picked her up that she had a bit of swelling behind her bag, but it was fairly small so it didn’t alarm me. The haul to get her home was 4 hours and the edema had increased when we pulled her off the trailer. It’s now been a few days since I got her home, and she has since developed more edema behind the bag, the bag itself has begun to fill in (including some filling in of the nipples) she is cocking her tail off to the side, and she also has a little bit of odorless brown discharge. I am a bit concerned that the mare might be trying to abort the foal (possible placentitis?) Her temp is normal, and she is not acting colicky or distressed in any way, but these other symptoms have me worried. She is not overly fat (if anything, she might be a little underweight) and has been out in a large pasture previously, however I do have her in a 12x40 pen right now to keep her isolated from my other horses (I do this as a precaution for the first 10 days with any new horses I bring onto my property) so her exercise is somewhat restricted.
Do you think I am being overly concerned?
THANKS very much!! CC

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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008 - 10:28 am:

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Endocrine System: Hypothyroidism in Adult Equines:
Research Summary: Thyroid Supplementation for Weight Control?

Posted by Robert N. Oglesby DVM on Monday, Feb 11, 2008 - 7:56 am:
As long time readers are aware I have constantly fought against the notion that overweight cresty horses are hypothyroid and that attention to diet not hormone supplementation is the way to deal with this problem. But, does thyroid supplementation of the euthyroid (normal thyroid) horse help with weight control? In other species hyperthyroidism is a serious disease, so is over supplementation harmful to the horse?
Here are two studies that did find there was weight loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and did not find ill effects for several parameters of health at least for the 48 wk course of the experiment. I should note that when I first started practising there were many horses on thyroid supplementation for obesity and for the most part they were still obese and having bouts of spring founder. Diet was the way we eventually got these horses under control. So stay tuned, it appears they had some confounding variables in the efficacy experiment and they feel further work needed. If thyroid supplementation significant helps for controlling obesity while not impairing the health of the horse holds up this will be good news for those struggling with this all too common problem of the modern horse. DrO

Am J Vet Res. 2008 Jan;69(1):76-81.
Effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on glucose dynamics in healthy adult horses.
Frank N, Elliott SB, Boston RC.
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.
Objective-To determine the effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium (L-T(4)) on glucose dynamics in adult euthyroid horses. Animals-6 healthy adult mares. Procedures-Horses received L-T(4) (48 mg/d) orally for 48 weeks. Frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test procedures were performed on 3 occasions (24-hour intervals) before and at 16, 32, and 48 weeks during the treatment period. Data were assessed via minimal model analysis. The repeatability of measurements was evaluated. Results-During treatment, body weight decreased significantly from the pretreatment value; mean +/- SD weight was 49 +/- 14 kg, 43 +/- 7 kg, and 25 +/- 18 kg less than the pretreatment value at weeks 16, 32, and 48, respectively. Compared with pretreatment findings, 1.8-, 2.4-, and 1.9-fold increases in mean insulin sensitivity (SI) were detected at weeks 16, 32, and 48, respectively; SI was negatively correlated with body weight (r = -0.42; P < 0.001). During treatment, glucose effectiveness increased and the acute insulin response to glucose decreased. Overall mean within-horse coefficients of variation were 5% and 29% for plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations, respectively, and 33%, 26%, and 23% for SI, glucose effectiveness, and the acute insulin response to glucose, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Long-term administration of L-T(4) was associated with weight loss and increased SI in adult euthyroid horses, although other factors may have confounded results. Levothyroxine sodium may be useful for the treatment of obesity and insulin resistance in horses, but further studies are required.

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HorseAdvice.com: Treatments and Medications for Horses: Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx):
Dexamethasone: Head Trauma-What Can I Expect?

Posted by Little King Ranch on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008 - 8:27 am:
We have a 10 month old colt that jumped out of a paddock that had 5 1/2-6 foot panels. I found him outside laying there. I assume he hit head first and rolled on his neck. He couldn't get up for a while, finally got on his feet. We got him into a stall, the vet has put a catheter in and he is getting 10ccs of dex and 10ccs of dmso each day. This happened Friday afternoon. He is eating, having bowel movements, drinking water, etc. I am giving him banamine. He is standing with his head tilted and his left ear droops. He can can move his head and neck either direction. When he is eating the little grain I am giving him he holds his head pretty straight up and down. He had what appeared to be muscle spasms day before yesterday, his tail went to one side and he acted very uncomfortable for about 15 seconds. Then his tail straightened out. He carries it straight otherwise. The vet wants to do this for 7 days, we are on day 6. He said we will have gotten any good results from the dex and dmso by then. The colt appears more comfortable now. What can I expect on the head tilt? I assume it just takes a lot of time to have whatever healing take place that is going to be done. Has anyone had this happen to them? If so what was the outcome? EO

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Endocrine System: Discussions on Endocrine Disorders not covered by above :
Excessive sweating

Posted by Shelly Bower on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008 - 9:47 pm:
Okay, wasn't sure where to post this. My reining horse seems to be sweating much more than usual and I'm wondering if its normal or not? within a few minutes of riding or lunging he's soaked. Is there ever a point where excessive sweating is something to worry about? His coat is also very heavy this winter (not curly). He over heats very easily and it takes hours to cool him out. He's ridden 5 days a week and he should be in good shape but he's been very slow to gain muscle. Water intake, respiration and temp have always been normal.
A little more background, he's nine, underweight but slowly gaining. Last summer he lost a lot of muscle and was very weak in the hind end. I took him to a veterinary hospital where they did an EPM test, lyme disease test, lameness exam, bloodwork/vit e/selenium and a neurological exam. All was considered normal EXCEPT for a vitamin e deficiency. They said his weakness was due to a lack of turnout which caused weak stifles and mild to moderate back pain. They did not scope him but felt he had ulcers and I did treat him with gastroguard (he definitely showed improvement).
Since then he has been on cosequin, a vitamin e supplement (e5000) and Cool calories for weight gain. He was also moved to a new barn where the hay is significantly higher quality. He is being fed 4 quarts of carb guard and free choice hay. Wormed every 8-10 weeks most recently with Quest followed by Ivermectin w/praziquantal. Pasture turnout every day. Gets ulcerguard before all shows/travel.
My trainer is thinking cushings but he's only 9? Last winter (we bought him that fall) we clipped him so I don't know if a heavy coat is usual for him.
He just is not thriving and its driving me crazy!
I have a vet coming tomorrow to inject his hocks at the trainers insistence. He does have some mild DJD in the left hind hock and still has back pain (chiro/massage has not helped). I'm thinking that if we can alleviate the hock pain (there is no lameness just decreased performance) then maybe his back pain will resolve.
I apologize in advance because this posts sounds like a lot of vague complaints that don't add up to anything. I mean of course a horse with a heavy coat will sweat right? It's the combination of everything with the performance problems (mostly switching leads/kicking out/spooking) and the lack of weight gain that make me think somethings up.
I guess what I'm worried about the most is that the deficiency of Vit E caused permanent muscle damage...
Any advice would be appreciated.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract: Parasites and Worms : Roundworm Infection, Parascaris equorum:
Inflamatory edema/masses around the heart? Help needed

Posted by rhinesto on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008 - 9:11 pm:
HI. I have a 10 year old horse that was first diagnosed with cellulitis (a month ago). I called the vet and she gave me probios. I called again and they took him to the clinic and told me there are masses around his heart into his chest. He is full of fluids and they drained him. They put him on tribrissen and enrofloxacin now. They said if he keeps coming up w/ alot of liquid they want to put him down. No cancer in the liquid that they took out and the blood is fine. He is eating/drinking fine. I am taking him to the univ. of pa on Friday. He is full of liquid again. His left leg and chest and stomach area. What do you think? They told me I have to put my "baby" down if it keeps up. I am grief stricken. Anyone have this problem?

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Hoof Care, Hoof Trimming, Shoeing Horses : Hoof Care Topics Not Covered Above:
Are hoof pads Indicated for healthy hooves in dressage?

Posted by Judy Henslee on Thursday, Feb 7, 2008 - 4:46 pm:
Our breed association is revisiting a hotly debated pad issue. Previously pads have been prohibited in the show ring. Our horses are known for their strong hooves. The cons were that pads may predispose to abuse and may enhance gaits artificially. Recently, the association said that they had a lot of dressage riders from the east and west coasts complaining that pads were used in the dressage arena. That they didn't want to have to pull the pads off to compete at the breed shows. We have shown in open dressage shows in the central US for years. Never felt that pads offered an advantage to the competitor. I.E. never felt we would have won if we just had pads on. We even show barefoot and have an excellent show record.
Since this may have a great impact on our breed, I want to respond to any survey intelligently and I admit to not knowing the standard of presentation of higher level dressage horses. Are pads required at higher levels? Are they routinely used on healthy hooves? If the horse is shown on well groomed footing, are they needed? Are they cosmetic? I.E.., do competitors and judges feel that horses are better groomed with pads?
Personally, I feel that pads are appropriate for certain hoof/ sole problems and that their use might be allowed if the vet provided a letter of medical necessity. Just not certain they are appropriate without medical need. (Except of course with horses being ridden on rocks, for long stretches on streets, in disciplines where there is a lot of concussion.)
In the 90s, we had a couple of horses who needed pads. One was a flat footed QH from racing lines with huge, thin soled feet. The other was a Peruvian mare who foundered following a dystocia. In both cases, the vets at A &amp; M cautioned that their use might result in excessive moisture, softened soles and difficulty in cleaning the soles. The foundered horse was provided with pads with a little door we could unscrew to treat the soles.
Anyway, I would appreciate any information any of you might have regarding the need for pads in open dressage competitions. Anyone have any hard data on their incidence of use in FEI competitions? Olympics? Also, any info, whether pro or con, re: the use of pads in horses with tough, healthy hooves.
Dr. O., I would also appreciate your opinion of their routine use.
Thanks in advance!
Judy 0 0 \_/

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HorseAdvice.com: Horse Care: Routine Horse Care: Equine Dentistry:
"Yearly" power floating necessary?

Posted by s.miley on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 - 10:12 am:
DrO, For the last couple of years my horse has been having issues after having his teeth done (power floated). He eats his grain normally, but does not want to eat his hay, and when he does, he quids. (Note: he's always been fine before having his teeth done) When this first happened a couple of years ago I spoke to the dentist and he was quite surprised that my horse was having these issues. I have used this dentist (he is not a vet) for about 10+ years and this is the 1st horse out of 3 horses that he's done regularly who has ever shown a problem. Anyway, the dentist said to just give him some time and he should be fine. Well, my horse did finally come around, but it took weeks. The next year, the same dentist did a "less aggressive" power float due to the previous year, but my horse still had the same issues once again. So, last year the dentist did what he referred to as a very "light power float", but the same issues re-appeared again and it seemed to take forever (4-6 weeks this time). I had to increase his grain ration to make up for his lack of hay consumption .... thank goodness I had spring pasture to put him out on later on. He had no issues with eating grass. I have since spoken to another dentist (who is a vet), who was adamant that a horse should not have issues like this after having the teeth done. She said that every horse is individual in terms of their teeth and some may not require a "power float" every year, a simple manual float may be all that is required. She also said unfortunately "power floating" became a bit of a fad in the early years, but now research is beginning to show that too much of this type of floating can sometimes be more harmful than beneficial. Obviously, I'm going to change my horse over to another dentist but I would still like to hear your thoughts on what I've been through and what you think of yearly "power floating" in general. As well, if there are other owners out there that have been through a similar experience as myself, please feel free to add to this thread. Thanks.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Lameness: Diseases of the Lower Limb: Flexor Tendinitis:
Tendon Splitting

Posted by Natalie Sorscher on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 - 10:31 pm:
Hi Dr. O,
How does tendon splitting improve chronic tendinitis of the SDF? I have some understanding of its implication in the treatment of acute lesions, but how could a horse with chronic pathology benefit from this procedure? Thank you, I really appreciate your help!
Natalie

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Respiratory System: Discussions on Respiratory System not covered by the above :
Abcessed tooth infected sinus

Posted by christine trevino on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 - 1:05 pm:
October horse developed nasal discharge, became thick and copious. vet scoped horse to examine gutteral pouch, which was fine. discharge was resolved with anti-allergans. January nasal discharge returned, quickly became thick and breath was foul smelling. vet xrayed head and found "bad tooth". started antibiotics and after a few days delay (due to scheduling) vet drilled into the sinus, copious amounts of pus was found. vet has been coming daily to flush sinus. I have been cleaning wound about every three hours. yesterday (8 Feb) I noted that the lymphnodes under the jaw on that side were slightly enlarge, by 9pm they were noticeably enlarged. I called and left message for vet (he did not come that day due to emergency) Drainage has become thinned and lessened since opening sinus route (5 Feb) but still foul smelling. Horse has good appetite, alert and able to exercise without distress, no cough, no fever (I did not take a temp last night but will today) vet wants to treat conservatively with hope that infection will get under control, tooth will seal off preventing further infection, and can be left in mouth. Vet is reluctant to a)do bone flap operation; b)to extract tooth through mouth; c)to extract tooth if it can be saved 1. he told me that these rarely become systemic, but with the enlarged lymphnodes, I am worried that it is now systemic. 2. what is your experience Re: the sinus bone flap procedure? 3. would you advise that we go ahead and remove the tooth now or continue course we are on?
thank you

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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:
New diagnosis of coronary band dystrophy very long post

Posted by Kathy Field on Friday, Feb 8, 2008 - 11:31 pm:
I have to apologize ahead of time for the length of this post, but in view of the dim prognosis I am trying to provide as much information as possible.
In November, my 8 yr old mustang gelding started showing some irritation and scaling on all four hoofs at his coronary band with a change in exterior outer section of hoof wall (wavy and less shiny). My vet determined it was scratches based on visually viewing the area.
My 8 yr old is in excellent health, good appetite, great coat and no sign of lameness or swelling. There is sensitivity when the heel bulbs are pushed and if scabs (scales) are picked off coronary bands. No cauliflower growths on heels or bands. It is more like hard layered scaling flowing downward not out. If scaling is untreated, irritation does develop as the scales approach the hoof cleft.
Chance lives in pasture and apparently due to the local weather (unusual wet and warm winter for FL) my vets were seeing quite a few cases of of coronary and pastern irritations. A topical mixture of Corona, Fuluvcin (sp?), DMSO was prescribed after washing the affected area with a Novaslan mixture. This treatment was apparently very successfully on the other horses in the area, but really did not help with Chance. Instead he started to have lesions develop mainly around the heel bulbs that were starting to ooze pus.
Phase 2 of treatment started. Shampoo area with Keto-Chlor and flush with T8 Keto. Dry area and put on triple antibiotic w/7 days of Sulfamethoxazole &amp; Trimethoprim Double Strength 10 tablets twice a day. I actually went to a mix of Desitin, Triple Antibiotic Ointment(Bacitracin-Neomycin Sulfate-Polymyxin B Sulfate) and 1% Hydrocortisone cream. Major improvement noted with in days. Scaling on heels gone with some hair growth on back of heels; however, ridging on coronary band is still present. After oral antibiotics stopped, some increase in scaling, however, as long as topical mixture applied every day to every other day additional scaling does not occur but coronary band still ridged. When topical stopped by 3rd or 4 day, scaling begins to appear.
Called vet to come out to biopsy the area. When came out, my vet did not want to biopsy the area as feared that the biopsy would result in serious hoof wall damage, so all topicals were stopped and Chance was placed back on Sulfamethoxazole &amp; Trimethoprim Double Strength now 12 tablets twice a day just to see how it goes.
He has been on that for 10 days. Scaling has re-occurred although it seems at slightly slower pace than in the past. I called the vet for a recheck. My vet called me back and left a message that they were going to check with Dr Miller at Cornell for an opinion, but that they feel Chance has Coronary Band Dystrophy since he has not responded to antibiotics and irritation is on all four coronary bands. Note: he has 3 white feet that do seem worse than his black foot; however, black hoof is also affected just not as severely. He was put back on topical antibiotics for now.
Based on the material, I have reviewed here the prognosis seems dim and there seems to be little information available on this. I do have a number of questions and concerns that I would love to have answered if possible.
First, no biopsy or culture has been done at this time. CBD seems very rare. Is there a probability, that this could still be bacterial or fungal infection that is just not responsive to the class of antibiotics and treatment that has been prescribed so far? If this is CBD, why the improvement when both topical and oral antibiotics are prescribed? The changed hoof wall has not yet grown out to the point it is weight bearing. At that time, does he become lame or get laminitis or is there just a reduction in horn quality and he maintains quality of life? If this is CBD, is this a fatal diagnosis and if so, any idea of timeframe and disease progression? What should my next step be? Of all the horses I have owned, this one is very special to me.

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HorseAdvice.com: Diseases of Horses: Nervous System: Seizures &amp; Fainting: Narcolepsy, Cataplexy, and Fainting:
Odd episode

Posted by Maryanne T. Roth on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008 - 4:53 pm:
I was in the paddock with my horse yesterday picking up manure when I witnessed something unusual and frightening. He was standing with his head a little low when suddenly he started raising his head and neck and kept going up, the momentum shifted his weight back and he looked like he wanted to move backwards but his legs seemed stiff and stuck in place. the weight kept going back and he flipped over backwards, lay there several seconds, had a bit of difficulty getting up, his legs were stiff and wobbily, did get up, wobbled around a bit, eventually walked back to where he had been standing and stood there again. What the heck was that??? I of course called the vet immediately and have an exam scheduled for monday morning first thing. She felt that there was not much to do right at the moment as long as the horse didn't stop eating and didn't seem in immediate distress. Today he is stiff, which could be from the episode and/or the fall. Has anyone had a horse who has done this.

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