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New Equine EEE, WNV Cases Reported in Mass., Ill.

Officials in Massachusetts and Illinois have reported additional cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), respectively, in horses residing within their state's borders.

EIPH and Furosemide Use in Racehorses Explained

One of the most controversial topics in Thoroughbred racing today is the race-day use of furosemide (commonly called Salix or Lasix). The drug is used to lessen the effects of a respiratory condition called exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), characterized by bleeding into the lungs or out the nose during exercise. In the midst of rumor and fact...

Keeneland to Host Racehorse Summit

The fourth edition of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will feature a "Prevention vs. Reaction" theme when it is held at Keeneland Oct. 16-17.

Equine West Nile Virus: An International Perspective

Most American owners are aware of the increased number of West Nile virus (WNV) cases confirmed in the U.S. horse population this year. What they might not know is how the virus affects horses in other countries.

Effect of Restricted Grazing on Hindgut pH and Fluid Balance

Horse owners utilize many management practices to limit calorie intake for obese horses, including restricting pasture access via a grazing muzzle. However, research has shown that horses often increase pasture intake when returned to an unrestricted situation. Drastic changes in grain intake are known to cause digestive upsets, particularly in the hindgu...

Accuracy of Suspensory Ligament Measurements via Ultrasound

When it comes to equine injuries in the proximal (upper) suspensory ligament (PSL), many veterinarians rely on ultrasonography (US) to diagnose and monitor the problem. But obtaining accurate US measurements of the PSL could be a challenge, even for experienced operators, according to the results of a recent German study.

Nationwide West Nile Case Count Continues to Rise

As fall begins and temperatures slowly drop, the number of confirmed equine West Nile virus (WNV) cases around the country continues to rise.

Remote-Controlled Cars Used to Study Round Pen Training

Round pen training isn't only effective with humans being the ones working the horses. According to Australian equitation scientists, even a remote-controlled car can create the same reactions in horses. And for them, this is cause for concern.

Understanding Equine Eyelid Disorders

Editor's Note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners' Focus on Ophthalmology conference, held Sept. 6-8 in Raleigh, N.C.

S. vulgaris, Selective Deworming Association Studied

Results from a recent study performed on American and Danish horses identified an association between selective treatment and occurrence of the most pathogenic (capable of producing disease) parasite, Strongylus vulgaris, said Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, EVPC, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Science at the Gluck Equine Research Center.

EMS, PPID Focus of Second Equine Endocrinology Summit

Equine endocrinology researchers gathered in Boston, Mass., Sept. 7-8, for the second Equine Endocrinology Summit, where major topics of discussion included equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia disorder (PPID, or equine Cushing's disease).

Study: Some Domestic Horses Possibly Too Reliant on Humans

Horses, like dogs and other domesticated animals, can be extremely affectionate and respond to many human cues, such as pointing and gaze directions. In the first study of its kind, French researchers have learned that horses that are too dependent on humans might have lower cognitive skills, leaving them incapable of solving their own problems.

Study Evaluates Equine Fecal pH during Abrupt Feed Changes

A team of researchers in New Zealand recently set out to determine how dietary changes--from pasture to harvest forage and concentrates--affected fecal pH and certain bacterial populations of the hindgut.

Counterfeit Equine Anemia Drug Surfaces in Canada

Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based Canadian biopharmaceutical company, announced Thursday (Sept. 20) that one of its equine products--Hippirontm 1000--has been counterfeited, and was being sold via an Internet website. Regulatory authorities and veterinarian customers have been advised of this situation, along with the elements of the counterfe...

Horse Fencing: Is There a Best Choice?

Post-and-board, vinyl constructed plank, braided tape, coated high-tensile wire, pipe: Many effective equine fencing options are available. However, there are no hard-and-fast rules as to which is the best choice, explained Bob Coleman, PhD, Equine Extension professor in the University of Kentucky's Department of Animal Sciences.

Factors Complicating Return to Work after Colic Surgery

It's one of every horse owner's worst nightmares--a case of colic that progresses into emergency surgery. Among the many other questions swirling in an owner's mind before colic surgery might be whether their horse will recover well enough to return to work when the ordeal is over. Researchers at North Carolina State University's (NCSU) Co...

Encourage Horses to Pass Scary Objects, Scientists Recommend

Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 International Society of Equitation Science conference, held July 18-20 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

What's in an Equine Eye Exam?

Editor's Note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners' Focus on Ophthalmology conference, held Sept. 6-8 in Raleigh, N.C.

New Equine EEE, WNV Cases Confirmed Across Country

Summer might be winding down in some areas of the country, but the number of equine mosquito-borne disease cases continues to rise. Animal health officials in California, Kentucky, and Vermont have all issued statements regarding newly confirmed cases of either Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or West Nile virus (WNV) in the past week.

Study: Trainers Consistently Evaluate Ridden Horse Behavior

Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 International Society of Equitation Science conference, held July 18-20 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Laminitis Research Project Inclusion Criteria Expanded

The coordinators of the ongoing laminitis research project have expanded the inclusion criteria in hopes of garnering additional case submissions from veterinarians, according to a statement from the coordinators.

Equine Cushing's Disease Topic of Audio Forum

TheHorse.com will present 'Equine Cushing's Disease (PPID),' a free Ask the Vet Live audio and Q&A event on Tuesday, Sept. 18th, at 8 p.m. EDT, sponsored by Boe

Study: Horse Owners Best Predictors of Equine Motivation

Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 International Society of Equitation Science conference, held July 18-20 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

New Equine WNV Cases Found in Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky

The number of equine West Nile virus (WNV) cases identified this year in the United States continues to rise as Connecticut, Florida, and Kentucky all reported new cases this week.

West Nile Virus Still a Threat to Horses

West Nile virus (WNV) remains a threat to horses. However, with the right vaccine and preventive measures, it's not too late for horse owners to help protect their horses against this life-threatening disease.

New Equine Flexural Deformities Treatment Technique Studied

Long-term Clenbuterol Use in Horses Studied

Clenbuterol, a beta-2-adrenoceptor agonist and the only FDA-approved medication for horses with reversible bronchospasm, is commonly used to treat horses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO, commonly known as heaves). Although it is often regularly administered to racehorses throughout the racing season, the long-t...

Equine Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy Studied

Although scientists still don't know what causes a relatively rare equine neurologic disorder, a research team in England recently took steps to further characterize the most common presenting signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment options associated with equine temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.

Protecting Horses in Response to the Recent Increase in WNV

The West Nile virus (WNV) cases in humans and horses have been on the rise in 2012 and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human cases are at their highest levels since WNV was first detected in the United States in 1999. Tracy Norman, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veter...

Researchers Evaluate Horses as Model of Human Depression

"Horses' and humans' basic body systems and physiology are quite similar, so in many cases research conducted in one species could be translated to the other," wrote Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, in a recent article published in The Horse.

Starch Digestion in Horse Diets

Starch is a highly digestible energy form and can provide energy needed for exercise, growth, metabolism, and other equine life functions. However, when fed improperly, this nonstructural carbohydrate can be detrimental to your horse's health.

Veterinarians Urge Vaccination against West Nile Virus

As of Aug. 21, more than 110 cases of equine West Nile virus (WNV) have been reported this year in the United States, according to the United States Geological Survey. The majority of these affected horses were either not vaccinated against the disease, or not up-to-date on their WNV vaccination.

ASPCA Grants $290,000 to Assist Retired Racehorses

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) today announced that 14 equine rescue organizations from across the nation have joined the ASPCA Million Dollar Rescuing Racers Initiative, now in its third year. This major grants program aids in the rescue and rehabilitation of retired racehorses, repurposing the horses for other area...

Keys to Consider when Feeding Broodmares

Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 Kentucky Equine Research Conference, held May 17-18 in Lexington, Ky.

New Surgical Treatment for Kissing Spines Evaluated

Here's some good news for owners of horses with kissing spines: A British research team recently developed a new, minimally invasive treatment method that boasted a 95% success rate in a recent study.

Tropical Storm Isaac Drenches Florida, Threatens Gulf States

Tropical Storm Isaac blew across Florida this past weekend before turning westward to threaten the Gulf coast. But so far the storm has not forced widespread horse evacuations.

Fall Pasture Management Following a Drought

The recent drought has affected crop production severely, and many horse farm managers and horse owners have noticed that pastures have suffered as well. Here are some practical steps that can be taken on cool season grass pastures to help them recover for fall and spring grazing.

Clipping, Blankets Helpful in Cold-Weather Exercise Recovery

For many parts of the country cooler weather is just around the corner, which means many horse owners will be throwing extra hay, picking ice out of hooves, and pondering the age-old question: to clip or not to clip? But a team of Scandinavian researchers might help some owners with the final task, as they recently confirmed that clipped horses appear to ...

New Diagnostic Assay for EPM Developed

Dan Howe, PhD, a molecular parasitologist at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, has developed a new assay to aid in diagnosing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA, measures antibodies to the surface antigens (SAGs) SnSAG2, SnSAG3, and SnSAG4 of Sarcocystis neurona, the parasite t...

Surgical Options for Managing Roaring in Horses

You might not be able to see a roarer from a mile away, but you sure can hear them. Horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN, often referred to as roarers due to the sound they make breathing) frequently require surgical intervention to both reduce the noise produced during exercise and to increase the amount of air they can take in while working.

Colic Prevalence in Horses Hospitalized for Ocular Disease

Colic is a serious health concern for horses recovering from a variety of surgeries, illnesses, or injuries. Researchers are working to understand which conditions pose the biggest colic risk and to identify associated risk factors. Recently researchers took a closer look at colic in ocular disease patients.

Effects of Selenium Source on Mares and Foals

The micromineral selenium plays a vital role in equine immune function, especially in the mare and foal. Selenium transfer through the placenta and milk has been shown to influence neonatal selenium status in livestock, but it remains unknown if the selenium source affected transmission from mare to foal.

Increased Equine West Nile Virus Activity in 2012

Nearly 700 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed in the United States thus far in 2012, according to a recent statement from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). So it should come as no surprise that many veterinarians are recommending horse owners ensure their animals are properly vaccinated against the potentially deadly mosquito-bor...

Cardiorespiratory Causes of Poor Equine Performance

Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held May 30 - June 2 in New Orleans, La.

Equine Infectious Anemia Outbreak Hits Western Canada

Saskatchewan and other regions of Western Canada are in the midst of the largest equine infectious anemia (EIA) outbreak the area has seen in years, involving more than 70 horses and 22 different properties thus far in 2012. In response, two veterinarians discussed the importance of disease surveillance in controlling--and possibly even eradicating--the d...

'Cup' Feeder Slows Horses' Consumption Rate, Reduces Waste

Researchers at Texas A&M University recently tested a newly designed feed bucket against traditional flat and rubber feeders. The results showed that the new bucket slowed consumption and reduced waste.

Researchers Test Equine Muscle Fatigue Sensor

Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 International Society of Equitation Science conference, held July 18-20 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Alternative Fiber Sources for Horses

Much of the country is experiencing drier than normal conditions this summer, so some horses living on pasture might soon have limited forage choices. With decreased forage growth also comes a decrease in hay production. Therefore, owners might want to familiarize themselves with alternative fiber sources that could be used to supplement their horses'...

Creating a Sacrifice Area for Horses

A sacrifice area is a small enclosure, such as a corral, run, pen, turnout, or winter paddock, meant to be your horse's outdoor living quarters. It is called a sacrifice area because you are giving up the use of that small portion of land as a grassy area to benefit the rest of your pasture. Many owners confine their horses to sacrifice areas during t...

New Treatment for Equine Bone Fragility Disorder Evaluated

A team of researchers recently evaluated a possible treatment for equine bone fragility disorder (BFD) with positive results, giving owners of horses affected by this currently incurable disease a glimmer of hope.