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A team of British researchers recently completed a study examining the prevalence of post-general anesthesia cardiac arrhythmias and found that irregularities are common in horses' hearts during the post-surgical recovery period.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference held in February.
Monday, May 14, 2012Certain exercise regimens and intensities could increase insulin sensitivity in horses, thereby reducing insulin resistance, according to the results of a recently completed study.
Sunday, May 13, 2012The New England Thoroughbred Retirement Center (NETRC) in Deerfield, N.H., has announced the arrival of its 100th retired racehorse, Alex's Hope. A five-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, standing 17 hands tall, Alex's Hope last raced at Penn National Racecourse in Grantville, Pa., on January 12. He is by the 2002 stallion Afleet Alex and out of the S...
Saturday, May 12, 2012Research shows a new treatment modality for tendon injuries could improve healing time in horses and help prevent reinjury. Tom Hedman, PhD, a research associate professor at the University of Kentucky's Center for Biomedical Engineering Coldstream Research Campus' Soft-Tissue Matrix Modification Research Laboratory, introduced to the audience an ...
Saturday, May 12, 2012An accurate diagnosis is imperative to pinpointing and treating lameness in horses. Fortunately, veterinarians today have more sound and accurate options for identifying specific issues than they did just 10 years ago, said Kent Allen, DVM, owner of Virginia Equine Imaging, a specialty sports imaging practice in The Plains, who presented April 26 at a Uni...
Friday, May 11, 2012Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference held in February.
Thursday, May 10, 2012While the exact cause of inflammatory small bowel disease (ISBD) in horses remains unknown, a group of Dutch researchers suspect that gluten intolerance could be a contributing factor of the disease. They recently tested their hypothesis and found that gluten sensitivity in horses is a possibility.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference held in February.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012For most horses, hay is a primary source of nutrients and essential fiber for hindgut health. Performing a hay analysis can help you balance the rest of your horse's diet and potentially reduce feed costs. These test results can provide a copious amount of information, but here are some important aspects to understand:
Sunday, May 06, 2012
The goal of these vets is to keep a close eye on hopefuls', and then contenders', conditions, catching any lump, misstep, or hint of malaise that could compromise performance ability in the days prior to the big race.
Saturday, May 05, 2012A group of researchers recently evaluated how food deprivation affects a horse's autonomic nervous system and found that it slows the animals' heart rates, a conclusion opposite of the team's original hypothesis.
Friday, May 04, 2012Some gait abnormalities are obvious, while others are hardly noticeable. Either way, they can indicate a variety of equine disorders. At the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., one veterinarian discussed how some gait abnormalities can point to specific health problems.
Thursday, May 03, 2012Managing a subfertile mare is a challenging and frustrating problem for breeders, especially when the exact problem remains unknown. But rest assured--researchers are working to improve equine fertility and develop new uterine therapy options. At the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., one veterinarian reviewed current ...
Wednesday, May 02, 2012Managing horses goes hand in hand with managing ailments. While some horse health problems are relatively quick and simple to treat, others are more difficult and tedious. Often, foot problems fall into the latter category. At the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., one veterinarian gave some helpful tips on how to best...
Tuesday, May 01, 2012Neonatal foals are small in stature, but they can develop big problems needing immediate veterinary attention. Several of these issues center on the bladder, urachus, and umbilicus, and some are possibly life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Robert L. Linford, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, a professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at th...
Sunday, April 29, 2012Scientists at Ludwig Maximilians University’s Department of Veterinary Medicine in Munich, Germany, are applying nanoscale molecule research in human allergy suppression to horses. In a recent study the team designed and administered a nanoparticleto deliver CpG-ODN (an immunostimulating DNA that has been shown to suppress a...
Saturday, April 28, 2012According to Barry Ball, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, the Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in equine reproduction at the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center, there are a variety of potential causes for pregnancy loss in mares.
Friday, April 27, 2012If an owner finds his or her horse in the field, a foreleg covered in blood from the knee down, the animal's tendons might not be the first concern. But as Robert L. Linford, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, a professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, explained at a recent veterinary conf...
Thursday, April 26, 2012While today's domestic horses rely on humans for many of their survival needs, a recent study by researchers in Germany demonstrated that domestication has not removed all their "wild" abilities. The results of the study, led by Lea Brinkmann, MSc, and colleagues at the University of Göttingen in Germany, indicate horses can still slow ...
Tuesday, April 24, 2012Before breeding a stallion, there's one crucial step that should be performed: the breeding soundness examination. According to one veterinarian, this relatively simple evaluation can give stallion managers a good look at an animal's breeding potential before he even hits the breeding shed. Unfortunately, he added, this step is often overlooked.&n...
Monday, April 23, 2012Every bag of horse feed includes a feed tag. The information it contains allows horse owners and managers to choose a feed with the proper nutrition at the best price for their individual horse. But with so much information on such a small tag, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are four key things to look at on a feed tag and understand about the fe...
Sunday, April 22, 2012There's been a lot of excitement about equine genomic research over the past couple years, but horse buyers and breeders are still waiting for practical performance applications. The good news is that a team of French researchers might be hot on the trail to genomic evaluation of performance--even if that trail seems slow and winding--one researcher s...
Saturday, April 21, 2012When 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta crossed the finish line for the last time, most race fans focused on the fact it was the first loss of her career. But what might be even more notable is that it was also her 20th start--unusual in an industry that has seen an overall decline in starts (down to 6.11 per horse per year in 2010, according to The Joc...
Friday, April 20, 2012Despite the numerous treatment choices available for equine sarcoids, no modality is 100% effective in producing a cure. So which of the numerous treatment options should veterinarians use to treat this common equine tumor? The answer depends on a number of factors, and at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., one res...
Thursday, April 19, 2012Making an informed decision to breed a mare is an exciting time in an owner's life. There are so many things to do: pick a stallion, prepare a foaling location, and dream big about the foal's potential, to name a few. But the first thing on the list should be to have a veterinarian perform a breeding soundness examination on the mare.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012On February 21, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule concerning the H-2B temporary guest worker program. This new rule, which will go into effect on April 23, will make significant changes to the way the H-2B program operates for all employers including those in the horse industry.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012When a horse is lame, computed and digital radiographs (X rays) have, for years, allowed veterinarians to easily visualize bone and joint problems that aren't always visible to the naked eye. But when dealing with abnormalities on joint surfaces, it now appears that ultrasonographic imaging could be the tool of choice, according to one researcher team...
Tuesday, April 17, 2012A French research team sequenced the genome of Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of the equine venereal disease contagious equine metritis (CEM), as well as T. asinigenitalis, a closely related species generally isolated in donkeys.
Sunday, April 15, 2012Protein is arguably the most misunderstood essential nutrient in the equine diet. Protein is made up of amino acids, and its main function is in muscle, tendon, and ligament development and repair. But, how do protein needs change in the equine athlete? Here are three key points to remember about protein's role in fueling the sport horse.
Saturday, April 14, 2012Allergic dermatitis--simply, inflammation of the skin caused by an irritating stimulus--is a common yet often treatable and manageable problem in horses. Ann Rashmir-Raven, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, gave an overview of the disorder at a rece...
Friday, April 13, 2012We know that time heals wounds, yet when our beloved horses sustain a traumatic wound, we still try to do everything we can to ensure a quick recovery. That can include skin grafting, according to a practitioner who described a practical "pinch grafting" technique that can allow wounds to heal faster at the 2011 American Association of Equine Pr...
Thursday, April 12, 2012The equine stifle is equivalent to a human knee and, like all limb joints, is prone to injury and disease. Colorado State University (CSU) researchers, for instance, recently examined 458 Western horses intended for cutting, during which routine survey radiographs (X rays) identified "abnormalities" in the stifles of almost half the horses. At t...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012A team of specially-trained Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (RSPCA) equine inspectors will be attending the three day Grand National meeting this year, which takes place April 12-14 at Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England. They will be joined the world famous course by an RSPCA superintendent, a chief inspector, and th...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012Many equine athlete owners worry about bone and joint problems as their four-legged partners age. But these issues are just as important in young developing horses as they are in mature horses. One of the most common and potentially damaging developmental orthopedic disorders is osteochondrosis. Earl M. Gaughan, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical professor of larg...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012In recent years there has been a shift in the U.S. horse population, with aged horses (15 years or older) an increasing percentage (20-30%). Many of these older horses remain actively involved in equestrian sport competitions, are still being bred, or serve as companion animals. Thus, further understanding of how the biology of aging affects the older hor...
Saturday, April 07, 2012Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a devastating disease characterized by the three main features of obesity (cresty neck and fat deposits are characteristic), insulin resistance, and laminitis. Certain breeds or individual horses and more than often middle-aged horses are predisposed to EMS, and are often referred to as "easy keepers."
Friday, April 06, 2012Obesity among equines seems to be a ubiquitous problem that leaves many owners seeking a weight loss program for their horse or pony. When it comes to devising a weight loss program, some caretakers turn to restricting the animal's caloric intake; however, one research team found that it's important to consider all possible materials that might be...
Friday, April 06, 2012Although one of Vincent van Gogh's most famous paintings, Starry Night, might have a peaceful and familiar air to it, the starry sky pattern seen on some equine hepatic (liver) ultrasounds is everything but van Gogh. It's more obscure and less preferred because it often points to a horse health problem.
Thursday, April 05, 2012Today's culture fuels busy lifestyles with dwindling opportunities to sleep, so it should come as no surprise that a 2011 Center for Disease Control study estimated more than one third of American adults suffer from sleep deprivation. But did you know horses can suffer sleep deprivation as well? At the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-...
Wednesday, April 04, 2012Rhodococcus equi, a normal soil organism, can be damaging for a foal--if not now, then later. Affected foals develop fever, nasal discharge, and cough, and they become lethargic. While some succumb to subsequent pneumonia and pulmonary abscesses, survivors can experience significant performance-limiting problems later in life. Ben Buchanan, DVM, Dipl. ACV...
Monday, April 02, 2012As the seasons transition from winter to spring, it's time to start thinking about horses' nutritional needs, as well as changes in the forage available to horses grazing on pasture. The spring also brings an increased risk for several health conditions, including laminitis and insulin resistance, in all horses on pasture. Here are some tips for t...
Sunday, April 01, 2012The American Horse Publications (AHP) is seeking horse industry participation in its second Equine Industry Survey to gauge trends in the U.S. equine industry. The AHP Equine Industry Survey is being sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research, Merck Animal Health, and Pfizer Animal Health. The survey was launched in early March, and runs through May 15.
Saturday, March 31, 2012"If only he'd stand still and keep quiet!" Many situations faced by horse owners and trainers would be far easier to manage if a temperamental horse would do this, and it might be tempting to initiate long-term sedation when confinement, stall rest, and tractability are necessary. But one veterinarian explained that sometimes the drawbacks o...
Saturday, March 31, 2012Just as "there's more than one way to skin a cat," there is more than one way to repair a horse's wound, particularly if it's located on the lower limb. And while many of us might be under the impression that all horse wounds should be stitched closed as soon as possible, this is not always an option. Richard Hackett, DVM, MS, Dipl. ...
Friday, March 30, 2012Most approaches to solving "roaring" in horses--a noisy, performance-limiting condition of the equine airway--involve wielding a scalpel, but a Cornell University-based research team recently examined an alternative, treatment for roarers. Jon Cheetham, VetMB, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, of the College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Clinical Sc...
Thursday, March 29, 2012There is a saying that "anything worth doing is worth overdoing." When it comes to healing lower leg wounds, some horses take this advice to heart and essentially "overheal" their injuries, resulting in the production of unsightly granulation (scar) tissue, commonly known as proud flesh. At 2011 American Association of Equine Prac...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will no longer support the production of compounded pergolide for use in horses, according to a recent statement from the agency. The change comes several months after the FDA approved a pergolide mesylate tablet (marketed as Prascend) for the treatment of clinical signs associated with pituitary pars inter...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012Cancer isn't diagnosed nearly as frequently in horses as it is in humans, but approximately 80% of all white or gray horses will develop melanomas by the time they are 15 years old. Partly because of melanomas' preferred location (near the tail, anus, groin, or salivary glands) and partly because they often aren't diagnosed early enough, there...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012A horse in respiratory distress or displaying other signs of airway ailments warrants a prompt call to the veterinarian; he or she has tools and experience to attempt to resolve the problem. At the 2011 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Nov. 18-22 in San Antonio, Texas, Brett Woodie, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, a surgeon and own...
Monday, March 26, 2012
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Owner: Claiborne Farm and Dilschneider, Adele B.
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
More...
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