Heather Smith Thomas

Health Zone: Lameness - Sole Bruises

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• September 21, 2016
• Horse Health

Trauma to the inner tissues of the foot beneath the horny sole can rupture small blood vessels, creating a bruise.

Foal Health: Ulcers in Young Horses

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• September 7, 2016
• Horse Health

Equine ulcers were first recognized in horses more than 30 years ago.

Health Zone: Lameness

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• July 6, 2016
• Horse Health

Dealing with the Arthritic Horse

Udder Issues for the Mare

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• December 3, 2012
• Horse Health

A few days after weaning your foal, you notice his dam's udder is hot and tender. While this veteran broodmare's udder has been quite large at weaning time before, she's never been so grumpy about having it touched. A veterinary examination confirms your suspicions: The mare has mastitis. Udder problems such as this are not terribly common, bu...

Blood Test to Detect and Monitor Pregnancy in Mares

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• December 29, 2010
• Horse Health

Veterinarians and breeders can now detect pregnancy in mares using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test that detects estrogen molecules in a mare's blood sample and is cheaper and easier to perform than an ultrasound.

Reconditioning After Layup

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• August 1, 2008
• Horse Health

After any layup, an athletic horse needs to be brought back to peak condition gradually. If time off was simply a vacation over winter, you can start the horse back into work at a lowe...

Options for Ex-Racehorses

• By Heather Smith Thomas
• May 26, 2008
• Horse Health

Only a handful of racehorses continue racing for more than a few years. The most talented runners are retired to stud or join a broodmare band, but often horses must move out to make room for new prospects. The problem of what to do with ex-racehorses is ongoing, and several organizations have been created to help resolve this.

Thoroughbred Ret...