Introduction Anhidrosis refers to a reduced ability to sweat when the body is heated. Horses and humans have both been known to experience an inability to sweat. It is most common in hot and humid climates like Florida and the other Gulf Coast states. This is a problem that is especially important for performance horses, as thermoregulation …
Horses make heart murmurs High velocity blood flow can cause heart murmurs. Although murmurs are more common in horses with heart disease, they can also be heard in horses that have normal blood flow. It is important to identify the cause of a murmur by determining its location, timing and intensity. Although the quality and radiation of murmurs …
What is botulism? Botulism, one of the most dangerous toxins known, is caused by ingestion. Botulism can affect any mammal, but horses are the most vulnerable. Botulism can also affect foals and adult horses (called “shaker foal syndrome”) What are the clinical signs and symptoms of botulism? The amount of toxin consumed will determine the severity of …
Originally known as Monday Morning Disease, ER is more common in horses after exertion such as hunters, racehorses and endurance horses. However, it can happen in any horse. We’ll discuss the symptoms, causes, how to diagnose and treat it, and what we can do prevent future episodes. We will also examine other less common muscle disorders. …
Your breeding program will benefit greatly from the ability to freeze your stallion’s semen. This includes the possibility for your mares to be bred in any area without being over-used. We will be discussing the benefits of freezing your semen in this article. Frozen Semen: The Advantages There are many benefits to freezing your semen. Your stallion …
Strangles Vaccination & Treatment for Horses in Brisbane and Ipswich Strangles is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by Streptococcus Equi. Horses can be exposed to the bacterium through direct contact with their nasal discharge, pus discharging abscesses, and coughing. It can also be spread through contaminated objects such as handlers, clothing, and equipment …
Enteroliths can be suspected if your horse has colic symptoms or is older than 10. These intestinal stones can be fatal if they are caught early. However, horses that have them removed will usually recover within a few weeks. Enteroliths can be as small as a pea or softball and are composed of mineral masses that …
Commercial psyllium products, which are made from the husks of psyllium seeds, are used to remove sand from horses’ digestive systems. There are some interesting findings from numerous studies on the efficacy of psyllium-husks. No matter where you live in the world, horses will be exposed to dirt and sand every day while grazing or eating …
Horse owners often confuse canine and wolf tooth — some even using the terms interchangeably. There are many key differences between canine teeth and wolf teeth. Let’s have a closer look at the mouth of your horse… The Canine Tooth Canine canine teeth are found in the mouths only of male horses. This includes stallions and …
What is the difference between canine and wolf teeth in horses? Read More »
Clear nasal discharge is common and should not be considered a problem. However, thick, yellow- or green-coloured nasal discharges are signs of a viral infection. This can cause serious health problems for your horse. The common sign of health problems is nasal discharge. It can be caused by many conditions, including those affecting the lungs, …
My horse has green discharge coming from their nose. What should I do? Read More »
There are many myths about colic treatment, such as giving horses a beer or rescue medication. However, a home remedy might not be sufficient to treat colic. Your veterinarian should inspect every colic episode. There are many causes of colic. Although there are success stories about horses suffering from colic who were able to recover by drinking …
Four pegs hold a lot of horse weight. These pegs have very few bones at the ends. They are encapsulated in a hollow-like structure called the hoof. The horse must have the correct amount of toe length and heel to support the weight. After a farrier has been to a horse, he should not be left …
It is not something you should do lightly. It is expensive and can take time. WHY? First, consider why you want to breed. Although it is lovely to think of your favorite mare as a mother, you must be practical! If you want to preserve a strong bloodline, this is a valid reason. If a mare has not …
It’s now easier than ever to breed the best quality stallion genes into your breeding program using live cover or artificial insemination. Each can spread venereal and sexually transmitted diseases. Klebsiella pneumoniae Overzealous cleaning can spread Klebsiella bacteria. Instead of using water and mild soap, disinfectant can be used to clean the stallion’s genitalia. This will allow …
Stallion Health: Preventing the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Read More »
Worming should be done every 6-8 weeks. It is important to create a sustainable program for worming your property. Your horses’ health will be protected if you combine effective worm control with good pasture management. Horses are not the only animal that has parasites. Your horse can live with worms if it is managed well. Without proper management, worm …
Although it is not possible to accurately determine the horse’s age, you can still examine their teeth to confirm. This can be done safely by an equine veterinarian during your horse’s next dental exam. Horses’ teeth grow and erupt throughout their lives, unlike humans. The horse’s teeth can be used to determine its age up until eight …
The DeliveryAssume you’re a spectator at a public court. You will witness an expert player do this. (right-handed pitcher)The pitcher places the player on the pitcher’s platform to the side opposite the stake. Place the feet carefully so that he/she is balanced and standing straight. Grab the shoe and extend it out to the full length of his/her …
Wild horses are animals that live in total freedom and have no contact with humans or other domesticated horses. Wild horses are horses that have been bred from domestic horses and returned to their natural habitats after being abandoned or escaped. These horses are able to adapt very well to the natural world. Their situation should …
I am a trail rider and country bumpkin, and I love beer. I have a combined passion for beer and horses that has led to one of my horses drinking beer. This has led me to ask “Can Horses Drink Beer?” This raises some questions, such as: Why would I drink beer on my horse? Which beer should …
Can Horses Drink Beer? A Pint of research goes a long way. Read More »
Although a dog is a man’s best friend and a horse is history, they say the horse is history. Horses have been fighting alongside men for centuries and many empires were built together with them. Although you may not have to fight with your horses anymore, they are still very important in your daily life. We …
You didn’t know how tall your horse would grow when it was young. Perhaps you have experienced what it’s like to be a 150 cm tall horse and not know how it will look as an adult. Perhaps you don’t know if your foal will be a pony of category 1 or 2. We understand the issue and …
Altrenogest, also known as Regu-mate, is a synthetic hormone that suppresses heat-related behavioral signs (also known as oestrus). The oil can be applied directly to the mare’s mouth or mixed in with the mare’s feed. How Regu-mate works: As a mare enters heat, and prepares to breed, her levels increase. After a mare ovulates, her levels of oestrogen …
Ponies and horses that are overweight often have fatty tissue deposits. A cresty neck is an animal whose fat pads form along the neck’s upper curve. Fat pads can indicate a variety of health issues, but they are often a sign of an animal’s diet and exercise. EQUINE METABOLIC SYSNDROME Equine Metabolic Syndrome is an endocrine condition …
Cresty Neck Could Signal Equine Metabolic Syndrome Read More »
Forageplus is often asked why there is so much clover in the horse pasture. We discuss clover’s benefits in pasture, how much clover can be harmful to horses, and what you can do about it.Quick Navigation hide 1 Types Of Clover2 Clover In Fields2.1 How does clover affect horses?4 How can clover be reduced in horse …
Why is there too much clover in my horse pasture? Read More »
In this article we will discuss the different types of oats that horses can eat and the best ones to feed your pony or horse. We’ll be discussing the nutritional value of oats, as well as the pros and cons for each type.Quick Navigation hide 1 Oats For Horses: What Are They?2.2 Glucose And Oats3 …
Many horse owners are afraid to feed wheat bran, according to our conversations. Horse wheat bran is no longer a popular horse food. It has been labeled ‘undesirable and old-fashioned’. It has been widely criticised as a byproduct and ‘imbalanced’. We feel that claims it shouldn’t be fed are misleading. This is because it provides valuable …
We identified in our last post that some horse behavior we may consider cute could have different connotations when viewed from the perspective of a herd animal. We will be looking at specific behaviors and how you can help. What not to do Don’t get mad. Don’t get even. Don’t lose your cool. These are only suggestions. However, it is …
Although mammary gland problems are rare in mares, they can cause abnormal milk production, discharge, swellings or lumps. Two mammary glands are present in the horse, and there are two teats. This is in contrast to four teats for cows. A horse milking technique is different from a cow. There are two holes at the tip …
Mastitis and other mammary gland problems in the mare Read More »
It is important to boost your horse’s immunity system during stressful situations such as travel, training, illness, or injury. It is as easy as adding an herb to their diet to boost their immunity. Echinacea is the best herb to support your horse’s immune system. What’s Echinacea? Echinacea, which is second only to garlic for immune-support, is …
Echinacea; Boost Your Horse’s Immune System and Fight Infection Read More »
Hunter’s bump is a term that describes a horse with a prominent tuber sacrale at the top of its rump. This condition is often referred to as a breed-specific conformation problem. It’s most common in “hunter/jumper”, such as Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. This is a common practice in the discipline and some people think it’s a positive …
Every horse owner should make it a priority to take care of their horses in the most effective way possible. Horses should be treated like athletes. This is why it is so important to take good care of them and their recovery. Horses that don’t get well treated won’t be happy athletes. Muscle recovery is one the …
What is PEMF for horses and how does it help horses? Read More »
The invention of the steam engine and spinning wheels was long before it was invented. A human invention that revolutionized ancient trade, transportation, and warfare was horseshoes. The horseshoe was born out of necessity. Humans discovered horses in the same way that they domesticated them. They also understood the importance of protecting their feet. Their goal was to get the …
My friend suggested that horses and donkeys should be treated as one species because they are so similar. This is an interesting idea that I wanted to clarify. What is the difference between horses and donkeys? What is the difference between horses and donkeys? mules cannot be bred and are therefore considered sterile. Donkeys and horses, on the other hand, …
Horses, Donkeys, and Mules: Is There A Difference? Read More »
Nothing is more beautiful than watching a mare and her foal run in camp. Foals are so happy animals and take cuteness to the next step. Horse owners desire their mares to have at most one foal in their lifetime. But how can you decide what is best for your mare’s health? What is the maximum number of …
How Many Foals Can A Horse Have In Its Lifetime? Read More »
Human medicine has many cancer awareness programs. Nearly everyone is screened for at minimum one type of cancer, such as cervical, breast, colon, or prostate. Horses are not at risk for cancers of their internal organs, but skin cancers are quite common. It is very easy to detect these cancers. The easiest way to screen for these tumors …
Strangles is an upper-respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus, a strain of bacteria. Equi . Infections can cause fevers, nasal discharge, and swelling of the lymph nodes around your head and neck. HOW DO HORSES FALL INFECTED? Nasal secretions and purulent drainage from abscesses can transmit the bacteria. It can happen directly (horse-to-horse) or indirectly (bacterial contamination of buckets …
“OTTB” is Off-Track Thoroughbred. An off-track Thoroughbred horse was once bred and trained for racing, but is not currently an active racehorse. Many OTTBs can be registered with The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club hosts the Thoroughbred horse breed registry in North America. To be considered an OTTB, a horse does not need to make a specific number of …
Horses that refuse to eat are the most frustrating and worrying thing. Horses can become unwell from a variety reasons, including illness, unpalatable food or gastrointestinal disorders like hindgut acidosis. There are things you can do that will get your horse back to eating. These are some helpful tips to keep your horse’s appetite healthy. STEP 1: IDENTIFY …
Protein is the most important nutrient for horses, after energy. Protein is essential for building good quality hoof, skin, hair, organ tissue and muscles as well as blood, blood, and bone. A horse’s diet must include protein as it is an essential part of hormones, enzymes, and other hormones. It is the second most abundant substance in horses’ …
Our horse’s piaffes are pfizzled. His slides have slid. His rollbacks are back. His leads don’t change. Someone will almost reflexively say “Maybe he needs to have his hocks injected.” He might. Maybe it’s more complicated than that. It should be. FIRST ASIDE (of many): It is a little strange statistically to believe that the first thing that could be wrong …
My experience shows that horses with a high value (value based on the cost of buying them) can make people crazy. It’s okay in a way – it is important to care for valuable things. Some people think that because they own or maintain valuable horses, it also means that they can do special things for them. It’s …
The Difference(s) Between Performance Horses and Other Horses Read More »
If you are squinting at the title, I want to say that I am happy to see your horse by an “equine chiropractor” and that you feel happy for your horse. I don’t think I have done anything wrong. If you already have your mind set, then you might not want to read the following. People …
Why I Wouldn’t Bother with “Equine Chiropractic” Read More »
Sometimes horses lick and chew their training material. This has been thought to be a sign that the horse learns or shows’submission’. A new study has shown that horses can show this behavior after being put in stressful situations. Do you lick and chew? Submission or stress? A team of scientists from Norway’s University of Life …
What does “cold-backed” mean? A horse with a sensitive or painful back is called ‘cold-backed’. These symptoms may be mild like discomfort due to tightening of the girth, or more severe, which lasts until the horse is warm and the muscles relax. Christine East, McTimoney Animal Practitioner has treated many horses with cold-backs. She says that there are …
This summary is a mixture of direct excerpts from a variety of publications, letters to the Falabellas family, a French Veterinary Medicine Study, and Thesis on Falabellas. Many other articles have been published about Falabella horses. Some are true and some are not. We have tried to collect the most accurate information through veterinary medical studies and …
Weight loss can simply be explained by the body using more calories than it consumes. There are many possible causes for chronic weight loss in horses. These include poor quality feed, limited supply, health problems, and social interaction. Starvation can also lead to chronic weight loss. Starvation can also be caused by ignorance, intentional neglect, economic hardship, disease, dentition …
Vitamin E (tocopherol), a fat-soluble vitamin, plays many roles in the body. Vitamin E’s main role is to act as an antioxidant. It works in close collaboration with Vitamin C and Selenium to protect the body against oxidative stress from illness, exercise and other medical conditions. Vitamin E helps maintain normal neuromuscular function by this mechanism. Vitamin E …
As a horse owner of EMS or laminitic horses, one of the first things you will be told is “no treats,” ..”. Sometimes, a grape or prune can be used to hide pergolide tablets. However, owners might be advised not to use an apple or a slice of carrot for the same purpose. What’s the science behind …
Researchers in New Zealand discovered that ryegrass staggers were caused by tiny fungi called Endophytes 25 years ago. They discovered that the mycotoxins created by endophytes within ryegrass cells can affect livestock and cause them to tremble or lose coordination. It was discovered that the toxins affected a part of the cerebellum responsible for muscle …
A researcher has questioned the effectiveness of a cornerstone treatment to treat equine gastric problems. He believes that a revision is necessary over diet recommendations and current blanket dosing guidelines for omeprazole. Equine squamous stomach disease is a condition that affects the upper portion of the stomach. There, tissues have very limited defense mechanisms against …
Diet critical to the success of omeprazole in treating stomach ulcers in horses Read More »
