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Winter Horse Management and Riding Considerations
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 21, 2012Even if you don’t have an indoor arena, there’s no reason you have to give up all riding in the winter. Cold-weather riding, however, requires a little thought and preparation to keep it safe for you and your horse.
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Purpura Hemorrhagica in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · February 20, 2012Purpura hemorrhagica is defined as a condition of hemorrhage and edema that is triggered by an allergic-type reaction. Most often, this disease is associated with strangles, but it can occur following infections with any streptococcal bacteria or virus (influenza).
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Reproduction in Older Mares
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 16, 2012Reproductive potential begins to decline in mares that are more than 15 years old. Older mares have a higher incidence of pregnancy loss, possibly due to defective oocytes, changes in the intrauterine environment, or other factors.
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Colic Surgery: Is It Right for Your Horse?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2012Colic surgery is costly, running into the thousands of dollars for routine procedures and much more than that if the horse’s condition is not straightforward or recovery is prolonged. Is surgery the right choice for you and your horse?
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Common Methods of Weaning Horses
By Dr. Clarissa Brown-Douglas · February 13, 2012No weaning method is best. In fact, the best weaning method is the one that fits your management system and results in a stress-free, relaxed, and uninjured mare and foal.
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Hock Problems in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 10, 2012Because the horse derives power from its hindquarters, any problem involving the hocks has a good probability of being serious. Some conditions were seen more often in past eras when horses were driven more, though they can still be found in today’s equines.
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Determining Degree of Lameness in Laminitic Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 9, 2012Professionals at the Hoof Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Clinic evaluated the degree of lameness in 30 horses with laminitis using a force plate.
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Why Doesn't Your Broodmare Cycle?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2012Mares of breeding age naturally begin to show an active estrous cycle in mid to late spring of each year, but there are many reasons why a mare may fail to cycle normally.
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How Do Nonsteroidal Inflammatory Medications Work?
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · February 7, 2012Most anyone who has ever owned a horse has given a dose of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine, but do you know how such medications work?
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Racehorse Health and Safety Studies Continue
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 6, 2012Collection of information for the Equine Injury Database was started over three years ago, and though many records have been collected, this process needs to continue for several more years before conclusions can be drawn.
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Post-Foaling Complications in Mares
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2012Delivering a foal goes well for many mares, but problems may occasionally show up shortly after the foal is born.
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Equine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · February 1, 2012Equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (EME), known more commonly as Potomac horse fever, is a disease that causes clinical signs of fever, inappetence, and diarrhea.
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Manure Quality Matters
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 31, 2012A horse’s manure can be a clue to its health, particularly the function or dysfunction of its digestive tract, so knowing what's normal for your horse is important.
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Some Equine Products Dangerous for Dogs, Other Animals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2012A number of dog breeds, including many shepherd breeds, have a mutation that makes them extremely sensitive to ivermectin, and mixed-breed dogs may have inherited the mutation from a shepherd-type ancestor.
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A Healthy Home Life: Clean, Airy Stalls Advantageous for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 26, 2012The short-term athletic ability and long-term welfare of horses are largely dependent on respiratory health, so providing a well-ventilated atmosphere for stables horses is essential.
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Abdominal Obstructions in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2012Enteroliths receive the most attention as causes of intestinal tract obstruction. However, there are other, less frequently encountered obstructions that lead to the same clinical signs and appearance.
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Cold Weather Hoof Care
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 23, 2012Barefooted or shod, hooves require just as much attention in the winter as they do in more temperate seasons.
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Artificial Insemination in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 19, 2012Artificial insemination (AI) is an advantageous option for many breeders because it eliminates transporting a horse for breeding and also allows a stallion to impregnate a much larger number of mares than would be possible by live cover.
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Is Your Horse Ingesting Sand?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 18, 2012Swallowing sand is a danger for horses that graze loose, sandy soil or eat hay that is piled on sandy ground, so care should be taken to reduce the likelihood of intake.
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Choosing a Farrier for Your Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 18, 2012In choosing a farrier, look for someone who is familiar with horses of the breed and discipline in which you are interested.
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Protect Your Horse from Back Pain
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 17, 2012Back pain in horses can be subtle or obvious; can manifest as shifting lameness or just a generally sour attitude; and is sometimes tricky to diagnose and hard to relieve.
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Collecting Colostrum from a Mare
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 17, 2012Foals that miss out on colostrum are at risk of infection from a host of environmental microbes, so getting this vital fluid into a neonate is extremely important.
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Treating Diarrhea in Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 16, 2012Diarrhea in foals is not uncommon and often clears up without treatment. However, diarrhea is a sign that something is not right, and severe diarrhea can dangerously dehydrate a foal.
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New Arthritis Treatment for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2012The pain and inflammation of arthritis may be treated in many ways, though no treatment is completely effective in all cases. A new arthritis treatment is the use of blood-derived autologous conditioned serum.
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Coffin Bone Fractures in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 11, 2012A fractured coffin bone is a fairly common injury that might or might not jeopardize the horse’s performance career.
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Breeding for Fewer Navicular Problems in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 9, 2012Because shape of the navicular bone border is hereditary, buyers of horses to be used for breeding might want to look for animals with straight or convex navicular border shapes.
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Diagnosis of Liver Disease in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 6, 2012A spotty appearance of the liver in ultrasound examinations of horses doesn’t necessarily mean the horse has liver disease, according to a study conducted at Texas A&M University.
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How Does Furosemide Work?
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · January 4, 2012Furosemide is a commonly used and very effective diuretic in human and veterinary medicine. In horses, furosemide has attracted much attention as a preventive for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
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Behavior Differences by Gender in Young Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 3, 2012Studies in dogs and humans have shown that young females are generally more anxious than young males. Equine researchers designed a trial to determine if the same gender difference could be found for horses.
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Equine Laminitis Study Needs Your Help
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 2, 2012 -
Health Problems Identified and Treated in Geriatric Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 30, 2011Some conditions commonly affecting older horses can be treated effectively, keeping them comfortable and extending their useful lives.
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Gastric Ulcers and Behavior in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 29, 2011Many horses that show irritability, low-level colic, poor appetite, and resistance to work may be reacting to the discomfort of gastric ulcers. But do all horses with gastric ulcers show these signs?
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The Way to a Horse's Heart Is Through Its Stomach
By Dr. Kathleen Crandell · December 28, 2011To learn more about the best trigger for bonding and learning, researchers studied the effect of either food or grooming on the speed of learning among horses and on the attachment of horses to humans.
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Studs in Horseshoes: Helpful or Harmful?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 27, 2011Often, the solution to traction problems among equine athletes is to add devices, called studs, to the shoe which can punch through the slippery surface to the firmer ground beneath.
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Abbreviations Commonly Used for Drug Therapy
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 23, 2011Veterinarians often employ a shorthand of sorts when dispensing medication to clients. This guide provides a list of the most common abbreviations.
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Checking Your Horse's Vision
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 22, 2011A veterinarian’s examination will give you answers to questions about your horse’s vision, but there are some easy tests you can use to get a general idea of whether your horse can see well.
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Ringworm in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 21, 2011Caused by a fungus, ringworm can be passed from horse to horse and also from horses to humans. Winter, with its fuzzy-coated horses and frequent use of blankets, is a common time for ringworm to show up.
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Is That Newborn Foal All Right?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2011After eleven months of pregnancy, your mare has finally delivered her foal. Everything looks fine with the mare and foal. What will the first hours, days, and weeks be like?
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Malignant Hyperthermia in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 19, 2011Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic disorder of horses confined to Quarter Horses and members of related breeds such as Appaloosas and Paints.
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Teaching a Young Horse to Wear a Halter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 16, 2011Educating foals often starts with familiarizing them with halters and leading. Though it seems simple enough, laying a solid foundation early on will ease handling as foals grow and become stronger.
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When Mares Reject Their Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 15, 2011Though it occurs infrequently, rejection of a foal by its dam can cause serious health problems for the newborn if not dealt with immediately.
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Herbal Supplements for Horses
By Dr. Peter Huntington · December 14, 2011The plethora of herbal products available from catalogs and online suppliers attests to their increasing popularity, but caution should be exercised when feeding.
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Treating Eye Inflammation in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2011Researchers investigate the effectiveness of oral anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of eye problems.
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Acupressure for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2011Acupressure is a treatment modality that seeks to treat various conditions in the horse by using noninvasive pressure.
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Feeding Broodmares in Late Pregnancy
By Dr. Peter Huntington · December 13, 2011After seven months of gestation, the equine fetus begins to develop rapidly, and the mare's nutrient requirements become significantly greater during this time.
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Corn Analysis: What Strain Is Best for Horse Feed?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 12, 2011Research at in Malaysia has turned up significant differences in the values for protein, gross energy, crude fiber, and nitrogen content among various strains of corn.
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Overweight Horses Might Have Increased Inflammation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 9, 2011Equine researchers have investigated the role of obesity in low-level, body-wide inflammation.
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Sand Colic in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 8, 2011Sand colic, a form of impaction typically seen in horses that live in dry, sandy areas, occurs when the horse ingests sand.
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Importance of Ventilation in Stables
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 8, 2011Design and construction of equine facilities needs to trend more toward livestock than residential design for optimal health of horses.
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Tapeworms Cause Health Problems in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 6, 2011Tapeworms can play a significant part in several types of colic and other dangerous conditions of the equine digestive tract.
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Managing Horses During Winter Storms
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 5, 2011To minimize the impact of winter weather, plan ahead and be prepared to meet the animal’s basic needs—feed, hay, water, and shelter—on your own.
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Care of Quarter Cracks in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 5, 2011Quarter cracks are common hoof flaws in horses, especially racehorses and other equines in hard training and performance.
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Survey on Seasonal Pasture Myopathy in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 2, 2011Scientists are asking for your help in finding answers to seasonal pasture myopathy, a disease characterized by heavy sweating, muscle twitching, and weakness.
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Horse Weight Estimates
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 2, 2011Knowing your horse's weight is critical when formulating a diet and calculating medication doses.
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Avoiding Soft Tissue Injuries in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2011Horses are subject to muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries when they work hard, especially if they have not been properly conditioned for the work they are asked to do.
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Warts in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 23, 2011Warts generally appear on the head and seem to cluster on the muzzle, though they might appear near the eyes, on the bridge of the nose, and even along the lower jaw.
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Upper Respiratory Infection in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 21, 2011Fall, winter, and spring are prime time for diseases of the respiratory tract, and are often caused by one or more of four common pathogens.
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Swollen or Filled Legs: What’s Wrong With Your Horse?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 21, 2011Horses can rapidly develop swelling or “filling” in one or more legs. Is it serious? What causes it?
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Get Broodmares Ready Now for Healthy Spring Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 21, 2011Your pregnant mare’s foaling date may still be months away, but there are a few things to think about right now to assure a healthy mare and foal next spring.
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Cortisol Rhythm and Colic in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 21, 2011Cortisol is one measure of stress in horses, with higher blood levels indicating that the horse is increasingly stressed by health, environmental, or performance factors.
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Avoid Water Problems in Your Horse Barn
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 21, 2011Try to avoid ever having drainage problems by choosing the best site for your barn.
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Cribbing in Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 18, 2011In foals, cribbing is often related to feeding schedule and composition of meals.
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Mare Breeding Soundness Examination: Gathering a History
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 2011Consider the health, performance, and reproductive history of potential broodmares.
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Vitamin E Indicated for Horses Having Colic Surgery
By Dr. Peter Huntington · November 16, 2011High doses of antioxidants, including natural vitamin E, should be part of the treatment regimen for horses having colic surgery.
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Hendra Virus Threatens Australian Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 14, 2011Hendra virus is transmitted from large fruit bats to horses, and then from horses to humans.
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Help Your Horse Sleep
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 14, 2011To be able to sleep easily, a horse needs to feel comfortable, relaxed, and secure.
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Recent Colic Research Update
By Dr. Peter Huntington · November 2, 2011Recent research has identified one reason why stabled horses have a higher risk/incidence of colic.
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Bad Hair Days: Seasonal Alopecia in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 31, 2011Some horses grow hair at regular times, but soon lose it over some areas of the body. Known as seasonal alopecia, this condition may be caused by an imbalance in the pineal gland.
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Pasture Rest May Be the Best Treatment for Stress Remodeling in Racehorses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 28, 2011According to a team of veterinarians, pasture turnout for horses affected by stress-related remodeling of the cannon bones can be a better treatment than stall rest.
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Genetic Cause of Foal Deformities Investigated
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2011Preliminary results from a study on flexural limb deformity and contracted foal syndrome showed that the deformities have a genetic component that is complex and poorly understood.
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Bone Chips in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2011Many factors influence whether or not a particular horse will develop bone chips. These may include genetics, rapid growth, mineral imbalances, nutritional management, mechanical stress, trauma, overfeeding, endocrine problems, and accidental injury.
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Straw Bedding Rates Best for Later Use as Compost
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2011Horse owners have at their disposal the perfect organic ingredients to keep a compost pile fully fed and productive.
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Bot Infestations in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 24, 2011Bot fly eggs or hatched larvae enter the gastrointestinal tract of the horse through the mouth as horses scratch or lick, or through the migration of nose bot larvae.
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Twitch Calms a Nervous Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2011A lip twitch can be helpful in restraining a horse for a simple veterinary procedure or other brief action to which the horse may object.
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Riding Your Horse at High Elevations
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 19, 2011Remember that when you gain even a few thousand feet in elevation, the oxygen content in the air decreases. You can minimize the problems somewhat by having your horse in top athletic shape before the trip and by arriving at the higher elevation a day or two before the big ride.
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Keeping a Blind Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 18, 2011A horse that becomes blind because of disease or injury can often be kept safe and healthy with a few management changes.
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Check Biosecurity Risk for Your Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 18, 2011The University of Guelph has developed the Equine Biosecurity Risk Calculator, a tool designed to grade horse owners on biosecurity management practices at their farms.
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Gene Mutation for Muscle Disease Found in Haflingers
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 17, 2011In a recent study, scientists set out to determine the occurrence and frequency of mutation in the gene coding for skeletal muscle glycogen synthase type 1 (GYS-1) in a herd of Haflingers.
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Fall Maintenance for Healthy Winter Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 14, 2011With ice and snow only a few months away, now’s the time for horse owners in many parts of the world to perform seasonal maintenance around the farm to ensure their horses remain healthy and snug throughout the colder months.
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Does Your Horse Need a Winter Blanket?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 13, 2011Providing well-fitting waterproof blankets of varying weights can help horse owners keep the horse at a consistent level of protection regardless of the outside temperature.
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Do Horses Go Deaf as They Get Older?
By Dr. Peter Huntington · October 12, 2011Old age is known to affect hearing in man and many animals, but there has been little research done on this topic in horses.
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Outcomes After Surgical Correction of Flexural Deformities in Foals
By Dr. Peter Huntington · October 11, 2011Flexural deformities of the coffin joint sometimes require surgery to achieve normal heel length and hoof angle.
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Impact of Weaning Stress on Immune Systems of Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 10, 2011 -
New Research on Herpesvirus in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 7, 2011The Morris Animal Foundation is supporting new and continuing research in hopes of developing an improved vaccine against equine herpesvirus-1, a highly contagious pathogen.
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Unusual Jaw Conformation in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 3, 2011Slight malocclusions often have no associated health problems, but those horses with severe cases might have trouble grazing and grinding feedstuffs.
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Colic in Horses: Bad News, Good News
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 30, 2011So what’s the good news about colic? The vast majority of cases either resolve on their own or can be successfully treated with pain medication and fluid therapy.
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Chronic Pain Linked to Aggression in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 30, 2011In a recent study, more than 75% of horses with vertebral problems showed negative reactions or aggression toward humans in one or more tests.
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Avoid Shipping Fever in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 30, 2011Shipping fever is the term used to describe an infection and inflammation of a horse’s lower respiratory tract seen after the horse has been transported.
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Update: PSSM in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 29, 2011Tying-up is a baffling and sometimes frightening disease for horses and their caretakers. Signs range from a mere reluctance to move to severe colic and recumbency.
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Check Mares with Too Many Heat Cycles
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 28, 2011Mares that continue to come into heat or have more frequent heat periods may be suffering from ovarian tumors, infection, or other disease conditions.
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Acupuncture in Horses: What’s the Point?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 27, 2011Odd as it may look, acupuncture does relieve pain, anxiety, muscle soreness, and other sources of discomfort in horses.
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Uses of Silver as an Antibiotic in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 22, 2011Silver is an effective antibiotic because, depending on the particular microbe, it either blocks the enzymatic use of oxygen, inhibits DNA replication, or interferes with microbial energy production.
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Lipomas: Deadly Tumors in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 22, 2011A lipoma is a fatty tumor that forms in a horse’s abdominal cavity. The situation doesn’t always cause an immediate problem, but can prevent ingested material from passing and cut off the blood supply to the compressed tissue.
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From Racing to Breeding: Not a Problem for Most Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 22, 2011In order to investigate the effect of race training and performance on future breeding success, researchers examined the records of over 60,000 harness horses, both mares and stallions, that raced and subsequently were retired to breeding careers.
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The Horse’s Spleen: Aid to Exercise
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 22, 2011When the horse performs strenuous exercise, the spleen contracts, pushing these extra red blood cells into circulation and thus greatly increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
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Concussion in Movement of the Horse
By Dr. Peter Huntington · September 22, 2011Concussion is the force sent vertically up the leg each time a horse’s hoof strikes the ground. Concussion is a major factor in lameness.
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Beware of Stinging Nettle in Horse Pastures
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 21, 2011Horses don’t usually eat stinging nettle, but if they lie down or roll on the plant, glassy hairs from the plant’s leaves and stems cause a skin reaction characterized by wheals or hives and an intensely painful stinging sensation.
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New Twist on Composting Horse Manure
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 21, 2011The aerated static pile (ASP) method is a recent advance that promises to simplify composting and remove much of the physical work of mixing and turning the manure.
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Treadmill Exercise for Horses: Is It Safe?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 21, 2011Because using an equine treadmill is a novel concept for most people, as well as a new experience for many of the horses themselves, the question of safety often arises.
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Sacroiliac Pain in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 20, 2011As the horse flexes and extends the hind legs, forces applied to the sacroiliac joint can cause strains or tears in the ligaments as well as partial dislocation of bones. These injuries cause pain and stiffness.
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Muscle Atrophy in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 16, 2011When muscle atrophy occurs, the primary concerns to a horse owner are whether the muscle will regenerate and how to treat the horse to help it recover.
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Conformation of the Pasterns and Hooves of Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 15, 2011An examination of the horse's foot flight patterns shows what tends to happen with different conformations.
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Weather Affects Growth Rate of Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 14, 2011Can temperature and rainfall affect growth rate of foals? According to researchers in Kentucky, the answer is yes.
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Fish Oil Reduces Inflammatory Joint Compounds in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 14, 2011Researchers investigated the intra-articular production of a potent inflammatory compound following 90 days of oral supplementation with two different types of omega-3 fatty acids.
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Combating Arthritis in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 13, 2011Outward signs of arthritis in horses are pain, heat, swelling, and reduced range of motion in a joint.
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Preventing Colic and Laminitis After a Horse Overeats
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 13, 2011A horse bingeing on grain is always a cause for concern, but with a plan and veterinary assistance, horse owners can help to keep ill effects of equine overeating to a minimum.
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Horses Show Preference for Straw Bedding
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 12, 2011Horses in a German study spent more time lying down when they were bedded on loose straw.
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Supplements for Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome Researched
By Dr. Peter Huntington · September 12, 2011Summary of several research studies on magnesium and chromium for horses with equine metabolic syndrome.
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Gastric Impaction in Horses: Usually a Good Prognosis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 7, 2011Horses that eat very rapidly, do not chew their feed well, do not have access to water, or eat feeds that tend to swell after ingestion are prime candidates for gastric impaction.
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Conformation Determines a Horse’s Usefulness and Comfort
By Dr. Peter Huntington · September 2, 2011Conformation is a major factor in the physical soundness of a horse.
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The Horse’s Hoof
By Dr. Peter Huntington · August 31, 2011In order to provide correct care for the horse’s hooves, owners need to have an understanding of their construction.
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Study: Metformin Doesn’t Help Insulin Resistance in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 29, 2011Metformin, a drug often prescribed to human patients with insulin resistance, apparently doesn’t help horses with the same problem.
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Good Footing is Important for Horse Arenas
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 29, 2011Installing and maintaining the correct type of arena footing can be costly and time-consuming. However, getting and keeping the right material is essential for keeping your horse sound.
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Summertime Coughs and Runny Eyes in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · August 25, 2011During the hottest, driest days of summer, it is not unusual for horses to have some minor coughing and/or runny eyes with some mucus in the corners of their eyes.
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Obesity Widespread in English Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 23, 2011More than half of England’s pleasure horses are obese, according to a study conducted at the University of Nottingham.
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Allergic Reactions in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 23, 2011Horses show the most obvious allergy signs as changes in the skin, eyes, or nostrils.
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Asleep Standing Up—How Do Horses Do That?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 23, 2011Why don’t horses fall over when they doze off while standing up?
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Signs of Infection in Equine Wounds
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 22, 2011To avoid infection, ask a veterinarian how to care for the injury, and follow his instructions about bandaging, antibiotic ointments, and complications that may occur.
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Equine Influenza
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 22, 2011Influenza in horses is a viral respiratory tract infection that causes coughing, nasal discharge, and elevated body temperature.
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Avoid Laminitis with Management Steps
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 16, 2011To minimize the risk of laminitis in any horse, implement some basic management steps.
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Feeding Mustard Won’t Cure Tying-Up in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 15, 2011Because mustard contains acetic acid, some horse owners believe supplementing with the condiment will boost acetylcholine levels and prevent tying-up.
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Hearing Loss in Older Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 12, 2011Many horses have a mild to moderate loss of hearing as they age.
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Genetics of Laminitis in Ponies Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 12, 2011Researchers examined the heritability of grass founder in an inbred herd of Welsh and Dartmoor ponies.
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The Natural Horse Hoof: Exactly What Is It?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 11, 2011Researchers evaluated the hooves of several hundred feral horses in a range of environments from sandy deserts to cold alpine regions.
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Guard Against Sunburn in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 10, 2011Besides being uncomfortable, horses with sunburned skin have an increased chance of developing skin cancer at some point.
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Finding the Pulse in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 9, 2011Determining heart rate is a basic horsemanship skill. By knowing what is normal for your horse, you can keep better tabs on his health.
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Buttercups Are Toxic To Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 9, 2011When palatable pasture is in short supply, horses might turn to the yellow-flowered weed known as buttercup. This weed contains a toxic oil that could harm your horse.
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Dehydration: It Happens To Horses Too
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 8, 2011Inadequate fluid intake after unusually large losses can cause dehydration in horses. Left untreated, severe dehydration can be life-threatening.
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Parasite Resistance to Equine Dewormers
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 5, 2011The changing patterns of resistance among target nematodes lend an element of urgency to implementing major changes in parasite control strategies for horses in the U.S.
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Hendra Virus Information Available to Horse Owners
By Press Release · August 4, 2011Biosecurity Queensland has launched a campaign to encourage all Queensland horse owners and handlers to utilize an information pack on Hendra virus.
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Mastitis in Mares
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 2, 2011Though uncommon, when mastitis occurs in mares, it is a painful condition that should be treated quickly.
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Dourine in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · July 29, 2011All horses imported into the United States are tested for dourine, a venereal disease, except if imported from Iceland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Coprophagy in Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 29, 2011Observation of foals offers up some unusual behaviors. Manure-eating, or coprophagy, is a normal behavior in youngsters.
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Don’t Expose Your Horse to Equine Herpesvirus
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 28, 2011How can you protect your horses from EHV-1? The answer involves vaccination and careful management.
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Grain Bin Entrapment Numbers Increase
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 28, 2011Entrapment incidents can happen in grain silos and storage bins on private farms as well as at commercial feed manufacturing facilities.
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Grooming Your Horse: A Quick Health Exam
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 26, 2011A daily grooming is a great way to spot injuries or problems that your horse may be developing.
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Stress Levels Measured in Horses’ Saliva
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 26, 2011Collection of saliva, being quick and painless, might be a preferred method of taking a sample for cortisol analysis while offering the same accuracy as a blood sample.
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Artificial Limbs for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 25, 2011For horses with the right type of amputation, an artificial limb can allow many pain-free years in the pasture.
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Management of Horses with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 25, 2011Dusts and molds contained within horse feed and bedding can trigger the allergic responses within the lung that ultimately result in development of COPD.
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Vaccinate Horses Against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · July 25, 2011The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends inoculation against EEE as a core vaccination for all horses.
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Managing Fertility in Feral Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 21, 2011The Bureau of Land Management will begin testing a longer-lasting contraceptive product on 100 mustang mares.
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The Lure of the Manure
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 21, 2011Why do horses seem so interested in sniffing piles of manure left by their pasturemates and strange horses?
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Four Tips to Keep Your Horse Sound
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 21, 2011Keeping horses sound takes planning and attention to detail, but the result is worth the effort. Follow these tips to give your horse the best chance of avoiding lameness.
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Music as a Calming Influence for Young Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 20, 2011According to recent research, music can have a beneficial effect on the behavior of young stabled horses.
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Swollen Eyelids: Does Your Horse Have an Eye Injury?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 19, 2011Researchers found that not all horses with severely swollen eyelids had injuries to their eyes.
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Keep Your Horse Cool: Tips for Summer Riding
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 19, 2011Use these tips to keep your horse as comfortable as possible during periods of hot weather.
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Preventing Illness in Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 18, 2011In the management of foal health, prevention of disease is far preferable to treatment, with excellent hygiene being the key.
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Hendra Virus Reported in North Queensland
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 14, 2011A North Queensland horse property has been quarantined after a horse there tested positive for Hendra virus.
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Treatment Options for Leg Injuries in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 12, 2011Tendon and ligament injuries are still regarded as serious, but new treatment and management options are allowing horses to recover more fully than they did 50 years ago.
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Equine Herpesvirus Affects Travel
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 11, 2011If owners plan interstate transport for their horses, they are advised to check current regulations in the states through which the horse will travel.
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Queensland Hendra Cases Under Investigation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 7, 2011Biosecurity officials are investigating Hendra virus situations on three Queensland properties.
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Long Toes and Hindquarter Pain in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 6, 2011Researchers found a correlation between gluteal pain and a hoof angle known as long toe/low heel.
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Neurologic Signs After Deworming Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 6, 2011While most horses tolerate paste deworming products with no adverse effects, a report from Texas A & M University indicated occasional reactions have been documented.
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Hendra Virus Causes New South Wales Horse Death
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 1, 2011A horse near Wollongbar in New South Wales, Australia, has been confirmed to have died from Hendra virus, according to a report on abc.net.au.
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Hendra Virus Reported in Queensland
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 30, 2011A horse in the Beaudesert area of Queensland, Australia, has died and tested positive for Hendra virus.
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Rhodococcus equi Infection in Foals
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · June 29, 2011Rhodococcus equi is a bacterium that causes mainly pneumonia in foals from one to six months of age. The bacterium produces abscesses in the lungs, and the abdominal lymph nodes are often also affected.
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Placentitis Causes Late Fetal Loss in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 29, 2011Placentitis caused by bacterial or fungal infection of the placenta is a major cause of fetal loss in late-pregnant mares.
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Rehabilitation for Injured Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 28, 2011Equine rehab clinics have a range of treatments to control discomfort, maintain or build muscular strength, and bring the horse back to health more quickly than in times past.
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Monitoring High-Risk Pregnancy in Mares
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · June 27, 2011The most important decision that the veterinarian must make when dealing with high-risk pregnancy in maresis when to intervene.
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Postpartum Hemorrhage in Mares
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · June 23, 2011Bleeding into the broad ligament of the uterus or directly into the abdominal cavity is a common and often fatal postpartum emergency in broodmare practice.
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Equine “Heart Attacks” Usually Aren’t!
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 20, 2011Most cases reported as equine heart attacks are actually death caused by rupture of the aorta near the base of the heart.
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Sick Horse? Know When to Say “No”
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 17, 2011There are a few things you can look at to decide whether the horse should stay home and wait for a better weekend.
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Donkeys Aren’t Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 15, 2011Donkeys and horses have many anatomical and metabolic differences, some of which are quite important from a veterinary care standpoint.
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Lyme Disease in Horses: Diagnosis and Treatment
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 14, 2011Spread by the bites of affected ticks, Lyme disease can cause muscle pain and stiffness, mild lameness, and behavioral changes such as a dull or depressed attitude in affected animals, including horses.
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New Research on the Equine Immune System
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 13, 2011Several recent research projects have led to a better understanding of the equine immune system.
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Hendra Virus Vaccine Developed for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 9, 2011A vaccine to protect horses from Hendra virus has been developed and could be on the market as early as 2011.
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Horses Needed for Moon Blindness Study
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 8, 2011The Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine is looking for horses with equine recurrent uveitis that can participate in a study.
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Horses Can Benefit from Postexposure Rabies Protocol
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 7, 2011If unvaccinated horses are exposed to rabies, postexposure rabies prophylaxis treatment should be started as soon as possible.
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Equine Euthanasia Guidelines Published
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 7, 2011The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has approved guidelines to assist veterinarians and horse owners in making decisions about ending the life of an old, injured, or sick horse.
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Supporting-Limb Laminitis Investigated in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 6, 2011A research project underway at the University of Queensland in Australia is seeking knowledge about supporting-limb laminitis.
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Common Diseases of Miniature Horses and Small Ponies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 6, 2011Miniatures and small ponies are subject to the same illnesses as their larger counterparts. However, some conditions are commonly seen more often in these pint-sized steeds than in large ponies and full-sized horses.
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EPM Diagnostic Test Developed for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 2, 2011A new diagnostic test for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) measures the antibody response of horses to immunogenic proteins located on the surface of Sarcocystis neurona.
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Pre-Purchase Exams for Off-Track Thoroughbred Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 1, 2011While pre-purchase veterinary exams are a good idea for any prospective horse owner, they are especially important when buying Thoroughbreds that have retired from a racing career.
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From Horse Pasture to Stall
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 1, 2011A study in England looked at the effect on eight horses that went from pastured to stalled management.
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Hendra Virus Equine Vaccine in Development
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 27, 2011Scientists have made a major breakthrough in better understanding how Hendra spreads from infected horses.
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Mobilization of Horses after Musculoskeletal Injury
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 25, 2011Long periods of stall rest used to be part of the healing process after musculoskeletal injury or surgery. Newer advice is to put recovering horses back into light work at a much earlier point.
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Suturing Wounds in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 24, 2011How does a veterinarian choose whether or not to close a wound?
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New Horse Barn: What Features Do You Need?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 24, 2011If you're anticipating building a new barn or remodeling your present structure, you need to consider lots of factors.
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Health Problems in Older Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 23, 2011Colic, weight loss, lameness, and respiratory problems such as heaves are the most common health conditions seen in older horses.
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How Can Lysine Supplementation Help Treat Equine Herpesvirus Infections?
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · May 20, 2011Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infections can cause severe neurologic disease, and supplemental lysine has been suggested as a potential preventive or treatment for EHV-1 encephalomyelitis based on its use in other species.
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Smoke Inhalation in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 20, 2011Soon after a horse has been exposed to smoke, tissue damage causes signs that include coughing, lethargy, elevated heart rate, nasal discharge, and fast, shallow breathing.
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Agricultural Injury and Safety Statistics: Do They Apply to Horse Owners?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 20, 2011Agriculture (including working around horses) ranks high among the most hazardous industries.
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A Novel Treatment for Sarcoids in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 19, 2011Topical application of acyclovir proven useful in the treatment of sarcoids.
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Effect of Stress, Exercise, Feed Form, and Meal Size on Gastrin Levels in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 19, 2011Meals of hay and concentrates cause gastrin levels to rise, increasing gastric acid production.
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Removal of Molars in Horses Using a Surgical Approach
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 18, 2011Surgical removal of diseased or damaged molars through the cheek is possible when oral extraction cannot be performed, but there are risks associated with the procedure.
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Survey Reveals Geriatric Horse Problems and Health Care
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 17, 2011According to one study, many horse owners are unaware of problems that plague aged horses.
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Pick Out Your Horse’s Feet Before Trailering
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 16, 2011Before you put your horse in the trailer and head out for a show or trail ride, pick out his feet.
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Equine Neurologic Exam: What to Look For
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 16, 2011A veterinarian can tell a lot about a horse's neurologic condition simply by watching the horse move and interact with his environment.
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Equine Herpesviruses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · May 16, 2011Equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections have gained much attention for their role in outbreaks of neurologic disease or abortions.
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Equine Atypical Myopathy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 13, 2011Equine atypical myopathy (EAM) is a muscle disease seen in pastured horses in Europe.
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Equine Piroplasmosis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 12, 2011Ticks that feed on infected horses and then bite uninfected animals are able to spread the disease to other equines.
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Pythiosis Skin Infections in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · May 10, 2011Pythiosis in horses usually occurs as a serious skin infection.
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Tying-Up in Standardbred Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 9, 2011A study of Standardbreds showed that about 6.4% of studied horses had a history of tying-up.
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Cutting-Edge Reproductive Techniques for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 5, 2011Techniques continue to be developed to aid equine reproduction.
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Genetics of Swayback Investigated in Saddlebred Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 5, 2011Swayback, or lordosis, is a trait found in some horses with American Saddlebred bloodlines.
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Chronic Respiratory Disease and Electroacupuncture in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 3, 2011Researchers say electroacupuncture might be useful in the treatment of chronic respiratory disease.
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Equine Pasture Planning
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 2, 2011A little planning can help you optimize available pasture space for horses.
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Monitoring Equine Parasites Via Fecal Egg Per Gram Counts
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · April 29, 2011Fecal egg per gram (EPG) counts are valuable to actually determine the number of worm eggs in a horse's manure.
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No Gall Bladder for Horses? No Problem!
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 28, 2011Despite the absence of a gall bladder, horses have no problems digesting a moderate amount of fat.
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Unusual Neurological Signs Reported in Australian Horses
By Press Release · April 27, 2011Biosecurity officials are continuing to receive reports of horses showing unusual neurological signs in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
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Anemia in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 27, 2011Signs of anemia in horses may include poor performance, lack of energy, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and depression.
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Diagnosis of Equine Heart Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 26, 2011A helpful veterinary tool to diagnose equine heart disease involves a blood test to determine the level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI).
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Check Barn Roof for Winter Damage
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 26, 2011Winter ice and winds might have caused damage that should be repaired before the problem gets worse.
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Laminitis and Gene Expression in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 26, 2011Changes in gene regulation preceded signs of pain or discomfort, development of vascular changes, separation of dermal-epidermal tissues, and inflammation in horses with laminitis.
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Arabian Horse Mutation Linked to Cerebellar Abiotrophy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 21, 2011A genetic mutation is the cause of cerebellar abiotrophy, an untreatable neurologic disorder that mainly affects horses of Arabian breeding.
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Leptospiral Abortions in Kentucky Mares
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 21, 2011Leptospirosis is spread from wild animals to horses when bacteria enter through the skin or membranes of the eye or mouth.
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Anti-inflammatory Substance Found in Horse Saliva
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 20, 2011A peptide derived from protein in equine saliva has strong anti-inflammatory properties that could make it the next treatment option for laminitis.
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Risk Factors for Colic In Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · April 19, 2011A study identified several risk factors that increased the chances of a horse being treated for a colic emergency.
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How Lame Is Lame?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 18, 2011To simplify the descriptions of lameness, the American Association of Equine Practitioners developed this numeric scale that covers any degree of unsoundness from mild to severe.
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Stem Cells May Aid Cartilage Repair in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 14, 2011Though damaged cartilage doesn't regenerate on its own, there are techniques that can stimulate regrowth and repair.
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Feeding Horses with Neurologic Disease
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · April 13, 2011The main goals of feeding horses with neurologic disease are to supplement vitamin E and ensure that horses continue eating a good-quality, balanced diet.
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Trace Minerals Important for Horses During Recuperation from Injury
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 13, 2011Although regular intake of trace minerals is necessary for optimal health, their importance during recuperation from an injury should not be overlooked.
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Returning Broodmares to Riding
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 12, 2011How quickly can a mare return to riding and training after she has a foal?
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Osteochondritis Dissecans Genetic Factors Probed
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 11, 2011Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic disease characterized by flaps, tears, and detached fragments in joint cartilage.
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Fly Facts
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 7, 2011Flies prefer dark-coated horses to those with light-colored coats, but how much more attractive are the blacks and bays?
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Temporomandibular Joint Irritation in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 7, 2011The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is designed to accept frequent movement without developing a problem. While TMJ ailments in humans are fairly common, similar conditions in horses are quite rare.
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Macromineral Considerations for Horses Recovering from Injuries
By Dr. Peter Huntington · April 5, 2011Double-check macromineral levels for horses that are experiencing injury-related rest.
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Equine Bone Fragility Syndrome
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 4, 2011Horses with equine bone fragility syndrome have a type of osteoporosis that is associated with inflammation of the lungs and lymph nodes caused by silicosis.
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Greasing the Joints, Part Two: Oral Joint Supplement Ingredients
By Dr. Peter Huntington · April 4, 2011Common ingredients in oral joint supplements for horses are reviewed.
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Help for Roarers
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 1, 2011Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN), refers to paralysis of one side (the left side is most often affected) of the horse's larynx.
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Summit of the Horse Addresses Slaughter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 1, 2011Horse slaughter discussed at recent Summit of the Horse meeting.
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Catnip: Not Just for Cats Anymore
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 30, 2011Catnip oil was 99% effective in repelling the bloodsucking stable flies that attack farm animals including horses and cows.
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Update on Seasonal Nervous Disease of Horses
By Dr. Peter Huntington · March 29, 2011The high summer rainfall and subsequent floods have been associated with an unusual incidence of nervous disease in horses in Victoria, Southern New South Wales, and South Australia.
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Greasing the Joints
By Dr. Peter Huntington · March 29, 2011Review the mainstay ingredients in oral joint supplements and their effects on soundness.
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Nonhealing Wounds in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 28, 2011Healthy horses are usually able to heal most cuts and lacerations without a problem. Some wounds, however, are very slow to heal.
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Equine Head/Neck Position Influences Balance and Stride
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 28, 2011It is known that head-neck position (HNP) is related to freedom of movement and loading pattern on the equine locomotor system.
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Foal Diarrhea
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 25, 2011Before foal diarrhea can be successfully treated, the cause must be identified, as foals can develop this problem in several different ways.
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Disinfecting a Stall
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 24, 2011Routine stall cleaning goes a long way toward keeping barns clean and horses healthy, but disinfecting a stall after it has been used for foaling or housing a sick horse is much more involved.
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Treating EPM
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 23, 2011A new treatment option has been developed for horses suffering from equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).
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Keep Horses from Chewing Bandages
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 23, 2011A new product can help to keep horses from chewing leg bandages that protect wounds or surgical sites while they're healing.
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Signs of Pain in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 21, 2011Common signs and causes of pain in horses.
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Taking a Horse’s Temperature
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 21, 2011Take your horse's temperature a few times just to practice and to get a baseline of what his normal temperature is.
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Barn Safety: Prevent Fires
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 21, 2011Fire prevention, like other safety measures connected with equine operations, is not a one-time thing, but an ongoing process.
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Foal Pneumonia
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 17, 2011Foals seem to become infected during the first few days of life, apparently picking R. equi bacteria up from soil and manure.
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Colic in Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 16, 2011Colic, a general term that describes abdominal discomfort, can affect horses of all ages, even the very young.
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Equine Proliferative Enteropathy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 15, 2011Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) is a gastrointestinal disease that results in thickened intestine and slower growth for weanling horses.
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Quarantine: Preventing Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 14, 2011Keeping a new horse isolated from other animals is the safest procedure to prevent the spread of disease.
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Mini-Cam Used as a Diagnostic Tool
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 14, 2011Using an adaptation of a human-use mini-camera the size of a large pill, Japanese veterinarians have gotten images beginning at the esophagus and continuing through the first half of the small intestine.
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Scours Scald in Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 14, 2011Though cases of foal heat diarrhea vary in severity, one unfortunate but common side effect of scours is the loss of hair on both sides of the tail as well as a possible trail of hair loss down the hind limbs.
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Australian Equine Disease Alphabet
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 11, 2011Equine diseases, conditions, or problems are frequently referred to by their initials. Here are full names, a brief explanation of each condition, and management tips, if applicable.
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Foal Halter Selection and Fit Important
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 11, 2011As with all tack, thought and care should be given to the construction and fit of a foal halter.
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Clue to Foal Sex Determination
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 10, 2011Want a colt instead of a filly from your mare's next pregnancy?
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Runny Nose: Should You Call the Vet?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 10, 2011Some nasal discharge could be caused by a range of problems: an infected tooth or sinus, a bacterial or viral condition, or even some sort of injury caused by a kick to the face or jaw.
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Unexplained Neurological Disease Reported in Horses
By Dr. Peter Huntington · March 8, 2011Horse owners in NSW, Victoria and SA should be aware that there are reports of horses in a number of locations displaying unusual neurological signs.
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Wind Machine: The Equine Respiratory System
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 8, 2011The horse's respiratory system is designed to move a huge quantity of air into and out of the lungs to meet the demands of intense exercise.
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Heat Stress in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 3, 2011Knowing when horses are at risk for heat stress is just as important as knowing the clinical signs.
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New Weapon Against Scratches
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 3, 2011Kunzea oil, an essential oil historically used by Australian aborigines, was tested as a treatment for scratches.
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Equine Diseases: EEE, WEE, WNV, and VEE
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 3, 2011Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), West Nile virus (WNV), and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) have some things in common. All can infect horses; all are spread by mosquitoes, and all can generally be prevented through vaccination.
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Fit to be Tied: Part One
By Drs. Peter Huntington and Stephanie Valberg · March 2, 2011Tying-up is a generic term commonly used to describe muscle disease in performance horses. Other terms often used interchangeably with tyingup include exertional rhabdomyolysis, azoturia, and Monday morning sickness.
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Keeping Water Available in Winter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 2, 2011Horses need access to water in all seasons, even in the winter when they may not be in regular work.
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Common Diseases of Older Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 1, 2011Maladies of the digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and endocrine systems are the problems seen most often in older horses and ponies.
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Treating Equine Eye Irritation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 1, 2011An implant was developed several years ago that would automatically dispense medication directly into a horse's eye.
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Management Practices to Minimize Colic
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 28, 2011Reducing the occurrence of colic is possible when sound management practices are followed.
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Lower Critical Temperature for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 25, 2011The thermoneutral zone (TNZ) for horses is defined as the range of temperatures in which the horse maintains its body temperature with little or no energy expenditure.
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Foal Diarrhea and Prebiotics
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 24, 2011It is thought that diarrhea, common in young foals, might be a result of an imbalance of helpful and harmful microbes.
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Sick Foals: Odds Are in Their Favor
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 24, 2011Sick foals that end up in neonatal intensive care units usually have a pretty good chance of surviving.
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Strangles Test Developed
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 23, 2011A rapid diagnostic test for strangles has been perfected by a team of researchers.
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Mistletoe for Sarcoid Treatment
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 22, 2011Mistletoe extract is one of the most recent developments in sarcoid treatment.
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Decreasing the Risk of Colic in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 22, 2011Many factors may cause the pain associated with colic in horses.
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Australian Equine Groups Sign Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 22, 2011Representatives of four national horse organisations recently welcomed news that the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) will be signed in early March.
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Cold Weather Adaptations Keep Horses Comfortable
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2011Most horses are well-suited for staying healthy and comfortable in cold weather as long as owners provide them with proper care.
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Pregnancy Loss Isn’t Always Easy to Explain
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2011For all mares bred in a season, only about 80% will give birth to a live foal at term.
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Participants Needed for Shivers Study
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 16, 2011The goal of the research project is to learn more about breed, age, gender, diet, exercise, and other factors that may be related to shivers.
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Tricky Business: Assessing Body Condition from Photographs
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2011Equine nutrition evaluations take all forms in this hustle-and-bustle world, but at times photographs can be deceiving, especially when determining body condition.
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Navicular Syndrome
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2011Lameness is the classic sign of navicular syndrome. This can appear suddenly, but a more common pattern is mild lameness that becomes progressively worse over time.
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Enteroliths in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 14, 2011Enteroliths are mineral masses that form in the colon of a horse. Usually these stones build up in thin layers around a bit of foreign matter (a small piece of wood, wire, hair, or other material) that the horse has swallowed.
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Interaction of Phenylbutazone and Bone Healing in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 10, 2011New research has discovered that NSAIDs have the potential to inhibit bone healing in horses, especially in the early stages.
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Proper Care of Broodmare Hooves
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 9, 2011It's true that older broodmares don't need to look as slick and polished as sales prospects, but there's one aspect of their care that is vitally important to their comfort: proper hoof maintenance.
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Rain Rot in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · February 9, 2011The common name "rain rot" comes from the association of dermatophilosis with wet conditions.
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Musculoskeletal Injury Risks in Training
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 7, 2011Training to race involves one of the most demanding equine exercise schedules.
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Disaster Planning
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 7, 2011As horse owners put together a disaster plan and cope with difficult situations, one of the first concerns should be minimizing changes in all phases of management.
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Ventilation Important During Horse Transport
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 2, 2011Researchers looked at air movement and temperature in several areas of the trailer, and also quantified the effect of vehicle speed, window openings, and number of horses on air exchange.
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Economy: Spell It EEE
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 1, 2011Outbreaks of EEE can occur on a cyclic basis related to mosquito and bird populations in an area.
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Management Tips to Reduce Respiratory Tract Irritation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 31, 2011The most important component of treatment is environmental control to reduce exposure of the horse to the airborne allergens and other pollutants that cause airway inflammation.
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Barn Ventilation in the Cold Months
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 28, 2011Barn designs can be modified to provide adequate exposure to air.
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Selecting the Right Horse Trailer
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 28, 2011Safety and comfort are key concepts in transporting a horse.
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Cryptosporidium May Be Related To Foal Heat Diarrhea
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 28, 2011A study conducted in Italy looked at the possible relationship between Cryptosporidium parvum and foal heat diarrhea.
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Sorting Out Abnormal Oral Behaviors
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 28, 2011As a species, horses have an interesting repertoire of unusual oral behaviors, including cribbing, wind-sucking, and wood-chewing.
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Equine Motor Neuron Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2011In a trial designed to collect information about the cause of EMND, four horses were fed an experimental diet with low vitamin E and high levels of iron and copper.
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Exercise and Immune Response in Younger and Older Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 26, 2011The level of plasma cortisol increased in all horses following exercise, but concentrations were higher in younger horses than in older horses.
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Run-In Sheds: Are They Worth the Trouble?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 26, 2011Results of a study that observed both Arabian horses and draft horses for a year to record use of run-in sheds in their pastures.
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Managing Horses in Mud
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 25, 2011Slippery footing rarely impacts the health of most horses, but it can be a nuisance for horses with certain issues.
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“Dummy” Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 19, 2011Complications just before, during, or after birth can result in a decreased oxygen supply to the foal's brain.
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Managing Horses in the Desert
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 18, 2011Desert conditions provide special challenges to horse owners and managers.
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Eye Injuries
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 17, 2011Avoidance of an eye injury is far easier than treating the problem after it occurs.
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World Veterinary Year
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2011The year 2011 has been designated World Veterinary Year.
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Winter Water Intake Essential
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2011Don't depend on horses eating snow to slake their thirst on cold days.
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Medication Fights Fescue Toxicosis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2011Pregnant mares grazing fescue pastures or eating hay containing fescue are at risk for fescue toxicosis.
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Understanding Ringbone
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2011Ringbone is a skeletal change that affects a horse's lower limbs and can affect performance by causing lameness.
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Handling Horses: Stay Safe
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 11, 2011Humans can become complacent as they move around these incredibly powerful half-ton creatures.
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Early Pregnancy Losses in Australia
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 11, 2011Australian horse owners whose mares have suffered early-term abortions suspect the problem has been caused by caterpillars.
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Stallion Supplements: Do They Work?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2011Among the various supplements given to stallions in hopes of improving semen quality, some are more effective than others.
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Feeding Old Hay
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 7, 2011Hay that is stored properly retains most of its nutrients fairly well.
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Colic First Aid
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 7, 2011If you see classic signs of colic (pawing, rolling, horse looking at or nipping at flanks), what can you do before the veterinarian arrives?
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Endometritis, a Common Cause of Infertility
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 7, 2011Endometritis, the inflammation of the lining of a mare's uterus, affects up to 15% of broodmares and is a major cause of infertility
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Novel Treatment for Laminitis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 5, 2011Wooden clogs made from plywood can help horses recover after bouts of acute laminitis.
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Equine Dentists in Australia
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 5, 2011According to Dr. Oliver Bask, an Australian veterinarian, equine dentisty is essentially unregulated in Australia.
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Vitamin E Critical for Nerve Health
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 4, 2011A diet that is deficient in vitamin E over a prolonged period can lead to equine motor neuron disease.
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Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation and Implications for Treatment of Neurologic Disease
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 29, 2010Several equine neurologic diseases have been associated with vitamin E deficiency or improve with vitamin E supplementation.
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Managing the Senior Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 29, 2010Feed management for older horses is based around several factors.
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Keeping the Senior Horse Healthy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 29, 2010The basic care of older horses needs to include all the steps involved in managing younger horses, with some extra attention to handling the senior horse's changing needs.
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Unwanted Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 27, 2010A survey at the University of California-Davis showed there are 100,000 unwanted horses in the United States.
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Rabies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 27, 2010Rabies can be spread to horses or humans by contact with an infected animal.
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Watch for Signs of Problems in Newborn Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 22, 2010Newborn foals may be affected by a number of problems, some of which have similar signs.
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Feeding Horses: Effects on Human and Equine Respiratory Health
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 22, 2010Mold spores and organic dust are an important cause and aggravator of respiratory disease in both humans and horses.
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Neuroaxonal Dystrophy in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 20, 2010Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) is a degenerative central nervous system disease of horses, humans, and other animals.
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EPM: Don’t Blame the Barn Cats
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2010Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM, is caused by Sarcocystis neurona protozoa.
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No Sweat!
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2010Loss of the ability to sweat is known as anhidrosis.
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Safe Field Sedation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2010Veterinarians and horse owners can't always choose a clinical setting for procedures like difficult foalings or repair of serious wounds.
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Coffin Fractures Common
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2010Coffin bone fractures in young Warmblood horses are common, affecting the majority of horses on some farms.
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Heart Problems in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2010The circulatory system (heart and blood vessels) and respiratory system (lungs and airway) work together to provide oxygen and transport waste material from the horse's tissues.
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Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 17, 2010Omega-3 fatty acids have direct anti-inflammatory actions that can be useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis and lameness.
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AAEP Convention Attracts 5,500 to Baltimore
By Press Release · December 16, 2010The 56th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, held Dec. 4 - 8 in Baltimore, Md., attracted a crowd of 5,504 veterinary professionals, guests and exhibitors.
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Food for Thought: Details of the Equine Digestive Tract
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2010The horse's digestive system is made up of the foregut (stomach and small intestine) and the hindgut (cecum and colon). Each part has an important function, and each can also be the site of problems ranging from the slightly troublesome to the deadly serious.
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Feed to Succeed: Supplements to Help the Endurance Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2010Keeping an endurance horse fit and healthy involves more than just putting in a large number of miles on trails. The work required of these horses is quite different than that of any other equine athlete. The challenge is to provide the correct combination of nutrients that will support the special needs of these athletes during both training and competition.
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Navicular Syndrome in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2010Navicular syndrome (or navicular disease, or caudal heel pain syndrome) is a degenerative condition of structures in the horse's heel. The navicular bone lies at the back of the heel, and the deep digital flexor tendon runs down the leg and wraps under the navicular bone before anchoring to the coffin bone. Pain results from changes in the bones, bursa (fluid-filled joint structures designed to absorb shock and reduce friction), tendons, and ligaments in this area.
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Dirt an Important Source of Iron for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2010Horses constantly ingest dirt when they graze. Excessive consumption of dirt, especially when pastures become short, sometimes causes potential problems such as sand accumulation in the large intestine. However, the dirt that horses normally consume while grazing supplies some essential nutrients, notably iron.
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Shivers in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2010Shivers is a fairly uncommon equine condition characterized by tremors and exaggerated flexion of the hind limbs that is most noticeable when the horse is backed or its hind limbs are picked up (for example, for farriery). Often, the horse will also raise its tail head during an episode.
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Farrier Survey Sketches Professional Profile
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2010A survey conducted by American Farriers Journal turned up facts regarding the profession.
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Bedding Preference
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2010According to a recent survey, about 70% of respondents bed their horses' stalls with shavings.
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Medications Made Easy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2010How are you supposed to get those oral medications into your horse?
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Equine Dentists Score a Victory in Texas
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2010A lawsuit in Texas has restored the right of equine dentists to care for horses's teeth without having to obtain a veterinary license.
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Barns: Don’t Turn Up the Heat
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 7, 2010Healthy horses usually get along very well in unheated barns with good ventilation.
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Closing In on Ovulation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 7, 2010A new technique could be used to determine imminent ovulation without having mares palpated by a veterinarian.
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Aural Plaques
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 7, 2010That white, scaly, crusty stuff in your horse's ears...what is it, and how can you get rid of it?
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Soaking Hay Can Lower Dust Concentrations
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2010For horses that are sensitive to inhaled irritants, eating hay can be a problem, as even the cleanest, best-quality hay is likely to contain a moderate amount of fine material.
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Avoid Damage to Winter Pastures
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2010Winter weather can be hard on pastures, but land owners can avoid damage by following a few management procedures.
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To Shoe or Not To Shoe?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2010The decision on whether or not to shoe a horse is usually based on several criteria.
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Obesity is Dangerous
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2010Obesity in horses is a dangerous condition that can be linked to a variety of health problems.
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Hay Selection for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2010Hay can be classified into three general types: legume, grass, and mixed. Mixed hay is usually defined as a blend of grass and legume plants, though some hay producers and horse owners may define it as a combination of several grasses.
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Refeeding Malnourished Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2010Understanding the effects of starvation, the likelihood for recovery, and basic principles of refeeding will help horse owners should they encounter a horse that requires a nutritional overhaul.
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Nutritional Requirements of Broodmares Ramped Up
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 15, 2010Without a doubt, the nutritional status of mares is a critical component in foal health from the moment of conception and continues through weaning.
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Fescue Facts
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 15, 2010Problems associated with fescue are recognized among nutritionists and breeders alike.
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Transitioning from Fall to Winter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 1, 2010Summer mowing and fence-row trimming may be over for another year, but there are always plenty of farm and barn chores to do as seasons change.
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Bulking Up
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 20, 2010Increasing the body mass of horses through weight gain is a particularly timely topic because more horses are turning up in rescue situations and a clear understanding of weight gain and changes in body condition are warranted.
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Poor Nutrition Impacts Hooves
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 15, 2010Equine nutritionists are frequently asked questions about dietary influences on hoof health.
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Racing-Related Equine Deaths
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010In a lecture at the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky, Dr. David Nunamaker of the New Bolton Center cited the following statistics: In California, 83% of racing-related equine deaths result from musculoskeletal injury.
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Storing Hay Safely
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Storing hay before it has dried thoroughly is a risky practice because of the danger of spontaneous combustion.
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Storing Hay Safely
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Storing hay before it has dried thoroughly is a risky practice because of the danger of spontaneous combustion.
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Storing Hay Safely
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Storing hay before it has dried thoroughly is a risky practice because of the danger of spontaneous combustion.
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Providing Dinner Through the Winter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010How much hay do you need to buy to get your horses safely through the winter months? To find an answer, you need to know each horse's approximate weight and also the number of days you will have to provide hay.
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Chances of Twins in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Double conception in horses is not unusual, although birth of live, healthy twin foals does not happen with any regularity. One or both embryos are commonly absorbed by the mare early in pregnancy.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are effective in relieving pain, but extended use of bute and other common NSAIDs frequently causes irritation of the horse's gastrointestinal tract.
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Handling your Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Recent research suggests that horses prefer to be handled from the left side, possibly due to the way they interpret things seen with the eye on that side.
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Checking for Neurological Conditions
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010Your horse stumbles. Does he need a trim, is he just being lazy, or does he have a potentially serious neurologic condition? A veterinarian should examine any horse whose owner is concerned about neurologic disease, but an easy ground procedure can give an owner a partial answer.
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Performance Limited by Genetics
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010In a lecture at the 2007 Alltech conference, Dr. Ernie Bailey of the University of Kentucky explained that about 30% of racing performance in Thoroughbreds is due strictly to genetic make-up, leaving about 70% influenced primarily by other factors (age, track surface, training, nutrition, and so on).
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Helping the Cast Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 17, 2010A horse that has lain down too close to a fence or wall and gotten into a position from which he can't get up is referred to as a "cast" horse. Cast horses sometimes panic and struggle, while others simply lie in the cast position until help arrives. The problem may be that the horse is unable to straighten his front legs, or get his hind legs in a position to push himself up, or both.
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Biosecurity in Horse Barns
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010The Equine Disease Quarterly Newsletter from the University of Kentucky suggests a few steps that may help decrease the spread of disease in stables.
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Radios in the Barn
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Many stables leave a radio playing on the theory that music and/or human voices help to reduce boredom and keep horses calm.
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Colic caused by Persimmons
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Severe discomfort may not be noticed until several months after ingestion of persimmons, so if horses with access to persimmons develop colic signs at any time, owners need to mention this possibility to an attending veterinarian.
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Link between Gastric Ulcers and Exercise
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010A study at the Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory at the University of Florida has uncovered information showing a possible link between gastric ulcers and exercise.
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Determining a Horses Age by Teeth
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010You can tell a horse's age by looking at his teeth, right?
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Weight Calculation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Don't know how much your horse weighs? Here's a formula from Equus that may give you a rough idea.
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Burning Calories at the Barn
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010An article in Horse and Rider advises readers that they can burn calories while doing barn work.
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Jet Lag in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Jet lag is a common problem for human travelers, and work at the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky indicates horses may also need several days to adapt their body rhythms after jumping several time zones.
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Tips to Prevent Fire Damage
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Barn fires numbered well over 1000 in each year from 2002 to 2005, according to the National Fire Protection Agency.
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Getting Horses Back into Condition
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Once a horse is in fit athletic condition, taking a week off now and then won't bother him. However, if he's idle for a longer period-three months, for example-how do you begin getting him back into condition, and how long will the process take if you want to avoid injuring him by asking too much?
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Low pH Levels and Stereotypies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2010Stereotypies are repetitive behaviors such as weaving or cribbing
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Cardiac Disease Causes Poor Performance
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010An article in Hoof Beats indicates cardiac disease is the third most significant cause of poor performance in horses, following problems with the respiratory or musculoskeletal systems.
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Placentitis in Broodmares
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Placentitis (inflammation of the placenta) may be caused by bacterial or fungal infection of the uterus, most often by organisms entering through the reproductive tract.
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Airway Inflammation in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010In a study of airway inflammation, researchers at Michigan State University looked at levels of neutrophils and mucus, both indicators of inflammation, in the lungs and tracheas of 26 high-level dressage or show-jumping horses.
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Say Neigh to Seeing Eye Dogs
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010The Guide Horse Foundation, a nonprofit group, trains Miniature Horses to act as guide animals for blind or sight-impaired people. The Minis spend six to twelve months learning to maneuver through city sidewalks and streets, ride on buses and elevators, and spend hours indoors.
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New Uses for Grains Discovered
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Besides feeding humans and livestock, grains are being put to new uses.
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Nitrate Poisoning in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010According to information published by the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center at the University of Kentucky, nitrate poisoning in horses is fairly uncommon unless a horse has consumed fertilizer, forage or hay grown in an area where fertilizer was spilled, or water contaminated with nitrates.
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Canine Pain Reliever Helps Navicular Pain
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Horses suffering from navicular pain may be helped by a medication that has been used to treat dogs. Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of the prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain.
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New Genetic Disease found in Quarter Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Researchers have identified another in a growing line of genetic diseases affecting Quarter Horses.
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Genetically Modified Grain Harvests Increasing
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010The past few years have seen global growth in all plantings and uses of genetically modified (GM) grain crops.
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Equine Proliferative Enteropathy Caused by Lawsonia
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Equine proliferative enteropathy is an emerging disease caused by the Lawsonia intracellularis bacterium. It is seen most commonly in recently weaned foals but can affect adult horses.
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PSSM: Feed Management Provides Relief
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Low-starch, high-fat feeds seem to help many horses suffering from polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), a condition that causes painful muscle cramping known as tying-up.
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Vaccines: Handle With Care
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Proper storage and handling of vaccines for equine use is important in maintaining potency, ensuring efficacy, and minimizing adverse reactions after administration
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Stallion Group Management
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Turning stallions out in pairs or groups can be moderately risk-free and allows the horses to develop social relationships.
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Cushing’s Disease Diagnosis: Not a Simple Matter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Is ACTH level useful for diagnosing Cushing's disease in horses? The answer is yes, but it's not as simple as looking at the result of one blood test.
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Foals Need Exercise
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010At Colorado State University, researchers studied the effect of galloping exercise in addition to turnout for Thoroughbred foals.
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Hot Horse: Cool Him Down with Water
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010The best way to cool a hot horse is to hose or sponge cold water over him, scrape the water off with a sweat scraper, and repeat the process until the horse is cool.
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Acetate for Muscle Glycogen Replacement
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010During prolonged moderate exercise, horses deplete muscle glycogen which needs to be replaced after the exercise period ends.
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Artificial Insemination: Semen Extender Shows Promise
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Stallion semen collected for artificial insemination can be chilled to maintain quality for about 24 to 48 hours.
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Navicular Disease Treatment Benefits From Smaller Endoscope
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Navicular disease, also known as palmar foot pain, is a frequent cause of lameness in older horses. A challenge for veterinarians is examining the structures within the hoof to determine the location and cause of pain.
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OCD Study Looks for Metabolic Clues
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic disease that results in lameness in young horses.
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Stretching: Does It Help?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010A note in Equine Science Update says that passive stretching exercises may or may not help your horse move more freely, and could even produce the opposite result.
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Great Photos: Get Those Ears Up!
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010You've spent an hour trying to get a nice picture of your horse, and you still don't have anything that looks really good.
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Cloned Foals: Some May Need Expert Neonatal Care
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010When health records from 14 cloned foals produced at Texas A & M University between 2004 and 2008 were examined, it was noted that 6 of the 14 were normal at birth while 8 showed problems such as angular forelimb deformities, neonatal maladjustment syndrome ("dummy foals"), and enlarged umbilical remnants.
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Exercise Important for Stalled Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010A study of the effect of different types of exercise on behavior among stalled horses suggested that regular exercise was likely to provide positive benefits on horse welfare, training ability, and handler welfare.
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Avoid This Flat-Tire Surprise
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010Did you know that some vehicles require a special key to remove the lug nuts that secure each tire? How about the key that unlocks the spare tire from its resting place?
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Lyme Disease: Nutritional Support is Important
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010In an article in Equestrian, Dr. Joe Pagan, equine nutritionist and president of Kentucky Equine Research, explained the importance of nutritional support for horses diagnosed with Lyme disease.
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Rotary Gallop May Be the Fastest Gait
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010Quarter Horses can reach speeds of about 45 miles (72 km) per hour in short bursts. What gives cheetahs the ability to run so much faster--about 70 miles (112 km) per hour? Several factors of conformation are responsible, but part of the answer is that cheetahs use a rotary gallop, while horses and a number of other mammals prefer a transverse gallop. Many animals, including horses, use both forms in some instances.
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Flexion Test is a Tool, Not a Guarantee
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010Lameness and pre-purchase exams commonly include a flexion test of the forelegs.
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Reducing Risk of DOD
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010A study in France looked at 401 foals from 3 breeds on 21 farms for the incidence of developmental orthopedic disease or osteochondrosis.
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Many Events Increase Equine Stress
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010Cortisol has been identified as a hormone indicating stress level in horses.
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First Horse Show: Prepare Your Young Horse for Success
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 1, 2010If you've competed at lots of horse shows, the drill is pretty routine. You know what will happen at the show, whom you will probably see there, and how long you'll be gone. Assuming your horse is a show veteran also, there shouldn't be many surprises.
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Hunters and Jumpers: What Are We Talking About?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 1, 2010The terms "hunter" and "jumper" refer to types, rather than specific breeds, of horses. Although both groups routinely jump over obstacles, the most obvious difference is in the way the horses move and the work they are asked to perform.
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Equine Recurrent Colic and Allergies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 1, 2010Many horses lead healthy and useful lives well into their twenties or even longer. However, health problems tend to crop up in horses that have been around for several decades. When a number of maladies hit at the same time, owners are faced with finding diagnoses and making management changes to keep their equine pals on the right track. Here is a summary of one senior horse's situation and how his owner sought advice to solve her horse's problems.
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The Horses Are Out!
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 1, 2010For a horse owner, almost nothing is more frightening to think about...and most horse enthusiasts have encountered this situation from time to time, either with their own horses or someone else's. It seems that no amount of thought or precautionary management can completely protect horses from the danger, and owners from the worry, resulting from an escape.
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Horse Management: Beyond the Basics
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 1, 2010Horse owners need to make sure their equine charges have adequate pasture and/or hay; supplemental feed as required to support growth or performance; plenty of fresh water; and a safe place to live.
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Weight Loss in Older Horses: Management Solutions
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010Older horses don't have to become underweight horses. If senior equines begin to lose weight, there is usually a reason for the change such as dental inadequacy, gastrointestinal inefficiency, immune dysfunction, or the stresses associated with pain.
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Disease ABCs: Anthrax, Botulism, Corynebacterium
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010Although the causative bacteria are naturally found in the soil and exposure is an everyday occurrence, most owners will never need to treat their horses for pigeon fever, botulism, or anthrax. These infections are not common, but they can have serious consequences. In some cases, an owner's awareness of the signs of illness might save a horse's life.
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White Line Disease Requires Early Diagnosis and Aggressive Treatment
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010The white line is the narrow light-colored band visible on the underside of a freshly trimmed hoof at the junction of the hoof wall and the sole. White line disease, an infection that causes separation of the wall, may be seen first at the white line but actually affects the zone of contact between the hard outer wall and the middle layer of hoof tissue. It occurs most commonly in front feet but can occur in any foot.
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Colic Caused by Stomach Distention is a Life-Threatening Condition
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010Colic is a fact of life for horse owners. Chances are very good that anyone who keeps several horses for several years will encounter colic at some time. Mild episodes may resolve on their own before a veterinarian can arrive, and more serious equine abdominal discomfort can often be managed with medication.
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Equine Diseases: Alphabet Soup Simplified
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010Equine diseases, conditions, or problems are frequently referred to by their initials. Full names, a brief explanation of each condition, and management tips, if applicable, are given below.
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Managing Horses with Airway Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010A common name for the problem is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also known as recurrent airway disease, recurrent airway obstruction, or inflammatory airway disease. The descriptions of the gelding and mare seem to discuss very different conditions because the disease can result from reactions to varying environmental stimuli.
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Hay Storage and Use
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010Nationwide, improper hay storage and wasteful feeding methods cause losses of around three billion dollars a year. It is estimated that up to 10% of a farm's livestock production costs can be traced to inefficient hay management.
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Horses with Anhidrosis Require Careful Management
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 27, 2010A horse that lacks the ability to produce sweat in normal quantities has a condition known as anhidrosis. Such an animal is sometimes called a nonsweater or a drycoated horse. Horses that sweat lightly or only in patches such as under the mane, in the saddle area, and on the chest are known as shy sweaters.
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From the Heart
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 25, 2010In most horses, the heart weighs slightly less than 1% of the horse's body weight, or up to about 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg). Among light breeds, the Thoroughbred's heart is proportionally larger, usually weighing just over 1% of body weight. Arabian horses have hearts equal to about 0.76% of their weight. In draft horses, the heart is proportionally smaller, averaging about 0.6% of body weight.
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Run-In Sheds Provide Shelter for Pastured Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 25, 2010Healthy horses are not bothered by most weather or temperature variations, and they can usually be kept outside in a wide range of climates. In extreme conditions, however, pastured horses should have access to some type of shelter. Natural landforms and vegetation may offer some respite from inclement weather.
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Heaves and Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · January 24, 2010Heaves and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) are important causes of allergic lower airway disease in horses. Horses with heaves tend to be older and have respiratory difficulty at rest (increased effort and rate of breathing, flaring of the nostrils, coughing, and mucus in the trachea and occasionally in the nostrils). Inflammatory airway disease primarily affects younger horses, such as those in training or recently put into work.
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Equine Glycogen Replacement After Exercise
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010Glycogen is a large, highly branched sugar molecule that is stored in muscle and the liver, and is used by the body as an energy source. Made of long chains and branches of glucose, glycogen is used for quick, high-intensity exercise. Depleted muscle glycogen and buildup of its end products, lactate and pyruvate, contribute to muscle fatigue.
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Food Allergy in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010Evaluation of food allergies in horses can be difficult. There are several caveats that horse owners and veterinarians must keep in mind when interpreting results of allergy testing.
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Feeding Starved or Malnourished Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · January 24, 2010Few sights are worse than the tragedy of malnourished or starved horses. It is important to consider that not all underweight horses are the victims of abuse or neglect. Occasionally, horses may have or be recovering from serious conditions (cancer, inflammatory/infiltrative bowel disease, parasitism, colitis, surgery, etc.) that have led to weight loss, and their owners are doing all they can to help the horse regain its previous condition.
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Nutritional Support of Kidney Disease in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010Serious kidney (renal) disease in horses is fairly uncommon. Clinical signs of kidney disease can be difficult to differentiate from other conditions but include lethargy, depression, inappetence, ulcers on the mouth or tongue, and edema or swelling of the legs and lower abdomen.
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Nutritional Support of Horses with Liver Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010The power of targeted equine nutrition programs is unquestionable. Take, for instance, the feeding management practices that almost entirely relieve horses of the crippling signs associated with tying-up. By reducing starch intake and filling the caloric void with fat and fiber, many racehorses genetically predisposed to the disease have become successful athletes.
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Cryotherapy Remains Relevant Treatment for Laminitis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010In order for cryotherapy to be effective, it must commence during the developmental stage. This is the time immediately after the horse has been placed at risk of developing laminitis but before signs such as lameness, bounding digital pulse, or hoof heat become apparent.
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The Two Phases of Laminitis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010The developmental phase occurs during the first 20-60 hours after exposure to the causative agent or inciting event, be it overconsumption of carbohydrates, retained placenta, colic, metabolic derangements (Cushing's disease or equine metabolic syndrome), trauma, excessive weight bearing, ingestion of toxin, or medication intolerance (certain steroids).
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Diagnosing Hypothyroidism in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010The horse's endocrine system produces hormones that are distributed throughout the body by the blood. Complex cycles regulate hormone activity, and many hormones affect the actions of others.
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Equine Protein Requirements
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Horse owners want to provide their horses with adequate nourishment, but they may be confused about the best way to meet the protein requirements of animals with different workloads or ages.
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Mites in Drafts: Simultaneous Treatment Not Effective
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Luxurious, flowing feathers are a hallmark of many draft breeds. Without proper care, however, the thick lower-leg hair can become a virtual incubator for external parasites, setting the stage for skin conditions that are difficult to treat.
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Prevalence of Cecal Intussusceptions in New Zealand
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010California researchers performed a retrospective study on the prevalence of cecal intussusceptions. An intussusception occurs when a segment of intestine pushes into another section of the organ, similar to the way in which a camera lens slides in and out of its casing, and remains fixed.
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Diagnosing Equine Metabolic Syndrome
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Most horses affected with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) are overweight and have abnormal fat deposits that include a cresty neck, fat around the tailhead that makes the tail look inset into the body, and fat pads around the shoulder, sheath, or udder.
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Equine Laminitis Pain Scale Used by Veterinarians
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Global use of the Obel scale to classify laminitis-induced lameness remains relevant in today's equine veterinary culture, according to researchers at the Royal Veterinary College, Hertforshire, UK.
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Nitrate and Nitrite Toxicity in Horses
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · January 21, 2010Nitrate toxicity is uncommon in horses but can be an important problem in ruminants. Horses can be exposed to nitrates by eating fertilizer or toxic forages and drinking contaminated water.
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Diagnosing Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction
By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · January 21, 2010Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) or equine Cushing's disease is caused by an enlargement of the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland, resulting in overproduction of the steroid cortisol and loss of the normal feedback mechanisms that affect cortisol production.
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Eye Problems in Horses Diagnosed with HERDA
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Horses diagnosed with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) often have skin-related problems, but researchers have uncovered certain eye disorders, specifically corneal conditions, that might also be linked to the disease.
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Cushing’s Disease: Seasonal Hormone Responses Measured
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Fall-onset laminitis in horses has baffled researchers, in part because horses that graze a pasture safely for several months often develop laminitis as the weather chills with no simultaneous change in diet. This seems doubly true of horses suffering from pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing's disease.
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Australian Stringhalt Prevalent among French Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010French researchers studied 70 horses with Australian stringhalt from 2003 to 2008. All of the horses except one had a history of bilateral stringhalt, and all had grazed pastures containing the weed known as false dandelion or flatweed (Hypochoeris radicata sp.).
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Nutrition for Horses with Small Intestinal Colic
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Small intestinal colic can result from gas or fluid distension, obstruction of the small intestine (ileal impaction or roundworms), or twisting of the gut (small intestinal volvulus or pedunculated lipoma in old horses).
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Large Intestinal Colic in Horses: Nutritional Considerations
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Colic of the large intestine can result from gas or fluid distension, obstruction (impaction or enteroliths), or twisting of the gut (as in large intestinal volvulus or displacement of the large colon).
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Perception of Vitamin E and Selenium on Equine Muscle Problems
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010One of the most important tenets of medicine is to first do no harm. Veterinarians and horse owners often factor in this belief when making management decisions, particularly if one party wants to try something that may not be specifically indicated but is unlikely to harm the horse.
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Researchers Get a Close-Up of the Equine Small Intestine
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Endoscopic examination of the stomach, sometimes referred to as gastroscopy, removed all guesswork from gastric ulcer diagnosis.
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Survey Reveals Equine Drug Choices
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010A recent survey of nearly 1,000 equine veterinarians uncovered trends in the use of sedatives, analgesics, and anesthetic drugs.
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Organic Zinc and Copper Increase Mane Hair Strength
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010Polish researchers have determined that horses fed organic zinc and copper possess stronger mane hair.
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Some Zoonotic MRSA May Originate in Humans
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 19, 2010Researchers continue to investigate the zoonotic transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
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Plasma Transfusions Generally Safe for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 19, 2010The medical records of more than 100 horses revealed few adverse reactions related to plasma transfusions. The few reactions that were documented in the retrospective study involved foals less than one week of age.
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Tendonitis Could Limit Racehorse Careers
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 17, 2010Horses that have recovered from superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis had more limited careers than control horses in a recent study.
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Researchers Look at New Pathogen in Equine Grass Sickness
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 17, 2010Equine grass sickness (EGS) is characterized by polyneuropathy and ultimately death, sometimes in as little as two days following onset of illness. The disease is thought to be caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, type C, a soil-borne bacterium.
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Botulism in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 17, 2010Botulism is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Three types of botulism are recognized in horses. Adult horses usually ingest toxins produced by the bacteria in feedstuffs (sometimes referred to as forage poisoning).
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Does Nutrition Influence Equine Behavior?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2009In cases where a thorough veterinary exam does not turn up a medical explanation for the horse's actions, changes in feed management may be important in modifying the way a horse behaves. Advice from a professional horse trainer or riding coach is also an option, especially if the horse presents a danger, rather than just an aggravation, to it owner or handler.
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Training and Bone Development
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 15, 2009The main role of the equine skeleton is to provide structural support. In addition to bones, the skeletal system also includes tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Each element of the musculoskeletal system must be functioning correctly in order for the horse to travel soundly.
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Feeding Horses During Natural Disasters
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2009Suppose that unexpected events- floods, fire, winter storms-play havoc with horse management. As horse owners put together a disaster plan and cope with difficult situations, one of the first concerns should be minimizing changes in feed management.
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AAEP Workshop Focuses on Equine Nutrition
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2009At the 2008 convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, horse owners were allowed to attend a seminar on the subject of equine nutrition. The workshop identified nine keys to understanding horse nutrition. Keeping these points in mind should help horse owner's work out the best feed management plan for their horses.
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Updates on Equine Health and Wellness
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 24, 2009Horses are subject to numerous health challenges including bone malformations, soft tissue or skeletal injuries, and infections of various kinds. Research continues to turn up information that broadens our knowledge of causes, treatment, and prevention of some common equine health problems.
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Water: The Overlooked Nutrient
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2009The most important nutrient in the horse's diet is one that is rarely added to feeds: water. The amount of water required by the horse is determined by the magnitude of water losses from its body. These losses occur through feces, urine, respiratory gases, and sweat and, in the case of lactating mares, milk.
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Working Hard or Hardly Working? Equine Work Intensity
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 23, 2009Optimal nutrition of the performance horse hinges foremost on the exercise it performs.
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Nutritionist Q&A: Winter Care for Senior Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 23, 2009Should I add more fat and fiber to their diets this winter?
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Surveying Sport Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2008The sport in which horses participate often dictates the body condition in which they are maintained. Polo ponies are typically sleek and trim their fitness evident in a tight, tucked-up appearance. The same can be said of most racehorses. Pleasure horses, those mounts used to poke around trails and forests, are sometimes softer and less muscular, carrying more body fat.
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Psyllium for Prevention of Sand Colic in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 28, 2008A number of treatment options have been used to evacuate sand from horses' gastrointestinal tracts. Previous research projects studying the effects of feeding psyllium to remove intestinal sand have had mixed results.
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Forage Buffering Capacity Relevant in Gastric Ulcer Prevention
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 28, 2008Gastric ulcers are very common in performance horses, affecting more than 90% of racehorses and 60% of show horses. There is growing evidence that the type of hay fed to horses has a significant impact on acid neutralization and the incidence of gastric ulcers.
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Feeding Horses: Just the Basics
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2008Everybody knows horses need forage and grain...but how much? How often? What kind? What else? The answers may be slightly different for each horse depending on size, breed, use, and stage of development.
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Feeding to Prevent Developmental Orthopedic Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2008Proper nutrition of the mare throughout pregnancy and lactation and of the young horse during its first two years of life will help prevent developmental orthopedic problems
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Body Condition of Sport Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2008Equine nutritionists and researchers are uncovering interesting trends related to body condition and metabolic conditions, some of which directly relate to whether certain sport horses are as susceptible to metabolic conditions as horses that are exercised from time to time or not at all.
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Choking Horses: Prevention and Treatment
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2008If the horse is fed in a group where he must eat quickly to avoid competition, isolating him at feeding time may help. Making sure the horse is not quite so hungry at mealtime, either by feeding some hay before grain or by feeding smaller meals more frequently, may slow the greedy eater.
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Turning Your Horse Out to Pasture
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008It's worthwhile to cater to the horse's nature by making turnout part of his daily schedule.
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Skeletal Development in Thoroughbreds
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008While bone tissue continues to respond to exercise throughout the horse's life, cartilage loses almost all of its ability to adapt or regenerate by the time the horse is mature.
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Response of Quarter Horses to High Fat, Low Carb Diets
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008Excessively high insulin sensitivity and a build-up of glycogen in the muscle fibers are also characteristic of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), a chronic form of tying-up syndrome. Horses with clinical signs of PSSM have been known to benefit from diets lower in starch and higher in fat than traditional equine rations.
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Benefits of Soaking Hay for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008Even the cleanest, best-quality hay is likely to contain a moderate amount of fine material. Collectively known as the respirable dust concentration, or RDC, these fine particles can cause severe airway irritation in sensitive horses.
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Handling Suspected Horse Poisoning
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008A pastured horse develops hair loss, itching, dermatitis, colic, laminitis, or even sudden death, and the owner is certain the problem must have been caused by something the horse touched or ate. The first and most urgent task is to have a veterinarian diagnose and treat the affected horse. The second, and possibly more difficult, problem is to prevent another poisoning occurrence, a challenge that involves identifying susceptible horses as well as finding and removing the poisoning agent.
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Thoroughbred Joint Injuries During Training
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008Skeletal injuries are common when young Thoroughbred horses enter a program of race training. During the months of training leading up to, and between, actual racing starts, horses are subject to various problems related to accidental injury, overuse, fatigue, or inflammation.
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Fractures in Thoroughbred Racehorses Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2008Researchers looked for an association, if any, between the age of the dam and the foal's risk of fracture later in life, and also any correlation between birth order (dam's first foal or a later foal) and risk of fracture.
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Principles of Bone Development in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 17, 2008The relationships between growth, nutrition, bone strength and development, body weight, and the forces applied to bone are all orchestrated in a careful balance when optimal growth is achieved.
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Horses’ Weight-Carrying Ability Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 15, 2008A horse's weight-carrying ability depends on a number of factors.
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Conformation in Thoroughbred Yearlings Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 15, 2007There is a belief among many people that defects in conformation predispose racehorses to poor performance and injury, and horses with obvious conformation problems tend to bring lower prices at public auction.
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Revisit Feeding Strategies as Horses Age
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 10, 2007The care and management of old horses has been the focus of much scrutiny of late. The reason is obvious: horses are living much longer than they once did, and horsemen needed to know how to offer appropriate care.
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Subclinical Acidosis: Is Your Horse At Risk?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 28, 2007Certain situations trigger the pH of the hindgut to drop sharply. The two most common causes are the overconsumption of high-starch concentrates or pasture grasses rich in fructan. The demands placed on horses-as athletes and as breeding animals-dictate that substantial quantities of energy-laden feeds be consumed.
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Horse Colic Can Be a Real Pain!
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 28, 2007Colic is a catch all term used to describe abdominal discomfort from any cause. Signs of horse colic include pawing, kicking at the belly, looking at or nipping the flanks, rolling, sweating, or straining as if to pass urine or feces.
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Sugar Accumulation in Grass May Harm Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2007Scientists have revealed that Dr. Green may not be the best prescription for all horses. Under specific growing conditions, common pasture plants can harbor sufficient sugar to cause metabolic problems in certain horses that are especially sensitive to carbohydrates.
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Lawn Clippings and Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2007When a pile of lawn clippings is placed in front of him, the horse can consume the cut grass much more quickly than if he were grazing naturally. If your horse has a tendency to bolt his feed (eat it very quickly), he may do the same with lawn clippings.
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Managing Horses on High-Fructan Pastures
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2007All horses are subject to digestive upsets associated with lush spring pasture. The content of highly fermentable carbohydrates in lush pasture can be overwhelming to the unadapted digestive system.
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Laminitis in Horses and Ponies on Pasture
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007The condition is painful, often chronic, and sometimes fatal. Many horses never return to their previous levels of use after developing laminitis. Because of the seriousness of the disease, most owners would consider taking precautions to prevent laminitis in their horses if such management steps could be implemented.
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Salmonella Infection is something to Avoid
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007The bacteria produce toxins that irritate the intestinal lining of the animal they infect. Some strains cause illness in horses, and others are responsible for infections in cattle and other animals.
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Muscle Disorder Breed Prevalence Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007Management changes related to exercise and diet have been of great value in helping some horses with muscle disorders, but other horses with similar problems have not shown a significant positive response to these changes.
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Tips for Maintaining the Older Broodmare
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007An aged broodmare sometimes requires an extra dash of diligence by caretakers and health-care professionals. Despite some misguided lore, it is possible for those grizzled, sunken backed doyennes of the broodmare band to be fleshy and in fine fettle during all phases of production.
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Nutritional Considerations for Warmbloods
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007European warmbloods and warmblood crosses have become prominent as sport horses in the United States, where they compete regularly in dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing. Feeding nutritionally balanced rations and attending to nutrition-related idiosyncrasies of warmbloods are the first steps in producing and maintaining sound athletes.
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Questions about Insulin Resistance
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2007Insulin resistance occurs when the cells become less sensitive to insulin, thereby limiting the uptake of glucose. When this occurs, more and more insulin is required to move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. When insulin resistance is severe enough, glucose accumulates in the blood, thus limiting the availability of energy to cells.
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Arthritis a Prevalent Condition in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2007Diagnosing arthritis in horses usually involves a history of the horse's workload, as complete as possible; a general physical examination; and a lameness evaluation. The athletic history of a horse often conveys significant information. Expect an in-depth probe by a veterinarian. Is the horse returning to training after a short or long break from exercise?
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Equine Health and Management Trends
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2007The USDA recently released information collected by an equine demographics, health, and management survey.
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Stable Talk: Horse Terms
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2007Just as any sport or hobby has its "insider" jargon, so it is with the horse world. Not only are there many terms to learn, but the newcomer to equine circles must also learn to differentiate between words that sound similar, but have totally different meanings. A quick look at the following definitions may help neophytes figure out what's being discussed.
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Overweight Horses Face Multiple Health Risks
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2007In a recent study conducted by the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, 300 horses were examined between June and August of 2006. Of these, more than half (51%) were determined to be overweight or obese.
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Health Management Strategies at Equine Events
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2007Equine events such as horse shows, sales, rodeos, race meets, fairs, and clinics are an enjoyable part of horse ownership. Unfortunately, they are also potential avenues for the transmission of contagious diseases.
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Healthy Horses at Equine Events
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2007Taking a horse to a show, trail ride, lesson, parade, or other event is something many horse owners do on a routine basis. Sometimes the horse has a cough, runny nose, fever, or another sign of illness. Where did the disease originate, and how many horses have taken the infection home with them, possibly to far-flung states and even other countries?
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Changes in the Horse Industry
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2007The USDA recently released the results of a survey of equine demographics, health issues, and management. The figures reveal trends in the U.S. equine population between 1850 and 2005.
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Racehorse Lead Preferences Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2007The choice of lead may be linked to biomechanical factors affecting ease of breathing (each complete gallop stride is accompanied by one inhalation and exhalation) or "handedness" (individual preference for one lead over the other).
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Nutrition and Convenience in Cube Form
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2006The most popular types of forage cubes are made from coarsely chopped alfalfa hay, timothy hay, alfalfa/grass hay, whole corn plants, and alfalfa hay/whole corn plants," said Crandell. Horsemen derive numerous benefits by choosing hay cubes over more traditional long-stem hay.
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Yearling Growth on Alfalfa and Soybean Meal Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 15, 2006Both protein amount and type are important in the diets of growing horses because certain amino acids cannot be produced in the horse's body and must be provided by ingested food. The site of protein digestion is important to optimal absorption.
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Horse Splints
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 15, 2006To understand splints, we need to remember that prehistoric ancestors of the modern horse had multiple toes on each foot. The horse of today walks on the tip of its middle toe, but vestigial traces of the other toes are still present. Two of these leftover toe bones, called splint bones, lie along the inner and outer sides of each cannon bone beginning just below the horse's knee or hock and tapering to an end above the fetlock.
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Feeding Young Horses in the Bluegrass
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 15, 2006A number of Thoroughbred mares and their foals, all born in central Kentucky, were studied to assess the influence of month of birth, season, and gender on body weight, condition score, and daily weight gain. Foals grow rapidly following birth, often quadrupling their body weight by five months of age.
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Basics of Horse Feed Management
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2006Forages, concentrates, and other basics of equine nutrition.
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Ventilation in Horse Trailers
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2006Keeping air moving can help to ensure that horses will travel in reasonable comfort and arrive at their destination in good health.
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Be Prepared for Equine Emergencies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2006While you can't know in advance exactly how to deal with each crisis that comes along, you can take a few simple steps now to minimize confusion, save time, and possibly avoid tragedy in the future. For those who own pets or large animals, the care of these creatures is also a serious concern.
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Equine Identification
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2006There are a number of ways to describe or identify horses and to differentiate one horse from others that may be of similar appearance. Verbal descriptions, photographs, and drawings are a good place to begin. Microchipping is one of the most recent identification methods to come into popular use.
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Hurricane Disaster Response: Equine Feeds
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2006Following Hurricane Katrina it became clear that thousands of cattle, horses, and other livestock were in need of basic food and care. Tons of hay and pallets of feed were required immediately, and in enormous quantities. It was clear that no quick or easy "fix" was going to sustain these large animals throughout the months ahead.
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Plan Ahead to Avoid Weaning Woes
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2006Foals are generally weaned when they are somewhere between four and six months of age. Well before this time, young horses need to be eating grain regularly, deriving the majority of their nutrition from pasture and concentrates. One way to do this is by providing an enclosed feeding area in the pasture that allows foals to enter while excluding mares.
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Size Matters at the Horse Sale
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2006Yearlings that commanded bids higher than the median price of the session in which they were sold tended to be heavier and slightly taller, but not fatter, than yearlings receiving bids below their session's median price.
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Transportation of Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2006Even if your horse climbs willingly into the trailer each weekend and seems to travel well, he is undergoing some stress each time he's transported. That is the conclusion of a number of studies showing physiological signs of stress (elevated heart rate, increased cortisol production) in trailered horses that are used to being handled and transported
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Cold-Weather Horse Diets
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2006While very young, very old, or ailing horses may need specific changes in stable routine, healthy horses with an intact coat can usually tolerate winter weather with few problems if owners pay attention to basic feeding and management principles.
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Horse Trivia Quiz
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2006Horse knowledge is sort of like manure...over the years, you seem to pick up a lot of it! Can you answer these random queries on equine behavior, sports, breeds, and terms?
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Horse Bedding Choices to Suit Every Stable
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2006Horse bedding comes in many types, each with various advantages and disadvantages.
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Coming to Terms with Common Ailments
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2006Basic explanations of some terms that refer to equine health conditions.
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Scratching Out Equine Allergies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2006At times, identifying a food allergy seems more like trial and error than hard-core science. While diagnosis involves tremendous dedication, the result--a happy, healthy horse--is well worth the effort.
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HYPP: Diet Makes a Difference
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 24, 2006Dietary management is key to preventing attacks.
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Managing Tying-Up in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 23, 2006Researchers have classified the general disease known as tying-up into distinct syndromes.
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Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 1, 2005It is most commonly seen as a sign of dehydration and electrolyte depletion among horses performing in endurance races.
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Genetic Diseases In Quarter Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 1, 2005Glycogen branching enzyme disease (GBED) is carried on a recessive gene and causes foals to be born dead or extremely weak.
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Tips for Feeding Weanling Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 2005Weaning is synonymous with stress. The process produces anxiety among foals and mares, not to mention their caretakers. To ease the transition all foals must face-from maternal coddling to self-sufficiency among peers-owners can do a little homework before the day of parting arrives.
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Get the Scoop on Feed Forms
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2005Extruded, pelleted, or sweet feeds can all provide energy, and each feed form has other attributes that owners should consider as they look for the best products to suit their animals. Examining the pros and cons of each type of feed can clarify the decision.
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Corn Sensitive to Fumonisin Infestation
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2005The plant disease might involve individual kernels or clusters of kernels on an ear of corn. Discoloration of kernels is usually the first visible sign, with kernel caps becoming salmon-pink or a light shade of red. Once the signs develop, the pathogen may continue to spread on the ear, knitting a cotton-like growth that might eventually cover the entire ear. Complete coverage is likely to occur if moisture was trapped beneath the husk. Not all infected kernels, however, show signs.
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Winter Water Requirements for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2005Do not expect horses to eat snow to satisfy their water requirements. They would have to consume considerable snow to fulfill body needs. In addition, do not expect horses to break ice in troughs or tanks to gain access to potable water. Allow your horse to enjoy his winter wonderland, complete with clean, fresh water!
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Refeeding the Starved Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2005A sound nutritional plan, along with careful attention from a handler, veterinarian, and farrier, can save many starved horses. Recovery may take several months, and during this time each horse must be evaluated and treated on an individual basis.
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Improving on the Best: Vessels Stallion Farm
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2005Improving the land, acquiring premier breeding stock, building an experienced and capable staff, and following expert nutritional advice have moved Vessels Stallion Farm to its position at the top of the equine industry.
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Tapeworms in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2005Tapeworms are flat-bodied, segmented intestinal parasites that infect many types of animals including horses. It has been found that tapeworms play a significant part in several types of colic and other dangerous conditions of the digestive tract.
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2005Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, refers to a treatment in which a patient is placed in a sealed chamber and exposed to oxygen at several times normal atmospheric pressure. Oxygen is forced into the blood and other body fluids (lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, bone marrow), destroying bacteria and helping to heal injuries.
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Cloning Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2005The processes and techniques involved in producing a cloned animal are time-consuming, expensive, and subject to a number of problems. At this stage of research, producing a live foal is not a guaranteed outcome.
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Thoroughbred Racehorse Lower Limb Injuries Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2005Investigation of factors that influence risk of lower limb injuries to Thoroughbreds training and racing in New Zealand.
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Laminitis Triggering Allergens
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 1, 2004This result indicates that laminitis flare-ups may be triggered by allergens and also by reactions to ingredients in common vaccines.
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Compound Fractures Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 1, 2004Veterinarians at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center have modified techniques for external fixation of equine compound fractures.
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Pass the Salt: Endurance Horses and Electrolytes
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 2004If a horse sweats little, access to a generous amount of high-quality hay and a salt block will provide sufficient electrolytes. If the horse sweats profusely or is allowed only minimal forage, an electrolyte product containing sodium, chloride, and potassium is recommended. Consistent supplementation with electrolytes may be just the thing to transform lackluster summertime performances into winning ones.
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Evaluating Feeding Practices at Boarding Facilities
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2004The most important component of any feeding program is forage, be it pasture or hay. Without question, a survey of the paddocks, pastures, and other turnout areas in which your horse may reside is in order before finalizing a boarding arrangement.
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Gear Up For Warm Weather
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2004As the grass brightens from brown to green, the nutrient content of the plant changes considerably. Horses will undoubtedly relish the newfound forage, but care must be taken to allow only the amount of grazing time necessary to sustain optimal body weight. If horses are allowed unchecked access to spring grass, they can quickly become overweight. The perils of obesity include decreased stamina and a greater likelihood for unsoundness.
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Respiratory Ailments May Keep Horses from Top Performance
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2004Horse owners are often quick to lay blame on an allergy when a horse begins to cough or wheeze. An allergy is any hypersensitivity to a specific stimulus, even a stimulus that a horse has been previously exposed to without detriment. This hypersensitivity results in self-injury. The degree of debilitation caused by an allergy depends on the severity of the reaction and the number of body systems involved.
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Mounted Police: A Horse on the Force
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2004What makes a police horse's job unique is the variety of experiences and challenges that each day brings. While all horses are expected to respond to their riders' signals, it's of paramount importance that the mounted police officer can trust his horse to remain calm and obedient, no matter what happens.
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Equine Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2004Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, also called tying-up syndrome, refers to the severe muscle cramping and cellular damage seen in some exercising horses. Various forms of tying-up affect horses of several breeds and are caused by different metabolic processes.
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Roaring and Choking Down in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2004These terms are common names for conditions that restrict airflow in the laryngeal area. In both cases, noisy breathing and exercise intolerance are probably the first signs that will alert an owner or trainer to the problem.
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Oxygen Deprivation in Newborn Foals
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2004Some foals don't seem to recognize the mare and are unable to nurse. They may wander around the stall, getting stuck in a corner and being unable to find their way out. Others slip into frequent periods of deep sleep, have seizures, or make strange "barking" vocalizations.
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Mad Cow Disease Not Cause for Equine Concern
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2004At the present time there is no evidence that horses are susceptible to any prion diseases, and transmission to equines from infected cows, deer, or other species has not been noted. Some scientists, however, warn that many mammals are susceptible, at least under laboratory conditions, where infection has been experimentally introduced into pigs, monkeys, and other species.
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Lyme Disease in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2004Lyme disease can affect horses in various ways. Signs may be subtle and may mimic those of neurologic disorders. Lameness that seems to shift from joint to joint, sensitivity to touch, irritability, behavioral changes, low energy level, weight loss, eye inflammation, and pain in the muscles or joints are some of the more common indications.
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Equine Grass Sickness
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2004Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a mysterious and often-fatal disease that strikes down healthy young horses as they graze. Most cases have occurred in England, Wales, and Scotland, but EGS has also been seen in Europeand South America. Mal seco, an equine disease reported in South Africa, appears to be identical.
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Dorsal Displacement in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2004Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) is a misalignment of tissues in the horse's throat. This condition, which is common in horses that work at high speeds, causes a drop in performance because affected horses are unable to breathe freely.
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Foal Heat Diarrhea Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2004Mares come into estrus about seven to 14 days after giving birth. This period coincides with the occurrence of diarrhea in about 80% of foals, hence the name "foal heat diarrhea." There is no certain explanation as to why foals get diarrhea at this time, and various possible causes-influence of hormonal changes in mare's milk, foal begins to eat mare's manure, bacterial infection, parasite infestation-have been advanced.
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Food Allergies in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2004Feed-related reactions often cause hives or wheals over patches of the horse's body. In most instances, these raised areas, sometimes called "protein bumps," cause horses little or no discomfort, though some may wish to rub affected areas to relieve itchiness.
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Foal Pneumonia
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2004Foal pneumonia is a common disease of young horses, and one of the leading causes of death in foals. Estimates put the incidence of infection as high in one in ten for all foals.
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Sunburn and Photosensitivity in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2004Just as humans can be burned by the sun's ultraviolet rays, light-colored horses may suffer from sunburn. Even horses with dark coats can be vulnerable to sunburn if they have white markings on their faces or legs.
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Horses’ Response to 24 Hour Travel Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2004Results of a study to measure the changes in various manifestations of stress during a 24-hour ride in a commercial horse van, and to quantify degree of recovery 24 hours after the trip.
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Nutritional Management of the Mare and Foal
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 15, 2004Lactating mares use energy, calcium, and phosphorus at a greatly increased rate.
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Horse Management for the Spring Season
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 21, 2004If the winter season has involved any modifications in your horse's exercise level or feeding plan, you will need to consider the following points as you bring the horse back into work in the spring.
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Nutritional Guidance for Feeding Thin Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 6, 2003Horses, like humans, come in a variety of body shapes. Some breeds and individuals tend to be "easy keepers," naturally assuming a well-rounded shape. Others always seem to look a bit thin and ribby, no matter how they are managed.
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Abbreviations for Horse Diseases
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 6, 2003Many equine diseases, conditions, or problems are frequently referred to by their initials. Full names, a brief explanation of each condition, and management tips, if applicable, are given below. The list also contains a few diseases that don't affect horses but are nevertheless "hot topics" among livestock producers.
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West Nile Virus & Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 6, 2003West Nile virus was first reported in the northeast United States in 1999. Since then, cases have been reported in almost every state and several Canadian provinces. Spread by mosquitoes, the virus can infect humans, horses, donkeys, mules, birds, and a host of other animals ranging from bears to alligators. Many infected horses are asymptomatic or show only slight fever or listlessness for a few days.
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Effects of an Aluminum Supplement on Nutrients and Minerals Studied
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 6, 2003Studies in ruminants and ponies found that high levels of aluminum disrupted the use of calcium and phosphorus. On the other hand, one study found no adverse effects on macro- or micromineral digestibility and balance when small amounts of aluminum (less than 1500 parts per million) were ingested.
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Shout: Foals Weigh In
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 29, 2003Higgins, on the other hand, weighed a walloping 243 pounds at 28 days of age. Colts of his age born in April usually hit the 205-pound mark. This fact makes Higgins about 18% heavier than others his age. Higgins is not obese, in fact few foals are, but he possesses height and scope, likely a reflection of his tall, lanky mother.
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Shout: Weaning Day for a Young Colt
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 23, 2003When the realization hit that his dam was nowhere to be found, Shout became uneasy and lapped the field at a full tilt gallop. Higgins did little to ease Shout's anxiety, merely watching the seemingly half-crazed Shout careen around the field. Skean seemed less fazed by the separation; she may have even been relieved to bid farewell to her youngster.
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Shout: Welcoming an Overdue Foal
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 23, 2003Skean, completely exhausted, lay motionless on the floor, breathing deeply. Milk once again flowed from her udder. Meanwhile, the veterinarians resuscitated the foal and gave him a thorough once-over, declaring him healthy except for a few fractured ribs. Skean gently rolled onto her chest, folded her legs underneath her, and offered the softest, most endearing nicker any mare could possibly bestow.
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Feeding After the Hammer Falls
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 2003Thousands of horses change hands annually at public auctions. While the most conscientious of buyers may flood the seller with innumerable questions regarding their most recent equine acquisition, many horses are shipped without feeding instructions. When they arrive at their destination, the horses are often placed immediately on the new owner's feeding schedule, which may be considerably different than the familiar one.
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Equine Extremes: Feeding Ponies and Draft Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 2003Almost all the guidelines on feeding and caring for horses are aimed at the middleweight or light horse population, those that weigh in at about 1,000 pounds or so and little information is available regarding the equine extremes - ponies and draft horses. Generally speaking, horses are horses regardless of their size, but there are some differences in the nutritional requirements and management of these equids.
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Nurse Mares Provide Crucial Service to Breeding Farms
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 15, 2003Raising an orphan foal is a formidable task. Often nurse mares are difficult or impossible to acquire during emergency situations, and bottle-feeding an orphan foal requires a significant commitment of time and resources.
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Alternative Grass Hays for Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003Researchers at the University of Kentucky measured the voluntary intake of big bluestem, Indiangrass, eastern gamagrass, and timothy grass hays in a group of mature horses.
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Biotin Basics
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003In order to achieve maximal improvement in hoof health, a horse should consume 20 mg of biotin per day. If improvement has been seen within eight to 15 months, the horse will need to remain on biotin the rest of its useful life to maintain that improvement. Cutting the dose is not advisable because it may affect the results, and care should be taken not to buy more than what can be used up in six months.
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Putting the Kibosh on Cribbing
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003Wood chewing is simply the nibbling and splintering of wooden surfaces with the teeth; sometimes the wood is swallowed and sometimes not. This behavior is thought to spring from the horse's natural appetite for a varied diet.
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The Nitty Gritty on Salt
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003The most popular way to feed salt ad libitum is a salt block. These were originally designed for cattle, which possess a rough tongue, but are suitable for most horses. Occasionally a horse may be seen biting or gnawing at the corners of the block.
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Bridge the Gap Between OCD and Nutrition
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003During normal bone growth, cartilage is remodeled into bone. It is during this physiologic revision that ossification goes awry and OCD lesions originate.
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Optimal Body Condition Scores for Breeding Mares
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003Evaluating the body condition of pregnant mares may become more difficult during late gestation, as the combined weight of the fetus and amniotic fluid may pull the skin tightly over the vertebral column and ribcage. Therefore, it's best to place emphasis on other key areas: along the withers, behind the shoulder, and around the tailhead.
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Laminitis Basics
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2003While obesity-associated laminitis is not well understood among researchers and veterinarians, affected horses may go on to lead otherwise healthy lives if treatment is swift and diligent. Recommended treatments center around corrective trimming and shoeing, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain, and strict diet. Forced exercise can be imposed once all laminitis-related pain has abated.
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Colic Risk Factors
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2003Equine colic is loosely defined as abdominal pain. The causes are numerous, and the signs of discomfort (rolling, kicking at the abdomen, pawing, sweating) are familiar to most experienced horse handlers. Colic is one of the most common health emergencies, with an incidence of just over 9 cases per 100 horses in an average year. It is a leading reason for surgery and a frequent cause of death in horses.
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Collar May Aid DDSP
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003A device known as the Cornell collar has been developed to reposition and hold the larynx and hyoid bone in place, thus preventing throat tissues from collapsing and blocking the passage of air.
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Bute Research
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003Research at The Ohio State University has uncovered evidence that the use of phenylbutazone, or bute, may hinder healing of damaged cartilage.
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Equine Shock Wave Therapy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003Shock wave therapy has been used in both humans and horses to pulverize kidney stones, often eliminating the need for surgery.
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Out of Work: How to Let Your Horse Down in the Off-Season
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003Now you're planning to give your horse a well-earned rest. You know he'll enjoy a few months out of his stall, rolling in the grass and taking afternoon naps with his pasture buddies. You realize that you'll be modifying just about everything in your horse's day-to-day routine. How can you keep your horse healthy as he makes this change?
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Equine Hair Analysis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003First and foremost, hair helps in the formidable task of bodywide temperature regulation, and one integral aspect of this role is providing a shield against environmental conditions, hence the dense, wooly coats of winter and the slick, short coats of summer. Other functions of hair include protection against predatory insects and a pathway for transport of pheromones and other physiological signals from the body.
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American Horse Council Assesses Horse Industry
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003According to figures released by the American Horse Council, there are about 6.9 million horses in the United States.
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Developments in West Nile Virus
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2003As West Nile virus continues to spread across the country, studies show that less than 1% of mosquitoes are infected in disease areas, and only about 1 in 10 infected horses' shows signs of illness.
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Managing Broodmares on Fescue Hay or Pasture
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 2002For mares with known or suspected fescue exposure, managers should be sure the foaling is attended and a veterinarian is available. This is recommended even if mares have been treated with domperidone or fluphenazine. The attendant may need to cut the thickened placenta or help the mare expel a very large foal that is several weeks overdue.
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Digestive Aids: Does Your Horse Need Them?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 10, 2002Products defined as digestive aids can be broadly categorized as either probiotics or prebiotics. These aids can be fed as part of the horse's regular diet, or administered only occasionally in response to a particular need.
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Why Horse Supplements?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 10, 2002Do not choose supplements on price alone, but look for economical products that meet actual needs. A concentrated, low inclusion product will be more expensive than one in which the dose is larger. Look at the weight of the pack and the dosage amount, not the size of the bucket.
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Horse Pasture Management
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2002In the wake of the 2001 outbreak of equine foal and embryo deaths known as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), proper pasture development and maintenance have received increased attention. The need to determine a cause for the devastation visited upon Kentucky and adjoining states by MRLS led many researchers to look towards pasture anomalies for clues.
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Oats in the Equine Diet
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2002Plain oats may have a place in the diets of some horses. Mature horses in light work and without the demands of reproduction may do just fine on plain oats, especially if pasture is scarce or low quality or if the forage source is low in energy. If oats are chosen as a way to increase caloric intake, a feed balancer should be used to ensure proper levels of vitamins and minerals are consumed.
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How Sweet It Is: A Molasses Primer
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2002Manufacturers of horse feeds use molasses to improve palatability, reduce dustiness, eliminate or decrease sorting of certain components in a textured feed, aid in the pelleting process, improve mixing integrity of a concentrate, and add nutrients or other ingredients to a ration.
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Shuttle Stallions Do Double Duty
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2002Temperament is certainly a factor in deciding which stallions make good candidates for shuttling, but it is only one small piece of the decision-making process. Bloodlines are a larger factor.
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Hoof Dressings: Helpful, Harmful, or Humbug?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2002The ingredients in some hoof dressings can actually be harmful, excessively drying the outer hoof layers and leading to brittle tissue that can easily develop small cracks. Formalin, solvents, or tar-based products are ingredients with the potential to damage the outer layers of hoof horn. Such damage allows moisture to move in and out of the hoof more freely than in hooves with healthy outer horn.
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Sorting Out Deworming Products
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2002All of a sudden, it seems there are more new equine dewormers on the market than anyone can keep track of. What are these products? How should they be used? How are they different from those that have been on the market for a while? Which one is best for your horse?
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Nutrition for Horses on Stall Rest
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 3, 2002Horses recovering from colic, surgery, high fever, or colitis can present many challenges for their owners, but one that is frequently overlooked is how to feed horses through the illnesses. While countless researchers have devoted years of study to determine the proper nutritional balance for horses of different ages and workloads, little has been done to outline proper nutrition for the sick adult horse.
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 3, 2002Developed for human use in breaking up kidney stones, the technique has been adopted by veterinarians to reduce pain and stimulate healing in some types of injuries. "Extracorporeal" refers to the fact that the treatment is given from outside the horse's body, in contrast to oral medications, injections, or surgery that are considered more invasive.
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Shivers, Stringhalt, and Australian Stringhalt
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002Stumbling, lack of energy, reluctance to back, and stomping of the hind limbs may be early indications of a growing problem, but these signs are often overlooked or attributed to other causes. Shivers occurs most frequently in draft horses and warmbloods, although the condition has been seen in other breeds as well. There is considerable evidence of heritability. One researcher reports a higher incidence in stallions and geldings than in mares.
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Strangles in Horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002A horse that has had strangles seems to acquire partial immunity lasting several months to several years, and subsequent infections tend to be less severe. There is some evidence that horses allowed to recover on their own have a longer-lasting immunity than those that are treated with antibiotics.
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Equine Herpesvirus
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002Vaccination at an early age, and then periodically depending on management factors, is recommended to reduce the incidence and severity of disease. No vaccine provides complete, permanent protection, although research is in progress to produce a more effective vaccine. Owners should contact a veterinarian for advice on vaccinating young horses, pregnant mares, and horses that may have been exposed to EHV.
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Eastern Equine Encephalitis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002Eastern equine encephalitis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a viral disease that affects horses, some other animals, and humans. EEE occurs in the eastern half of the United States, most commonly on the eastern seaboard and the Gulf coast. It is also found in Central and South Americaand the Caribbean. A similar disease, western equine encephalitis (WEE) is present in the western United States.
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Equine Arthritis, A Pain in the Joint
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002Acute arthritis can be caused by injury or by bacterial or viral infection. Chronic arthritis is often osteoarthritis that results from the cumulative effects of day-to-day activity and stress. Old injuries, joint infections, and years of training and performance can all lead to the development of joint pain and stiffness. Poor conformation, hoof deformities, and problems with trimming or shoeing are other contributing factors. Probably there is some genetic influence also.
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Cushing’s Disease Threatens the Health of the Older Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002Because of the predisposition for sole abscesses and laminitis, strict attention must be paid to hoof care. Regular trimming or shoeing at four- to six-week intervals is imperative. All attempts to reduce the likelihood of laminitis should be implemented, including gradual changes in diet and limited exposure to carbohydrate-rich spring pastures. On the veterinary front, regular deworming is paramount.
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Preparing Young Horses for Sales
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002The polished weanlings and yearlings and the athletic two-year-olds that grace the sales rings throughout the world today are slightly different from the horses that went before them. Technology and research have combined to provide consignors and buyers with a slightly different opinion of what constitutes good health.
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MRLS Still a Conundrum One Year after Outbreak
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002A constellation of the finest scientists-veterinarians, agronomists, toxicologists, arborists, nutritionists, entomologists, meteorologists, and epidemiologists from all over the world-remain baffled a year after the onset of the crippling economic and emotional war waged in central Kentucky and its surrounding lands, the mecca of Thoroughbred breeding.
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Dental Care
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 29, 2002Some veterinarians provide dental treatment in addition to their other services. Others prefer to supervise a professional equine dentist who has the specialized training, equipment, and experience to complete the work quickly and competently.
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Cleaning Horse Feed Tubs and Buckets
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 29, 2002Cleanliness inside the barn and out is very important to both your horse and yourself. Feed buckets, automatic waterers, and ground feeders require regular cleaning and attention.
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Head Shaking May Have a Variety of Causes
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 29, 2002Have an equine dentist do a thorough oral exam to make sure the teeth do not have sharp points or edges that are irritated by the pressure or position of the bit. In young horses, the shallow-rooted wolf teeth sometimes interfere with the bit and can easily be removed by a dentist or veterinarian.
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Is My Horse the Right Size?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 29, 2002How can a rider decide what size equine is right? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider several factors about both the rider and the horse.
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Equine Air Travel
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2002Recent medical and technological advances have revolutionized equine air transport from an occasionally dangerous and often lengthy process into a modern- day magic carpet ride.
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Warmbloods: Same Feeding Plan as other Horses?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Feeding well-balanced rations and attending to nutrition-related idiosyncrasies of warmbloods are the first steps in producing and maintaining sound athletes. The primary nutritional goal of managing young warmbloods should be ensuring slow, steady growth and reducing the risk of developmental orthopedic disease.
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Yeast Supplementation used in Horse Diets
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002In an effort to determine the effect of yeast on digestion in horses, researchers in France carried out a study to look at the influence of feeding a preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a strain of yeast, on microbial profiles and fermentation patterns in the large intestine of horses fed a high fiber or a high starch diet.
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Nutrition for Horses with Metabolic Disorders
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Proper nutrition is extremely important in managing horses with metabolic disorders. Regulating the amount and type of feed, with special attention to carbohydrates, allows many horses to show minimal disease signs, maintain healthy body condition, stay comfortable, and safely perform exercise.
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Stocking Rate: How Many Horses on This Pasture?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Stocking rate is defined as the number of horses allowed to graze a unit of land for a specific amount of time. Making the most of pastures by optimizing stocking rate may reduce other forage expenditures. Stocking rate is contingent upon numerous factors including grazing behavior, level of pasture management, forage species, seasons, and weather patterns.
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Avoid Risks from Fumonisin in Corn
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Unlike some fungus or mold species that cause problems in stored grain, Fusarium grows on corn plants before they are harvested. Stress from weather or insect damage can make plants more susceptible.
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Feeding the Miniature Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Regardless of their size, all equines have the same basic nutritional needs. Each animal must consume enough water, forage, and (possibly) grain to meet the requirements of growth, tissue repair, reproduction, exercise, and maintenance of all body systems. Factors such as body size, age, breed, work, climate, health status, and metabolism affect the type and amount of hay, pasture, and grain a particular horse should be given.
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Pica: The Peculiar Palate
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Pica is the desire to eat unusual substances that possess little or no nutritional value, such as dirt, wood, hair, and feces. This phenomenon has been observed in horses of all ages, breeds, and sexes.
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Recovery from Enteritis Dictates Changes in Feed Management
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine. More specifically, anterior (or proximal) enteritis affects the duodenum and jejunum, sections of the small intestine anatomically closest to the stomach.
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Feeding the Horse Following Anterior Enteritis
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Depending upon the severity of the disease, horses may have to receive nutrition parenterally (intravenously) during treatment. This is particularly true if a bout of anterior enteritis lasts longer than three or four days.
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Feeding Frequency
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 10, 2002Continuous ingestion of feedstuffs keeps the digestive tract running smoothly. Modern management practices dictate that many horses remain in confinement for long periods of time with limited or no access to pasture.
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Feeding Fallacies
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2001Feeding horses properly is not difficult. Reliance upon an educated horseman, a veterinarian, or an equine nutritionist is paramount if a feeding management question arises. This is particularly true when confronted with an old wives' tale.
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Forage Falsehoods
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 5, 2001While some old-fashioned feeding practices remain pertinent in this day and age, others have fallen by the wayside. Over the last several decades, research has debunked some commonly held beliefs concerning the nutritional management of horses.
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Foaling Management Tips
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 23, 2000The ideal environment for a mare that is about to foal is a clean grass paddock where the mare can be observed with as little disruption as possible, but inclement weather or insufficient lighting can make this impractical.
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Putting Weight on a Skinny Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 3, 2000Some horses are metabolically inclined to be hard keepers while others have medical, psychological or environmental reasons for having difficulty in maintaining weight.
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Why Is This Horse So Skinny?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 3, 2000Insufficient caloric intake is the primary cause of failure to maintain sufficient body condition in horses. A variety of reasons may account for caloric deficiency. Some are easy to pinpoint and simple to address, such as parasite loads or teeth problems. Others are impossible to diagnose without euthanizing the horse and performing a necropsy. Physical problems of the digestive tract account for many of these problems, but there may be psychological and environmental reasons as well.
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Taking Care of the Senior Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 2000As we become more aware of the problems facing geriatric horses, they have a much better chance at surviving into their golden years than they would have had 100 years ago. Strong emotional ties can motivate many owners to be observant of their beloved beasts and to take the extra steps it requires to maintain them in health and comfort.
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Preparing the Halter Horse
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 1999There are many additional "tricks of the trade" that can be applied to help the halter horse reach his optimum potential, but the successful basics remain the same. It is essential for halter horses to be on a properly balanced diet. Exercise must be carefully designed for each individual animal to avoid potential injury and build the valuable muscle tone that can make a difference between winning and being just another horse in the class.
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Gastric Ulcers in Horses: A Widespread but Manageable Disease
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 1999Every equine practitioner appreciates the delicate nature of the equine gut. Problems related to the small intestine and large intestine are well understood and routinely treated. What may be surprising to many is how often the stomach is affected. Specifically, the incidence of gastric ulcers is extremely high, particularly in performance horses.
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Love and Devotion Help Special Filly Beat the Odds
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 1999To anyone who has ever loved a horse, every healthy foal is a miracle. It is a joy and a wonder to watch them stand on their wobbly legs, take their first tentative steps, and find their first meal. While the vast majority of foals born every year find their way into the world in the usual fashion, occasionally a foal will arrive that provides a new definition for the word miracle.
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Feeding and Care of the Orphan Foal
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 17, 1999Foals orphaned at a very early age should either be placed on a foster "nurse" mare or receive an artificial milk substitute. In either case, it is imperative that the newborn receives adequate quantities of colostrum. Obviously, if the mare dies at birth, the foal must be given colostrum from another mare.
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Making Sense of the Supplements
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 10, 1999Sorting through the numerous supplements displayed on the shelves of your local feed store or in the pages of your favorite horse magazine can be difficult. As an equine nutritionist, it is sometimes difficult for me to figure out the intended purpose of certain supplements. However, supplements can be divided into two broad categories.
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Selenium for Horses: How Important Is It?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 9, 1999Subclinical signs of selenium deficiency may be easily overlooked. Because the major role of selenium is in the oxidative defense system, deficiency would first compromise cellular integrity.
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What Are Those Pellets in the Sweet Feed?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 1999This diet food scenario has proven very effective when feeding broodmares in late pregnancy. Most mares will sail through pregnancy in good body condition and can be fed the recommended amounts of sweet feed to provide essential protein, vitamins and minerals.
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The Hoof and Its Relation to Balance and Soundness
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 1999Flat-footed horses are very sensitive to the type of footing on which they live and exercise. They are intolerant of exercise on rough ground and may require pads to help them to be comfortable. Careful attention to providing corrective trimming and shoeing can greatly help horses that have hoof abnormalities.
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Equine Dentistry: Benefits of Proper Care
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 1998Signs of equine dental problems are as varied as are the horses that present them. From the obvious, handfuls of feed dropping from the mouth as the horse eats and grain passing directly through the animal, to the subtler head tilting and weight loss, the solutions involve knowledge, proper equipment, and fortitude.
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What Does Your Horse Weigh?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 23, 1998Determining what a horse weighs is the foundation of a logical feeding and management program.
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Protect Your Horse from Back Pain 
Nutrition Affects Hoof Growth in Horses 
Feeding Protein to Performance Horses -
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Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
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