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• Hock Problems in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 10, 2012

  Because 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.

• Determining Degree of Lameness in Laminitic Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 9, 2012

  Professionals at the Hoof Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Clinic evaluated the degree of lameness in 30 horses with laminitis using a force plate.

• Racehorse Health and Safety Studies Continue

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 6, 2012

  Collection 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.

• New Arthritis Treatment for Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2012

  The 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.

• Coffin Bone Fractures in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 11, 2012

  A fractured coffin bone is a fairly common injury that might or might not jeopardize the horse’s performance career.

• Breeding for Fewer Navicular Problems in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 9, 2012

  Because 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.

• Equine Laminitis Study Needs Your Help

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 2, 2012

• Care of Quarter Cracks in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 5, 2011

  Quarter cracks are common hoof flaws in horses, especially racehorses and other equines in hard training and performance.

• Avoiding Soft Tissue Injuries in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2011

  Horses 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.

• Swollen or Filled Legs: What’s Wrong With Your Horse?

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 21, 2011

  Horses can rapidly develop swelling or “filling” in one or more legs. Is it serious? What causes it?

• Pasture Rest May Be the Best Treatment for Stress Remodeling in Racehorses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 28, 2011

  According 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.

• Genetic Cause of Foal Deformities Investigated

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2011

  Preliminary 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.

• Bone Chips in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2011

  Many 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.

• Outcomes After Surgical Correction of Flexural Deformities in Foals

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · October 11, 2011

  Flexural deformities of the coffin joint sometimes require surgery to achieve normal heel length and hoof angle.

• Update: PSSM in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 29, 2011

  Tying-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.

• Concussion in Movement of the Horse

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · September 22, 2011

  Concussion is the force sent vertically up the leg each time a horse’s hoof strikes the ground. Concussion is a major factor in lameness.

• Treadmill Exercise for Horses: Is It Safe?

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 21, 2011

  Because 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.

• Sacroiliac Pain in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 20, 2011

  As 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.

• Muscle Atrophy in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 16, 2011

  When 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.

• Conformation of the Pasterns and Hooves of Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 15, 2011

  An examination of the horse's foot flight patterns shows what tends to happen with different conformations.

• Fish Oil Reduces Inflammatory Joint Compounds in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 14, 2011

  Researchers 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.

• Combating Arthritis in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 13, 2011

  Outward signs of arthritis in horses are pain, heat, swelling, and reduced range of motion in a joint.

• Conformation Determines a Horse’s Usefulness and Comfort

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · September 2, 2011

  Conformation is a major factor in the physical soundness of a horse.

• The Horse’s Hoof

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · August 31, 2011

  In order to provide correct care for the horse’s hooves, owners need to have an understanding of their construction.

• Good Footing is Important for Horse Arenas

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 29, 2011

  Installing 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.

• Biofilms May Slow Wound Healing in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 23, 2011

  Biofilm is a term that has been used to describe a phenomenon found in slow-healing human wounds. The same concept has now been found in horses.

• Avoid Laminitis with Management Steps

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 16, 2011

  To minimize the risk of laminitis in any horse, implement some basic management steps.

• Genetics of Laminitis in Ponies Studied

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 12, 2011

  Researchers examined the heritability of grass founder in an inbred herd of Welsh and Dartmoor ponies.

• The Natural Horse Hoof: Exactly What Is It?

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 11, 2011

  Researchers evaluated the hooves of several hundred feral horses in a range of environments from sandy deserts to cold alpine regions.

• Artificial Limbs for Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 25, 2011

  For horses with the right type of amputation, an artificial limb can allow many pain-free years in the pasture.

• Four Tips to Keep Your Horse Sound

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 21, 2011

  Keeping 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.

• Treatment Options for Leg Injuries in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 12, 2011

  Tendon 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.

• Long Toes and Hindquarter Pain in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 6, 2011

  Researchers found a correlation between gluteal pain and a hoof angle known as long toe/low heel.

• Rehabilitation for Injured Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 28, 2011

  Equine 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.

• Supporting-Limb Laminitis Investigated in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 6, 2011

  A research project underway at the University of Queensland in Australia is seeking knowledge about supporting-limb laminitis.

• Pre-Purchase Exams for Off-Track Thoroughbred Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 1, 2011

  While 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.

• Mobilization of Horses after Musculoskeletal Injury

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 25, 2011

  Long 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.

• Equine Neurologic Exam: What to Look For

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 16, 2011

  A veterinarian can tell a lot about a horse's neurologic condition simply by watching the horse move and interact with his environment.

• Tying-Up in Standardbred Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 9, 2011

  A study of Standardbreds showed that about 6.4% of studied horses had a history of tying-up.

• Laminitis and Gene Expression in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 26, 2011

  Changes in gene regulation preceded signs of pain or discomfort, development of vascular changes, separation of dermal-epidermal tissues, and inflammation in horses with laminitis.

• How Lame Is Lame?

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 18, 2011

  To 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.

• Stem Cells May Aid Cartilage Repair in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 14, 2011

  Though damaged cartilage doesn't regenerate on its own, there are techniques that can stimulate regrowth and repair.

• Trace Minerals Important for Horses During Recuperation from Injury

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 13, 2011

  Although regular intake of trace minerals is necessary for optimal health, their importance during recuperation from an injury should not be overlooked.

• Osteochondritis Dissecans Genetic Factors Probed

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 11, 2011

  Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic disease characterized by flaps, tears, and detached fragments in joint cartilage.

• Macromineral Considerations for Horses Recovering from Injuries

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · April 5, 2011

  Double-check macromineral levels for horses that are experiencing injury-related rest.

• Equine Bone Fragility Syndrome

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 4, 2011

  Horses with equine bone fragility syndrome have a type of osteoporosis that is associated with inflammation of the lungs and lymph nodes caused by silicosis.

• Greasing the Joints, Part Two: Oral Joint Supplement Ingredients

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · April 4, 2011

  Common ingredients in oral joint supplements for horses are reviewed.

• Greasing the Joints

  By Dr. Peter Huntington · March 29, 2011

  Review the mainstay ingredients in oral joint supplements and their effects on soundness.

• Keep Horses from Chewing Bandages

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 23, 2011

  A new product can help to keep horses from chewing leg bandages that protect wounds or surgical sites while they're healing.

• Fit to be Tied: Part One

  By Drs. Peter Huntington and Stephanie Valberg · March 2, 2011

  Tying-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.

• Participants Needed for Shivers Study

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 16, 2011

  The goal of the research project is to learn more about breed, age, gender, diet, exercise, and other factors that may be related to shivers.

• Navicular Syndrome

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 15, 2011

  Lameness 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.

• Interaction of Phenylbutazone and Bone Healing in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 10, 2011

  New research has discovered that NSAIDs have the potential to inhibit bone healing in horses, especially in the early stages.

• Musculoskeletal Injury Risks in Training

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 7, 2011

  Training to race involves one of the most demanding equine exercise schedules.

• Understanding Ringbone

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 13, 2011

  Ringbone is a skeletal change that affects a horse's lower limbs and can affect performance by causing lameness.

• Novel Treatment for Laminitis

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 5, 2011

  Wooden clogs made from plywood can help horses recover after bouts of acute laminitis.

• Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation and Implications for Treatment of Neurologic Disease

  By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 29, 2010

  Several equine neurologic diseases have been associated with vitamin E deficiency or improve with vitamin E supplementation.

• Coffin Fractures Common

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 20, 2010

  Coffin bone fractures in young Warmblood horses are common, affecting the majority of horses on some farms.

• Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis

  By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 17, 2010

  Omega-3 fatty acids have direct anti-inflammatory actions that can be useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis and lameness.

• Navicular Syndrome in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 14, 2010

  Navicular 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.

• Farrier Survey Sketches Professional Profile

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 13, 2010

  A survey conducted by American Farriers Journal turned up facts regarding the profession.

• To Shoe or Not To Shoe?

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 30, 2010

  The decision on whether or not to shoe a horse is usually based on several criteria.

• Poor Nutrition Impacts Hooves

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 15, 2010

  Equine nutritionists are frequently asked questions about dietary influences on hoof health.

• Canine Pain Reliever Helps Navicular Pain

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010

  Horses 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.

• Navicular Disease Treatment Benefits From Smaller Endoscope

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010

  Navicular 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.

• OCD Study Looks for Metabolic Clues

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010

  Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental orthopedic disease that results in lameness in young horses.

• Flexion Test is a Tool, Not a Guarantee

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010

  Lameness and pre-purchase exams commonly include a flexion test of the forelegs.

• Reducing Risk of DOD

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 3, 2010

  A study in France looked at 401 foals from 3 breeds on 21 farms for the incidence of developmental orthopedic disease or osteochondrosis.

• Cryotherapy Remains Relevant Treatment for Laminitis

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010

  In 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.

• The Two Phases of Laminitis

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2010

  The 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).

• Equine Laminitis Pain Scale Used by Veterinarians

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 21, 2010

  Global 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.

• Thoroughbred Joint Injuries During Training

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008

  Skeletal 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.

• Fractures in Thoroughbred Racehorses Studied

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2008

  Researchers 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.

• Laminitis in Horses and Ponies on Pasture

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007

  The 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.

• Arthritis a Prevalent Condition in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2007

  Diagnosing 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?

• Racehorse Lead Preferences Studied

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2007

  The 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).

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2005

  Hyperbaric 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.

• Thoroughbred Racehorse Lower Limb Injuries Studied

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 20, 2005

  Investigation of factors that influence risk of lower limb injuries to Thoroughbreds training and racing in New Zealand.

• Laminitis Triggering Allergens

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 1, 2004

  This result indicates that laminitis flare-ups may be triggered by allergens and also by reactions to ingredients in common vaccines.

• Compound Fractures Studied

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 1, 2004

  Veterinarians at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center have modified techniques for external fixation of equine compound fractures.

• Gear Up For Warm Weather

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2004

  As 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.

• Dorsal Displacement in Horses

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 25, 2004

  Dorsal 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.

• Laminitis Basics

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2003

  While 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.

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 3, 2002

  Developed 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.

• Cushing’s Disease Threatens the Health of the Older Horse

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2002

  Because 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.

• The Hoof and Its Relation to Balance and Soundness

  By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 1, 1999

  Flat-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.