Barb Crabbe, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, shares some valuable insight on this often frequently recurring type of injury: “It only takes one bad step. When a critical soft tissue structure is injured, your horse could be fine today, then lame for months or even years to come. In fact, a serious soft tissue injury can […]
Kennon Keckler, DVM, sheds some light on the types of swelling and when to pay extra attention: “Lymphangitis, vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis. Whatever you call it, this recurrent bacterial infection and leg swelling affects many horses – of any breed – and is a frustrating cause of lameness and loss of […]
Severn Edge Equine Vets regularly deal with this challenging condition and here they share some of their expertise: “As the name suggests, mud fever is most frequently seen in horses during wet, muddy conditions but this is not always the case. Signs Initially, the skin at the back of the horse’s pastern or heel […]
Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., an equine nutritionist, shares her insight into this all too frequently diagnosed condition: Ulcers or erosions in the lining of the equine stomach are reportedly a common condition in performance animals. In racehorses, for example, ulcers are believed to occur in an estimated 50-90% of horses. Similarly, weanling foals have equally high rates of ulcers. […]
For centuries man has effectively been treating Inflammation, itching and pain by grinding up plants and herbs, forming them into poultices, and applying it to affected areas of the body. The same results have been found in the treatment of horses. A poultice is used to draw out infection, reduce inflammation, ease bruising and cleanse […]
Steven B. Adams, DVM, from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, sheds some light on this easily overlooked condition: “Lameness is defined as an abnormal stance or gait caused by either a structural or a functional disorder of the locomotor system. The horse is either unwilling or unable to stand or move normally. Lameness […]
Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D. and equine nutritionist writes: “Horses possess undeniable athletic prowess, whether they race, leap, or pull. Even the fittest equine athletes tire eventually, though, and face muscle damage and antioxidant enzyme abnormalities. When horses become fatigued, they either continue to exercise at a lower intensity or stop exercising altogether. The reduction or termination of exercise […]
Josie L. Traub-Dargatz, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, shares her experience on ways to control infection in horses: “Many horses, like people today, live a fast-paced life. Horses are on the road to shows, breeding farms, racetracks and trail rides. It is critical to manage each horse to avoid an illness that could compromise performance in […]
Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons have been in practice for 60 years and they share some thoughts on pain management in horses: “Pain can have a negative impact on behaviour and performance. Freedom from pain is an essential part of horse welfare and pain management plays an important role in recovery from injury or illness. If we […]
Sue Stuska, PhD in Equine Studies, shares 6 vital signs that can help you assess your horse’s condition: “If he’s sick, they can help you determine how sick. They help you determine whether or not to call the veterinarian. (Anytime you’re in doubt, call the vet.) When you do call the vet, telling him/her the […]
