Horse Health
Risks of Compounded Drugs to Horses
Every horse owner has the right to know the safety and efficacy of medications a veterinarian prescribes for their horse. But even the most experienced horse owners might not be aware of the health risks involved with using compounded drugs. Compounded drugs are unregulated drugs produced by altering or combining other drugs to serve a patient’s particular need.
Jun 29, 2009, 12:11
Horse Health
Pet Talk - Wild Animals as Pets
Born to be Wild
Raising Wild Animals in a Domestic Environment May Not Be in Their Best Interest
There is perhaps one moment in almost everyone’s life when they come across a baby raccoon, squirrel, or even deer fawn, which seems to be helpless and alone. We tend to think that the only way these cute little animals will survive is with our tender loving care. Other times, our culture considers it trendy to own a wild animal as a pet. What people often do not realize is that taking in wildlife animals as pets will actually hinder and hurt them more than it will help.
Jun 29, 2009, 12:10
Horse Health
Pet Talk - Going Green With Your Pets
Pets Go “Green”
In a world full of filthy streams and polluted airways, concerned inhabitants are looking to change their ways to better the environment. The “green” movement is encouraging people to minimize their carbon footprints and recycle to eliminate excess waste. However, many don’t know that their pets can also contribute to the destruction of the environment. Now is the time to go “green” with your pet and lessen his impact on earth’s atmosphere.
Jun 29, 2009, 12:09
Horse Health
Nation’s First Case of Vesicular Stomatitis for 2009 Detected in Texas
The nation’s first case of vesicular stomatitis (VS) for 2009 has been detected in a horse in Starr County, in far south Texas. VS is a sporadically occurring virus that is endemic to the U.S. Signs of the disease include blisters, lesions and sloughing of the skin on the muzzles, tongue, teats and above the hooves of susceptible livestock, which include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and some other species of animals.
Jun 17, 2009, 13:08
Horse Health
Considerations for Deworming Your Horse
Deworming horses has always been important when considering equine care. It is common for horse owners to deworm every 6 to 8 weeks with a different class of dewormer each time. It can be easy for owners to forget the most important strategies to decrease worms: rotating pastures to allow eggs to desiccate and cleaning up manure in pastures and dry lots regularly. If deworming occurs too frequently it may lead to resistant colonies of worms making the process less effective, so it's important to find a balance.
The biggest parasite problem lies with small strongyles, a large intestinal parasite that has the ability to encyst in the mucosa of the large intestines. This parasite survives winter within the host, and then breaks out to begin another life cycle. This results in inflammation and ulceration of the large intestines. The most effective dewormers used for small strongyles are moxidectin or five consecutive days of fenbendazole. Use cautiously because when used too frequently, these agents will become less effective due to resistance.
Jun 17, 2009, 12:47
Horse Health
Horse Allergies
An allergy is an exaggerated response from the immune system to a substance in the environment, called an allergen. Horses can become allergic not only to a substance in the environment, but also to things they eat, inhale, or touch. Equine allergies can be quite challenging not only for the horse who may have runny eyes, welts or itching, but for the owner who is trying to diagnose the problem and treat it. Allergic reactions, found in a horse's normal living conditions, can occur by environmental allergens (dust, pollen, molds, insect bites, feed, etc.) or reactions to medications or vaccinations. Some of the most common symptoms of horse allergies are tearing eyes, coughing, hives, nasal discharge or respiratory problems. These symptoms can even be caused by exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, bedding, topical medications, soaps, shampoos, blankets, wool, and neat's-foot oil. Other causes can include environmental allergen sensitivity and hypersensitivity to insects.
Jun 17, 2009, 12:44
Horse Health
Vaccinate Your Horse, Cattle for Rabies Before Leaving for Events; Help protect other competitors, animals from this deadly disease
Before you hit the show circuit this season, be sure to do your part to keep horses, other animals and competitors safe by including a rabies vaccination at your pre-event health exam. Vaccinations can do more than just help horses — they can help protect horse owners from disease, too.
“Owners sometimes forget diseases that affect their horses or cattle may also affect anyone that has contact with their animal,” says April Knudson, DVM, manager, Veterinary Services, Merial. “In fact, cattle or horses infected with some diseases, like rabies, can potentially expose their human handlers, veterinary professionals or even spectators at an event or show.”(1)
Jun 10, 2009, 10:03
Horse Health
Hygiene – Good for you and your pet
Looking neat and smelling clean are crucial aspects of social interaction for most people. While we also like our animals to smell and look nice, there are many other important reasons to maintain their hygiene.
“Bathing and grooming your pets is helpful for their appearance, but even more so for their health and well-being,” explains Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Matted hair, cracked nails, and rotting teeth can all lead to very painful conditions down the road.”
Bathing your pets regularly and brushing their hair a couple times a week helps to disperse the skins natural oils through it and keeps it soft and healthy.
Jun 8, 2009, 15:44
Horse Health
Animal Influenza
The recent emergence and spread of the Swine Flu virus, also known as H1N1, has affected people throughout the world. From school closings to cancelled vacations, the Swine Flu has caused a lot of concern. These concerns have led many to take extended precautions for themselves, their spouses and their children. But what, if any, precautions should be taken for the furry members of our families? The H1N1 strain may not affect our animals in the way that it does humans, but similar type A flu viruses can affect our pets.
In 2005, the first cases of the canine influenza virus were reported in Florida and have since spread throughout the country. The virus is a mutant of the H3N8 equine influenza virus and is a contagious respiratory disease that may mirror signs of kennel cough, including sneezing, coughing and fever.
May 22, 2009, 16:01
Horse Health
Super Fruit Nutrition Hits the Equine World
Super Fruit Nutrition has become the source of rapidly growing consumer interest in the health and wellness industry as consumers seek natural alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. This trend has crossed over into the equine world as Utah –based SeaBuck Equine delivers a super fruit product which has shown to be very effective for horses.
SeaBuck Equine’s flagship product, Seabuck Complete, has been developed using the remarkable nutrient profile of the Seabuckthorn Berry. Only the best fresh-harvested seabuckthorn is used, brought in from the high mountain valleys of the Himalayan Region. The natural brilliant-orange colored nutritional supplement contains more than 190 biologically active nutrients including: Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and P, and Omega oils 3, 6, 7 and 9 (found in virtually no other fruits). Although these essential nutrients
are not uncommon by themselves, the occurrence of all of them in a single natural fruit makes the seabuckthorn berry unique and powerful.
May 13, 2009, 13:29
Horse Health
Caring for Your Pregnant Pet
Pregnancy can be an exhilarating time for both mothers and fathers. Taking special care of the mother-to-be’s nutritional needs, spending extended hours in the doctor’s office and preparing the home for a new arrival can all be a part of the exciting rituals expectant parents are encouraged to follow. Not surprisingly, these same precautions and preparations are also necessary for a pregnant pet.
Similar to a mother monitoring her caloric intake and eliminating unhealthy foods potentially harmful to the fetus, an expecting pet requires a nutritional diet that best supports her changing needs.
May 13, 2009, 12:07
Horse Health
Preventing Barn Fires
There's a high probability that a barn could catch fire because of its contents. Barns are generally stocked full of potential fire hazards, such as hay, blocked doorways, cobwebs and fans.
If you use fans in your barn to keep animals cool, know that inexpensive box fans are not heavy duty enough for a barn and can pose several hazards. Motors in boxed fans are not sealed, allowing dust and dirt to get into them. The dust and dirt makes them seize and heat up, causing them to melt the plastic house, catch fire and spread.
May 13, 2009, 11:33
Horse Health
Facts About Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
How do NSAIDs help control osteoarthritis pain and inflammation?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in horses to help control joint pain and inflammation related to equine osteoarthritis.1 Caused by deterioration of cartilage due to trauma, impact injuries, abnormal joint loading, excessive wear or as part of the aging process, equine osteoarthritis is a common health issue in many horses. In fact, lameness as a result of equine osteoarthritis is a major cause of poor performance and early retirement, and can even be found in horses as young as 2 years old.2
Apr 30, 2009, 16:19
Horse Health
Is your investment covered?
Your farm is a major investment in your life whether your property is a small pleasure farm, an affluent equestrian estate or a commercial operation. It is very likely that a Homeowners policy doesn’t cover the risks of owning a farm, ranch or stable. Most Homeowners policies do not cover boarding, breeding, riding lessons, buying, selling or training horses, which are considered business pursuits. A Farm Package policy can bridge the need for both a Homeowners policy and a Commercial Liability policy.
Apr 30, 2009, 11:09
Horse Health
Bayer Animal Health Introduces Catosal Sterile Solution
Catosal™ (10% Butaphosphan+cyanocobalamin) Sterile Solution, the first and only injectable source of vitamin B12 and phosphorus, is now available for prevention or treatment of deficiencies of these nutrients in cattle, swine, horses and poultry in the United States. Available only by prescription from a veterinarian, Catosal is an important adjunct therapy for animals that are convalescing or susceptible to behavioral or environmental stress. Deficiencies of B12 or phosphorus are associated with delayed recovery; and, as a source of B12 and phosphorus, Catosal prevents and treats these deficiencies.
Apr 28, 2009, 10:59
Horse Health
Good News, Bad News for Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Effort
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has released from temporary preventive quarantine more than 375,000 acres in Maverick, Dimmit and Webb counties. The preventive quarantine had been imposed on the three counties more than a year ago to prevent the spread of dangerous cattle fever ticks. Further south in Zapata and Starr counties, however, more fever tick-infested ranches are being detected at a disturbing rate, and concerns remain for sustainable fever tick program funding, fever tick surveillance and the approval of new products for treating fever tick hosts.
Apr 28, 2009, 10:55
Horse Health
Better Animals - Electronic Newsletter - Horse - Spring 2009
Now that the weather has finally warmed up, horse owners are starting to spend more time with their horses, and are looking forward to even more enjoyable riding weather. There are some nutritional concerns, however, during this season, and some management issues we should address to ensure the health and performance of our horses.
Apr 28, 2009, 10:55
Horse Health
BIVI Launches Equine Joint Health Management Program
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), announces the formation of the equine Joint Health Management (JHM) program, an education program for veterinarians and horse owners designed to prevent and treat equine joint problems.
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of joint dysfunction in horses. Acute injury and overuse can lead to chronic joint pain. BIVI has formed a collaboration with Dr. David Frisbie, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS, who is an Associate Professor at Colorado State University and part of their Equine Orthopaedic Research Center as well as a partner in Equine Sports Medicine PLLC, Pilot Point Texas. The goal of this collaboration is to develop an educational series to help veterinarians and horse owners not only prevent joint problems in horses but also treat existing problems.
Apr 27, 2009, 12:09
Horse Health
Colorado State University Veterinarians to Host Free Seminar for Horse Owners on Emergencies, Wound Care
Dr. Dean Hendrickson, director of the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, will host "Equine First Aid: A Horse Owner's Guide to Emergencies and Wound Care" from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Room 118/120 of the Animal Cancer Center. CSU's James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital is at 300 W. Drake Rd in Fort Collins. Parking is free.
Ideal for all horse owners, stable managers and equine professionals, this interactive seminar will provide up-to-date information on first aid and wound care. Participants will learn about advanced wound care dressings, techniques for initial wound treatment, anatomical areas of specific concern in the horse and items to have in your first aid kit.
Apr 23, 2009, 10:32
Horse Health
Pet Talk: Springtime Yard Hazards for Pets
Springtime is garden time. Spring is when we plant new plants and get our yards ready to shine. While you are preparing your outdoor areas for your family to enjoy just make sure you take the steps to ensure that it is safe for your pets to enjoy as well.
“When planting your garden it is important to note that there are numerous house and garden plants which can be toxic to animals,” warns Dr. Murl Bailey, professor of toxicology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Several that come to mind initially are brunfelsia, lilies, cycads, kolanchoe, and oleander.”
Apr 23, 2009, 10:26
Horse Health
Preliminary Tests Indicate Cattle TB Infection in Texas Dairy
Preliminary test results indicate that a dairy in west Texas is infected with cattle tuberculosis (TB). Cattle TB is caused by the Mycobacterium bovis bacteria and can cause internal lesions in animals. Milk from commercial dairies is pasteurized, killing bacteria with heat, so there is not public health concern from this herd detection.
“Animals from the 2,600-head dairy were being prepared for sale and some reacted to TB skin tests. A The follow-up blood tests on these animals also were positive,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. “Samples were collected from two of the cattle slaughtered for examination, and the tissues were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa for additional testing. The lesions are microscopically compatible with TB, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on the tissues have detected the DNA, or the basic genetic material of the disease. The final confirmation is based on a culture, which may take several weeks. It involves identifying bacterial growth from the tissue samples as Mycobacterium bovis.”
Apr 23, 2009, 10:10
Horse Health
Summer is Prime Time for Potomac Horse Fever
Highest threat of infection from aquatic insects, grazing
With summer just around the corner, now is the time to vaccinate horses against Potomac horse fever (PHF).
“Horse owners need to be aware of the disease and its seasonality,” says Dr. Julia Wilson, DVM, associate professor, large animal medicine, University of Minnesota.
PHF is a potentially deadly disease that can cause mild depression, anorexia, diarrhea1 and abortion in pregnant mares.2 Some horses also may develop severe toxemia, and up to 40 percent of horses with PHF will develop laminitis.2
Apr 15, 2009, 09:41
Horse Health
Pasture Management
Spring brings warmer temperatures, green grass and spring flowers. It also means that if you own livestock, you will begin a new grazing season, allowing you the opportunity re-think your pasture management program.
April and May are critical months in the growth of a grass plant. It is important to protect the spring growth from early defoliation by grazing livestock. Over grazing your pastures too early in the growth cycle, will cause the root system to decrease in mass and size until they die off, creating the ideal environment for undesirable plants take over.
Apr 14, 2009, 10:22
Horse Health
Pet Talk: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners
It’s the middle of the night and your phone rings. Your dog has gotten out and was hit by a car. What do you do? When our kids or our significant other gets sick or hurt we have a pretty good idea of how to take care of them. Unfortunately, most people are not prepared to handle these occurrences in our pets. To help pet owners deal with emergency situations, April has been designated as National Pet First Aid Awareness Month.
Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences says that one of the most important things that you can do for your pet’s safety is to have a relationship with your veterinarian.
Apr 13, 2009, 15:08
Horse Health
Jarvis Insurance - March Newsletter
Of the many communicable illnesses that affect horses, respiratory disease is the most common. Early detection of respiratory infection is important for successful treatment. Veterinary treatment can be costly and substantial, as well as the potential consequences of the loss of use of your horse for training, showing, or instruction.
Apr 8, 2009, 10:36
|
