Omega 6s are involved in the body’s role of producing inflammation mediators so that when illness or infection is present, the body can respond appropriately. Omega 3s help to ensure that inflammation responses do not occur when the horse is in good health and there is no need for such Read more…
Glucosamine relieves pain, sometimes in as short a time as 10 to 14 days. Studies have shown that it can slow cartilage breakdown and may encourage healing. An effective dose is 6,000 to 10,000 mg/day. The 10,000 mg dose is usually needed for horses that are being worked. How long Read more…
Horses are no more difficult to draw than any other thing. People who have difficulty drawing usually have not learned the ability to observe and compare what they are trying to draw and how it relates to the rest of the subject (in this case, a horse.) Why is drawing Read more…
Staggers is caused by specific mycotoxins, most commonly lolitrem B produced by the endophyte fungi within perennial rye-grass. Staggers may also result from ingestion of mycotoxins in other grasses such as Claviceps paspali in paspalum grass. The toxins are particularly abundant in the leaf sheath and flower heads. How does Read more…
When a horse is down, it can be either due to a primary injury or poor footing (particularly in the winter). Your veterinarian, who you called immediately because of rule #2, can quickly determine if there’s an injury that you need to consider. What to do when a horse cant Read more…
Sidebone rarely causes lameness, however if some of the bony formations fracture, rub together or push against other sensitive structures in the foot, this can potentially cause pain and manifest as lameness. How does side bone affect horses? Sidebone may also cause pain in the ligaments of the coffin joint. Read more…
AI rules in Quarter Horses, which permit shipment of frozen semen, also allow embryo transfers. Ten years ago, a group of Quarter horse breeders challenged an AQHA rule limiting a mare to conceive just one foal per year, saying the restriction decreased the value of their bloodstock. Is AI allowed Read more…
Artificial insemination (A.I.) is a technique used to transfer appropriately processed semen from a stallion into the uterus of a mare at the correct stage of her oestrus cycle resulting in a single pregnancy. How do they artificially inseminate horses? The mare is inseminated. A plastic AI pipette is passed Read more…
Communal barns for horses Groups of horses can be kept together in communal barns, but care should be taken to make sure that all horses get adequate access to hay, feed and water. Enough space should be provided to allow free movement, and to allow all the horses to lie Read more…
There is no specific treatment for equine influenza, with many horses needing mostly supportive and nursing care. Sometimes there is a secondary bacterial infection which can need further treatment. Your horse will need a minimum of six weeks rest to recover and your vet will advise you on this. How Read more…