Government statistics from a few years ago show the Thoroughbred-racing industry sent an estimated 10,000 horses to slaughter annually, meaning that half of the 20,000 new foals born each year have eventually been killed for their flesh. What happens to horses after Kentucky Derby? The Secretariat Center in Lexington, Ky., Read more…
Foals lie down for frequent naps and spend about half of their day sleeping until they are about three months old. As the foal gets older, the frequency of the naps becomes less, and they are more likely to stand rather than lie down. Adult horses spend more time dozing Read more…
Euthanasia by shooting The alternative option is euthanasia by free bullet, or shooting. This is something that can be performed by a suitably licensed person which could include your veterinarian, a knackerman, huntsman, or equine slaughterhouse. What happens when a horse is shot? Lethal Injection A large overdose of anaesthetic Read more…
Once you have identified that your horse is dehydrated, your vet will try to encourage your horse to drink fresh portable water. If this fails, the vet will administer electrolyte solutions through the mouth of your horse and stabilize it. In severe cases, your vet will inject the electrolytes into Read more…
‘Milkshaking’ is fundamentally illegal doping of equines. It is the administration of alkalising agents to horses in order to improve their performance. By using a ‘milkshake’ the lactic acid produced by the horse whilst running is neutralised, therefore preventing muscle fatigue and improving performance. What does it mean to milkshake Read more…
Adding cordial or food flavouring to water can help tempt fussy drinkers. Using soaked feeds can help aid hydration without the horse having to drink from a bucket. Adding salt or electrolyte supplements can help replace what is lost through sweating. What is the fastest way to hydrate a horse? Read more…
Black, brown, bay, chestnut, palomino – horses come in several colours. Except white. Dr Mac explains why. A white horse is actually palomino – it’s a colouration that occurs when a gene causes the hair coat to gradually lose its colour. Do white horses really exist? A white horse has Read more…
Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), or bleeding from the lungs, occurs world-wide in the performance horse. However, it is observed rarely in other species. EIPH is an important cuase of exercise intolerance. It occurs primarily during spring racing in Quarter Horses, Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. Do horses bleed when they run? Studies Read more…
Equine urine can contain plant metabolites called pyrocatechines. These metabolites oxidize at low temperatures turning the urine red. This process can worry horse owners who spot the red urine on snow or shavings. What are the signs of bladder infection in a horse? Bladder Infection in Horses Signs of cystitis Read more…
Some anecdotal reports recommend offering a dark beer once daily as the yeast and vitamin B reportedly improve sweat production. It is recommended, as a last resort if treatment fails, horses be moved to a cooler and less humid environment. What do you do if your horse won’t sweat? The Read more…