Equestrian Clinics

Room to Breathe: Proper Ventilation for the Traveling Horse

Wed, 01/27/2010 - 13:22 | Andrew DeNome and DVM

As show and rodeo season starts in full swing, many horse owners dutifully prepare their horses for traveling by wrapping legs with protective covering, checking that the trailer flooring is sound, and making sure their horses are securely tied--all with thoughts of protecting the health and welfare of their valuable cargo. However, few give much thought to a very important consideration--what can be done to protect their horse's lungs?

Skin Problems

Wed, 01/27/2010 - 13:20 | Marc R. McCall and DVM

The horse's largest and most visible organ is his skin. Its job is to protect the internal organs from the outside environment; to help maintain constant temperature, water, and mineral balance; and to provide the sensations of pain and touch. The skin is composed of the epidermis--a dried cellular layer--and the dermis--the live portion of the skin. The dermis holds the nerve endings, hair follicles, blood vessels, and sweat glands. Most skin problems originate in the dermal layer.

Strategic Layoffs

Mon, 01/04/2010 - 19:56 | PhD., Hilary Clayton, and BVMS

Many equestrian sports have an annual cycle in which a competition season alternates with an off-season. Even in the sports that continue on a year-round basis, most trainers schedule a break from competition, which gives the horse a chance to recover mentally and physically from the stress of traveling and competing. Consequently, long-term conditioning plans are based on an annual periodicity.

Veterinary Acupuncture and Chiropractic: What, When, Who?

Mon, 01/04/2010 - 19:48 | Jr., Ed Boldt, and DVM

The use of “complementary” therapies continues to increase in veterinary practice. While there are a myriad of modalities that fall within this broad term, the two most utilized are veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic (sometimes referred to as manual therapy). It is felt that as more of the population turn to complementary therapies for their own health care, those individuals then seek out such therapies for their animals. It should be stressed that the term “complementary” is the correct term for the use of veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic.

Equine Dental Care: What Every Horse Owner Should Know

Thu, 08/27/2009 - 12:57 | Rob Arnott DVM

Brief History

Horses have been around for many, many years. Some experts have determined from fossil evidence that horses have existed for over 55 million years. These early horses were probably browsers that ate soft, leafy vegetation and groundcover in the prehistoric woodlands. The horse evolved over time, and the current form and type of dentition in the horse is believed to have evolved about 15 to 20 million years ago.

Understanding Your Horse's Teeth

Thu, 08/27/2009 - 12:49 | Manuel G. Himenes Jr. DVM

Horses have a unique dental structure. Their teeth are divided into two major sections: the incisors, which are the teeth seen in the front of the horse's mouth, and the cheek teeth, made up of the premolars and molars. The molars and premolars are lined up tightly against each other, creating the appearance of one chewing surface. This alignment of teeth is called the dental arcade. The incisors are separated from the cheek teeth by a large space. Canine teeth can be found in the space between the incisors and premolars.

Learn To Recognize The Signs Of Laminitis

Thu, 08/27/2009 - 12:32 | AAEP

Every day, veterinarians across the country see hundreds of cases of laminitis, a painful disease that affects the feet of horses. Laminitis results from the disruption of blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae within the foot, which secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall. While the exact mechanisms by which the feet are damaged remain a mystery, certain precipitating events can produce laminitis.

The Equine Foot

Thu, 08/27/2009 - 12:29 | MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, and Brad R. Jackman

Introduction

The foot of the horse is a very unique structure that undergoes a tremendous amount of strain and stress. The foot is the foundation of the horse and a structure is only as strong and stable as its foundation. Hence, the old adage “No Foot, No Horse.” The foot is the most common area of forelimb lameness because of the amount of stress to which the equine foot is exposed. Thus, it is necessary to have knowledge of the foot, clinical conditions associated with the foot and ways to avoid and treat the more common foot problems.

Lameness Exams: Evaluating The Lame Horse

Thu, 08/27/2009 - 12:25 | American Association of Equine Practitioners

Stress, strain or injury can take a toll on any horse, even one with no obvious conformation defects. When lameness occurs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly. A prompt examination can save you time, money and frustration by diagnosing and treating the problem immediately, possibly preventing further damage. The goal of such early examinations is to keep small problems from becoming big ones.

Healing The Bowed Tendon

Thu, 08/27/2009 - 12:22 | Maria L. Lewis VMD

When people say a horse is "bowed" or that it has a "bowed tendon", they are generally referring to the tearing of the superficial digital flexor tendon in the middle of the cannon bone region. This tear causes a curved, bow-like swelling on the back of the leg between the knee and the ankle. Although the swelling is usually in the middle of the cannon bone, it may be behind the knee, at the level of the ankle, or it may extend from the knee to the pastern.

Primary links

Articles