Moronacity Horse Journal » Equine Health
Types of Horse Dewormer
Deworming may seem complex and overwhelming with all of the different types of horse dewormers available. Not every horse dewormer treats every kind of parasite, and drug resistance is a problem in some areas. Avermectin (Ivermectin) “Ivermectin has a broad spectrum of activity against both intestinal and insect parasites and is effective against drug-resistant strongyles,” say James M. Giffin, M.D. and Tom Gore, D.V.M. in their book Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook. “It also … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health
Sarcoid Tumors in Horses
Sarcoid tumors are a nightmare for horse owners. Also known as blood warts, these pesky tumors are difficult to heal. Even with surgical removal, there is a 50 percent chance that a sarcoid will return. Fortunately, several treatment options have proven successful in the treatment of sarcoid tumors. Early treatment may be best, so contact a vet as soon as you suspect a sarcoid. Cattle Wart Virus In horses, sarcoid tumors are caused by an … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health
Founder, Laminitis in Horses
Laminitis is a hoof condition that can come on very quickly and cause permanent lameness. Common causes include drinking cold water after rigorous exercise, eating a very large amount of grain, and eating rich, springtime grass without a gradual reintroduction period. Laminitis is more likely to occur in the front two feet, although all four hooves may be affected. Ponies and stallions are at a greater risk, and horses that have experienced … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health
Laminitis Treatment
Laminitis is a very serious condition that can lead to permanent lameness. Damage to the very sensitive laminae tissues in the hoof occurs when blood flow to those tissues is restricted. Very little can be done once laminitis signs occur. For this reason, you should immediately contact your vet if you suspect that your horse is at risk for developing laminitis. Do not wait for signs to appear! Early treatment may prevent … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health, Featured
Grease Heel, Mud Fever, and Scratches: Infection of the Pastern That Can Lead to Horse Lameness
A horse may develop a painful infection on the back of its pastern. The pastern is the part of the leg just below the ankle joint and above the hoof. Poor pasture conditions or trauma to the pastern can contribute to grease heel. Grease heel is also known as “mud fever” and “scratches” for good reasons. Mud Fever Grease heel is also called mud fever because it is the result of muddy conditions. Mud gets caught in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health
Equine Thrush: Preventing and Treating Thrush
Equine thrush is a bacterial infection in horses’ feet. A foul smell, especially while cleaning the horse’s feet, is an indicator of thrush. Horse hooves infected with thrush may have a black discharge on the bottom of the foot in middle – the part called the frog. Several species of bacteria cause thrush, although Fusobacterium necrophorum is the most common. F. necrophorum is found in the soil, including muddy pastures and stalls with manure and urine. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health
Equine Infectious Anemia
Equine infectious anemia is a disease among equines that is much like AIDS. It is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys red blood cells causing anemia. The challenge with Equine Infectious Anemia is that it is easily transmitted from horse to horse, and can become an epidemic in stables. For this reason, annual testing is usually required for horses that are transported to different events. According to the Michigan Department of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health
Equine Arthritis and Horse Arthritis Treatment
My horse was slow and lazy and would not do much for me when I was on the high school equestrian team. I thought she was ring sour. She would limp away from home, but her gait would be perfectly fine on the return trip home. I realized something was wrong when her limp became more consistent. “What could it be?” I asked many people at various horse shows and rides. Most of them suggested … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health, Popular
What is Equine Arthritis, Horse Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is a painful, degenerative joint disease that affects many senior horses. It is the result of chronic inflammation. To understand how arthritis is related to inflammation, it is important to first understand the process of inflammation. The Process of Inflammation in Horse Osteoarthritis When an area is injured or infected, chemicals from injured tissues stimulate pain receptors which then start an impulse to the central nervous system (CNS). The brain processes the impulse and recognizes that … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health, Featured
Conquering Arthritis
My senior horse ended her days in our pasture at the age of 25. During her dying days, she would eat when we were there as if she were trying to make us feel better about her condition. The minute we looked the other way, she would stop eating. She would continue to do the little things we wanted her to do until her heart failed. It was ironic that this was the fate of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Equine Health, Featured
