http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal Horse Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:48:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/horse-parts/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/horse-parts/#comments Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:05 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=166


Original photo by Bill Vidigal.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/horse-parts/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/horse-leg-markings/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/horse-leg-markings/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:02:46 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=163


The white markings on the legs are named according to their location and height. The following are common terms.

Coronet – the coronet is a band above the hoof. A white strip on the coronet is also called coronet.
Pastern – the pastern is the narrow part of the leg between the angle and the hoof. A white marking extending to the top of the pastern is also called pastern.
Ankle – the ankle marking is white extending up the leg to cover the ankle.
Half stocking – the cannon is the part of the leg between the ankle and the knee or, on the back legs, between the ankle and the hock. White extending midway up the cannon is called the half-stocking.
Stocking – the stocking is white extending all the way up to the knee.

A horse may only have white covering the heel, and may be referred to as outside heel white extending, outside heel, or inside heel.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/horse-leg-markings/feed/ 1 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/face-markings-on-a-horse/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/face-markings-on-a-horse/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:00:05 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=153 Each horse is unique in how he is marked. The head is no exception. Knowing how to describe head markings is necessary for filling out paper work, such as that for the Coggins test or an application to register the horse. Sometimes, the head markings are the only identifying characteristics between two horses.

A horse may have one type of head marking, or a combination of several. The following are general markings.

Snip – a small patch of white hairs on the muzzle, between the nostrils.
Star – a small patch of white hairs in the center of the forehead.
Stripe – a white stripe of hairs reaching from the forehead to the muzzle.
Blaze – a wide, white stripe reaching from the forehead to the lips.
Bald face – white covering most of the face, usually extending to the cheeks.

These facial markings are often combined so that a horse may have a star, stripe, and snip, or simply a star and stripe.

Normally, a horse’s eye is deep brown with a black pupil. No white touches the eye. Some horses have white touching or surrounding the eyes. This often produces an eye that is partly or fully blue. The may then be referred to as Blue-eyed, China-eyed, Cotton-eyed, or Glass-eyed. This is fairly common in horses with a lot of white in their coat, such as pintos. Wall-eyed may also refer to an eye that is surrounded by the white from the face, but may also be used to describe an eye that is defective.

Mealy-mouthed horses have faded coloring around their mouths. This is more common in bay and brown horses.

While there are some more complex patterns that may appear on a horse’s face, these markings are basic. Anyone who knows these basic patterns will be able to adequately describe the face markings on almost any horse.]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/face-markings-on-a-horse/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/types-of-horse-dewormer/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/types-of-horse-dewormer/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:00:06 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=146 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 kills migrating larvae. It is effective against the tissue stages of large strongyles, ascarids, Onchocerca, and bots.”

Benzimidazole (BDZ)

Benzimidazoles are highly effective against pinworms and strongyles. “The emergence of small strongyles resistant to BZDs has become a significant problem,” say Giffin and Gore. Oxibendazole, however, is still effective against small strongyles. With the exception of thiabendazole, they are also effective against ascarids. They are safe for use in pregnant mares, foals, and sick horses.

Carbamate

Pyrantel pamoate and pyrantel tartrate are safe for use in mares during late pregnancy, foals, and sick horses. They are not effective against bots, but are useful for treating other common worms and tapeworms.

Organophosphate

Dichlorvos and trichlorfon are excellent for use against ascarids, bots, and pinworms, and moderately effective against strongyles. Organophosphates can be toxic, so they should not be used in foals younger than 4 months and in pregnant mares who have reached the midpoint of their pregnancy. Some insecticides contain organophosphates and should not be applied to the horse within two weeks of deworming with dichlorvos or trichlorfon.

Piperazine

Piperazines are highly effective against ascarids and works rather quickly. For this reason, horses with major ascarid infestations should not be treated with piperazines for fear of impaction.

“It is not possible to control all worms with just one wormer,” says Colin Vogel in his book, The Complete Horse Care Manual: The Essential Practical Guide to All Aspects of Caring for Your Horse. “You must target-worm for the exceptions, and then have one drug for routine use throughout the year. There are no resistance problems with ivermectin and pyrantel, but in some parts of the world, there is resistance to the benzimidazole wormers.”

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/types-of-horse-dewormer/feed/ 2 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/sarcoid-tumors-in-horses/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/sarcoid-tumors-in-horses/#comments Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:24:49 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=142 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 infection of the cattle wart virus, or bovine papilloma virus types 1 and 2. This virus enters the skin at the site of scrapes and other wounds.

This virus can cause wart-like nodules, most commonly on the legs, abdomen, and head. Some sarcoids grow on or inside the eyelid. In some cases, granulation tissue begins growing out of control in the affected area, a condition known as proud flesh. Tumors can grow several inches in diameter!

Treatment of Equine Sarcoids

There are several treatment options for equine sarcoids. With surgical removal, all of the affected tissue is removed. Unfortunately, the chance of another tumor growing in its place is highly likely, especially if all of the tissue is not extracted.

Cryotherapy has been used with success. The tissue is destroyed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. It is then removed surgically.

EqStim has also been used with success. It boosts the immune system and works especially well with other treatments. EqStim is traditionally administered intravenously; however, it is directly injected into the sarcoid tumor, according to James M. Giffin, M.D. and Tom Gore, D.V.M. in their book Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook.

With radiofrequency hyperthermia, probes are inserted into the sarcoid to deliver radio waves to the tissue. This destroys the tissue by overheating it. It is a method that has also been used quite successfully.

Giffin and Gore prefer one treatment over the rest. “Radiation therapy with radioactive implants is the treatment of choice for recurrent sarcoids.” This is the same type of treatment that some people receive for cancer.

Sarcoid tumors can be especially difficult and expensive to treat. Even so, it is important to treat them aggressively in an attempt to prevent recurrence. They have been successfully treated, and not all horses experience subsequent growths.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/sarcoid-tumors-in-horses/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/cleveland-bay-horse/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/cleveland-bay-horse/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:05:06 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=130 The Cleveland Bay Horse is a strong and graceful breed that has flourished, but has also faced extinction. It saw a resurgence in the late 1900s and can be found through many reputable breeders in the United Kingdom and the United States.

History of the Cleveland Bay Horse Breed

The Cleveland Bay breed seems to always have been around, but their time of origin is unknown. “They carried the goods of the Chapmen (Travelling Salesmen) and as a result initially became known as Chapman horses,” the U.K.’s Cleveland Bay Horse Society reports in “A Brief History of the Cleveland Bay Horse.” The Chapman horses were bred with Andalusian and Barb horses that were brought into the area. The combination of these two breeds produced the Cleveland Bay Horse, who excelled as a pack and harness horse towards the end of the 1600s.

In the 1700s, the Cleveland Bay was found useful for agricultural purposes. Some bred their Cleveland Bays with Thoroughbreds to produce the Yorkshire Coach Horse. This elegant horse was highly sought after. Breeding for the Yorkshire Coach Horse increased as these horses were exported all over the world.

With the invention of the railroad and the production of the automobile, the need for Cleveland Bays declined. Few breeders in their area of origin in Northeast England continued to breed these horses. “By the early 1960s there were only a handful of mature stallions in England and not many more mares with which to rebuild the breed,” the Cleveland Bay Horse Society reports. Fortunately, the queen, whose father bred Cleveland Bays in the 1920s, purchased a purebred Cleveland Bay colt. Her investment sparked a renewed interest in the breed, saving it from extinction. According to “The Breed,” by the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America, “Currently the breed is still critically rare, with only about 500 purebreds in the world and less than 200 in North America.”

Cleveland Bays are strong, graceful horses, and are intelligent and sensible. They are versatile horses. They are still used for driving. They are shown in jumping, dressage, and eventing; and are excellent for hunting. The Cleveland Bay is an ideal horse for someone who enjoys participating in the many disciplines of equestrian sports and leisure.

Cleveland Bay Horse Conformation

Cleveland Bay Horses are generally 16.0—16.2 hh. The horses must be bay in color: reddish-brown body with black mane and tail, and all four legs must be black. Ideally, the reddish-brown color of the horse does not extend below the knees. The Cleveland Bay should not have any white, although a very small star on the face is acceptable. In “Cleveland Bay Standard of Points,” the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America describes the ideal body of the horse: “The body should be wide and deep. The back should not be too long and should be strong with muscular loins. The shoulder should be sloping, deep and muscular. The quarters should be level, powerful, long and oval, the tail springing well from the quarters.” The neck should be long and lean. The horse should have good-sized feet and “must be of the best and blue in color.”

Cleveland Bay Horse Breeders

The following are listings of breeders in the United Kingdom and the United States:

• Cleveland Bay Horse Society: Pure Breeders (as of 2010)
• Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America: Farms and Breeders

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/cleveland-bay-horse/feed/ 2 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/the-bay-horse/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/the-bay-horse/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:00:07 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=123 The bay horse is striking in color. Its reddish-brown body is accented with a black mane and tail. The lower legs are also black, but some bay horses have white leg markings.

The bay horse is not a breed, but a coat color. It is a common color across many horse breeds. According to The Book of Horses and Horse Care by Judith Draper, bay is the second most dominant coat color, next to gray.

In addition to white leg markings, a horse may exhibit other dominant coat characteristics with its bay color. It may have the spots of an appaloosa or the large white patches of a pinto. Color registries exist for both appaloosas and pintos, which are considered to be “color breeds.”



]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/the-bay-horse/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/founder-laminitis-in-horses/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/founder-laminitis-in-horses/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 04:00:27 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=112 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 acute founder in the past are at a greater risk for a relapse.

Laminitis occurs when bacterial endotoxins and lactic acid are released into the bloodstream causing endotoxemia. Endotoxins are those parts of bacteria that can cause physical damage to an organism. This causes the large arteries leading to the hoof to dilate, allowing increased blood flow; however, the capillaries, the smallest blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange between the tissues and the blood take place, severely constrict, preventing blood from flowing through. The blood takes other paths around the laminae, so the laminae are not nourished by the blood. This causes swelling, which compresses the laminae. If the laminae do not receive adequate blood flow, they die.

The horse will usually stand with the front two feet stretched out in front when it suffers from acute laminitis. If all four feet are affected, the horse will either stand with all four feet under its body, or lay down.

Acute Laminitis

Over-ingestion of carbohydrates can throw off the bacterial levels in the digestive tract, which can cause endotoxemia. The typical carbohydrate sources are grass or grain. A horse generally must eat about 25 pounds of grain to cause acute founder, but this amount may vary significantly depending on the horse’s tolerance. For example, a horse that regularly eats greater amounts of grain will be able to tolerate more. A horse that is not used to eating grain may founder by eating much less.

Grass founder occurs when horses are allowed to freely graze on springtime grasses, especially clover and alfalfa. This can also occur if horses eat too much of this type of hay in the winter. Horse owners should gradually introduce horses to pasture in the springtime, beginning with an hour or two per day and gradually increasing pasture time.

After workouts, horses should be walked for 10 to 20 minutes or until they are cool. If a horse drinks cold water while it is still hot, it may experience water founder.

Mares who have given birth may develop postpartum metritis, an infection of the uterine wall that quickly brings about laminitis among other symptoms. Other types of infection may also lead to acute laminitis. The overuse of corticosteroids is also a cause.

The signs of laminitis generally occur 12 to 18 hours after grain consumption. Once the signs appear, little can be done to prevent hoof damage. This is why it is important to immediately call the vet when excessive grain consumption is suspected. Even if you are not certain, call the vet!

“Acute founder begins suddenly with high fever and chills, sweating, diarrhea, fast pulse, and rapid heavy breathing,” explain James M. Giffin, M.D. and Tom Gore, D.V.M. in their book Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook. “The digital artery at the fetlock exhibits a pounding pulse. The feet are hot and painful. The horse alternately lifts one foot after another and gives evidence of severe pain when the sole of the foot is tapped.”

Chronic Laminitis

The laminae form a part of the hoof called the corium, which attaches to the coffin bone. It is highly vascular, meaning that blood flow to these tissues is abundant.

Laminitis may cause permanent damage to the horse hoof. The coffin bone is the lowest bone in the hoof. It is triangular, with the front edge lining up relatively straight with the two bones above it. In the case of laminitis, this bone detaches from the hoof wall, allowing the deep digital flexor tendon to pull on the bone, rotating it and causing the tip of the coffin bone to point downward. “The tip of the coffin bone may penetrate the sole of the foot,” say Giffin and Gore.

Giffin and Gore warn that chronic laminitis may cause other conditions such as white line disease, the deterioration of the interior hoof wall; thrush, a bacterial infection of the hoof; separation of the hoof layers at the coronary band or sole; or complete loss of the hoof. Slipper foot occurs when the toe of the hoof curls up.

Once signs of laminitis occur, it is very difficult to treat. If you suspect that your horse has broken into the grain or has done anything else that could cause laminitis, call the vet immediately. Early treatment is vital for preventing hoof damage.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/founder-laminitis-in-horses/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/laminitis-treatment/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/laminitis-treatment/#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:53:24 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=106 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 permanent damage, or chronic founder.

Acute Laminitis Treatment

Acute laminitis is triggered by over-consumption of grain, springtime pasture grass, and legume hay. Cold water consumption after a heavy workout can also cause laminitis. In rare cases, it is caused by infections in other parts of the body.

Acute laminitis usually occurs 12 to 18 hours after food over-consumption. You should remove all food from the area – all grain and hay. Do not let the horse eat. If the horse is out to pasture, place him in a stall.

With grain founder, a stomach tube is passed into the gastrointestinal tract and used to administer a large volume of mineral oil. This prevents the body from absorbing endotoxins and causes a laxative effect, encouraging bowel movements. This may be done every six hours until the horse completely passes the grain.

Treating Signs of Acute Laminitis

The following should be done if signs of laminitis occur:

• Remove the horse shoes.
• Apply cold or ice packs to the hooves, although “recent evidence suggests that hot packs used early in the course of the disease may be more beneficial,” according to the The Merck Veterinary Manual.
• Provide the horse with a soft area to stand, preferably six inches of sand. “[This] reduces tension on the deep digital flexor tendon,” says James M. Giffin, M.D. and Tom Gore, D.V.M. in their book Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook.
• “Apply 18- to 20-degree wedge pads beneath the heels, or wrap a roll of elastic gauze beneath the frog,” Giffin and Gore also advise.
• Avoid exercising the horse. The horse should be kept still.

Treating Chronic Laminitis

The condition of the coffin bone is a huge indicator of whether treatment of chronic laminitis will be successful. Coffin bone rotation of more than 12 degrees will most likely result in permanent lameness.

The focus of treating chronic founder is to prevent the coffin bone from rotating further. This is done with hoof trimming and corrective shoeing as part of a cooperative effort between the veterinarian and the farrier.

Medications for Laminitis Treatment

There are several medications that are useful for preventing and treating the signs of laminitis. Flunixin meglumine is a medication that fights the endotoxins. Phenylbutazone is an anti-inflammatory that is used to treat many conditions. It is especially useful when given intravenously with Acepromazine within the first 24 hours to treat capillary constriction and hypertension. After 24 hours, phenylbutazone can be given by mouth.

According to Merck, “Phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride causes vasodilation for up to 24 hours, [and] has been used in severe and acute cases of laminitis. However, it may cause depression and should be avoided in horses in shock.”

Long-Term Laminitis Treatment

Grain should be completely removed from the diet and replaced with hay. Giffin and Gore suggest “offering a few pounds of hay two or three times a day while watching for signs of relapse. Later, grain should be introduced at a rate of 1/2 pound per day. Water should be available at all times.”

The horse should be allowed to pasture for short periods of time. Be careful not to over-feed with clover and alfalfa hay. Feed grain sparingly. In fact, many horses do not need grain, especially if they are not exercised regularly or do not suffer nutritional deficiencies.

Laminitis is dangerous because it can permanently founder a horse. For this reason, merely suspecting the possibility of laminitis warrants a call to the vet. Early treatment can save a horse’s hooves.

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/laminitis-treatment/feed/ 0 http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/the-andalusian-spain-produced-an-influential-horse-breed/ http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/the-andalusian-spain-produced-an-influential-horse-breed/#comments Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:18:08 +0000 Diane Ursu http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/?p=92 Formerly known as the Spanish Horse, Andalusian horses are the foundation for most American breeds. Their conformation and lively gait make them an excellent sport horse.

Although the exact origin of Andalusian horses is unknown, it is suspected that the North African Barbs crossed the Straits of Gibraltar, which was a land bridge, and bred with the Sorraia Pony. The Barb is a foundation breed from which almost all horse breeds stem.

Andalusian Breeders

Known for centuries as the Spanish Horse, Andalusian horses were bred by Carthusian monks in Jerez de la Frontera, Cordoba, and Seville. The efforts of these Andalusian breeders contributed to the purity of this breed as many other breeders were trying to produce larger Andalusian horses, thereby ruining the bloodlines. Today’s best Andalusian horses stem from the original Carthusian Andalusian horses.

The Andalusian horse’s head shape is influenced by the Barb horse. The colors are varying shades of gray and bay. The old Spanish Horse could also be spotted or colored like a Pinto. In fact, Andalusian horses contributed the color coat patterns that are now characteristic of today’s Appaloosas and Pintos. Most American horse breeds stem from Andalusian horses.

Andalusian Dressage Horses

The long, wavy manes and tails of Andalusian horses combined with the high-stepping, forward-moving horse a good choice for many equine sports including dressage. In fact, Andalusians were among the first breeds to be used for dressage. With plenty of impulsion and agility, Andalusian horses can advance into the high dressage test levels with great presence. Spectators will surely love this horse.

International Andalusian
& Lusitano Horse Association
101 Carnoustie North, Box #200
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205)995-8900
IT@ialha.org

]]> http://www.moronacity.com/horse-journal/the-andalusian-spain-produced-an-influential-horse-breed/feed/ 2