our team
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In The Horse
Spring is upon us and with the increase in pollen and other allergens, those horses with prior respiratory allergies can flare, creating a life of misery for them and their owners. Respiratory conditions impact a large percentage of horses, contributing to health problems ranging from poor performance to complete debilitation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting the horse, which can be frustrating to manage. Just like other health conditions, the more we know and the earlier we intervene, often the prognosis is improved and management made easier.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In The Horse Read More »
Leaky Gut Syndrome; Health & Soundness
The ‘gut’. Homebase to the immune system, source of digestion and nutrient assimilation. We all know how an upset or disagreeing stomach can drain us of our energy, vitality and overall zeal for certain functions, but did you know that the gut may actually be involved with many clinical diseases and even impact joints, soundness and allergies? It’s true and something we have lightly investigated in a clinical study with horses. The connections have been known for a long time in human research data and there are indications in the equine industry as well, but all to often, we fail to recognize the problem or address it properly.
Headshaking in the Horse; Cause and Management
Headshaking in the horse is a common problem and often affecting up to 30% of patients to variable levels, creating high frustration for the horse owner. The exact cause of this condition can be variable from patient to patient and thus treatment and results can be variable. Headshaking can vary in regards to presentation from simple flaring of the nostrils, flipping of the nose, rubbing the nose, snorting often, sneezing and even variable degrees of overt head shaking. Given the wide range of presentation,potential causes, lack of consistent treatment response and frustration factor for the horse owner, headshaking deserves some investigation for better management options. As is my character, let’s dig into what we know regarding headshaking and see if we can not only make sense of it, but also discover potentials for therapy.
Case Study: Equine Recurrent Uveitis
Vision in the horse is a critical factor. Without it, they are vulnerable to attack in the wild, have a hard time navigating and encounter difficulties in training and competition. The eye in the horse also tells us a lot in regards to personality and demeanor, often allowing us to see into the spirit of the animal. It is large and obvious, often one of the first things we notice about a horse. Considering the placement of each eye in the horse, as compared to humans or even pets, their range of vision is limited and they are dependent on two functional and healthy eyes. When the health of the eye is impacted, the health and safety of the horse is likewise compromised. The equine eye is subject to a variety of conditions including corneal scratches and lacerations, but one of the most debiliating is equine recurrent uveitis or ERU, which is becoming more common place in the equine industry. What used to be a condition primarily impacting Paint breeds, Appaloosa and even fair skinned Quarter Horses, is now affecting many other breeds. The exact cause is unknown and despite the best efforts with therapy, these cases can be frustrating and financially draining for the horse owner. Our horses are our companions and given this, it is hard to see them in constant discomfort. Often, we need to step back and analyze these situations and apply what we have learned from research, to improve comfort and aid in management.
Joint Health In Dogs; Prevention & Management
Almost 7 out of 10 people have at least one dog in their family. They can be of the working class, assisting with hunting or even protection, or in most cases, they are perceived as members of the family. It is interesting to see the status of the family dog change over the past two decades, which is a good thing, as they have moved up in ranks to more of a social companion for many, following us around with our every task and move. As we see the changing status and increasing level of meaning in our lives, it becomes even more important to provide for their health in the best ways possible. Just like us, dogs have joints that will gradually deteriorate secondary to osteoarthritis, which can create much discomfort for them and us. They often suffer in silence, trying to please us, but it is needless as there are options available to assist in maintaining not only their comfort, but their overall health.
Case Study: Equine Stifle and SI Lameness
Lameness in the horse can come in all different forms and severities. One common source of lameness is the stifle but in many of these cases, it is also common to have problems either higher up or lower in the limb often tied in with conformational flaws or even trauma. The saccroiliac region in the lower back or hip region is also a common source of discomfort, either alone or in conjunction with other problems. The saccroiliac (S/I) joint is the area where the pelvic bone called the Ileum joins up to the Saccrum of the lower back. The junction of the two is actually termed a joint, being held together by tough fibrous tissue, but still demonstrates some movement as the horse travels. In a recent case presented for rehabilitation, we actually had apparent S/I problems in addition to chronic stifle lameness. When combined with unhealthy feet, severe thrush and sole pain, the case proved to be a real challenge.
Why is my horse always lame? Solving the Mystery
One of the most common problems in the equine athlete and pleasure horse is recurring lameness, which can be equally frustrating for owner, rider and veterinarian. At one moment, the issue may seem resolved, bringing relief, but then it may recur or maybe even a new problem develops. Being a veterinarian, horse owner and involved in the rehabiliation of horses, I understand the frustration but have come to realize that there is much to discover, learn and reveal when it comes to seeing the ‘entire’ horse in these situations. More often than not, the primary problem the horse is presented for is actually not the main issue, but in order to see the true problem, we need to step back and look at several factors. Despite us wanting to fix everything in one fail swoop, often the issue is more complex than we would like it to be.
Why is my horse always lame? Solving the Mystery Read More »
Equine Rehabilitation
Equine Rehabilitation Services In-house Equine Rehabilitation and Consultation Services The horse is predisposed to a variety of health conditions and soundness concerns, which is amplified if they are competing, under stress or have metabolic concerns. In many cases, these unique athletes are left retired after exhausting