From Valley Vet: “Our risk for severe weather and some tornadoes has gotten enhanced for tomorrow – can you give me about 10 minutes? I’ve got to get a forecast out,” News on 6 Chief Meteorologist, and rancher, Travis Meyer asked over the line. It’s storm season in the heartland. A meteorologist of more than […]
Continue reading …KER Answer Exchange – Yearling Growth
May 6, 2024 Comments Off on KER Answer Exchange – Yearling Growth
From KER: In last week’s Kentucky Equine Research Answer Exchange, their nutritionist provides a recommendation for a horse owner looking to help a yearling gelding grow without risking joint problems. Question I have a yearling gelding that I handle daily but ask nothing from in the way of exercise. He weighs 630 lb (290 kg) […]
Continue reading …Functional Anatomy of the Horse Foot
May 3, 2024 Comments Off on Functional Anatomy of the Horse Foot
From University of Missouri Extension: Robert C. McClure Department of Veterinary Anatomy College of Veterinary Medicine A horse’s hoof is composed of the wall, sole and frog. The wall is simply that part of the hoof that is visible when the horse is standing. It covers the front and sides of the third phalanx, or […]
Continue reading …Will Your Hospitalized Horse Survive Diarrhea?
April 29, 2024 Comments Off on Will Your Hospitalized Horse Survive Diarrhea?
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff: If your horse is ever hospitalized for colitis (diarrhea), the good news is that there is a 76% chance of survival. If it develops laminitis, however, the chance of survival plummets to 50%. Survival can further be predicted based on blood L-lactate and creatinine, as well as the presence of systemic inflammatory […]
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By the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee: Unlike humans, horses don’t have collarbones. Their shoulders are held to the rest of their skeleton via a sling of muscles and ligaments instead, often referred to as the “thoracic sling.” Why is this important? We often ask our equine athletes to perform complex movements that require […]
Continue reading …Pasture Management: Plan Now to Avoid Buttercups
April 11, 2024 Comments Off on Pasture Management: Plan Now to Avoid Buttercups
From Kentucky Equine Research: The image of a pasture laden with the dainty yellow flowers known as buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) may seem picturesque, even peaceful, to some people. For horse owners, however, a proliferation of buttercups signifies pastures may be past their prime and in need of restoration. When maintained properly, pasture can provide horses with […]
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From AAEP: Hitting the road with your horse, either for pleasure or for business/competition? Most horse owners know that a negative Coggins test is a must-have for crossing state lines or entering competitions (or even boarding at someone’s barn). But let’s not forget that even homebodies need it! A “Coggins” is a blood test that […]
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From Equine Science Update: Recent research suggests that a synthetic skin spray could aid in wound healing by limiting the formation of exuberant granulation tissue. Due to their nature, horses are prone to injuring themselves. Wounds on the lower legs are particularly likely to heal slowly, often involving exuberant granulation tissue (EGT). This excessive tissue growth, commonly known […]
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From AAEP: Sooner or later (and especially at this time of year), nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does “hoof abscess” actually mean? The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process. Although most commonly seen […]
Continue reading …A Sound Economic Investment – The Pre-Purchase Exam
March 23, 2024 Comments Off on A Sound Economic Investment – The Pre-Purchase Exam
A horse seldom comes with a money-back guarantee. That is why it is so very important to complete your due diligence investigation before you make the purchase and take possession of a horse. And, while many equine professionals can help you evaluate the merits of a particular pedigree or performance achievements, only an experienced equine veterinarian can help you determine the physical condition and overall health of an animal.
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