According to the Colic Risk Rater, there was an 11% chance that Brandy may colic while at the training facility. Now, in the 24-hour time period after Brandy returns to her home facility, there is a 50% chance that she may colic. There are things we can do to reduce this risk. Strategies like bringing water, hay and concentrate feed from the training facility and making a gradual transition to the feeds used at home will lessen the many changes that Brandy already has to adjust to.

AQHA is opposed to any federal legislation that would ban therapeutic medications, as well as race-day use of furosemide, and therefore continues to work with international, national and state racing organizations and commissions that are well versed in specific racing issues to evaluate protocols to allow for uniform medication rules and deterrents of performance-enhancing drugs. 

“There does seem to be some misconceptions regarding specific vaccines, especially the modified live vaccines. By far, the biggest concern I hear from horse owners is that their horse could potentially become sick from the modified live vaccine and they are concerned that their horse could then pass this disease onto other horses. I also hear concerns of unvaccinated horses becoming inadvertently vaccinated from a recently vaccinated horse within the herd.”

Thrush is the destruction of a portion of the horse’s hoof called the frog. This destruction is caused by an anaerobic bacteria and fungi that is not contagious. Thrush brings with it a recognizable, strong-smelling odor coming from the affected area. Although thrush is a somewhat common condition, it shouldn’t be underestimated. If left untreated, it may penetrate the sensitive structures of the hoof and cause temporary to permanent lameness.

Scientists have taken a step towards the goal of regenerating damaged tendons with the discovery that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can produce “artificial tendon” in the presence of inflammation.

Two out of three competitive horses have them.1 Anywhere there is stress, stomach ulcers may be a risk. Stress comes from many sources, such as frequent trailering, intense training and loud, unfamiliar noises at the showgrounds. And it’s not just those that show. Non-competitive horses are also susceptible as 30 percent of pleasure horses have ulcers.3

Specifically, there is lengthening and thinning of the dermal lamellae that leads to weakening and predisposes to separation, with resultant white line widening, rotation, and sinking.  This occurs without the basement membrane damage and white blood cell infiltration characteristic of other types of laminitis.

“Foal diarrhea remains a disease of enormous significance to the horse industry,” said Dr. Dwyer. “Rotavirus is one of the most common pathogens in major breeding areas worldwide. Early recognition, diagnosis, treatment and biosecurity in cases of foal diarrhea are key to minimizing disease impacts to breeding farms.”

“It is frustrating as an owner to see abusers win races, then continue to be allowed to race,” she says. “I’m in favor of stiffer fines and penalties to discourage trainers from using both clenbuterol and albuterol.”