Nic Howell farrier

28/07/2024

🐴 A new study (Oliveira et al. 2024) has developed a predictive formula for determining the clinical significance of sand accumulation in horses.

🐴 This study is the first to demonstrate a weight-associated cutoff for determining clinical significance of sand observed on abdominal radiographs of horses.

🐴 Given that sand can be an incidental finding, this formula involving simple measurements from abdominal X-rays can help in diagnosing and managing clinically significant sand accumulation.

To schedule an appointment for your horse with our mobile X-ray service, please contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

29/05/2024

09/05/2024

SAND COLIC

The long dry spell in WA means many horses have likely been ingesting sand for a number of months. Here are a few tips to help prevent colic this season ...
1. Avoid grazing very sparse pasture. Lock your horses off these areas and only graze once a good ground cover has been established
2. Provide access to plenty of good quality roughage in the form of hay.
3. Ensure your horses are drinking!! Some horses don’t drink as much in the cooler weather which can lead to impaction colic. Add some electrolytes to their feed which will encourage more water intake.
4. Consider feeding psyllium husks/epsom salts to help remove sand from the horses gastrointestinal tract, but do not feed psyllium if your horse is showing signs of colic.
5. Provide feed in elevated feeders or hay nets to reduce the chances of horses ingesting sand while consuming feed.
6. Place rubber mats or feeding pads under hay and feeders to create a barrier between the feed and the ground, preventing direct contact with sand.

Signs of sand colic include abdominal pain, discomfort, pawing, rolling, and reluctance to eat. These signs can vary in severity.

X-rays are very useful in determining how much sand your horse has accumulated so we can tailor a treatment plan for your horse. The image below is from a horse with a very large sand burden. X-rays are quick, easy and non-invasive! They can be performed on your property with our mobile x-ray service.

For more information please call 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

10/04/2024

It is important to always check liver and kidney markers PRIOR to starting treatment with SGLT2i. The use of these drugs in horses with compromised kidney or liver function has not been investigated.

It is also important that horses are closely monitored as some will have increased liver enzymes shortly after starting treatment. Without pre-treatment testing it’s impossible to know whether the increases in liver enzymes are related to the drug or underlying liver disease. Many horses with EMS can also have elevated liver enzymes without any clinical abnormalities (Dunkel, 2013).

Given that many breeds at increased risk for EMS are also susceptible to a serious condition called hyperlipemia, it is VERY IMPORTANT to stop the medication if signs of reduced feed intake, colic or dullness are observed or feed is being withheld.

For more information please call 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

19/03/2024

I don’t understand why some treat an issue without confirming what it is and the extent of it.

Gastroscopy is the only way to determine whether your horse has gastric disease. For the stomach to be examined properly it needs to be empty. A 3-metre-long fibre-optic video camera (or gastroscope) will be passed up one nostril and down into the stomach. Most examinations take approximately 10-15mins.

Many horses owners are reluctant to fast their horse for gastroscopy as they feel this will cause ulcers to develop. This isn’t true as we scope many horses, who have been fasted overnight and have completely normal stomachs.

For more information or to enquire about our mobile gastroscopy service please call 0427 972 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

11/03/2024

Important information that everyone should know

The glandular mucosa is used to living in an acid environment (this is the part of the stomach where the acid is produced) and usually has good defence mechanisms against it. However, for reasons we don’t fully understand, these defence mechanisms breakdown leading to disease in this part of the stomach. What we know about squamous disease cannot be extrapolated to glandular disease – they’re entirely different diseases, and we need to treat them as such. One important difference is that In this part of the stomach, the lesions we see are more inflammatory rather than ulcerated.

Glandular disease is NOT believed to be a disease of diet however, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that behavioural stress as well as frequency of exercise plays a large role in the development of this condition.

Management:
• Reduce exercise to

08/03/2024

A follower asked a few weeks ago if I could make some lists about horse handling. I will do "what a handler expects from the farrier" for my next one.

These are in no particular order. Can you think of any additions?

01/03/2024

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28/02/2024

A old post but still an important reason to look for shoes even though it’s probably rare this will happen. Also finding the shoe makes the farriers day easier/efficient.

One Of Many Reasons The Farrier Will Ask If You Found The Shoe

11/02/2024

In a recent editorial published in a special edition of EVJ, an expert review concluded the following:

"Metformin has been associated with inconsistent outcomes when used in the treatment of equine ID and seems very sensitive to the dose, formulation and dosing schedule used. In this collection, Colmer et al. (2024) examined the short-term effect of metformin (dosed at 30 mg/kg) on the insulin response to an oral sugar test (OST) and found no reduction in the insulin response regardless of whether it was dosed orally 1, 2 or 6 h prior to the OST. This outcome adds weight to the bank of evidence that fails to support metformin as an efficacious pharmaceutical option for treating ID, at least for the dose and formulation tested."

Metformin is an anti-glycaemic medication that is widely used in human medicine for the treatment of diabetes and to improve insulin sensitivity (Cree-Green et al., 2019; Herman et al., 2022). Studies performed in horses to assess the efficacy of metformin in hyperinsulinaemic equids have yielded conflicting results, most likely due to its limited bioavailability (Durham et al., 2008; Hustace et al., 2009; Rendle et al., 2013; Tinworth et al., 2012). Dose rates of 15–30 mg/kg PO BID have been reported (Durham et al., 2008; Rendle et al., 2013) and given the relatively short duration of action, it is recommended that metformin is administered 30 min before turnout or feeding to reduce the post-prandial insulinaemic response (Durham, 2017).

Some horses appear to respond well to metformin, while the majority of horses do not. Anecdotally, the use of metformin appears to be waning, largely being replaced by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).

Read more in our recent article on managing horses with EMS:
https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/eve.13938

For more information please call 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

16/01/2024

Some very useful tips

14/01/2024

With the heatwave that Perth is currently experiencing, it's essential that all horses remain well hydrated to prevent dehydration and colic. This is even more important for horses receiving treatment with an SGLT2i (ertugliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin).

These drugs work by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in the urine. This can cause horses to urinate more frequently. In our recent studies, many owners actually reported their horses drank and urinated much more while receiving these medications. Studies in humans have reported the risk of dehydration is higher in elderly people taking these drugs.

In addition to specific dietary advice, we always recommend horses receiving an SGLT2i are supplemented with electrolytes. Most of the powdered equine electrolyte mixes in the feedstore are suitable.

Please ensure your horse is allowed free access to cool, fresh drinking water 24/7. If they appear dull or depressed, their water intake reduces or they become disinterested in feed, please stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian.

11/12/2023

Good night!

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

We’re for the horse.

21/11/2023

Please note best way to contact me is via my phone number 0407643339. Personal messages on facebook messenger ect sometimes get missed.

Farrier international testing system certified farrier, I cover most areas and offer a wide range of

20/11/2023

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center recently presented some exciting new findings.

Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL) develops in the face of high circulating insulin concentrations. With this particular form of laminitis some of the changes occurring within the hoof might be reversible but ONLY if the condition is recognised and treated aggressively early!

Using radiographs to measure a very precise zone within the hoof capsule, they described the normal measurement in healthy ponies and showed that even small changes in this zone can be very important in the outcome and management.

Their research has shown that early and aggressive management using a combination of continuous cooling, SGLT2i and dietary restriction, resulted in improvements within this zone on follow-up radiographs.

“Increases (in the radiographic measurements) happen very suddenly (within hours) in response to active damage during laminitis, whereas improvements are likely to take weeks to months, because remodeling of the tissue needs time. This case shows that in the case of HAL, reversal of pathology is possible with aggressive therapy.”

If you’d like to discuss your horse or pony, please contact us on 0427 072 095.

You can also book an appointment online:
https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

20/10/2023

Join us LIVE on Facebook as Dr Tania Sundra debunks some of the common myths around gastric ulcers in horses!

When: 6.30pm -7.30pm AEDT, Wednesday 8 November. Register now and participate during the Facebook LIVE event for your chance to win 1 of 3 $250 digital gift cards in our lucky door prize!

Click the link below to register on the event page.
https://fb.me/e/3aERv3QVZ

05/10/2023

📖 A 2020 study demonstrated that feeding ponies a mix of barley straw and hay (50:50) resulted in weight loss with no episodes of colic or laminitis during the study period.

📖 A 2021 study also demonstrated that feeding 50% straw in the diet did not cause gastric ulcers but did improve weight loss and insulin levels.

Dosi, M. C. M., Kirton, R., Hallsworth, S., Keen, J. A., & Morgan, R. A. (2020). Inducing weight loss in native ponies: is straw a viable alternative to hay?. Veterinary Record, 187(8), e60-e60.

Jansson, A., Harris, P., Davey, S. L., Luthersson, N., Ragnarsson, S., & Ringmark, S. (2021). Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in Horses—Effects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration. Animals, 11(8), 2197.

03/09/2023

Could be a whole lot of fun for some of the adult rider clubs out there.

20/08/2023

14/08/2023

Read and share

❗️Important info - Please share!

The use of extended-release injectable omeprazole has increased in recent years for the treatment of gastric disease that has not responded to oral omeprazole or where owners are unable to administer the oral paste once daily.

Injection site reactions can occur and this information is based on our practice protocol when prescribing injectable omeprazole.

- Inject the total 20ml dose into a single injection site without splitting the dose.
- Clean the site thoroughly. We will demonstrate appropriate cleaning technique and you will be sent a video with instructions if we prescribe this medication.
- Do not administer immediately before or after exercise.
- Inject into the gluteals; avoid neck and do not inject into the pectorals.
- The vial should be warmed and shaken thoroughly prior to drawing up the solution.

We recently published a study (Sundra et al, 2023) demonstrating that injection every 5 days improved glandular healing rates compared to the 7 day interval which was previously recommended.

Injectable omeprazole is not currently registered for use in horses and should be used in accordance with local prescribing guidelines.

Sundra T, Kelty E, Rendle D. Five- versus seven-day dosing intervals of extended-release injectable omeprazole in the treatment of equine squamous and glandular gastric disease. Equine Vet J. 2023 Mar 28. doi: 10.1111/evj.13938. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36977610.

08/08/2023

Vital information for anyone who has a horse or pony.

The use of ertugliflozin (and other SGLT2i) in horses with laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome is rapidly increasing. Research performed at our practice has demonstrated it has the ability to quickly reduce insulin levels and improve the welfare of horses suffering from laminitis who have not responded to diet and management.

However, these medications are not registered for use in horses and there are a few important points to consider if you have been prescribed ertugliflozin or another SGLT2i for your horse or pony:

- bloodwork to check liver and kidney function should always be performed BEFORE starting the drug.

- regular blood tests to monitor insulin levels, triglycerides and liver/kidney function are very important.

- if your horse stops eating, is being fasted or is showing signs of illness or colic then ertugliflozin should be stopped IMMEDIATELY and you should contact your veterinarian.

- frequent urination and increased drinking may be observed in horses receiving ertugliflozin and you should always ensure free access to water.

- if your horse has improved clinically and you are considering discontinuing the medication, please speak to your vet as there are tapering protocols which we advise following.

- pharmacokinetic studies have not been published in horses and doses may need to be adjusted depending on the response to treatment. Close monitoring by your veterinarian will ensure your horse is maintained on the most effective dose.

- the safety of ertugliflozin use during pregnancy has not been studied and it is currently not recommended in pregnant or lactating mares.

- finally, SGLT2i are not a substitute for appropriate diet, exercise and farriery. These should form the cornerstone of management of horses with equine metabolic syndrome. However, SGLT2i may offer a significant benefit to improve the welfare of severely affected horses or those who have not responded to traditional management changes.

Our research group is working to publish more data on ertugliflozin use in horses and we will continue to update our clients as more information becomes available.

Read our preliminary study on ertugliflozin use in horses: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13738

07/07/2023

The position of the ‘clip’ on a horse shoe does not dictate whether that shoe is a front or hind shoe.
A singular clip at the front of the shoe is called a toe clip.
Clips on the sides of the shoe are called side clips or quarter clips.
A farrier will choose which clip to use (if any) dependent on factors such as support, movement of the hoof, breakover and so on.

NAF

12/06/2023

💙💙 We are proud members of the Belmont Community and like many others we’re saddened by the news of one of our local serving police officer’s tragic death.

For the next week, you can show your support by buying a Police Officer a coffee, and we will match every donation made.

And if you’re a member of WA Police, please come and get a free coffee, provided by your local community. Because we are all grateful for the work you do everyday, and we stand with you.💙💙

11/04/2023

Always great working with equine professionals and owners that care about the horse.

This little fella enjoyed his new GluShu shoes courtesy of Nic Howell farrier.

It’s really important the farriery plan is adaptable and a degree of trial and error is often required depending on each patients comfort levels. Remedial farriery of the laminitic patient focuses on improving comfort and providing mechanical support. The greatest chance of success relies on a cohesive approach with the owner, vet and farrier.

farrierfirst_f1

13/03/2023

Please read, extremely informative

❗90% of laminitis is caused by high levels of insulin.

✅ By strategically testing your horse’s insulin response, we can reliably predict their risk for developing laminitis. Unfortunately, some horses are genetically predisposed to produce an abnormally high insulin response to even low-sugar feeds. This puts them at an increased risk for laminitis despite excellent management.

If you have one of these horses or ponies, new medications might be considered to help rapidly lower your horse’s insulin levels and reduce their risk for laminitis.

Currently, no registered medications are available for the treatment of hyperinsulinemia in horses.

Metformin (a human medication) has historically been used in an attempt to limit hyperinsulinemia, but oral bioavailability in horses is poor, and studies showing its effectiveness at improving insulin sensitivity have yielded inconsistent results. Given the newer treatment options which are now available and the poor response of many horses, we do not recommend the use of metformin in horses or ponies with laminitis.

Ertugliflozin belongs to a class of human antidiabetic drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). These medications offer a new treatment option for hyperinsulinemia. SGLT2i promote urinary glucose excretion, thereby lowering blood glucose levels and reducing the stimulus for insulin secretion from the pancreas. There are very important factors to consider when using ertugliflozin. We recently published a study on this medication and would be happy to discuss if it might be suitable for your horse

READ MORE: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/laminitis/

📞 Please contact us on 0427 072 095 to if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.

📱You can also book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

23/01/2023

23/01/2023

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