Manor Equine Hospital

09/04/2024

UNDERSTANDING PROUD FLESH ✍️

Wounds on the bodies and limbs of our equine companions are exceptionally common. In particular, wounds on lower limbs can be especially difficult to manage. There is little extra skin in these areas, making large wounds difficult to close via suturing.

In addition, wounds on the lower legs are contaminated easily with bacteria since they are closer to the ground, bedding, and manure. The constant movement of an animal's legs as it walks, turns, and bears weight can also greatly impair healing, especially if the wound occurs over a joint. All of these factors can often halt the normal progression of the healing process and result in a chronic wound.

Persistent inflammation, along with infection, is a major contributor to exuberant granulation tissue (or proud flesh) formation in a wound. Proud flesh is not conducive to wound healing as it prevents the wound from epithelializing (the process of the skin cells covering the wound), and sometimes it can become so large that it appears to be a tumor, usually obliterating the original wound.

Prevention of proud flesh involves good wound management. For the best healing, wounds should be identified and treated quickly and properly — especially on the lower limbs. Consult your veterinarian about any wounds that appear deep or extensive, that lie over important structures (like joints and tendons), or that already show signs of proud flesh development. Rather than waste time and money in trials and errors that could delay your equid's healing, ask your veterinarian what products are best for your situation.

07/15/2024

10/20/2023

Fall is officially in full swing! Now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

The graphic below lists some essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do checklist, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse rugs repaired and waterproofed; securing and storing hay properly; assessing your shelters for safety and soundness; etc.)

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

10/05/2023

While it’s a common equine emergency, espophageal obstruction (“choke”) can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occur when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses

03/03/2023

It’s spring wellness time! Give us a call to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to discuss recommendations and to help you figure out what’s most appropriate for each of your horses!

: There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your horse and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine friend should receive and with what frequency!

01/26/2023

: Being able to assess your equine friend's weight and body condition is a valuable skill, especially during the winter months when horses (particularly older horses) need to generate more heat to stay warm and may hide their weight loss under a fluffy coat.

The Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart is an important tool that provides a standard scoring system by rating the horse's physical condition on visual appraisal and palpation (feel) of six key conformation points: the amount of flesh or fat covering along the neck; the withers; down the crease of the back; at the tailhead; ribs: and behind the shoulder at the girth.

A body condition score of somewhere between 4 and 6 is ideal for most horses. However, keep in mind that in some disciplines (like racing, polo and eventing) and some life stages (like pregnancy) a higher or lower body score might be more appropriate.

If you think your horse is too fat or too thin (or even if you can't quite decide), be sure to have a chat with your veterinarian to discuss the appropriate condition and feeding program for your equine friend!

09/06/2022

Ready or not, fall is right around the corner! As a horse owner, the best part about this time of the year is knowing we won't have to deal with as many insect-related issues. However, now is also the time to start thinking about housing, nutrition and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

07/14/2022

We are still without power, water, or phones at our clinic. Today’s appointments and surgeries at Manor Equine are being rescheduled, but ambulatory appointments are proceeding where possible. If you have an emergency or urgent need to get in touch with us, please call our main line (410-472-3545) and leave a message with the answering service. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Any non-urgent calls and requests will be addressed when our power and phone lines are restored. We’re so sorry for the inconvenience!

07/13/2022

Our clinic is without electricity and our phone lines are down after the storm yesterday. Please bear with us! If you need to contact us urgently, you can still reach the answering service via our main line (410-472-3545). Appointments for today will be rescheduled, and decisions about tomorrow’s schedule will be made based on power restoration.

06/30/2022

Have you been waiting longer than usual for an open appointment with your veterinarian or been unable to access after-hours services for your horse? The shortage of equine veterinarians in the U.S. is likely the cause. Many veterinary practices have too few horse doctors to service all their clients.

Why? Only about 6% of new veterinary graduates annually enter equine practice. After five years, 50% of these young veterinarians leave for small animal practice or quit veterinary medicine altogether. The primary reasons are the personal demands of the profession and equine practice’s lower starting salaries. Many new veterinarians begin their career with more than $200,000 in student loan debt, making an equine position with lower compensation often unthinkable. When financial concerns are combined with the always present demands of emergency coverage, many equine veterinarians choose to leave for a healthier way of life.

The good news is that the AAEP along with private veterinary practices and veterinary schools are addressing the pain points which have led to the current crisis. But the solution is complex and will require the support and collaboration of every person in the equine industry — including horse owners. As we work to improve the profession for current and future veterinarians, you have a huge role to play in the much-needed transformation of equine practice. Horse doctors look forward to working together with you for the good of the horse and the sustainability of veterinary care!

06/29/2022

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area.

The graphic below lists some tips to get you started. If you horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration.

Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

06/21/2022

Happy first day of Summer! ’Tis the season for longer days at the barn, fun in the sun with your horse (remember to keep both of you hydrated!) and also, unfortunately, for a plethora of insects that become more active and numerous with the warmer temperatures.

Besides being very irritating, some of these bugs can spread infection and disease to your horse (and, in some cases, to you as well). Therefore, a very smart strategy is to control the problem before it gets out of hand, and minimize populations from the beginning.

The attached infographic contains some suggestions to get you started. Please keep in mind that there are many variations of these suggested programs that will still meet the same goals and follow the same principles.

If you’re interested in reading more about external parasites and vector control, comprehensive guidelines are available on our website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/external-parasite-and-vector-control-guidelines. As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and recommendations suitable for your horse’s specific situation!

06/04/2022

There’s possibly nothing better than fun in the sun with your horse, am I right? While we hope your summer is one for the books, please remember to always remain vigilant to your horse’s needs in hot weather and on the road. Heat stress and dehydration in particular should not be underestimated, as both can have serious consequences for our equine friends.

Pro Tip: Consult your veterinarian for additional recommendations on how to keep your horse safe and comfortable on the road this summer.

Happy trails!

04/29/2022

The Bureau of Land Management announced that the Canon City Wild Horse and B***o Facility has been placed under quarantine after equine influenza has been identified as the principal cause of the outbreak that began on April 23 and has killed 94 horses. More information can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/herd-management/herd-management-areas/colorado

Equine Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through airborne transmission. Influenza causes pneumonia and can cause heart inflammation, but normally it resolves after several weeks of symptomatic treatment and rest. It is uncertain why this group of horses at the BLM facility are so severely affected with evidence of severe lung injury. Vaccinated horses have good protection and is recommended for all individuals, particularly those that are transported or mingle with other horses.

As this situation evolves, the Equine Disease Communication Center will share updates as they are available from the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Department of Agriculture. More information about equine influenza is available on the EDCC's website athttps://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_EquineInfluenza_FINAL-Cobranded.pdf

03/22/2022

WELCOME SPRING!

PSA No. 1: During shedding season, wear lip balm and fleece at your own risk.

PSA No. 2: If your horse is NOT shedding his coat this spring, or even not shedding as much as you think he should be, be sure to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your horse is 15 or older. A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric horses.

Recognition of the clinical signs and early diagnoses are the first steps in identification of horses with PPID; treatment and implementation of excellent wellness practices (like strict attention to diet, teeth and hooves) are the key features to extending the life of a horse with PPID. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and many horses are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.

Contact your veterinarian for more information, or read more on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/equine-endocrinology-cushings-disease-and-metabolic-syndrome or at https://aaep.org/issue/equine-cushings-disease-equine-pituitary-pars-intermedia-dysfunction

03/15/2022

Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic — and promptly seeking qualified veterinary help — can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic; although not every case is avoidable, management plays a key role in prevention and the guidelines listed in the graphic can help maximize your horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic.

For more information about colic prevention and treatment, consult your equine veterinarian. Additional colic information is also available on our website at aaep.org

02/22/2022

With spring only one month away (!!), it’s not too early to start thinking about a deworming plan for your horses.

If deworming is something you’ve been doing the same way for as long as you can remember, this year we encourage you to break tradition and work with your veterinarian instead to create a targeted plan for each horse. Before you dismiss this notion because you’ve “been doing it for years,” you should know that the old-school approach to deworming is quickly becoming outdated and is also not sustainable — it’s a waste of money AND it builds drug resistance in the parasitic fauna of equines, which means we are running out of drugs that can effectively help us control parasite infections.

There is no single deworming program that suits all horses and all situations. Your veterinarian can help you devise an appropriate strategy based on the number/ages of the horses on the farm, pasture management and your geographic location.
One of the most useful tools in a parasite control program is the f***l egg count — microscopic examination of fresh manure for parasite eggs. This simple test allows your veterinarian to determine which parasites are present and whether the infection is light, moderate, or heavy. This information is important in choosing the right treatment for your horse and in monitoring the efficacy of the dewormer used last.

Finally, don't rely on dewormers alone when it comes to parasite control. As parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good pasture maintenance and management are also necessary.

For more information, the AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines can be found on our website at https://aaep.org/document/internal-parasite-control-guidelines
As always, consult your equine veterinarian to learn more and for questions specific to your horse(s).

02/05/2022

The correct answer is: NEITHER.

Owning a horse is a big investment in terms of money, time and emotion. This is why it’s important to investigate a prospective horse’s overall health and condition through a pre-purchase examination (PPE) conducted by an equine veterinarian.

Pre-purchase exams may vary depending on the situation and the veterinarian who is doing the examination, but the main question you will always need to answer at the beginning is, “what will I be doing with this horse?”
What is my experience level?
What are my goals? (E.g., will I compete?)
Will I board it or will it stay at my farm?
Is this horse going to be sold in the future?

There are no correct (or wrong) answers, it’s all about your personal level of comfort. So don’t be afraid to express your concerns to your veterinarians — keeping an open and honest line of communications is key!

Based on your answers, the veterinarian will then discuss with you how the findings from the PPE might impact your goals from a health standpoint; however, remember that he/she cannot predict the future and there are many factors out of the veterinarian’s control that can affect a horse’s short- and long-term ability to perform. Namely, things like hoof care; use of protective leg gear; fitness and conditioning of the horse; manner of training; experience of the rider; injury; genetic predisposition and more.

So in the end, the veterinarian’s role when doing a pre-purchase examination is not to pass or fail the horse, but simply to find out everything possible about the animal’s physical status. Equipped with that information and based on how much risk you’re willing to assume, the decision to purchase the horse is then totally up to you.

01/10/2022

IS YOUR HORSE 15 OR OLDER? Read on!

With each passing year, horses are living longer lives and many survive easily to 25 years of age or older. While this is good news, it also means that horse owners need to be aware of changes occurring with age, so they can preserve the health and quality of life of their equine friends throughout middle age and the geriatric years.

For example, Equine Cushing’s disease is one of the most common diseases of horses greater than 15 years of age. This syndrome is better defined as Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) because it reflects the location within the brain that is abnormal, and the clinical signs are associated with abnormally elevated hormone concentrations in the blood.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is another endocrine disorder that can affect mature horses and shares some of the same clinical signs as PPID. Although the two disorders feature some striking clinical similarities — most notably a predisposition to development of chronic laminitis — the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case and successful management requires proper diagnosis by a competent veterinarian first.

Our understanding of both conditions, especially EMS, is incomplete and subject to continuous evolution, but sufficient information is currently available to highlight some important similarities and differences for the interested horse owner. Consult your veterinarian for more information and work with them to develop the best wellness practices to ensure a healthy life for your mature horse.

Additional information regarding the older horse’s care and nutrition is available on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/older-horse-special-care-nutrition

12/30/2021

Has your horse received its flu shot this season?

Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory condition and one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses. Influenza is endemic in the equine population of the United States, which means it's always around.

Like in humans, equine influenza spreads rapidly through groups of horses in aerosolized droplets dispersed by coughing. The severity of clinical signs depends on the degree of existing immunity within the affected individual, among other factors. Any horse showing signs of respiratory disease (cough, nasal discharge, persistent fever) should be isolated immediately until the cause can be determined by your veterinarian. Please note that, while humans cannot contract the disease, they can carry the infection and transmit the virus between horses.

Contact your horse doctor for more information on how to prevent this disease through an appropriate vaccination protocol and biosecurity practices. Learn more about the AAEP's recommendations for vaccination at https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/risk-based-vaccination-guidelines/equine-influenza

11/16/2021

Espophageal obstruction, or “choke,” is a common equine emergency but can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occur when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses

10/20/2021

HAS YOUR HORSE RECEIVED HIS FALL SHOTS YET? 🍂🍁

As a horse owner, the good thing about the colder season is knowing you won't have to deal with as many insect-related issues as during the spring and summer months. The cold weather, however, brings different challenges to your horse’s health such as respiratory viruses — which is why fall vaccines/boosters usually include inoculations against influenza and the respiratory form of herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis).

If your horse has yet to receive their fall vaccinations this year, contact your veterinarian today and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your animal. Based on their situation, your horse may need additional specific risk-based vaccinations and your horse doctor will be able to provide accurate information on what products to use and why.

If you are interested in learning more about horse immunization, the AAEP's Vaccination Guidelines are available on our website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines

10/18/2021

It’s and we want to take a second to thank Manor Equine’s veterinary technicians and assistants for their hard work and dedication! They work tirelessly day-in and day-out caring for hospitalized patients, keeping the OR running, helping with farm calls and appointments, loving on your horses, and much MUCH more. We couldn’t do it without them!

Manor Equine Hospital is a full service veterinary practice serving the equine community of northern

09/22/2021

Happy first day of Fall! 🍂🍁🌧💨

This time of the year is ideal to prepare your horse and your property for the arrival of winter. Your veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to discuss vaccination and dewormers, but also use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program for your horse, and at what temperature turnout sheets and blankets might be a good idea. Your horse doctor can help you and your equine friend ease into the colder season without a hitch!

09/16/2021

As you're making plans for the colder weather ahead, you may be considering purchasing round bales for your horses due to their lower cost and greater convenience for feeding pastured animals.

While well-managed/stored round bales can still be a safe option for your horses, there are a few things you should be aware of — in particular, the increased risk of botulism, a rapidly progressive neurologic disease with high mortality caused by the toxins produced by the bacterium "Clostridium botulinum.” Prevention of this disease through vaccination is critical, especially in areas where the condition is prevalent (such as Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, and Tennessee).

Regardless of the type of hay that best suits your needs, always remember that not all hay is created equal. Have your hay tested for nutrient content to ensure it meets your animals' nutritional needs; check for mold, dust, and poisonous weeds before feeding.

As in all horse health issues, your local veterinarian is your best source of information. Consult your horse doctor on best practices when feeding hay this winter, and about botulism prevention and treatment.

More information on botulism is available on our website at https://tinyurl.com/vx8uxdh9

09/09/2021

IS RAIN ROT A FUNGAL OR A BACTERIAL DISEASE?

Rain rot (or rain scald) is the common name for a contagious BACTERIAL skin disease called dermatophilosis. It's caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis," which thrives during wet seasons and in geographical locations with high precipitation and humidity. It can also develop after horses have sweat under blankets or tack, and equines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is very important!

How does rain rot happen?
The bacteria infects the hair follicles and damages the hair follicle and shaft; the hair will then pull out in small clumps leaving pink skin or purulent scabs behind (pro tip: your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!) If you do not address the factors that promote the right bacterial environment (for example, you always leave your horse to stand outside in the rain without shelter or the protection of a waterproof rug), rain rot can keep recurring; if left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan based on the severity of your horse's case. While there are a million products that can be found in your local tack store, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action.

More information about rain rot can be found on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/summertime-skin-diseases

08/11/2021

Obesity can severely affect your horse's health and, as a horse owner, you play an important role in controlling your equine companion’s weight. Sound nutrition management, a regular exercise program and veterinary care are key to keeping your horse fit and healthy. However, maintaining the ideal weight is not always easy (humans should know).

When implementing a weight-loss program for the overweight horse, remember the importance of doing it gradually and under the supervision of an equine veterinarian; the graphic below includes some tips that can help you get started. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your horse doctor, especially during the weight reduction process!

As always, for more information about caring for the obese/overweight horse, consult your equine veterinarian or visit our website at www.aaep.org.

07/09/2021

CAN YOU RECOGNIZE HEAT STRESS IN HORSES? ☀️🐴

A horse’s body maintains its normal temperature in hot weather by moving heat through the muscles and out through the skin. Exercise is a major source of body heat, and horses that cannot sweat will usually overheat very rapidly, even in cooler weather with a small amount of exercise.

When outside temperature + relative humidity = 150 or above, it's hard for a horse to keep cool because their ability to sweat is compromised — especially if the humidity contributes over half of the 150.

Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will have more problems. Keep in mind that strenuous exercise on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and signs of heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion can advance to heat stroke quickly. Above all, be kind and attentive to your equine partner’s need. If you feel hot, they feel hotter. So if they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

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Source: Heat Stroke | https://aaep.org/horsehealth/heat-stroke

06/28/2021

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, many equestrians and farm owners are dreading the endless fireworks that are going to terrorize their animals in the night.

The graphic lists some tips to keep your pets and equine friends safe during the booming festivities. If you horses are staying out overnight, now is a good time to check on your fencing and for any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so everyone may enjoy the celebration. 🇺🇸