American Horse And Hoof Care

19/09/2022

08/09/2022

American Horse And Hoof Care

: Being able to assess your equine friend's weight and body condition is a valuable skill, especially as we head into the colder months. A horse with good body weight will fare better in winter weather than a horse on the skinny side, particularly if it’s an older horse.

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 are unsure), have a chat with your veterinarian to discuss the appropriate condition and a feeding and exercise program for your animal!
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29/08/2022

Get the facts here: https://bit.ly/3cqbA6K

28/08/2022

© Turtleman | Dreamstime.com A new DNA test developed at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School helped confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease ...

26/08/2022

The horse pictured here is genetically predisposed to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and was given free choice, unlimited access to hay. He developed obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and ultimately insulin-induced laminitis. When he could no longer stand, hay was kept in front of him 24/7.

After getting a hay analysis, the owner was advised how much to feed based on actual energy requirements (calories consumed vs. calories expended), to weigh the hay, and to use slow feeders. When the horse was sound, the owner scattered the hay over several acres. The horse made a full recovery and achieved his ideal weight in 9 months.

For weight loss, a good rule of thumb is to feed 1.5% of current weight, or 2.0% of ideal body weight in hay (lbs/day), whichever is more. Example: Overweight horse of 1200 lbs, ideal weight is 1000 lbs. [1200 lbs x 0.015 = 18 lbs/day; 1000 lbs x 0.02 = 20 lbs/day]. Use of slow feeders or small hole hay nets will slow consumption. More information here: https://bit.ly/3Cmh50L

22/08/2022

Too often equines with EMS suffer with laminitis because owners continue to feed grain products and grass. Get tips about effective management of equines with EMS here: https://bit.ly/2zaLNso. Need HELP? Join our free outreach group today: https://bit.ly/2DzMqzw

19/08/2022

Use this interactive tool to learn about normal vital signs and other indications of good health in adult horses.

19/08/2022

Unfortunately, by the time many owners find us, their equines have already experienced laminitis. Since 80-90% of all laminitis cases are a result of the horse, donkey, or mule having uncontrolled EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) and/or PPID (Equine Cushing's Disease), our goal is to help owners and equine professionals get the correct diagnosis and initiate treatment BEFORE a laminitic event. Here's what you need to know: https://bit.ly/2A36ERq For more details, click here to view our short film: Getting the Correct Diagnosis: https://bit.ly/2BSdEhK

12/08/2022

PPID is a disease. EMS/IR is a metabolic type. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2LqGEjO

10/08/2022

The TRIM is most often the missing piece in laminitis rehab. Learn about the realigning trim here: https://bit.ly/2IV7cfd

08/08/2022

Did you know snakes reach their highest numbers in August and September, when their babies are born?

Snakes commonly found in the United States, like copperheads and rattlers, can cause serious injury to a horse. Equines are at the top of the list of sensitivity to snakebites, and are followed in order by sheep, cows, goats, dogs, pigs, and cats. Horses almost always get bitten on the muzzle, and the spread of the venom containing enzymes, peptides and neurotoxins can be fatal. The resultant swelling can be so extreme that the nostrils almost close and breathing can become difficult or impossible. Shock is the most common problem following snakebites and prompt treatment is necessary.

If you know or suspect that your horse has been bitten by a snake, call your veterinarian immediately. Better to have a false alarm than to play catch-up later in a crisis situation.

Talk to your horse doctor about the likelihood of snake attacks in your area and seek guidance regarding the best preventative and treatment options.

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Related resources:



"Snakebit!," written by Dr. Kenneth L. Marcella: https://aaep.org/issue/snakebit



Snakebite vaccine guidelines: https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/risk-based-vaccination-guidelines/snake-bite

05/08/2022

Join our free outreach group and learn what you can do right now to help your EMS/PPID horse, donkey, pony, or mule. https://bit.ly/2DzMqzw Scroll down to and click on JOIN THIS GROUP. You'll get an email quickly with info on how to get the help you need.

29/07/2022

What exactly is laminitis? Read the facts here: https://bit.ly/3cDyV4x, Our goal is NO laminitis! If your horse has laminitis, please join our free outreach group for targeted help: https://ecir.groups.io/g/main/

29/07/2022

HOOF ABSCESSES EXPLAINED

Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.
(The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.)

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

Read more about hoof abscesses on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/hoof-abscesses

28/07/2022

If you own horses, you quickly become familiar with a number of skin conditions including summer sores, scratches, hives, and more. Case in point—did you know that, among domestic animals, horses are the most likely species to be affected by hives?

Spring and summer are prime time for skin problem thanks to the increased amount of pollen, rain and insects, so being able to identify problems quickly is key to both appropriate treatment (pro tip: Always consult your vet when in doubt) and successful outcomes.

Our friends at the UC Davis Center for Equine Health "skinned" the subject of equine dermatology in the latest Horse Report; you can read more athttps://cehhorsereport.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk9021/files/inline-files/Horse_Report_Spring_22_web.pdf

27/07/2022

Please become Educated about Laminitis (Founder) and PPID (Cushings)

Laminitis this time of year in the northern hemisphere could be a sign that your equine has PPID (Equine Cushing's Disease). If your equine has laminitis now or is prone to laminitis this time of year into the Fall, now is the time to test. If your equine has been diagnosed as having PPID and is on pergolide/Prascend, now is the time to test to ensure the dose is controlling ACTH. Get details on testing for PPID and IR/EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) here: https://bit.ly/2A36ERq. Also, see the short film GETTING THE CORRECT DIAGNOSIS here: https://bit.ly/2MwNMeJ.

20/07/2022

False. Prebiotic fructans do not determine insulin-induced laminitis risk in metabolic equines. Simple sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose) and starch are the carbohydrates in grass and hay that stimulate glucose and insulin production. Fructans serve as prebiotic fiber and are fermented by bacteria, primarily in the gut, and do not produce a significant glucose/insulin response (Kalck, Frank et al. 2009, Geor, DeSilva et al. 2010) Pasture analysis by Kagan, Lawrence et al (2017) found that the majority of carbohydrate was simple sugar, leading the authors to conclude, “…more consideration should be given to mono- and disaccharides, particularly sucrose, than to fructan when managing grazing horses at risk for (insulin-induced) laminitis.”

%NSC = The sum of percent fructans, simple sugars, and starch
%WSC = The sum of percent fructans and simple sugars
%ESC = Simple sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose)
%Starch = starch
%ESC + starch = The sum of insulin-stimulating carbohydrates (insulin is the direct cause of insulin-induced laminitis) Insulin-induced laminitis is the #1 cause of most laminitis cases.

Keeping the sum of percent ESC and starch below 10% will significantly reduce laminitis risk in equines with abnormally elevated insulin. To learn more facts about managing metabolic horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, visit https://bit.ly/3fZPbKm

18/07/2022

PPID Diagnosis from ECIR Group - Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance

Find out how the Seasonal Rise (which has begun for equines in the northern hemisphere) affects diagnosis of PPID: https://bit.ly/2zXFwkE

17/07/2022

Learn from a critical-care veterinarian what you should do if you suspect a snake has bitten your horse. Watch now!

06/07/2022

AMERICAN HORSE AND HOOF CARE

Strangles is one of the most commonly contagious diseases of the horse (worldwide) and in 2017 it became a nationally monitored disease. This condition is caused by bacterial infection with "Streptococcus equi subspecies equi" (referred to as "S. equi”), which typically infects the upper airway and lymph nodes of the head and neck, and is highly contagious in horse populations—particularly affecting young horses. Classic signs of the disease include sudden onset of fever as high as 106 degrees F, thick yellow nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw.

Transfer from horse to horse usually involves direct face-to-face contact, or exposure to things such as contaminated feed, water, hands, veterinary instruments or grooming tools. A stall or van recently used to house or transport a horse that is shedding the organism may also be a source of infection.

WATCH OUT FOR ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIERS! (Sounds familiar, right?)

It is not uncommon for strangles infections to recur on a farm with previous outbreaks of the disease, and the primary source of recurrent infections are most likely asymptomatic carrier horses—animals who display no clinical signs but may continue to shed the bacteria for months to even years, serving as a continual source of new infections.


If you suspect a strangles outbreak, be sure to involve your veterinarian right away to determine the diagnosis and the best control practices for your particular farm. Without control and biosecurity measures, a strangles outbreak will ultimately affect all susceptible horses, last longer, and have a greater chance of leading to complications.
**Please note that strangles is a reportable disease in some states.**

To learn more about strangles, visit our website at https://aaep.org/issue/understanding-equine-strangles


And as always, contact your veterinarian for more information as they remain the best source of advice!

04/07/2022

Cute as a bug…NOT!

Many people believe that alfalfa is the best hay to feed in winter for warmth, due to the metabolic heat that your horse generates to metabolize the extra protein this grass contains. If you, too, are planning to feed alfalfa this winter, please be aware that your horse could be at risk for potentially deadly blister beetle toxicity — even if you are using alfalfa that has been harvested months or years previously.

"The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses," says Dr. Benjamin Espy. "As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to a 1100-pound horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse, and whole insects need not be present to be dangerous."

There are many representatives of the species Epicauta, so we encourage you to contact a county agricultural agent to familiarize yourself with the poisonous beetles in our area or the geographical region where the hay you purchase is harvested. Be sure to check alfalfa for the presence of blister beetle prior to feeding, especially if you feed alfalfa hay from a new or unknown harvesting source.

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. While there is no antidote for the toxin found in blister beetles, your veterinarian may still be able to save your horse by providing supportive care to combat dehydration, help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and delay potential absorption.

You can read Dr. Espy's article on blister beetle poisoning in full on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/blister-beetle-poisoning

04/07/2022

Learn more about how and where to test hay here: https://bit.ly/2HV5Gqs.

25/12/2019

Merry Christmas

13/12/2019

Please Celebrate Today - NATIONAL DAY OF THE HORSE !

National Day of the Horse is observed annually on December 13. On November 18, 2004, United States Senate Resolution 452 recognized December 13 as the National Day of the Horse.

National Day of the Horse encourages people of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history and character of the United States.

The domesticated horse we know today, also known as Equus Caballus was introduced into North America by Spanish explorers. Escaped horses eventually spread across the American Great Plains.

Interestingly, there is a debate about the origin of Equus caballus. There have been recent mitochondrial studies of an ancient horse called Equus lamei. E.lamei once populated North America and died out more than 11,000 years ago. The studies suggest it is genetically equivalent to what we know as the modern, domesticated horse. This could mean that E. caballus is technically a native species and its evolutionary origin is North America.

Aside from the anthropological debate, the horse has contributed greatly to the advancement of civilization in North America. From clearing forests for farmland and a form of travel bringing pioneers to the west to diversifying Native American’s hunting habits and rounding up livestock on ranches, the horse is embedded in American history and legend.

(from national day calendar)

03/10/2019

American Horse and Hoof Care
Preaching - Body Language
10.03.2019

Study This -

The horse is a herd or social animal and communicates with other horses and yes humans primarily through body posturing. It is art for the human to read and effectively reciprocate this language back to the horse. If you can first grasp the concept that the horse is a prey animal, who gets eaten and the human is the predator, that does the eating, only then can you begin to understand why the horse is a flight animal, not afraid of predators as much as predatory like behavior.

The take home message - approach the horse with a treat or a rope, behind your back, and he will know!

Frederic Remington's 1903 picture - "His First Lesson" - It says it all, just chalked full of body language.

22/09/2019

14/09/2019

Is Natural the new Normal?

Is this just more psychobabble to complicate, confuse or mislead people?

In the horsemanship and hoof care world the word natural is used to describe a positive, progressive, flexible and dynamic way of thinking. Natural is being receptive to new ideas, concepts, techniques and a willingness to adapt and evolve.

With horses, natural is working with and not against - doing things for rather than to - getting results at a whisper rather than expecting through a shout - seeing with you heart not your eyes - it's about allowing a horse to develop rather than forcing things to happen - settling on a positive decision rather than living with a negative result - it's all about developing the Good Horse!

Natural barefoot or normally shod? Well, horses were doing just fine on their own until man came along but, barefoot isn’t merely ditching your existing shoes and ye-ha. There is a transitional period and there are educational and environmental awareness opportunities so you can understand and develop an overall good barefoot horse.

Tremendous advances have been made in boot technology and there is an overwhelming amount of resources available from many dedicated individuals because of modern technology.

Unlike natural, normal can be an upholding of traditionalism or a resistance to change. Normal is usually ingrained and often accepted as the truth, old school or doing it the way it's always been done. Normal may be good in a manufacturing environment but not in the dynamic arena of horses.

If you've arriving at any measurable understanding of natural, then your well on your way to "LEAVING NORMAL".