Ana Peña- Veterinaria Especialista en Équidos 626281264

16/05/2024

Desmontando mitos ; los caballos deberían obtener la mayor parte de su alimentación y nutrientes de una base de forraje, no del concentrado . Es mejor invertir en forraje de buena calidad que cubra esas necesidades que en piensos . 📝📝📝

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing. Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

12/04/2024

Consejos sobre la alimentación de nuestros mini ponis 😊😊

How much should my mini be eating? 🤔 Has anyone out there ever “over-loved” a mini? 🙋🏻‍♀️ It’s really easy to do, especially when you are used to providing hay and grain to a larger horse (or if you like to see everyone out on green pasture).

The feeding rate for a mini is calculated the same as a larger horse. You should aim for 1.5% to 2.0% of their body weight each day in food. What does that mean? Well, you first calculate what 1.5 to 2% of their body weight would be, and then feed that amount every 24 hours in hay and grain combined.

➡️ Let’s say you have a 250 lb mini – you should provide just 3.75 lb to 5 lb daily in hay and grain. 🤯🤯

Many people are shocked when I tell them to feed only 5 lb per day to their mini… they assume I meant to say per feeding! 😂 The way I would break up the diet in this situation in 2 lb of hay each morning and night, plus half a pound of feed to meet vitamin and mineral needs.

Mini’s are predisposed to obesity which can lead to founder or metabolic conditions, so it is very important we don’t over-love our little friends with too much food. Be mindful of sugar, limit… or better yet, ELIMINATE, green grass (which is high in sugar). Only offer enough feed to meet vitamin and mineral gaps – diet balancers are great tool in this situation!

My go to vitamin/mineral products for minis are 101 Diet Balancer or Element Mineral.

https://strideanimalhealth.com/101-diet-balancer/
https://strideanimalhealth.com/element-mineral/

05/04/2024

Aclarando uno de los grandes mitos “los caballos no deberían comer antes del
Ejercicio”— la verdad es que darles forraje previo al ejercicio de hecho reduce el riesgo de padecer úlceras gástricas 🍀🍀🍀🍀

Remember when your parents used to tell you to wait 30 minutes after eating before going for a swim? Unlike us, horses can actually benefit from eating forage before they exercise, as it may help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

While a variety of things can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers (medications, diet, stress, etc.), one train of thought is that these areas of irritation result as a consequence of the acid of the stomach splashing against unprotected parts of the stomach lining. When a horse eats forage, the hay can help absorb some of that acid and thus reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

It is important to note that a forage meal (one comprised of hay or grass) provides the most benefit, while eating large volumes of concentrate feeds (such as oats, corn, or other cereal grains) can actually increase the amount of acid within the stomach.

As always, please be sure to consult with your vet regarding further diagnostics and treatments if you have concerns that your horse may have gastric ulcers.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

26/03/2024

Mood right now

10/03/2024

😅

08/03/2024

Feliz Día Internacional de la Mujer 💜

Desde el COVIB queremos celebrar a las mujeres dentro de la profesión veterinaria por su contribución a la salud y el bienestar animal, la investigación y la salud pública. También queremos resaltar su papel inspirador para las futuras generaciones de mujeres, que hace que el 60% de las colegiadas veterinarias en la actualidad ya sean mujeres y representen el 68% de los profesionales en clínica de pequeños animales.

Un año más, gracias por vuestra determinación, ética de trabajo, fuerza y dedicación 💪

30/01/2024

🍀🍀🍀10 prácticos consejos para prevenir el Colico en nuestro caballo🍀🍀🍀

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, as 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 seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

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

As always, remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed and other health conditions, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation!

20/01/2024

Datos curiosos ; como se adaptan a las bajas temperaturas los caballos? ❄️❄️❄️❄️

FUN FACT FRIDAY! Are you familiar with the many adaptations that help your horse stay warm during the cold winter months?

🌾 Hindgut digestion of hay produces the most heat, acting as a small furnace inside of the horse. This is why free choice, good quality hay is so important in the winter.

💪 Horses have a huge muscle mass and muscle activity produces heat. This includes running and playing and even shivering if their body temperature starts to drop. It is important to remember that these activities also will result in a bigger caloric demand so free choice hay and in some cases, grain, is often needed.

🧥 To blanket or not to blanket is a constant debate but either way, as it starts to get cold your horse will grow a thicker coat. If you decide to leave your horse unblanketed you may notice that they look “fluffy”. This is due to a phenomenon called piloerection where the hair stands up to better trap air within. Two layers of the coat also help with warmth. The inner layer is softer and has air pockets to create an insulating layer. The outer layer is coarse and has oils that keep moisture from penetrating the insulating layer and keep the horse warm.

⚖️ Wild horses go into the winter heavier than ideal and the fat serves as an extra layer of insulation. However, if a horse is going to be kept heavily blanketed and in a barn during the cold weather months this is unnecessary and can lead to obesity related issues.

🦵Their distal limbs (below the knees and hocks) are made of mostly bones and tendons, tissues that are resistant to the cold temperatures.

🦶The hooves have an alternative route of blood circulation through larger vessels that can be used in low temperatures. This is why horses can stand in snow without detrimental effects.

👃A horse’s nose has a robust blood supply and is rounded so that it is less susceptible to frostbite than a human’s nose.
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Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

17/01/2024

Esquema sobre las fases normales del parto ; fase 1 puede durar de 1-2 h ; fase 2 de salida del potro debería durar alrededor de 15-20 min y la fase 3 de expulsión de placenta en las siguientes 3h
🍀🍀🍀🍀

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING (A FOAL) 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated — however, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor, to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!

22/12/2023

Mis mejores deseos para estas fiestas y próximo 2024! Salud , amor y alegria
Hoy y siempre!! 🎄🎄🎄 Muy felices fiestas !!🎄🎄🎄
My best wishes for all of you this Christmas time And next 2024! Health , love and joy today and always !!! 🎄🎄🎄Have a merry Christmas!!!🎄🎄🎄

21/12/2023

Consejo de alimentación de nuestro caballo para las noches frías de invierno ; el truco es asegurar acceso al forraje durante la noche ! 🍀🍀🍀

As we look forward to the busy holiday weekend, make sure you're keeping an eye on possible temperature fluctuations. Consult your veterinarian if you're unsure about your horse's additional nutritional needs during the winter season.🐴❄️

08/12/2023

Consejos para ayudar a nuestros burros a pasar mejor los momentos de frío ❄️❄️❄️

Baby it’s cold outside! ❄️⛄️

Many people think of donkeys as hardy, low-maintenance “small horses.” However, while they have similarities, donkeys are a completely different species and as such have a different physical, mental, and emotional make-up.

As the weather gets colder, it’s important to remember that donkeys are more sensitive to changes in temperature than their equine friends. They don’t grow a winter coat like horses and their hair is less waterproof, so they require shelter from the elements (like a run-in shed or a waterproof blanket). Being stoic animals, they also won’t show signs of discomfort and hypothermia until they are very sick.

Remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed, and other health conditions, so be sure with your primary veterinarian to address any concerns or questions!
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

25/10/2023

Grandes profesionales !!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

04/10/2023

28/09/2023

Consejos para notar el pulso digital en el caballo 🤩🤩🤩

23/08/2023

Stress por calor en nuestros caballos … que hacer y como reconocerlo 🌞🌞🌞

CAN YOU RECOGNIZE HEAT STRESS IN HORSES? ☀️🐴

Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening; they may include the following:
1) Temperature as high as 105 to 107 F
2) Rapid breathing, rapid pulse
3) Stumbling, weakness, depression
4) Refusal to eat or work
5) Dry skin and dehydration
6) In severe cases, a horse may collapse or go into convulsions or a coma

Exercise is a major source of body heat, and horses with a compromised ability to sweat are especially at risk of overheating, even in cooler weather with a small amount of exercise. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will also 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.)
Foals are at risk in hot weather as well—The mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day as foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses.

Does this mean you should not work your horse 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 horse’s need. If you feel hot, your equine friend feels even 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

13/08/2023

28/07/2023

Daños que se producen en la piel de nuestros caballos por el efecto del sol … 🌞🌞🌞🌞

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

Equestrians love some chrome on a horse but we need to remember that those beautiful white patches and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils. In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your horse protected this summer.

More information about sunburn and photosensitization is available on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/sunburn-photosensitivity

21/07/2023

Úlceras gastricas en caballos 📝📝📝

WHY DO HORSES GET ULCERS?

Equine gastric ulcers can affect any horse at any age. Up to 90% of racehorses and 60% of show horses, as well as non-performance horses and even foals are affected by equine gastric ulcers, which are the result of the erosion of the lining of the stomach due to a prolonged exposure to the normal acid in the stomach. Unlike ulcers in humans, bacteria do not appear to cause equine gastric ulcers and this condition is often a man-made disease.

Please note that the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through gastroscopy, and that a qualified equine veterinarian should be consulted in any case of suspected gastric ulcers to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse. Prevention of ulcers is the key in helping your horse, as neutralizing the production of stomach acid is nature’s best antacid.

Contact your veterinarian for more information, or read more on equine gastric ulcers on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-gastric-ulcers-special-care-and-nutrition

18/07/2023

Y ya tenemos de nuevo otra ola de calor 🥵 🥵🥵 , y por ello es muy importante acordarnos de revisar el agua de nuestros caballos , mantener lugares con sombra a su disposición , ejercicio a primerísima o última hora del día … recuerda que cuando para nosotros hace calor , ellos lo sienten aún más !!!

12/07/2023

Consejos útiles a tener en cuenta a la hora de transportar a nuestro caballo 📝📝📝

Horses travel every day for a number of reasons—to be bought and sold, for competition, for breeding purposes, etc. Whatever the reason, horse owners should be aware of the complications that may occur due to transportation, including traumatic injuries, diarrhea, muscular problems, respiratory problems, overheating, colic, and even laminitis (in the case of overweight horses).

Following are a few tips to help your equine friend maintain good health and welfare during transport. This list is by no means complete and we encourage you to reach out to your veterinarian for additional advice when it comes to traveling with your horse!

• Be aware that inadequate management of feed and water intake during travel could cause colic, gastric ulceration and heat stress. Food and water should be provided prior to transport, during regular rest breaks and upon arrival at destination.

• Ensure your horse’s immunizations are up to date against respiratory pathogens to protect your animal from these diseases.

• The horse should be rested before the journey, given rest stops during travel, and have time to recover on arrival at the destination.

• The vehicle should be well-ventilated to help prevent respiratory problems or overheating.

• Drive slowly and carefully (NO TEXTING, avoid driving when fatigued or eating while driving, etc.) to provide a comfortable journey for the animal and reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.

Happy trails!

12/07/2023

06/07/2023

Datos interesantes y prácticos sobre el efecto del calor en los caballos 📝📝📝

"HOT" TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER RIDING

As you enjoy some fun in the sun with your favorite equine, make sure you understand how the combination of heat and humidity can take the fun part out the equation — and potentially even turn into a dangerous situation for your horse.

When riding in hot weather, remember to take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and for signs of heat exhaustion, as the situation can quickly escalate into heat stroke. If your horse looks hot and tired, it's time for a drink, a cold bath and a break in the shade.

Consult your veterinarian for more information, or learn more about the signs of heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/heat-stroke
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28/06/2023

Always a good reminder for this time of the year: The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to cool down before drinking water is a myth, so be advised that it is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay.

The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time. Because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once. A slower reintroduction of water is good common sense, while it makes no sense to hold horses off it.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. The average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day, but that amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at ALL times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/offering-a-horse-water-after-exercise-8622/