Shivering in horses

Shivering is a chronic neuromuscular diseases of unknown origin.It usually affects heavy breeds.
Shivering usually affects hind limbs.

Causes

Hereditary
Neural lesions left from cases of influenza, strangles or systemic infections.

SIGNS

• Muscles of hind limbs suddenly jerk,flex and pull in toward the abdomen.
• Tail rise in spasmodic jerks
• Occasionally raise of one hind limbs and keep elevated.
• In Forward movement the condition looks like stringhalt.
• Side moves are often awkward.
• Affected head and neck muscles contract spasmodically.

Treatments
There is no treatments for shivers
Supplements such as Vitamin E and Selenium should be provided.

Reference
Horseman s veterinary encylopaedia by Cheryl Rogers and G.Jeanne wilcox

Equine grass sickness

The disease is displayed as impaired activity in the gut due to nervous system damage . Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a weakening and often fatal disease in horses, ponies and donkeys,


Signs of Grass Sickness
Acute (AGS),
Subacute (SAGS) and
Chronic (CGS)


Signs

• Depression
  
• Absence of gut sounds (ileus)
  
• High heart rate (tachycardia)
  
• Salivation
  
• Discharge from the nose (naso-gastric reflux - above right)
  
• Muscle tremors (fasciculation)
  
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
  
• Patchy or generalised sweating
  
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  
• Abdominal discomfort (colic - above left and immediate right)
  
• Constipation (impaction)
  

Causes
Clostridium botulinum (type C), which produces toxin in the horse’s gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) causes damage to the nervous system, interrupting the normal gut movements and stopping digestion proceeding.


Prevention

• Avoiding grazing previously affected fields
  
• Avoiding feed changes
  
• Reducing horse movements between premises/ pastures
  
• Avoiding pasture disturbance

For more information

http://www.pcuk.org/uploads/training/Grass%20Sickness%20Sheet.pdf

Hoof supplements

Essential hoof supplements for horses

Biotin is a B vitamin that helps jump start keratin production in the hoof.
Biotin occurs naturally in many feedstuffs commonly fed to horses such as oats, soybean meal, alfalfa, rice bran, and molasses.
This helps strengthen and improve the periople, hoof wall, sole, frog and white line.
Methionine is an amino acid and a source of sulfur that is an important building block of healthy connective tissues such as collagen and keratin. Plus it helps support biotin for maximum effectiveness.
Zinc is a mineral that helps prevent the destruction of keratin. It also produces the proteins found in skin and hair.

Zinc, in general, is involved with growth rates and healing. Zinc deficiencies retard the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein, which are necessary for proper hoof condition and repair. Zinc deficiencies also impair cellular division and growth and repair of connective tissue.
Copper, manganese and calcium are all nutrients that help form a strong, healthy horn.
Lysine is an amino acid which helps maintain proper moisture and pliability of the hoof.
Of all the building blocks for protein, lysine is most often the key to improving protein availability, especially in grass hay based diets.

Hyperhidrosis in Horses

Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating may be localized or generalized over the neck ,base of ears,around nostrils and thighs.

hyperhidrosis—can result in substantial individual suffering

Causes

• High temperature
• Infections
• Administration of drugs
• Excessive muscular exertion
• Pain
• Hyperadrenocorticalism
• Temperament

Reference

The Equine Manual by Andrew J Higgins and Jack R.Synder

Cushing's diseases

Cushing's syndrome is due to excessive secretion of ACTH arising from adenoma of pars intermedia of pituitary gland.

Signs

• Hirsutism excessive long ,dense and often curly hair coat.
• Hyperhidrosis
• Excessive sweating
• Infertility
• Delayed wound healing
• Muscle wasting
• Pot bellied appearance
• laminitis
• chronic infections
• polydipsia
• polyuria
• Diabetis mellitius
• neurological signs

Diagnosis

Measurement of plasma ACTH may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments

Supplements 

Antioxidants should be provided to improve immunity and antistress effect.

Aminoacids such as lysin,methionin helps in muscle wasting conditions.

Omega 3 fattyacids helps in improve the immunity and acts as anti inflammatory

Supportive therapy such as treating respiratory or skin infections.

Maintain high plane of nutrition.
Hoof care for laminitis.

Clipping to remove long hair.

References
The Equine Manual by AndrewJ.Higgins and Jack R.Snyder

Cataract in horses

A cataract is defined as the opacity of the lens.

Signs

• Cloudiness
• unable to see from the affected eyes leads to fear and sudden jumping.
• Stumbling
• Sudden shying
• Increased anxiety

Causes

• congenital Injury 
• Moon blindness
• Old age cataracts
• Infections
• Inherited developmental cataracts

Treatments

Surgery is the only treatment

surgery should be performed when the foal is of few months of age.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is defined as inflammation of conjunctiva.
It may be due to bacteria,virus or parasitic infections.
conjunctiva becomes injected.

Signs

• Mucopurulent discharge from conjunctiva.
• lacrimation from one or both eyes noticed.

Treatment

• The eye ointment should be applied.
• Normal saline can be used for flushing of purulent discharge from eyes.
• Antibiotics is required for bacterial infections. 

Joint supplements for horses

The main ingredients in joint supplements—glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid—help build, repair and protect joint tissue and fluid.

Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG).

Cartilage is a natural shock absorber in equine joints which prevents their bones from rubbing together

Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring chemicals found inside the horses body which assist in the production of cartilage

Glucosamine HCl will increase the Hyaluronate content in the joint. Hyaluronate is a fundamental component of synovial fluid the joint lubricant.

Glucosamine has also been shown to inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage.

This small but complex sugar molecule has an important role in both the production and protection of joints.

Chondroitin sulfate is synthesized by chondrocytes, the living cells inside cartilage.

Chondroitin sulfate, a sulfated glycosaminoglycan naturally found as a part of a proteoglycan (aggrecan), is a crucial constituent of connective tissue and cartilage, where it provides structure, resistance and holds water and nutrients

Chondroitin sulfate is a main component of the extracellular matrix and the highly charged sulfate groups, which are tightly packed, provide the compression resistance that is important for proper cartilage function.

Hyaluronic acid is a nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is synthesized in two places: by the chondrocyte cells in cartilage and by the synoviocyte cells in the joint lining. 
It is normal constituents of connective tissue matrix and synovial fluid.It accounts for high viscosity of synovial fluid.

It is an integral component of both joint cartilage and joint fluid, providing lubrication between surfaces. 
In joint injury the viscosity of joints decreases due to leakage of synovial fluids.

Some joint supplements include other ingredients, known as co-factors, such as:

MSM—source of organic sulfur to help form the cartilage matrix, also has anti-inflammatory properties
Vitamin C—required for collagen formation, also has anti-oxidant properties
Manganese, copper and zinc—needed for the synthesis of GAGs and collagen

Pyoderma

•  It is an infection characterized by the formation of pus. Acne is actually an inflammation of the hair follicles. 
• The cause of the disease is listed as being pyogenic (pus forming) organisms that have gained access to the hair follicles. 
• It will be seen most frequently in parts of the body exposed to friction from saddle or harness. It can also be transmitted via biting flies.
• An afflicted animal will show signs of tenderness when the affected body part is touched. When mature, a yellow point appears at the affected spot. Shortly thereafter it will rupture, eliminating pus. 
• When pyoderma develops, irritation of the affected area through continued saddling or harnessing should be avoided. 
• Bathing the area in warm antiseptic solutions such as hexachlorophene or providone-iodine can be helpful. 
• Antibiotics is recommended for severe infections.

VITAMIN E Requirement for horses

• Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin which has a role in many physiological activities including, reproduction, immune response and nerve and muscle function.
• Vitamin E interrupts the production of free radicals at an early stage of oxidation and before damage occurs.
• Vitamin E is an important nutrient in preventing such damage which can lead to muscle stiffness and soreness with a resultant decrease in performance.
• Horses grazing fresh green pasture for long periods are unlikely to be vitamin E deficient
• A minimum of 1-1.5mg or iu of vitamin E per kg of body weight is required for maintenance of non working productive horses.
• Horses receiving vitamin E alone or selenium and vitamin E show improved immune response,
• vitamin E is important in prevention of exercise induced muscle damage it is not the only agent involved.
• For horses in heavy work these levels need to rise to at least 2mg vitamin E per kg bodyweight and possibly 4mg during prolonged and vigorous exercise such as endurance and distance racing.

For more information

http://vitecnutrition.co.nz/images/File/Vit%20E%20in%20horses.pdf

Requirement of Magnesium to horses

Magnesium is an important partner in the optimum utilization of calcium, but it is a limiting element world wide.


Horses that have adequate magnesium are:
• More relaxed
• Can work longer in anaerobic conditions because magnesium mobilizes the calcium in the muscles
• Less likely to tie up especially heavy muscled horses like warm blood, by better utilizing the calcium in muscles
• Less likely to get colic because magnesium is a laxative, helping stimulate hind gut motility
• Less likely to founder as magnesium helps the good-keepers be less insulin resistent.


Magnesium and tying-up

• An excess of Ca or a deficiency of Mg can both cause a temporary muscle tetany in horses called tying-up or Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolosis
  
• In horses who suffer from RER, characterized by a chronic tying-up during work sessions, supplementation with Mg will help to prevent the symptoms.
  
• Magnesium is considered to be an "anti-stress" mineral, since sufficient supplies reduce the release of stress hormones.
  
• Magnesium is also important for maintaining normal insulin sensitivity
  
  

Feeding Magnesium

• Magnesium is non-toxic and is impossible to overdose by mouth. The GI tract absorbs what it needs and the rest is dumped.
  
• Magnesium phosphate or magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) should not be used as a feed additive on a regular basis because this salt form can cause diarrhoea.
  
• The recommended dietary magnesium supply for horses is 20 mg Mg/kg of body weight per day, corresponding to a maintenance requirement of 10 g Mg/500 kg body weight.
  
• A calcium/magnesium ratio of 1.5-2.0:1 is ideal for the daily intake, with the higher value for maintenance and the lower for intense work.
  
  

For more information

http://www.plumcoullee.ca/documents/Magnesiuminhorses.pdf

Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a dermatological disease that is due to overproduction of sebum.It has been found that stimulation of sebum production occurs with increased blood supply to the skin and increased hair growth.
Seborrhea is generally a secondary disease in horses following dermatitis or eczema.


SIGNS
Excess accumulation of skin scale within the hair of the mane and tail


Clinical disorders

• Ectoparisitism (lice,mites)
• Fungal infections
• Bacterial infections
• Abnormal lipid metabolism
• Deficiency diseases(zinc)
• Autoimmune disease
• Endoparisitism(chronic Strongylosis)

CLASSIFICATION
Three types are there

• Seborrhea sicca
• seborrhea oleosa
• Seborrhea dermatitis

DIAGNOSIS
Determine the primary cause.
Any irritant or systemic disease can also cause scaling.


TREATMENT
Seborrhea is a chronic disease.
Regular bathing withAntiseborrheic shampoos .
Good nutrition and proper management also aid in controlling seborrhea


REFERENCE
Horseman Veterinary Encyclopaedia
By Cheryl Rogers and Jeanne Wilcox

Chiropractic manipulation in horses

• Chiropractic manipulation ,or adjustment , is aimed at restoring the normal allignment of the vetebrae.
• Malalignment of the small intervertebral joints causes spasm in the muscles that support and move the spine.
• It can compress the nerves as they leave the spimal cord at this location
• Chiropractic manipulation uses controlled force on the affected part of the spine in a direction that will realign the intervertebral joints.
• They suggest that the benifits of chiropractic manipulation are soley due to relief of muscle spasms.
• Serious damage to the spine can result from improper manipulation of the neck or back.
• Only reputable chiropractors with extensive equine experience and an excellent reputation should be allowed to work on a horse.
• Regular massage therapy and streching exercises may help prevent further problems in dome horses.

Reference
Lameness
Equine Research by
Christine King and Richard Mansmann

African Trypanosomiasis (Tsetse Fly Disease)

CAUSES	SIGNS	DIAGNOSIS	TREATMENT AND CONTROL
Tsetse flies are small, winged biting flies that feed on the blood of humans and other animals Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax, andT. brucei brucei are the trypanosomes most likely to cause disease	primary signs are fever that may come and go, anemia, and weight loss. Internally, the lymph nodes and spleen are usually swollen	The diagnosis is confirmed by finding trypanosomes in laboratory tests.	Several drugs can be used for treatment; however, most drugs only work if the correct dose is given Flies can be partially controlled by using sprays Animals can be given preventive drugs in areas with a high population of trypanosome-infected tsetse flies There is no vaccine.

Reference
The Mercks veterinary manuals

Babesiosis or Bilary fever / Piroplasmosis

SPECIES AFFECTED	CAUSES	SIGNS	DIAGNOSIS	TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Equine babesiosis is a tick-borne protozoal infection of donkeys, mules, horses and zebra characterised by acute haemolytic anaemia	B. caballi and T. equi are transmitted by ticks	Depression, pyrexia, inappetance, haemoglobinuria icterus, conjunctival petechial, haemorrhages, Jaundice and death common clinical signs include tachypnoea, ataxia and oedema of the head.	Identification of the parasites in blood using a Giemsa - stained blood smear ELISA PCR	Anti-Babesia antibiotics (imidocarb diproprionate) are used to treat the disease Restrict the imported horses to prevent the introduction of the disease.

Flip-over injuries

Flip over injuries occur when a horse Flips over backward and injures its back,neck, or head.

This is common injury in young horses, especially when they are first taught to tie.

It also occurs during trailering, particularly when loading or unloading a nervous ir unwilling horse.

The common denominators in most flip-over injuries are

1.Force-the horse either pulls back hard against the object to which it is tied, or it runs backward quickly.

2.Insufficient traction -a slippery surface and steel or aluminum shoes.
A horse may damage any part of its neck or back when it flips over .

• Injury to the tail base
• Injury to the rump or withers
• Injury to the poll
• Whiplash injury

Whiplash Injury

• If the horse's head is securely tied with a fairly short lead or cross ties, and the driver accelerates rapidly,the horse's hindfeet can slip forward underneath it.
• The horse may be thrown back onto its hock or buttocks.
• This has a reverse whiplash effect on the vertebrae in the thoraco lumbar area.
• The spine is suddenly wrenched into overextension,and the supporting intervertebral ligaments may be strained or torn.
• It leads to intervetebral disc damage.

Treatments

• A few weeks of rest is essential to avoid further damage
• Antiinflamatory is indicated if severe pain persists.
• Physical therapies such as magneto pulse therapy,massage,heat therapy

Daily hand walking or pasture turnout can help relieve the muscle spasms surrounding the damaged vertebrae.

complete stall confinement can result in fibrosis around the damaged intervertebral joints.

Flip-over or pull-back injuries can be prevented by taking care when tying and transporting horses, especially if they are young,inexperienced or nervous.

Reference

Lameness

Equine Research

Christine King and Richard Mansmann

BLOOD GROUPS IN HORSES

• Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of certain proteins or sugars found on the red blood cell membrane.
• The number of blood groups varies among domestic species.
• Normally, individuals do not have antibodies against antigens on their own red blood cells or against other blood group antigens of that species unless they have been exposed to them by a blood transfusion or pregnancy.
• In some species however, antibodies from one individual that react with antigens of another individual may exist without any prior exposure.
• In horses, antibodies are produced in the mare against a foreign fetal red blood cell antigen when fetal blood passes through the placenta.
• This can be a problem in subsequent pregnancies if foals have this same foreign antigen inherited from the sire.
• The maternal antibodies can be transmitted to the foals in colostrum (first milk) and can destroy the foal's red blood cells.
• In horses there are 8 major blood groups: A, C, D, K, P, Q, U, and T.
• Of these, A, C, and Q seem to be the most likely to stimulate an antibody response when given to a horse that is negative for them.
• These groups are identified to aid in matching of donors and recipients and to identify breeding pairs potentially at risk of causing an immune disorder, neonatal isoerythrolysis, in their offspring
• Because the expression of blood group antigens is genetically controlled and the ways in which they are inherited are understood, these systems also have been used to confirm pedigrees in horses. However in most cases, DNA testing has now replaced blood typing for paternity testing.

Reference

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/horse_disorders_and_diseases/blood_disorders_of_horses/blood_groups_and_blood_transfusions_in_horses.html

EPIPYSITIS

Epiphysitis / Big knees/ knock knees

Inflamation of growth plate of the long bones,primarily found in the lower end of the radius above the knee.
The epiphysial area closes at 24 -27 months of age.Commonly seen in foals and weanlings from 4 to 5 months of age
Some cases found in Throughbred yearlings during early phases of training

CAUSES 

• Excessive pressure on unclosed plates
• Diet balance in foals
• Bacterial infections(Joint ill)
• Concussion in young Race horses

SIGNS

• Enlargement of knee joints
• Pain on palpation
• Lameness

TREATMENTS

• Caused by excess carbohydrate diet.Therefore decreasing the energy intake is of use in treatment.
• Malnutrition or vitamin or mineral deficiency
• Correction of calcium deficiency.
• Then proper diet and rest may be all that is needed to correct the problems
• Periosteal stripping surgical procedure to correct the epiphysitis

Reference

• Horseman veterinary Encyclopedia Cheryl Rogers and G.Jeanne Wilcox
• Manual of Equine Practice by Reuben J.Rose and David R.Hodgson

WIND PUFFS IN HORSES

Wind puffs are distension overfilling of the synovial sheath between the suspensory ligaments and the cannon bone.

CAUSES

• Heavy work
• Full training and suddenly does not get any exercise
• Young horses-poor nutrition

SIGNS

• Joint capsule distension
• Fluid swelling in the area of the fetlock 

TREATMENT

• Reduce the work
• Drainage of excess synovial fluid
• Elastic wrap after injection may be used
• Drainage the joint capsule and injecting a corticosteroid may provide temporary benefit.
• If it is due to inadequate nutrition the ration should be adjusted according to nutrient needs of animals

Reference

Horseman veterinary Encyclopedia
Cheryl Rogers and G.Jeanne Wilcox

PASSIVE MOTION EXERCISE

PASSIVE MOTION EXERCISE

FLEXION/ EXTENSION

• It moves joint fluid around the joint space
• It improves blood flow to the soft tissues of the joint
• It prevents or breakdown fibrin bands within an infected joint
• It prevents fibrosis in the joint capsule-this helps to maintain joint mobility
• It helps remove pus from the joint in horse with septic arthritis
• It helps prevent or resolve flexor contracture

Flexion / Extension involves lifting the horse leg and slowly flexing, then extending the joint.
The procedure can be repeated 20-30 times,at least twice per day.

STRETCHING

Muscle problems are very common in athletic horses.
General stretching and relaxing a muscle can:

• Relieve muscle spasm
• Improve muscle blood flow
• Prevent or minimize adhesions between muscles

When stretching a muscle ,it is important that the muscle is lengthened gradually,and not to its greatest extreme.
Muscles should never be jerked suddenly or forced to stretch.
After the muscle is stretched to the point of resistance and held in that position for about 5 seconds,it should be slowly released and allowed to relax.

This procedure can be repeated 10-20 times ,once  or twice per day.

Reference

lameness-Equine Research

Christine King and Richard Mansmann

ULTRASOUND THERAPY IN HORSES

• ultrasound involves ultra high frequency sound waves.
• Two basic effects thermal and non thermal
• thermal effects are similar to those of heat therapy;increased blood flow,relief of muscle spasms,and increased elasticity of soft tissues in the treated area.
• The primary non thermal effect is the stimulation of cell activity.
• Therapeutic ultrasound improves the rate and quality of tendon repair.
• It also speeds bone  metabolism in fracture sites within the first 2 weeks afte injury.
• Therapeutic ultrasound should not be used immediately after a soft tissue injury or on an infected area.
• Depth of tissue penetration frequency of ultra sound waves.
• lower the frequency ,deeper the penetration.
• The hair over the treatment area should be clipped because the ultrasound is poorly transmitted.
• A coupling gel should be applied to the skin and transducer.
• For lower leg injury the horse can be stood in a tub of water.

Reference

• Lameness -Equine Research by Christine King and Richard Mansmann

WEAVING IN HORSES

• Weaving is a lateral swinging of the head, neck and forequarters; stall walking is a repetitive circular walking in the stall.

• The two behaviors are considered to be related, because horses that perform one of these behaviors may also perform the other instead of also performing an oral repetitive behavior.

• Although people believe that weaving affects performance or puts undue strain on tendons, there is no scientific study to confirm that belief.

• A weaver will display its behavior in a predictable manner.
•  It often precedes an arousing event (feeding time), when close social contact is limited but the horse still can see other horses, exercise and feeding allowance are not matched, or bedding is not straw. 
• Repetitive locomotor behaviors are more common when horses are kept in small (< 4 acres) paddocks, with restricted cantering.

• Some cases of stall walking may be managed if the feeding is made to resemble ambulatory grazing by having piles of hay scattered in the stall or installing foraging devices that induce horses need to spend more time eating.

• Research suggests that the installation of a mirror inside the stall reduces in many cases the incidence of both weaving and stall walking.

• It is recommended that the mirror be placed toward the front of the stall so the reflection can be seen as the horse approaches the door.

Following are some tips for treating and preventing weaving and stall walking:

• Increase turn-out and exercise, or manage horse from pasture if possible.

• Usefeedingstationsaroundthestallor scatter feed and hay around the stall.

• Try to reduce predictors of the arrival of food, which may be difficult because most if not all barns work on a schedule

• Introduce a stall mirrorif the horse is sociable. (If the horse is anti-social a mirror may increase other undesirable behaviors such as kicking and lunging in the stall.)

• Avoid using anti-weaving grills and other devices, which research shows frustrate horses further.

• Wean gradually rather than abruptly, and wean in groups.

References

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ASC/ASC212/ASC212.pdf

BUCKING IN HORSES

• A horse will buck from a sudden fright. If a car pulls out in front of you on the highway your reaction might be to stomp on the breaks, hit the horn, swerve, or just scream.
• A horse's reaction to a sudden fright is to buck or bolt.
• This is the horse’s evolutionary response to having animals with claws jump on its back
• Once the horse starts bucking, a lot of times he will frighten himself so he will keep bucking
• A horse will buck from a sharp, sudden pain.
• A loose saddle pulled across withers may pinch the skin and cause a sudden, sharp pain with a consequent reaction.
• Some horses will buck from having a cold saddle put on their back in the morning. That’s a condition called “cold backed.”
• Some horses will buck because they are sly

Reference

http://www.nickumlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/why-does-a-horse-buck.pdf

BOX WALKING IN HORSES

Box-walking is the name given to describe characteristic, repetitive pacing movements that a horse may make around its stable.
The horse typically paces around the sides of the confined area and may seem preoccupied with this behaviour and have difficulty stopping.

Locomotory stereotypies such as weaving and box-walking are considered to reflect aspects of the horse's natural behaviour that are being prevented by the limited stable environment.
Box-walking in particular may reflect the horse's strong motivation to walk and graze, which is limited within a stable

PROBLEMS

Box walking can become problematic in that the horse not only disturbs his bedding but he expends considerable energy and may, in extreme cases, develop asymmetrical musculature if they always walk in the same direction, giving rise to problems in performance under the saddle.
If extremely stressed he may sweat, tremble and even damage himself on the sides of the stable doors/openings in trying to escape the stable.
It may be difficult to manage your horse from within the stable as they find it difficult to stop pacing.
Box-walking may also cause excessive wear of shoes or hooves, particularly if the stable floor is concreted.
However, there is no real evidence that box walking reduces performance in the majority of cases and the term 'vice' is not very helpful

PREVENTION
• Having other horses within the stable or opposite/next to the horse, with which it can interact fully at a social level.
• Lowering the internal walls between stables or if there are problems with unfamiliar individuals being next to each other, placing bars or a grilled window in the separating wall (although note this means that the horses will have direct contact that may be relevant for disease control problems).
• Use of more windows or openings in the stable so that the horse has a wider view of the outside environment and choice.
• Placing a specially designed mirror surface within the stable to mimic visual access to neighbours.
• Increasing forage, ie hay/haylage.
• Barn housing, ie loose group of horses within a barn or yard.
• Provide feeding enrichment, eg a variety of forages in haynets hung around the stable or a foodball, so extending feeding time and acting as a distraction at key times for the behaviour.


For more information

http://www.vetstream.co.uk/fellowes-farm/html/pdf/Factsheets/Horse/24_282013.pdf

BRUXISM IN HORSES

• Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is the medical term given to describe the rhythmic movement (side to side) of the molars causing a grinding crunching or scraping sound.
• Bruxism is not a specific sign for a particular problem it is often a sign of a physical or a psychological issue.
• Bruxism is frequently an indicator of a painful condition in both foals and adult horses.
• In foals, bruxism is often associated with the occurrence of gastric ulcers, which is considered to be related to early or sudden weaning and the feeding of concentrates.
• In adult horses, repetitive tooth grinding is often observed in horses experiencing local pain, and often once the painful condition has been dealt with the horse stops the behaviour.
• As in foals, bruxism has been recorded in horses with gastric ulcers.
• Bruxism is also observed in horses suffering from certain neurological conditions. It is also associated with many other conditions from dental pain, through to lead poisoning.
• Teeth grinding is also seen in horses who are experiencing pain associated with being ridden - in this case the cause may be due to the training methods, the equipment or the riders behaviour
• Discomfort can be expressed by the horse in various ways, and teeth grinding has been suggested as one sign of ill-fitting equipment such as a pinching saddle, tight-fitting nosebands and bit action (although mouthing the bit should be considered distinct from bruxism).
• There are many anecdotal reports of teeth grinding occurring in association with different bit types.
• Horse experiencing pain or discomfort will frequently grind their teeth when a bit is placed in their mouth; in addition this sort of grinding may also be caused through tension or conflict.
• Teeth grinding, where the horse only performs the behaviour in the stable, when being groomed or saddled, may become compulsive.
• Sudden onset of teeth grinding must be investigated in relation to clinical problems, since it is likely to be due to pain.
• Longer term more fixed bruxism, with continuous grinding involving the side to side movement of the jaw may in time lead to wear of the molars, and as such, oral problems that could cause pain and/or feeding issues.
• It may also be a sign of stress or discomfort associated with being ridden and this needs to be investigated to find out what aspect of being ridden is causing discomfort for the horse
• A clinical examination should always be undertaken to identify if there is a physical problem with the horse. 
• This includes oral examination, endoscopy to determine if there are indications of gastric ulceration and other clinical investigations and interventions to determine the source of the pain.

For More information

http://www.vetstream.co.uk/fellowes-farm/html/pdf/Factsheets/Horse/24_290775.pdf

PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATION OF HORSES

Stage 1:

Preliminary examination

The horse is scanned for a microchip, and its identity and age checked against the passport. General appearance, condition and conformation are assessed. Heart and lungs are auscultated. Eyes are examined with an opthalmoscope. The body and limbs are examined for any abnormalities. Limb joints are flexed to detect any pain or restriction of movement.

Stage 2:

Trotting up The horse is then walked and trotted on hard, level ground and assessed for lameness.

This is followed by lunging on a small circle. If any abnormalities are detected that may influence the decision to purchase, including if the horse is lame, then the examination is stopped at this point and the findings discussed with the purchaser.

Stage 3:

Strenuous exercise

The horse is ridden and examined for lameness and fitness. Its breathing is assessed and any irregular respiratory sounds noted. Untrained animals or those too young or small to be ridden can be lunged,

Stage 4:

Period of rest Breathing and heart rate are monitored during recovery from exercise.

The horse’s identification will be completed, including the name, colour, breed, sex, age and markings.

Stage 5:

Second trot up The horse is then walked and trotted on hard, level ground and re-assessed for lameness.
Flexion tests are the performed on each leg in turn. The horse is turned sharply made to step back a few paces. Finally a blood sample is taken and sent to the Horserace Forensci Laboratory where it is stored for 6 months.

For more information

http://media.wix.com/ugd/5e095a_a0e4758897764826b2339578c7b02f32.pdf

HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy

Equine hydrotherapy is the premier drug free hydrotherapy treatment for the most common causes of lameness in horses. 

It has rapidly established a reputation for resolving lameness much faster than normal and works effectively in conjunction with, or as an alternative to conventional treatments.

Typical conditions which respond well to equine hydrotherapy include:

• Tendonitis
•   Suspensory ligament desmitis
•   Soreness
•   Stiffness
•   Arthritis
•   Hoof problems
•   Joint conditions
•   Soft tissue damage
•   Sore shins
•   Cuts
•   Bruises

TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief.

TENS with a small, battery-powered machine about the size of a pocket radio. Usually, you connect two electrodes (wires that conduct electrical current) from the machine to your skin.The electrodes are often placed on the area of pain or at a pressure point, creating a circuit of electrical impulses that travels along nerve fibers.

TENS to relieve pain for several different types of illnesses and conditions. They use it most often to treat muscle, joint, or bone problems that occur with illnesses such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, or for conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, or bursitis. People have also used TENS to treat sudden (acute) pain, such as labor pain, and long-lasting (chronic) pain, such as cancer pain.

Reference

Lameness

Equine Research

by Chritine King and Richard Mansmann

HEAT THERAPY FOR HORSES

Heat Therapy

Heat causes blood vessel dilation in the skin and superficial tissues.

This improves the blood flow to the injured area, and so can speed healing.

However in the first 2 to 3 days following injury,increasing the blood flow can worsen the swelling and restart bleeding from damaged blood vessels.

So, heat therapy should not begin until at least 2 days after injury,particularly if bruising or hemorrhage has occurred.

Benefits

• Increase metabolic activity in the cells
• Reduce pain by desensitizing the nerve endings
• Relief of muscle spasm
• Increase joint mobility by relaxing or softening the surrounding tissues (joint capsules, supporting ligaments)
• Relax muscle fibers
• Reduces joint stiffness

Moist heat refers to use of warm water.Warm hosing,standing the horse in tub of warm water,or placing a warm,wet cloth over the area are examples of moist heat.

Poultice can also provide moist heat.

With chronic injuries, it is essential to address the cause of pain and dysfunction, not just the symptoms. 

Among the types of injuries and conditions which can benefit from heat therapy are:

• arthritis
• tendinitis
• bursitis
• adhesive capsulitis
• muscle soreness
• hoof abscesses

Reference

Lameness

Equine Research

by Chritine King and Richard Mansmann

COLD THERAPY FOR HORSES

Cold therapy

Cold is very effective method of relieving inflammation.Cold causes the blood vessels in the skin and superficial tissues to constricts.

It also desensitizes nerve endings,

providing temporary pain relief.

Specific methods

1.Hosing

Hosing the affected area with cold water for 10 to 15 minutes,several times per day helps to reduce the signs of inflammation.

2.Standing in cold water

Standing the horse in a stream or pond,or in a tub of cold water can reduce inflammation in the feet and lower legs.However, standing the horse in muddy water is not advisable for injuries that also involves a wound.

3.Ice pack

Commercial ice packs are available for cooling a specific  area, although a plastic bag of crushed ice is just as effective.A bag of frozen peas conforms to the leg very well, and it can be refrozen and used several times if necessary.

Wet bandaging

A stable or track bandage and a quilted leg wrap and good materials to use for a wet bandaging. Elastic bandages or any other material that may shrink when wet should never be used for this purpose.The padding and bandage are saturated with cold water before being applied to the leg.

4.Ice boot

Commercial ice boots are available for cooling the lower leg.But an effective ice boot can be made out of plastic trash can liner and duct tape.A stocking is made by wrapping the bag loosely around the leg and securing the bottom of the bag at the pastern or hoof with duct tape.The boot is then filled with crushed ice or cubed ice so that the injured area is completely covered.

Length of Treatment

After about 10 minutes ,cooling the skin causes reflex  vasodilation in the area.This warms the tissues,so cold therapy is of little benefit after this time.Therefore ,it should only be applied for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

It should be repeated as often as possible during the first 2 to 3 days after injury.But about third day , the benefits of cold therapy are minimal, unless inflammation persists.

Reference

Lameness

Equine Research

by Chritine King and Richard Mansmann