a89099d0d2f748abb2d4d6ecdfe84a0a

Strangles in Horses

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:43:29 GMT

Strangles

Strangles is a very contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract caused by bacteria called Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious and the infection can be spread by horse-to-horse contact or by humans, tack, drinking trough and other environmental factors. It can spread rapidly however sensible measures can minimise the risk of infecting with strangles and an early prompt treatment can lessen the impact in the event of an outbreak.

SYMPTOMS

The typical signs of strangles include:

• Sudden high temperature and loss of appetite.

• Cough.

• Slight yellowy nasal discharge.

• Swollen lymph nodes (glands) under the jaw and in the throat: never present in the early stages of the disease.

• Rupture of the abscesses in the affected lymph nodes.

Horses usually recovered fully and naturally after the rupture of the abscesses. Once the horse has recovered from strangles it usually develops a strong immunity and it is rare for an animal to be affected more than once.

If your horse shows any of these symptoms it is important that you contact your vet to help confirm the diagnosis as soon as possible. A blood test and/or nasal swab can be taken to determine if you horse does have strangles. We will then be able to guide and help you with the treatment and management of your horse for their quicker recovery and also to prevent an outbreak of the disease.

DIAGNOSIS

The time between infection and development of clinical signs varies but it is usually 1 to 2 weeks.

Strangles is diagnosed primarily on the clinical signs which may be strongly suggestive of its involvement. Nasal swabs samples can be taken for laboratory investigation. Recently a blood test has been developed which is able to tell us whether the horse has had contact with strangles in the recent past. A negative result for strangles in the swab or the blood do not guarantee that the horse does not have strangles, but these laboratory results together with the symptoms can be very helpful in determining if the horse is affected and which horses may be involved when an outbreak occurs in the yard.

Some horses can become carriers, where they do not suffer the disease but they can spread it to other horses.

Pre-Purchase Examinations (Vettings) 2 Stage & 5 Stage

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:43:28 GMT

Pre-purchase Examination

The pre-purchase examination provides an assessment of the horse at the time of examination to help inform the potential purchaser decision whether or not to continue with their purchase. It is not a guarantee of a horse's suitability for the intended purpose.

THE EXAMINATION

The standard examination is conducted in either two or five stages, although the exact sequence of the examination may vary. If a two stage is required a disclaimer form will need to be signed and returned previous to the vet attending.

The stages are:

Stage 1:

Preliminary examination This is a thorough external examination of the animal at rest using visual observation, palpation and manipulation to detect clinically apparent signs of injury, disease or physical abnormality. It includes an examination of the incisor teeth, a thorough examination of the horse's eyes in a darkened area and auscultation of the horse's heart and lungs at rest. Examination of the eyes does not include dilating the pupil but should include examination of internal and external structures.

The examination DOES NOT include examination of the inside of the prepuce (sheath), a detailed mouth examination with a speculum, a height measurement or any examination for pregnancy.

Stage 2:

Walk and trot, in hand The animal is walked and then trotted in hand to detect abnormalities of gait and action. Ideally this is carried out on firm, level ground. The horse is turned sharply each way and is backed for a few paces. Flexion tests of all four limbs and trotting in a circle on a firm surface may be carried out if the examining veterinary surgeon considers it safe and appropriate to do so.

Stage 3:

Exercise phase The horse is usually ridden and given sufficient exercise to:

Allow assessment of the horse when it has an increased breathing effort and an increased heart rate. 2. Allow assessment of the horse's gait at walk, trot, canter and, if appropriate, gallop. 3. Allow assessment of the horse for the purpose of stage five. If ridden exercise is not possible for any reason then this stage may be conducted by exercising the horse on a lunge, but this fact should be made clear to the purchaser and on the certificate.

Stage 4:

Period of rest and re-examination The horse is allowed to stand quietly for a period. During this time the respiratory and cardiovascular systems may be monitored as they return to their resting levels.

Stage 5:

Second trot up The animal is trotted in hand again to look for any signs of strains or injuries made evident by the exercise and rest stages.

Flexion tests

Flexion tests and trotting in a circle Flexion tests and trotting in a circle on a firm surface are not mandatory parts of the standard procedure, but they can sometimes provide useful additional information about a horse. There may be circumstances when the examining veterinary surgeon concludes that it is unsafe or inappropriate to perform such tests.

Blood Sample

Blood Sample A blood sample may be taken for storage (usually for 6 months) for possible future analysis to detect substances present in the horse's system at the time of the examination that might have masked any factors affecting the horse's suitability for the purchaser's intended use. If a blood sample is not taken then the reason should be noted on the certificate.

Identification

Identification of the horse The horse should be identified by recording the horse's markings in the form of a diagram and written description as well as searching for a microchip and inspecting any available documentation. The diagram may be omitted if the presence of a microchip can be confirmed by scanner and the diagram of an accompanying passport matches the horse. In this instance, both microchip and passport numbers should be recorded on the certificate.

Sycamore Poisoning - Seasonal Pasture Myopathy

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:43:27 GMT

The Increased Risk of Sycamore Poisoning aka Seasonal Pasture Myopathy

As the temperatures begin to rise and the sun starts to shine, regrettably so does the risk presented to the horses caused by Sycamore seedlings and seeds. Eating these can cause Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (previously known as Aytypical Myopathy / Sycamore poisoning).

This condition has a very sudden in onset, with clinical signs consisting of: stiffness, reluctance to move, muscle tremors, sweating, weakness, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, reluctance to work, red or brown urine, choke, colic, low head carriage, fast or irregular heartbeat and sudden collapse. The time from the onset of symptoms to collapse can be as short as 24 hours.

The helicopter shaped seeds are now springing up as seedlings, which are also poisonous. We would advise pulling up all seedlings before allowing horses to graze any affected pasture.

Seeds can travel up to 200metres from the tree, especially in the winds we have been experiencing lately, so please be vigilant.

Seedlings, seeds and leaves of Sycamore trees can be tested for the toxin Hypoglycin A, which causes SPM. The Royal Veterinary College, London is carrying out this testing.

http://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/laboratories/comparative-neuromuscular-diseases-laboratory/diagnostic-services#panel-n-e-w-atypical-myopathy-testing

If your horse shows any of these signs, or you are worried after grazing near sycamore trees, please call us immediately on

0115 9899411

Castration Information

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:43:26 GMT

Colt Castrations - When to castrate and what to expect

When to castrate?

Most horses are castrated as yearlings, however anytime after 6months is acceptable providing both testicles have descended. When colts mature into stallions, and they reach 2 years old, the testicles become much larger and have bigger blood vessels which make the castration procedure more difficult as they require ligation (tying off) of these vessels. It is normal to try and avoid the fly season from May to October as the castration wounds are left open and do attract flies which is a major cause of post castration infection.

How to castrate?

Well-handled colts up to 18months old can usually be castrated standing with heavy sedation. However, if they are likely to kick or have unusually large testicles they will need to be “knocked down” and given a short general anaesthetic (GA) which makes the process safer for all concerned and allows the vet to tie off the large testicular blood vessels. The process usually takes 15 minutes and then a further 15-30 minutes for the horse to stand up again. An area of flat, clean grass or a school surface is required.

Post castration care

Routine care is simple but essential and without these complications are very common. The castration site wounds are always left open to allow the post–op swelling fluid to drain away. The removal of the testicles leaves a cavity which has to fill in and heal from the inside; this process produces inflammatory fluid which must be allowed to drain.

It is ESSENTIAL that the wound is hosed TWICE daily for 5 minutes and a scab, if present, is wiped away (with some cotton wool in dilute Savlon or Hibiscrub) to stop the scrotal skin edges sticking together and trying to heal and close. The wound must be kept open for at least a week. Failure to do this will allow the wound to close too soon and a large fluid swelling at the site and swelling of the sheath will occur. This will then require the vet to visit and reopen the site and put the horse on a course of antibiotics.
It is very important that the horse is turned out to EXERCISE as this will reduce the amount of swelling of the sheath. Even with exercise it is normal for the sheath to swell to half a honey melon size. We normally recommend that the colts are turned out the same day as the castration, but adult stallions are turned out the day after castrate.
Tetanus cover is essential and if not vaccinated it will need an anti toxin injection to give immediate protection.
Pain relief is recommended with “bute” given twice daily for 5-7 days.
Antibiotics are not routinely given as these surgeries are left open to drain and thus are not required.

Although castrations are considered to be a very routine procedure it must be remembered that in the horse they are a relatively major surgical operation with potential fatal complications such as haemorrhage and evisceration of small intestine through the surgical wound. These complications can be reduced to almost “theoretical” providing the correct techniques are used in relation to the size, age and type of male horse being treated.

For owners the mainstay of care is thorough cold hosing and cleaning of the wound for at least a week and providing good clean turnout exercise. Contact with mares should be avoided for one month.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0115 989 9411.

Equine Dental Care - Facts & Information

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:43:25 GMT

DENTAL FACTSHEET

Horse’s teeth could hardly be more different than our own (see third picture above). They have 6 incisor teeth in the upper and lower jaws and then a large gap before the six cheek teeth. We use the term ‘cheek teeth’ to describe the premolar and molar teeth collectively. Male horses also have canine teeth which emerge at about 5 years of age in the gap between the incisors and molar teeth in both upper and lower jaws. They are only occasionally seen in mares.

Incisor and Canine Teeth

Problems with the incisor and canine teeth are thankfully rare and are mainly the result of trauma, such as kicks from other field-mates or hooking their teeth on a hay net.

Some geldings develop tartar and calculus on their canine teeth and require this to be cracked off each year. Unless they develop cavities like their sweet toothed owners! Incisor teeth start to wear out in the mid to late 20’s but this is variable.

Cheek Teeth

These are termed hypsodontal which means that, unlike ours, they do not have a distinct crown above the gum and root below.

The constant grinding action of a horse chewing wears away the emerging tooth. In the wild the rough forage and sand picked up with grazing means this process of emergence versus wear and tear remains in fine balance.

However, with a nicely manicured pasture and soft palatable concentrate feeds, the teeth don’t wear away as fast as they would in the wild and so develop overgrowths of enamel at the grinding edges of the upper and lower cheek teeth.

Routine Dental Care

Your horse should have its teeth checked annually by an equine vet or an accredited Equine Dental Technician (EDT). It is important that you take the time to ensure the person you are trusting with your horse’s teeth is a properly qualified. ANYBODY can call themselves an ‘equine dentist’ with absolutely no training or qualification.

The vast majority of routine dental care is to address this issue of enamel overgrowths, which develop into sharp points (below left) or enamel transverse ridges (ETR below right).

If left untreated the commonest signs of enamel overgrowths are:

Quidding - dropping food.
Balling – food pouches in the cheeks like a hamster
Inappetence - reluctance to eat
Tossing of the head or biting discomfort.
Smaller enamel overgrowths can be easily removed with a hand rasp or ‘float’. A gag must be placed in your horse’s mouth to safely and properly inspect and rasp the teeth. About 1 in 20 horses find this frightening and require light sedation. The way to avoid this is to have your horse checked each year from two years old so that they are used to having a ‘Gag’ put into their mouth. Most horses do not need any actual rasping until they are 4- or 5-year-olds when they have all their adult cheek teeth in place.
Some horses will need these enamel overgrowths removed twice yearly. More severe overgrowths – hooks and ramps (see below) - do occur and are often caused by malformation of the teeth such that they do not have an opposing tooth to wear against.
Hooks and ramps require motorised burrs to remove these large areas of diamond-hard enamel. They commonly recur at the same rate that the tooth is erupting, i.e., 2-3 mm per year, and so require treatment every year or so

Diastema

D iastema are caused by malformation of the teeth so that food jams between two adjacent cheek teeth. Daily grinding packs more and more food into the tiny space, eventually forcing food under the gum line. Diastema can be difficult to identify, often requiring the use of a dental mirror. The picture on the left below shows food jammed at the ‘6 o’clock’ position in the mirror.

Diastema are a common cause of oral pain and require specialist treatment to either widen the space between the two teeth, allowing the food to move freely in and out of the gap, or to extract the cheek tooth if it has become diseased.

It is important to identify diastema early as widening the space can save the tooth. The gap is widened using a special motorised burr (above right). This procedure may require repeating as the teeth grow and the gap closes.

Cheek Teeth Fractures and Abscesses

Fractures and abscesses involving the cheek teeth invariably require extraction of the offending tooth. This is a major undertaking in horses due to the massive length of the ‘root’.

Traditionally teeth were extracted by making a hole in the face (for an upper tooth) or the jaw (for a lower tooth) and hammering out the tooth. Now it is much more common to extract teeth from the mouth by using large dental extractors (below) to loosen a diseased tooth and pull it free.

Oral extractions require substantial patience as it can take 6-8 hours to wiggle the tooth loose. Great care must be taken not to fracture the tooth or leave fragments behind. The teeth at the bottom left of the picture above are from a 20-year-old horse and only a third of the length of those in 7 year-old.

Occasionally, and especially in young horses, it is not possible to extract a tooth orally. In these cases, the horse is anaesthetised and a dental punch inserted through a hole made in the jaw bone or face to hammer out the tooth. The picture on the right above shows an Xray taken during surgery to check that the dental punch is correctly positioned prior to being hammered.

Wolf Teeth

About a third of horses have wolf teeth that erupt just in front of the cheek teeth between 1 and 8 years of age. They serve no purpose and are a remnant of the first pre-molar tooth that is no longer required. About 50% of horses need to have it removed as it interferes with the bit. This is easily done under light sedation.

There are many areas not covered in this fact sheet, but we hope it has helped you understand your horse’s mouth. Horses have quite amazing teeth and a simple check-up at vaccination time should keep them that way.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on

0115 989 9411

Equine Emergencies - First Aid

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:43:25 GMT

EQUINE EMERGENCIES - A GUIDE FOR HORSE OWNERS

PLEASE NOTE

The following information is from our First Aid presentations, it is not meant to constitute a comprehensive first aid fact sheet.

It has been posted to the website for clients who attended the First Aid evening as points for reminders.

The following information will cover points on the following:

Wounds
Colic
Lameness
Choke

WOUNDS

LOCATION OF THE WOUND

Wounds on the leg sheath/joints on the fore and hind legs need an examination. The horse may be acutely lame with a tendon sheath/joint infection.

THIS IS A TRUE EMERGENCY AND A VET MUST BE CALLED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

The aim of first aid is to:

Reduce contamination
Preserve tissue
Control bleeding

WOUND CLEANING

If the wound is fresh (less than 6 hours) there will be relatively little cross contamination, and minimal tissue lost.

IT IS LIKELY SUTURING WILL BE REQUIRED.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:32:02 GMT

Veterinary Acupuncture is a complementary treatment that is increasingly being recognised as a useful treatment for a wide range of conditions. It should be stressed that the term “complementary” is the correct term for the use of veterinary acupuncture, as this therapy complement our conventional veterinary care. It is an adjunct, not a replacement, although in some situations it can be used as a sole treatment. Please be advised, we do not offer Acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of a needle through the skin at predetermined sites (called acupoints) for the treatment or prevention of disease, alleviate pain, improve recovery rates and increase resistant to diseases. By law, acupuncture can only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon that has undergone special training in the technique. This is because it is an invasive procedure that requires a thorough knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explanation:

The Chinese approach to disease is very holistic. Health can be defined as a state of harmony of an animal with complete physical, mental and social well-being. Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy (called Qi) flows through the body in pathways called meridians. When Qi doesn't flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. Acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi and so restore health by stimulation of specific points (acupoints).

Western Scientific explanation:

For those that don't believe in the TCM, modern studies have revealed that 95% of the acupoints are close to nerve trunks or nerve branches that carry impulses to the spinal cord and brain. This results in responses within the nervous and endocrine systems leading to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones triggering to the following mechanism among others:

 Release natural painkillers.
 Promotion of blood flow.
 Stimulation of the body's built-in healing mechanisms.
 Relaxation of shortened muscles.
 Reduce stress.

What conditions can acupuncture be used for?

Acupuncture can be used as part of a treatment protocol for almost any medical condition with the exception of irreparable fractures and endstage organ failure. It is often used in combination with conventional veterinary treatment so the patient experiences the benefits of the combined effects.

In equine practice it is especially useful for treating:

 Musculoskeletal problems such as: back pain, tendinitis, arthritis, laminitis, navicular syndrome, stifle, stiffness, temporomandibular joint pain.
 Neurological problems: wobbler's syndrome, facial paralysis.
 Respiratory problems: RAO, exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
 Gastrointestinal problems: colic, stomach ulcers, poor appetite, obesity.
 Reproductive problems.
 Immunological problems.
 Dermatological problems: urticaria, allergy, sweet itch.
 Ophthalmic problems: recurrent uveitis, conjunctivitis, nonresponsive corneal ulcers.
 Behavioural problems: headshaking, windsucking, stress.

Acupuncture techniques used in horses

Dry needling: this is the use of the typical acupuncture needles. Insertion of fine, solid, pain-free, metal needles through the skin, leaving them in place for a total of about 10-15 min. Some horses are needle shy and acupuncture may not be their favourite thing, but most are quite tolerant.

Aquapuncture: injection of a fluid into the acupoint to continue the stimulation of the point. I usually use vitamin B12 or Traumeel, a homeopathic solution.

Electroacupuncture: this procedure involves attaching electrodes acupuncture needles and applying a pulsatile electrical current to them. Surprisingly, most horses are very tolerant to electroacupuncture.

Moxibustion: this involves the burning of an herb (Artemisa Vulgaris) either on an acupuncture needle or over the skin at an acupoint.

Laser stimulation : a painless beam of laser light is used to stimulate acupoints, approaching the effectiveness of simple acupuncture. It is perfect for those needle-shy horses.

Hemoacupuncture: the acupoint is bled with a hypodermic needle. There are TCM implications as to the characteristics of the blood that comes out.

Equine Cushings Disease

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:32:02 GMT

What is Cushing Disease?

The average age of horses with Equine Cushing disease is 19 years old with a range of 7 to 40 years. There is no sex predisposition but ponies appear to develop the disease more frequently.

Equine Cushing Disease results from the Pituitary Gland (P) (localised below the brain) that secrets abnormally high level of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). The ACTH then stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands (A), localised next to the kidney (K). The cortisol then enters will the blood stream (B) and causes clinical signs like laminitis.

Clinical signs

Among the wide variety of clinical signs associated with Equine Cushing Disease, the most common is hirsutism (long and curly hair coat), reported in 85% of cases. In addition to the long shaggy hair coat, that is not shed, a variety of other hair coat abnormalities can occur. For instance early signs of Equine Cushing Disease can be delayed shedding in the spring usually followed by an early re-growth of winter coat in the autumn.

Repeated bouts of laminitis are commonly observed. Excess in circulating cortisol is thought to be linked to this manifestation. Pain secondary to laminitis represents the leading cause of euthanasia in horses with Equine Cushing Disease.

Body condition is often good; however some horses with Equine Cushing Disease even exhibit a “cresty neck” and obese appearance. As the disease progresses, weight loss, muscle wasting and muscle weakness become apparent and lead to the typical “pot belly” appearance. The occurrence of poor body condition at the later stage of the disease is often potentiated by internal parasitism and poor appetite secondary to dental disorders.

Horses with Equine Cushing Disease are predisposed to chronic infections and delayed wound healing. Lethargy, an increase in the amount of water drunk and an increase in the volume of urine produced are also commonly reported.

Treatment:

The most commonly used drug for the treatment of Equine Cushing Disease is a dopamine agonist called “Pergolide”. Pergolide has been shown to decrease the secretion of ACTH by the Pituitary Gland. Clinical improvement has been noted in 90% of horses treated after several weeks however the treatment generally needs to be continued until the end of the life of the horse. We therefore recommend taking a follow up blood sample after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to adjust the dosage if necessary. Side effects of Pergolide treatment rarely occur however anorexia and mild colic have been reported. If your horse develops any of these side effects the vet should be contacted immediately and the treatment adjusted accordingly.

The treatment of Equine Cushing Disease should include careful health management and preventive medicine. Particular attention should be paid to diet, vaccination, deworming, hoof trimming, good dental care and prompt response to infection. Horses with long hair coat should be clipped during the warm season. In addition, because of their decreased ability to acclimatize to temperature variations they should be provided with rugs during the cold season. Good quality feed, easily chewable for horses with poor dentition, is important. On the other hand, overfeeding should be avoided as it would increase the risk of laminitis on a horse already predisposed to it. Laminitis is probably the most difficult complication to deal with, however, it appears that Pergolide for Equine Cushing Disease brings a substantial improvement in patient comfort and decreases the likelihood of further bouts of laminitis.

If you have any further question please do not hesitate to contact us on

0115 989 9411

Parasite Control in Horses

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:32:01 GMT

Parasite Control in Horses

Horses can become infected with both ectoparasites (lice and mites) and endoparasites (worms). The effect of a parasite infection on the horse's health depends on the number and type of parasite involved. Generally, the higher the parasite burden, the higher the risk of clinical disease.

1) MANAGEMENT: reducing the requirement for treatment

· Stocking management:

o Reduce stocking density, especially in groups of young horses (these have the highest worm burden)

o Maintain consistent horse populations (i.e. form groups of horses and stick with them!)

§ Then we use Faecal Egg Counts (FEC) to identify our problem horses

· Pasture management:

o Poo pick at least TWICE per week

§ Avoid harrowing as this spreads the worms across the pasture

§ Tape off your dung heap or make sure it is separate from the grazing area

o Pasture rotation: worms can survive more than 6 months on pasture, so if you rotate pasture then make sure you rest it for at least 6 months

§ Avoid putting youngstock on the same paddocks year on year (alternate with older stock or ruminants to reduce the worm burden in the paddock)

2) DECIDING WHO NEEDS TREATMENT (ADULT HORSES >3yrs):

· Faecal Egg Worm Counts:

o These are used to identify HIGH WORM BURDEN HORSES, which require treatment, and the low worm burden horses which don’t need treatment!

§ It is best to perform at least 3 FECs each year approximately 2-3 months apart (between March and September).

· Tapeworms:

o Ideally test for tapeworm every 6-12 months – this requires either a saliva or blood sample to be taken.

3) TREATMENT (ADULT HORSES >3yrs):

· During the grazing season (March – September):

o Treat all horses with an FEC >200 eggs per gram with either a Pyrantel or Ivermectin based wormer

§ Ivermectin based: Eqvalan, Bimectin, noromectin

§ Pyrantel based: Pyratape P, Strongid-P, Bimectin Embotape

o Try to stick to ONE type of wormer for a whole grazing season. Then switch for the following year.

§ I.e. Ivermectin based for one year, then Pyrantel for the following year,

· Autumn (September/October):

o It is important that ALL horses are treated for encysted larval cyathostomes in autumn regardless of FEC.

§ This should be done at least 8 weeks after their last wormer treatment.

o This requires a Moxidectin based wormer (Equest (green) or Equest Pramox (Combination of Moxidectin & Praziquantel) – ideally avoid using Moxidectin based wormers at other times during the year to stop resistance occurring!

· TAPEWORM: Requires treatment with Praziquantel or a double dose of a pyrantel based wormer.

o To integrate this treatment with your other wormers either use a double dose of pyrantel, Praziquantel or use a combination wormer (e.g. Eqvalan Duo Wormer, Noropraz, Equimax, Equest Pramox)

· Youngstock (1-3yrs)

o Youngstock (1-3yrs) have much lower immunity to worms than adult horses.

o You should follow the same advice as given for adult horses, BUT it is all even more important!

§ You should perform FEC more frequently in groups of young horses (ideally every 8 weeks)

§ Poo pick AT LEAST TWICE WEEKLY - Prioritise their paddocks over older horse paddocks!

§ Rotational grazing is even more important in youngstock than adults, as worms will build up more rapidly.

· Rest paddocks after grazng youngstock, ideally during hot dry weather

§ All youngstock should receive moxidectin and praziquantel in the autumn.

· If management is poor (i.e. no rotational grazing, no poo picking, high stocking density), they may require a second treatment 3 months later, particularly if they are grazing through the winter.

§ Tapewoerm: Test a saliva or blood sample to see if treatment is necessary (same as for adults)

· Foals (<1yr)

o MARES – Manage as described in the adult horse section.

§ BUT if appropriate worming has not been carried out during the gestation period, then as a minimum ensure that the mare is given an Ivermectin or Moxidectin based wormer during the LAST MONTH OF GESTATION

o Foals can suffer from additional worms to adults, these include:

§ Parascaris Equorum – can cause respiratory disease, and (potentially fatal) colic. Clinical signs in foals are most commonly seen from late summer or early autumn.

§ Strongyloides westeri - rarely a cause of disease, and therefore is only important if there is history of disease on the property.

o Management:

§ Turn out foals onto clean pasture. AVOID using the same nursery paddocks year-on-year.

o Treatments: FOALS SHOULD BE WORMED EVERY 3 MONTHS.

§ 3 months old: Fenbendazole (e.g. Panacur)

· ONLY USE FENBENDAZOLE IN FOALS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD unless directed by a vet.

§ 6 months old (if weaning at this point then give treatment just before weaning):

· Ideally use a FEC to see if high strongyles or ascarids.

o If high strongyles then use Ivermectin or Moxidectin* based wormer

o If high ascraids then use Fenbendazole (Panacur) to treat ascarids only.

§ 9 months & 12 months: an Ivermectin or Moxidectin* based wormer is most appropriate.

o *Over 6 months: Ivermectin should be used as the first choice wormer, but at least ONE treatment during autumn/early winter should be with a Moxidectin based wormer.

a89099d0d2f748abb2d4d6ecdfe84a0a

Strangles in Horses

Pre-Purchase Examinations (Vettings) 2 Stage & 5 Stage

Pre-purchase Examination The pre-purchase examination provides an assessment of the horse at the time of examination to help inform the potential purchaser decision whether or not to continue with their purchase. It is not a guarantee of a horse's suitability for the intended purpose.

Sycamore Poisoning - Seasonal Pasture Myopathy

The Increased Risk of Sycamore Poisoning aka Seasonal Pasture Myopathy

Castration Information

Colt Castrations - When to castrate and what to expect

Equine Dental Care - Facts & Information

Equine Emergencies - First Aid

EQUINE EMERGENCIES - A GUIDE FOR HORSE OWNERS PLEASE NOTE The following information is from our First Aid presentations, it is not meant to constitute a comprehensive first aid fact sheet. It has been posted to the website for clients who attended the First Aid evening as points for reminders.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Equine Cushings Disease

Parasite Control in Horses

Pre-purchase Examination

The pre-purchase examination provides an assessment of the horse at the time of examination to help inform the potential purchaser decision whether or not to continue with their purchase. It is not a guarantee of a horse's suitability for the intended purpose.

EQUINE EMERGENCIES - A GUIDE FOR HORSE OWNERS

PLEASE NOTE

The following information is from our First Aid presentations, it is not meant to constitute a comprehensive first aid fact sheet.

It has been posted to the website for clients who attended the First Aid evening as points for reminders.