Veterinary X-Ray: February 2016

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Behavioral Problems in Horses--Part I

Behavioral Problems in Horses--Part I

This is the first of a multi-part series outlining common equine behavior problems

Horses are highly social animals that require contact with others for normal daily care and well-being. Many behavioral problems are associated with confinement and/or isolation. The main goal of managing these problems is identification followed by correction.

Aggression

Aggression is a common problem in horses and includes kicking and biting, chasing, neck wrestling, etc. Signs of aggression include ears flattened backward, retracted lips, rapid tail movements, pawing, head bowing, snorting, squealing, levade (rearing with deeply flexed hindquarters), and threats to kick. Submissive horses respond with avoidance, lowering the neck and head, clamping the tail, and turning away from the aggressor.

Aggression Toward People

Generally, this behavior is seen in stalls or small spaces that the horse feels can be easily defended. The varieties of aggression toward people include fear, pain-induced, sexual (hormonal), learned, and dominance related. Some horses, especially young ones, play with each other while showing signs of aggression such as kicking and biting. Although harmless to other horses, this "play" can prove dangerous to people.

As stated earlier, the first step in managing equine aggression is to identify the cause and, if possible, to remove it. Training and positive reinforcement, combined with desensitization and counter-conditioning are an excellent means to a positive end for a large number of horses. Environmental management is important as well; good management should include sufficient resources such as space, food, and water.

Aggression Toward Other Horses

Aggression toward other horses is often associated with sexual competition, fear, dominance, or territory (protecting the group and resources). There are some horses that are pathologically aggressive; these should be separated completely from other horses (and humans). First separation, followed by keeping less dominant or subordinate equines away from dominant horses. Horses should have sufficient resources, and desensitization and counter-conditioning is the best treatment approach. In cases of sexually related aggression, castration and progestins can help. Adverse effects of such treatment should be weighed carefully, and the horse should be monitored closely. Punishment should be avoided.

Maternal Aggression

Aggression by mares toward people is normal during the first few days after giving birth (parturition). This behavior is hormonally driven and usually lessens with time. Mares should be familiarized with their caregivers before delivery and have minimal contact with other people after delivery. No treatment is required in most cases.

Aggression While Breeding

Stallions that are aggressive when used for breeding are often overused or used out of season. Stallions can develop preferences and a simple change of the mare may help. If stallions were stabled with mares when they were colts, they may have some social inhibitions, and forced mating can result in aggression. The goal of treatment is to treat the main cause of aggression; changing the mare (because of preferences) or artificial breeding can also be attempted. Physical restraint and desensitization can help as well. Clicker training has been used successfully to desensitize stallions with this problem.

Look for Part II: Abnormal Behaviors coming soon

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This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

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Equine Leptospirorosis Vaccine Now Available

Equine Leptospirorosis Vaccine Now Available

Leptospirosis. Veterinarians face it; horse owners dread it.

Though well-handled in many species, this bacteria has remained mysterious and problematic in the equine world. Cattle, dogs and cats have benefited from leptospirosis vaccines for years. At last, there may be one for horses.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved an intramuscular vaccine developed by a group of veterinarians and researchers in conjunction with pharmaceutical company Zoetis, the world's largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock. There is optimism that the medication will reduce the equine infection, which can effect a variety of organs.

Thehorse.com defines Leptospirosis as a zoonotic (transmitted between animals and man) bacterial disease found worldwide that can affect any mammalian species, including humans, wildlife, rodents, livestock, and, yes, horses. The disease is caused by leptospires, which are motile (capable of moving) bacteria called spirochetes. Leptospires are subdivided into serovars and serogroups (subgroups). Those of importance to the horse include pomona, grippotyphosa, hardjo, bratislava, canicola, and icterohaemorrhagiae. The incubation period for leptospirosis in horses is one to three weeks.

Craig Carter, DVM, PhD, director of the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center and professor of epidemiology, tells us horses become infected through mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth and sometimes through broken skin by contact with infected urine, blood, or tissues. Horses can become infected by eating hay or grain that has been contaminated by infected urine, or they can contract it by drinking from standing water that has been similarly affected. Cattle could introduce infected urine into ponds or other standing water.

Leptospirosis presents differently in different animals. In dogs, it presents as flu-like symptoms; in cattle as reduced milk production and abortion. In horses however, the bacteria appear to collect in different parts of the body, with the most common being the eyes, kidneys, or reproductive organs, sometimes leading to very different symptoms between patients. Recurring “moon blindness” or uveitis, is one of the most common indicators of a leptospirosis infection. Uveitis leads to eye swelling, cloudiness, discharge, and sensitivity towards light. Less commonly, kidney inflammation and failure can be blamed on the bacteria.

Abortion is also a common symptom of leptospirosis, with most occurring late in pregnancy and rare instances of foals being born alive with an active infection. In a study that included 3527 cases of abortion, still birth and perinatal death, fetoplacental infection caused by bacteria represented 628 cases, of which leptospirosis was identified in 78 (12.5%)

Some veterinarians had been using the cattle leptospirosis vaccine in horses as a makeshift in the hope of equine developments; others believed that the bovine formula could prove detrimental to equines. “My contention has always been that I could never take the risk of vaccinating the horses under my care with the cattle vaccine, because the value of the mares would be such that if I predisposed one of them to laminitis (inflammation of the sensitive structures in the hoof called the lamellae), it wouldn’t be justified based on the risk,” stated Dr. Stuart Brown of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

The new vaccine is now available to practitioners for use in equine herds.

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This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) provides Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

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Monday, February 15, 2016

How to Care for Horses in Winter

Winter is on the way...

do's and don'ts of cold-weather horse care

Cold weather is on the way and while you may enjoy the snow; if you have a horse you need to prepare.

Here are just a few ways to "winterize" your equine friends...

Shelter:
It is very important that a horse has shelter, natural or man made, against snow, frost and cold. If you are building a shelter shed, one that is open-fronted will lessen the possibility of one horse being cornered and injured by another. Don't remove the cobwebs -- they act as a free fly trap!

Blankets:
Most horses don't need them. If the horse is fit and healthy, its own coat will keep him comfortable and warm. If he has been clipped or his coat is very fine, you will need a blanket for protection from the cold. Before using your blanket, make sure it is clean, in good repair and waterproof. It's better to leave a horse bare then in a wet blanket. Make sure the blanket is the right size for your horse or pony. Remove and re position daily to ensure that it's not rubbing and that it's dry against the horse's skin.

Don't over groom, do check for cuts, bumps or bruises. Clean the feet and remember to remove mud and sweat. This light grooming will allow the horse to maintain a natural oil balance and reduce the need for a blanket.

Exercise:
If you are able to exercise your horse in the winter weather remember to warm him up and cool him down properly. After exercise don’t let your horse drink water straight from the trough – it could be too cold and will shock his hot system. Instead, mix warm water with cold water so that it is tepid.

If you plan to take your horse out for exercise and the area is covered in snow, put Vaseline or vegetable oil inside the hoof and around the outside -- this will stop the snow from balling underfoot. Once finished exercising, make sure to remove the oil and dry his feet, otherwise you are leaving a good breeding ground for bacteria. Remove all sweat marks and give a good brush; if you have to wash, dry under lamps or with a towel.

Food / Water:
If a stream runs through the pasture, make sure that the approach to the water is not steep or likely to cause injury to the horse if covered in ice or snow. Also, the water should be free flowing and not stagnant. If there is no stream in the field then you need to supply water and check and clean regularly (don't forget to take any ice out!). If piping water, insulate to avoid frozen water lines.

Your outdoor horse will not have access to much grass when there is heavy snow and ice on the ground so it is important to keep a regular supply of hay in the field for them. The average horse, with a lower activity level, should eat between 1.5 and 2% of its body weight in feed per day to maintain weight. A drop in temperature to minus 5 degrees will require an additional 15% more forage to provide the needed calories, meaning the horse needs to eat 2-3 more pounds of hay each day. Give more hay at night then during the day; the temperature drop will have them eating the hay to keep warm. If you are keeping your horses stabled and are not able to exercise them regularly, you may need to cut back on the hard feed. Too much hard feed and not enough exercise can lead to many problems – your horse can get restless and difficult to handle. Overfeeding can also cause illnesses such as colic and laminitis. So reduce the hard feed and increase the hay.

Health:
In wintertime, it is very important to treat any injuries or illness as soon as possible. Avoid excess washing, this can lead to your horse getting cold and burning more energy and body fat trying to get warm.
If your horse's legs are covered in mud, let it dry and then brush off or wash his legs and thoroughly dry before letting him back out into the muddy ground – this will help reduce mud fever (pastern dermatitis).
Don’t forget to worm your horse – the ground may be hard and the worm population low but routine worming year round will help your horse stay healthy.
Microchip your horse--it may stray if looking for food.
Ponies and horses may not look great during winter time. Their coat can look wet and disheveled. If you are worried about a horse's condition, check with the owner. If you can't make contact, call your local ASPCA or veterinarian.

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Tell Me Where It Hurts

Tell Me Where It Hurts

Do you ever have a headache, feel a little achy, or suffer with a throat tickle? Do you cry every time you move? Probably not. Acute pain, the type you get when you take a wrong step or nick your finger cutting tomatoes, is sharp enough that you might cry out “Oh !@$@$!# that hurts!”

But chronic pain, that dull, always just-below-the-surface ache of arthritis or toothache, doesn’t usually equate to sound. If you’ve ever walked around a senior citizen center, you know what I mean.

· You don't hear a lot of screaming, and you see a lot of people walking slowly, perhaps due to a variety of aches and pains

Look, then listen

Cats with arthritis in their spines are in pain. They may not howl when they walk, but they move ever so carefully. When their pain is treated, they start jumping back on counters again.

Dogs with rotting teeth are in pain. They may not yelp when they eat, but they eat less, or slowly. Most of the time, pet owners aren't aware of the problem until it's detected by a vet or until their pet eats everything in his bowl (and your plate!)

The rule of thumb for pain management specialists, both human and animal, is to Assume Pain; if a pet is likely to have a painful condition, go ahead and treat even if the signs aren't obvious. Don't make

pain medications optional for your animals; pain control is just as vital as every other aspect of your medical management.

Which is worse? Pain meds or pain itself?

Many people are under the mistaken belief that most pain medications are so dangerous it’s better not to try them at all. Veterinary NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), the most commonly prescribed class of pain medications, are also the most libeled.

NSAIDs can have side effects. All drugs do. Some of them are severe. As your pet's advocate, it's up to you to provide the vet with all appropriate health history, to understand how to properly administer the medication and what relief your pet should expect.

Side effects of NSAID's may include:

loss of appetite
diarrhea
vomiting
ulcers
liver & kidney damage

The vast majority of patients have an excellent experience with NSAIDs when given as directed. Most of the adverse events are related to people who either wait too long to report side effects, give more than the prescribed dosage, or refuse the recommended monitoring. In other words, most are avoidable. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet is suffering side effects from any NSAID.

There are other drugs out there besides NSAIDs. Adequan, Tramadol, gabapentin are just a few. Your vet may choose adjunct treatments like physical therapy, acupuncture and laser. Most animal healthcare practices now practice Multimodal Pain Management; combining medications and treatments across categories in an effort to better overall pain control.

We'd like to suggest...

Educated owners make good decisions.When it comes to the pain of joint disease, the best treatment/prevention is free...keep your animal at a healthy weight. Pain can be managed, even in very senior and frail patients. We just need to acknowledge that it’s there first. Don’t wait for your pet to tell you- he can’t talk.

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Winter Wonderland, Winter Warnings

Winter can be a time of fun, but we need to be mindful that dogs are susceptible to the same dangers that we are. Frostbite is the most common, but hypothermia (low body temperature) can have serious effects on body functions and can result in injury and, eventually, death.

Outdoor dogs need special attention to protect them from the elements. If your dog has an outside house or igloo, be sure that it is insulated. Heating mats, special to this particular need or good straw bedding are both options that can help keep your dog warm and dry.

Dogs that live outside should be allowed and able to come inside when they want to (or you want them to). Old or sick dogs should be kept indoors whenever possible and watched closely for signs of distress. Even a dog that is used to being outside can suffer hypothermia and frostbite. Remember, if severe winter storm warnings or extreme cold weather alerts recommend that humans stay indoors, it is a good idea to bring your dog indoors, too. If your dog cannot be brought into the house, a garage, mud room or barn can provide enough shelter in some cases. WARNING: carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if dogs are left in cars with the motor running or in a garage with a running car.

The weather isn't the only danger your dog will face. Ice melts and salts, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluids can all be toxic and can cause serious complications if dogs eat or drink them. Ice melts and salts can stick to the bottom of dogs’ paws, so it is best to wash your dog’s feet after he or she has been outdoors. Methanol and ethylene glycol, the toxic ingredients in windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze, can cause permanent kidney damage and even death if ingested by a dog.

Lastly, going for walks or runs, snowball fights, etc. in the winter can be big fun, but it is best to keep dogs away from frozen water. Slips and slides can cause injury to joints and bones. Worse yet, dogs can fall through thin ice into freezing water and may suffer hypothermia or drown.

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Horse Travels: On the Road Again

On The Road Again...

Training to load

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.
~Winston Churchill

Training a horse to load takes patience and preparation. It can be quite unnerving for a horse to walk on a ramp and into a small space; take things a step at a time and remain calm. There are many different approaches to loading a horse, so use a method that neither frightens nor punishes your horse, nor presents a safety risk to either you or your horse.

Try not to use bribes to get your horse up the ramp...one day when it is really important blackmail may not work. If you wish to use food as a reward, give a small feed in the trailer once the horse has loaded. If your horse has a known loading or travelling problem due to a bad experience or journey, be prepared to look at every aspect of your horse’s training and the type of transporter you are using. You may need to enlist the help of someone more experienced, but be happy with the methods they plan to use to help load your horse.

Horses need to be transported for a variety of reasons, from occasional journeys such as moving home, changing owner or visiting the vet, to more frequent traveling to attend shows or events. Whatever the reason or frequency of the journey, it is important that the horse is safe and comfortable in order to minimize stress. Horse owners need to be fully prepared for any eventuality, ensuring that their horse is happy to be loaded and to travel as needed.

Once your horse is loading happily, move onto short trips. Don't make your first trip a show trip! Shows stress both of you. By taking small steps and remaining calm and patient, the end result should be that both you and your horse are happy to travel, whatever the destination.

Travel clothing from head to tail

Horses should wear protective travel clothing to protect them from injury and to ensure that they stay safe and comfortable during loading and the journey itself. The equipment and clothing used should be well-fitting, and meet both the surrounding conditions and the needs of the individual animal.

Here's our checklist of must-haves:

Leather Head Collar
Poll Guards
Sweat/Cooler Rugs
Leg Protectors & Bandages
Tail Guards & Bandages

With all of the above equipment, it is essential that the horse be used to it and happy and comfortable wearing it. Many horses react to protective leg wear and can feel restricted by it, so spend time with your horse playing "dress up". The time spent practicing is invaluable.

And don't forget:

Health Certificates
Food (fresh hay)
Water

Types of vehicle and driver considerations

Using a Horse Float, Horse Truck or Goose-neck depends on personal choice, finances and requirements. Internal designs can vary greatly and again can depend on personal choice, taking into consideration the type and size of horse. The options are to transport the horse facing forwards, backwards, or herring-bone (on a slant). Whichever you choose, be sure that there is sufficient (but not too much) space for your horse, allowing it to brace around corners and when braking. Too much room can allow the horse to fall over during traveling and be far more tiring. The trailer or truck should be light and airy, allowing your horse plenty of headroom, and allowing him to stand straight within the space.

To provide a comfortable journey, the truck or trailer should be of solid and sound construction, with good quality, non-slip rubber flooring, padded partitions, and a ramp with matting or a rubber surface. The ramp angle should be as shallow as possible, without too great a step onto the ramp

You know you're a horse person when…

you pull a $17,000 horse trailer with a $1,000 pick-up truck.

~Unknown

The abilities of the driver can make or break a good traveler. Do not assume that you can drive a truck or tow a trailer without adapting your normal car-driving style. You have to think about the ride for the horse – how and when you brake is entirely different when carrying a live load, as are considerations of cornering, stopping and accelerating. Better to arrive late than not at all.

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5 Fascinating Facts About Horses

Horses have been teaming up with humans for thousands of years; it's safe to say the partnership is here to stay. Today, let’s honor them by taking a look at some of the more interesting aspects of their life and history.

1. The Horse Industry

Horses are used for in competitions and sports, breeding, recreation, and as part of the workforce. In fact, horses are a massive business. Approximately 4.6 million Americans work in the horse industry in one way or another. The U.S. horse industry is estimated to have an economic effect of $40 billion—annually.

And that's just the nine million American horses. There are approximately 58 million horses in the world and the vast majority of them are cared for by humans.

2. Memory

You've heard that elephants never forget. A 2010 study revealed it's true for horses as well. The study revealed our equine friends understand our words far better than we had previously thought. Be kind to a horse and it will remember your friendship for as long as it lives. You can disappear for years; the horse instantly resumes the friendship. Oh, and they remember places, too!

The good memory and relatively powerful intellect of horses is not always a good thing, though. If they get bored, they can accidentally figure out how to untie themselves from posts and open latches and grain bins. Once they learn these methods of mischief, they’ll never, ever forget.

3. Horse Shoes

Everyone knows most horses are fitted with shoes, but most people aren’t aware that these curved pieces of metal don't just provide protection. The hard parts of horse hooves are made of keratin—like your hair and nails—and leave a lot to be desired when it comes to things like traction. Imagine running on a wet or snowy street wearing fingernails. Ouch!

Shoes improve traction for the hoof and act as shock absorbers, much the same as your running shoes. Horse shoes also share another similarity with the sports shoe industry—there is a huge selection of different types, such as pronation-correcting support shoes, “natural balance” shoes, and lightweight aluminum shoes for serious racing horses.

4. Eyes

At a diameter of roughly 2 inches, a horse's eyes are the largest of any land mammal; nine times larger than a human's by volume. The story goes that this means horses see things bigger, which is why they startle easily. Spoiler: It's not true!

The horse eye has three eyelids—two ordinary ones and a third called the nictitating membrane—which is located in the inner corner of the eye and occasionally sweeps the eye, lubricating and cleaning it if need arises. Horses can’t properly focus their eyes like we do. Instead, the lower parts of their retina see objects at a distance, and the upper ones are for closer viewing. This means that if you want to know where a horse is looking, you should pay attention to the position of its head. If you see a horse standing in a field and it’s standing with its head held high and ears pricked forward, the animal is probably just looking at something interesting in the distance.

5. Horse Names

Yes, they can seem ridiculous..."Almost Illegal", "Made You Look" or "Zorro Garlic". As random as this may seem, there are actually many traditions and superstitions associated with naming horses.

Many breeders name their horses to respect pedigree, which can lead to some unfortunate variations over time. Naming a horse after a family member is generally avoided, because if the horse you named after your mother turns out to be a failure, Mom probably isn’t going to be too happy. Many owners prefer powerful names like “Man O’War,” because it is believed this brings the horse good fortune in the races. On the other hand, naming a horse “Champion” will likely result in a racehorse doomed to failure, so some owners decide to simply have a bit of fun.

Actually, there are rules governing the naming tradition. These rules vary depending on your area. A good rule of thumb: no obscenities, racism, or similarity to actively competing horses. If a horse gets famous enough, think Seattle Slew, its name might be pulled from use altogether, much in the same way some sports retire the numbers of particularly legendary athletes.

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