Client Education

Parasites:

Parasitic worms live in the intestines of horses and ponies. Smaller numbers of worms can be tolerated causing no harmful effects. Larger worm infestations can cause a wide range of illness including diarrhea, colic and death. Proper pasture management and a regular worming protocol will assist in keeping the intestinal population of worms under control. Developing the proper worming protocol for your equine is best decided with your veterinarian as some equine patients are more susceptible to infestation than others. 

Colic:

The term “colic” means abdominal pain. There are several causes and symptoms range widely from mild to very painful. Symptoms include dullness, adopting a ‘straining to urinate’ stance, repeated looking or biting at the sides, laying down and rolling or thrashing uncontrollably.

Different types of colic require different treatment an accurate diagnosis is the first step. When a horse appears uncomfortable it is best to contact a veterinarian. Hand walking the horse until the veterinarian arrives is highly recommended if the horse can walk. Many colic cases respond positively to analgesics such as banamine and simple large colon impactions can respond to treatment with stomach lubrication with oil, water and electrolytes. Some cases do require urgent medical and even surgical treatment to correct the problem. Colic if left untreated can be life threatening.

Gastric Ulcers:

Gastric ulcers are a common medical condition in horses and foals. Numerous publications have identified that up to 60% of show horses have ulcers and up to 90% of racehorses may develop gastric ulcers. There are many causes for stomach ulcer development, and stress is an important factor. Horses may experience stress when exposed to situations that you might think of as normal or routine such as training, travel, competition, shows and events, or changes in routine such as lay-up due to sickness or injury.

There are numerous clinical signs associated with gastric ulcers. Typical symptoms include poor performance, dull hair coat, picky eating, and colic. The diagnosis of gastric ulcers can sometimes be difficult because the signs can be subtle and easy to overlook. The primary goal of treatment is suppression of gastric acid which creates an environment conducive for healing. The most commonly used product is Omeprazole.

Laminitis:

Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive layers of the hoof. In a foundering horse or pony the lamina detaches between the distal phalanx and the inner hoof wall causing unrelenting pain. This inflammation is triggered by the interference with blood supply to the sensitive layers of the foot. Conditions that cause this interference include; overfeeding, severe injury (resulting in increased weight bearing on opposite limb), neglected feet, toxemia associated with infection, adverse reactions to certain drugs, and excessive concussion. Some breeds are more predisposed than others to laminitis.

Many cases of laminitis or “founder” happen in the spring time when grass grows rapidly. At this time horses that are already obese are at a greater risk of laminitis. Proper monitoring and limitation of turnout can greatly reduce the risk of laminitis in predisposed and overweight horses.

Laminitis is a very serious and requires immediate veterinary care if you feel your horse has any symptoms. Feet may feel abnormally warm to the touch or pulse may be stronger. Horse may stand with hind limbs well under the body with forelimbs stretched out in front in an effort to keep weight off the painful front feet. In cases where all four feet are effected horses may lay down for extended periods of time. Severe cases will result in the horse unable to move at all or bear any weight on the affected limb(s). Contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment options.

Endoscopy:

Endoscopy is equipment used to examine and diagnose upper respiratory conditions in horses. It can be used to identify upper airway disorders, examine anatomy and function, conditions such as infections, or allergy type symptoms. It can also be used to monitor heeling and maturation of the horses throat.