Spring 2013 Horses were rarely vaccinated for rabies because it was so uncommon. However there has been a change and not a good one. Rabies has made its way West moving from the Eastern United States. Where bats were once the chief source of rabies, it is now being found with increasing alarm in ground […]
Horse Health
Owning a horse is a commitment to take care of all needs. It’s up to every horse owner and horse lover to ensure their health and well-being. We hope these articles help you keep your horse in the pink. Please remember that these articles are not meant as substitutes for your veterinarian. If your horse is ill, please see your vet asap.
Here’s the list!
Expectant Mares
A mare’s pregnancy is 11 months long. That gives us enough time to prepare for the birth of the foal. The foal will do most of its growing during the last trimester of pregnancy. At that time, about 8 months into the pregnancy, the mare will require more food. Care should be taken where the […]
Choke in Horses
Choke in horses is not the same as it is in humans. Choke in horses occurs when something is lodged in the esophagus. A horse that is experiencing choke can still breathe but cannot swallow due to the obstruction. At greater risk for choke are horses that eat too quickly or horses that cannot chew […]
Do Horses Vomit
When horses eat, the food is swallowed and passes down the esophagus into the stomach. There is a strong band of muscle called the cardiac sphincter around the esophagus at the stomach entrance. While all mammals have the cardiac sphincter which is a valve, it is different in horses for these reasons. It is extremely […]
Horses Feeding Changes in Spring
Over winter your horse may have lost or gained weight. Now that spring is here, your horse will probably get more exercise and lose those extra pounds and build up muscle. Pastures that have been dormant over the cold season are now turning green, providing your horse with high amounts of nutrients such as sugar […]
How Much Weight Can a Horse Carry
The amount of weight a horse can carry depends upon the horse. Some can carry more comfortably than others. While horses willingly carry heavy weight, it can cause changes in gait as well as back and leg problems. Some riders, such as the disabled, tend to distribute their weight unevenly, making them seem heavier and […]
Grazing for Horses
Horses love grazing. When put out to pasture they graze for hours on end. But what’s the best way to maintain those grazing grasses? Rotational grazing is the answer, especially in seasons with little or no rainfall. Plant areas with warm season grasses such as Bermuda grass. Alfalfa has a deep root system and will […]
Strangles in Horses
Strangles is a bacterial infection, Streptococcus Equi. It can quickly spread from horse to horse contact or contaminated materials such as food and water buckets, grooming tools, etc. The disease is known as strangles because sometimes extreme swelling of lymph nodes in the throat area can cause suffocation. The bacteria enters through the nose or […]
Horse Virus Outbreak
There has been an outbreak of a deadly horse virus – herpes virus-1. It is highly contagious and can be fatal. The virus was discovered at the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah. There were 400 horses participating in the events lasting from April 30 through May 8. Since the event, […]
Living with a Lame Pet
If your pet is lame, either temporarily or permanently, you will have to make some changes in its care. Caring for a lame dog Lameness in dogs is very common and can be due to injury or a chronic condition. The first thing to do when you notice this problem is to take your dog […]