Equine and Small Companion Articles
Tension. It’s a physical concept that most of us are familiar with in our own lives, becoming increasingly dominant at times, but does it impact your horse? Tension is a physiological response to stress on some level and it does occur in the horse, rather often. In fact, I am hard pressed not to find…
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Lethargy and loss of stamina in the competitive horse can originate from a variety of clinical problems. Upper airway conditions are common and are a potential source, however, even then, there are contributing factors. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate and laryngeal hemiplasia are specific problems found intermittently in the horse, which can be troublesome…
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Exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in the horse is a common problem especially in the Thoroughbred racing industry and the Quarter Horse competing in barrel racing. The precise cause of the bleeding in the lungs is uncertain but only theorized currently. Despite the heavy usage of medications including Lasix or other diuretics, the problem of…
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Suspensory ligament desmitis in the horse can take many forms and have a variety of presentations. In all, if not most, there is a lameness noted by a head-nod or reluctance to stretch out in front. This can be evident on different levels, dependent upon the degree of damage to ligament and which area is…
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Anxiety is very common in the horse, especially noted in the lighter weight and leaner breeds, such as the Thoroughbred. The anxiety is often self-evident in the horse by seeing vices such as cribbing, pawing, weaving, or just overall restlessness. The anxiety, when uncontrolled, will also lead to a high incidence of gastric or stomach…
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EPM has become a common clinical problem in the horse, being primarily a parasitic infection of the central or peripheral nervous system cased by Sarcocystis neurona. The condition is commonly diagnosed in all breeds of horses and different levels of activity from the backyard companion to the elite dressage competitor. When not managed properly and…
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Metabolic syndrome in the horse is an ongoing problem for many owners and a focus for many researchers over the years. Despite most best efforts, metabolic related issues from foot soreness to insulin dysfunction tend to wax and wane, with most horses being chronically affected. Jiaogulan or Gynostemma pentaphyllum has gained some attention in recent…
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This is part two of a several part article series on the use of traditional Chinese medicine and theories to help in resolving health and lameness events in the horse. In part one, I discussed the very basics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the concept of Qi or energy, which is a vital substance…
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Qi or Energy is just one of a few vital substances needed for ultimate health and soundness in the horse, or really any living body, including you and me. Every health ailment and lameness condition in the horse roots back to one of 5 vital substances, from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective. A failure to…
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Ketones and the metabolic horse. A topic that appears to have become popular with many, creating some contradictions in their own current understanding, and stirring up some debates in other areas. I am writing this article today in response to a press release put out by a well known equine insulin resistance group, finding problems…
Read MoreThe information presented on this site and through consultations is not intended to replace a veterinary diagnosis or proper veterinary attention. Our goal is to supplement current regimens, helping to educate and provide a higher level of understanding regarding health in horses and companion pets, interweaving diet, nutrition and supplementation to achieve a higher level of success.