Articles
October, 2011
Oesophagel Obstruction (Choke)
10/10/2011
Choke occurs when there is the prevention of food passage down the oesophagus. This is most commonly caused by food becoming lodged, however, many other causes exist including narrowing of the oesophagus, a mass (e.g. tumour/abscess), megaoesophagus, conditions affecting nerve supply (e.g. equine grass sickness) or a foreign body.
Colic- Impactions
10/10/2011
This is when food material causes a blockage in the intestines or, in some case, the stomach. This often occurs when horses suddenly move onto drier food, e.g. when they become stabled for the winter or placed on box rest.
April, 2011
Laminitis
26/04/2011
Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the foot. It is usually only the forelimbs that are involved, although sometimes the hindlimbs can also be affected.
Sweet Itch
06/04/2010
Sweet itch is a seasonal allergic skin condition caused by fly bites. In the UK the fly most commonly involved is Culicoides pulicaris. All horses and ponies are bitten from time to time without any major signs being seen, however, horses that suffer from sweet itch develop an allergy to the bites causing the characteristic signs.
January, 2010
Worming
06/01/2010
Proper worming is essential to your horses wellbeing. This article provides you with all you need to know about when to worm and with what product.
Good pasture management is essential to prevent worm problems. Horses can have a small number of worms living their intestines, without any adverse affects, however, if the worm number is allowed to increase a number of problems can be seen including ill thrift, colic and diarrhoea. By using a good worming protocol and pasture management these worms can be kept under control preventing future problems.
November, 2009
Colic
25/11/2009
This article highlights one of the most terrifying conditions for horse owners, the dreaded colic episode.
Colic is the word that describes abdominal pain in horses and can be due to many factors because of the complex nature of the horse’s digestive system. Unlike humans, horses digest part of their food by fermentation in the huge large intestine. This is because they are herbivores and must digest large amounts of plant matter.
October, 2009
Mud Fever
26/10/2009
Mud fever is caused by the bacteria dermatophilus congolensis which lives in the soil and can infect damaged skin. This damage can be caused by wounds and grazes or continual wetting of the skin, hence it being most commonly seen in wet and muddy conditions.
Laminitis
18/10/2009
Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the foot. It is usually only the forelimbs that are involved, although sometimes the hindlimbs can also be affected.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
01/10/2009
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is one of the most common respiratory conditions in horses.