Veterinary
Joint Disease
February 2019
Lameness is one of the top three areas of equine veterinary medicine, along with colic and reproduction. Joint disease is the most common cause of lameness and results from pain during movement. The onset of pain can be sudden or long-term, and may result in an obvious lameness or the horse ‘just not being right’. Osteoarthritis, commonly shortened to arthritis, can result from a range of factors, but all result in joint inflammation and degradation. We’ll take a look at how this happens and what we can do about it. Let’s get technical, technical!
Heart Disease in Horses
November 2018
From mild problems that are well tolerated and allow the horse to perform normally, to diseases causing poor performance or, in severe cases, resulting in collapse or even death, heart disease in horses is more common than people realise. In this article, Dr Katharyn Mitchell, a senior clinician in Equine Cardiology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, explains the most common heart conditions and how they will affect the horse.
Queensland Itch Vaccine Trial
July 2018
The type of allergic dermatitis known as Queensland Itch, Summer or Sweet Itch has so far proven impossible to cure and difficult to manage, but a new study suggests a vaccine may soon be available to provide the relief horses and their owners are looking for.
The Mystery of Colic in the Horse
June 2018
Even though colic is a common ailment in horses, it can be mysterious and frightening for horse owners. Colic is a generalised term referring to any type of abdominal pain in the horse and most commonly originates from within the gastrointestinal tract, or gut. This article will focus on the gastrointestinal causes of colic to help horse owners broaden their understanding of the problem and be able to make informed decisions regarding their horse if colic does occur.
New Flu Vaccine Now Available for Horses
June 2018
While Australian and New Zealand horse owners aren't required to vaccinate for equine influenza, the devastation of this transmittable virus was felt on our shores in 2007. For horse owners where flu outbreaks are common and vaccination is necessary, the release of a new flu vaccine is a welcome breakthrough.
A Neck-Related Issue or a True Forelimb Lameness?
April 2018
A neck related issue or a true forelimb lameness? That is the question… In this article, equine physiotherapist Nicky Suckle provides a complete overview of neck and forelimb injury and pain, including common causes and treatment options for the equine. Neck and forelimb injuries are very common in horses and, often, a neck issue is misdiagnosed as a primary forelimb lameness. Anatomy of the spine
8 Steps for Giving Intramuscular Injections
March 2018
Although often the domain of the veterinarian, there are occasions when horse owners may need to give injections too. When such situations arise, the vet will likely explain to the owner how to safely and correctly give an injection. Dr Jenni Bauquier has given many thousands of injections as a vet with the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Equine Centre. Jenni offers her knowledge on how to make this simple procedure as safe and stress-free as possible. The basics of injections
The Pros and Cons of Protective Boots
February 2018
The most common piece of protective equipment riders use on their horses is some form of protection for the lower legs. Orthopaedic problems are one of the most common reasons for a veterinarian being called to examine or treat a horse, and this does not really differ between disciplines or level of competition. But, can boots do more harm than good? The limbs of a horse are the most common site for injury and the lower limbs (below the knee) more common than the upper limbs. The forelimbs are also more likely to be injured than the hindlimbs.
Splints
February 2018
‘Splint’ is the common name given to an inflammatory condition of the splint bones involving injury to the interosseous ligament, or to the periosteum (the soft tissue covering bone) of the splint or adjacent bones. It usually occurs in young, growing horses involved in heavy training, but can also originate from tearing of the interosseous ligament, external trauma to the bone or as a secondary condition to healing of a fracture.
Tarcoola's Legacy
November 2017
The professional development room at Avoca Park is filled with equine industry professionals and interested horse owners. Everyone sits in plastic chairs as the presenters finish their preparations for the next three days’ work. Wheel the Lead – or Wheely – lies on the table, mostly shrouded in shade cloth and towels, a bunch of flowers resting on his ribcage. He is a 16-year-old Thoroughbred ex-racehorse and yesterday he passed away.
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