Equine Articles

In this article, we are going to look at the normal birthing process and what to expect, what can go wrong and when to call the veterinarian. Most of the time there isn’t an issue and mares foal without difficulty, but it is important that any problem is recognised promptly so the veterinarian can be

Tetanus is a bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani which is a ubiquitous organism found in soil and in the faeces of different animals (including horses). The bacteria can survive as spores in the environment for very long periods of time. It is found all over the world and can affect humans as

Kissing spines is more formally known as overriding (or impingement) of the dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP). It occurs when the dorsal spinous processes (the top blade of the vertebrae) are too close together rather than being spaced out with gaps in between them. This results in overlapping or touching of two or more of the

The one one that instills fear and concern in horse owners is the word “colic” – seeing a horse with colic is very distressing and every owner seems to know of a horse that has died from it.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a contagious viral disease. There are nine different equine herpes viruses with EHV-1 and EHV-4 being the most commonly seen causing disease in horses.

The horse’s eye is a beautiful and exquisite structure. When looking into your horse’s eyes (we all do it!) have you noticed the “brown blobs” that appear to hang from the iris into the pupil and wondered what they are? Are they normal? Does my horse have an issue?

The prevalence of gastric ulcers in racehorses has been well known for a number of years. Various studies across the world have reported that 80-90% of racehorses have ulcers. However, there is a high incidence in other equine athletes. Studies have shown a 40–60% incidence in other equine sports disciplines.

Shivers or shivering are names that are used to describe a chronic nervous or neuromuscular syndrome in horses that has been recognised for centuries. Traditionally, it was recognised when horses were reversed in between the shafts of carts or agricultural implements when they were used as workhorses.

In the hot and humid climatic conditions of Australia – heat stress is a serious risk to the horse and can occur in all performance athletes from the pony club horse to the elite athlete. It is, however, more common in racehorses, endurance and eventing horses.

The risk of travel sickness increases with the duration of travel and can occur even after six hours of travel. There is a dramatic increase in cases after ten hours of travel, and 10% of horses will develop it after 24 hours of travel.

No matter how safe the stable or how well managed the horse is, horses will injure themselves and these wounds and lacerations can occur without warning.

Subchondral bone cysts are a component of osteochondrosis or OCD and most frequently found in the stifle, followed by the fetlock and pastern joints.

The suspensor ligament is a key component of the stay apparatus and the major mechanism by which horses generate speed and power.

Scoping (upper airway endoscopy) is a common procedure performed in racing stables on a daily basis. Due to the importance of the airway for a racehorse to reach their athletic potential, the evaluation of the equine larynx is extremely valuable to evaluate animals with poor performance or airway noise.

The prevalence of gastric ulcers in racehorses has been well known for a number of years. Various studies across the world have reported that 80 – 90 % of racehorses have ulcers. However, there is a high incidence in other equine athletes. Studies have shown a 40 – 60 % incidence in other equine sports

Upper airway disease is second only to lameness as the most significant performance-limiting condition in the racehorse. The conditions of the upper condition can be dynamic, changing as horses grow and develop, as well as manageable with tack, conditions, and fitness. The epiglottis is a triangular shaped cartilage that is positioned in front of the

In late 2014 the results of Australia’s largest equine parasite prevalence survey were revealed. The study aimed to confirm the prevalence of four key internal parasites of horses, all potentially deadly. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ). Faecal samples were sourced from a total of 102 properties scattered up

The prevalence of gastric ulcers in racehorses has been well known for a number of years. Various studies across the world have reported that 80-90 per cent of racehorses have ulcers compared to 40 to 60 per cent of other performance horses.

A fetlock breakdown injury is one of the most traumatic events to occur on a racecourse or on the training track. The cause of breakdown injuries have been studied extensively in the racehorse and are almost exclusively associated with degree subchondral bone fatigue.

Although most people rarely give their gelding’s sheath and penis a second look, outlined below is what attention should be paid to this area and why. This article acts as a guide for geldings only, as a stallion’s cleaning regime will vary depending on their breeding management.

It’s something we do almost every day as veterinarians: collect some blood from one of our patients to try and determine what is going on internally. But have you ever wondered what we’re looking at? This article aims to give you a brief overview of what tests can be performed on blood and thus the

What Is Cushing’s Disease? You may have heard of Cushing’s Disease in humans, however it is not quite the same disease in horses and is more correctly named Pituitary Pars Intermediary Dysfunction (PPID). It is the most common endocrine (hormone) disease affecting horses. PPID is typically a condition of older horses, usually over the age

Breeding your own horses is an option that many horse owners try at some stage. Most owners have a mare they breed from, however very few owners decide to manage and educate a stallion with the prospect of using him as a breeding proposition. Stallions might be considered a breeding option to increase genetic gain,

Following on from the last edition on the general initial treatment of deep wounds, this month we will discuss some examples of specific types of wounds and how they can be managed to achieve the best outcome. We will also touch on complications of wound healing and what can be done to manage these cases.

Finding your horse with a wound can be a stressful situation but it is one which all horse owners will inevitably find themselves in at some stage.In the next two articles of this three-part series, Dr Sarah van Dyk from WestVETS discusses deeper wounds.

Finding your horse with a wound can be a stressful situation but it is one which all horse owners will inevitably find themselves in at some stage.In this 3 part series, Dr from WestVETS will address the different types of wounds, first aid treatment and when to call a vet.

Vasculitis and lymphangitis are broad terms that cover anything from slightly puffy legs to a sick horse that needs hospitilisation and intensive care. Before talking about these scenarios we first have to appreciate the anatomy.

Mammary gland problems in the mare are thankfully not common, occasionally however, some issues can arise including; mastitis, abnormal milk production, discharge, swellings, lumps and ulceration. The horse has two mammary glands and two teats, which are quite small, unlike the cow (which has four large teats). The technique for milking a horse is also

It is crucial for the newborn foal to obtain antibodies through the dam’s milk because, unlike in humans, there is no natural transfer of antibodies through the mother’s placenta. This is why it is crucial that your foal receives enough colostrum during the first twelve hours of life. In this article, Katelyn McNicol from WestVETS

We’ve all had a case of the hiccups, but did you know that your horse can actually get the hiccups as well? Equine hiccups are more commonly referred to as ‘Thumps’, but are scientifically known as Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (SDF). A horse with thumps will typically present with muscle twitching in their flanks, which are

Contrary to what the common name may lead you to believe, swamp cancer is not a cancer, but is caused by an aquatic fungus. The disease is called Pythiosis and is caused by the organism Pythium insidiosum. It is a plant parasite that causes an infection of the skin and can quickly cause large lesions

Summer is nearly upon us, and no doubt we have all noticed the temperature and humidity steadily creeping up. And whilst many of us are able to hide away from the heat in air-conditioned homes and offices, most of our big four-legged friends are not so fortunate and have to tough it out in the

‘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 bones or adjacent bones. It usually occurs in young growing horses involved in heavy training but can also originate from tearing of the

Every day, your horse’s respiratory tract is challenged by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungal elements. In the majority of cases, your horse’s immune system and defence mechanisms easily overcome these small challenges without any external symptoms. Some mes, however, when the challenge is too great or the defence mechanisms are overwhelmed, clinical infec

Welcome to Part One of a new three- part series on respiratory conditions, presented by the team at WestVETS Animal Hospital & Reproduction Centre. This month, Sarah Van Dyck outlines the anatomy of the respiratory tract and respiratory conditions affecting the equine athlete. Correct diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions is integral to our horses

So, you’ve decided to make the big step and add another four legged lawn mower to your family. But what now? What do you need to do to get your mare ready to carry your new foal? The first thing to consider is whether a new foal is the best option for your family. Factors

Every breeding season there are a multitude of articles written focusing on the health and well-being of the foal, but, what about the mare? As Dr Katelyn McNicol from WestVETS Animal Hospital and Equine Reproduction Centre explains, there are just as many potential health concerns surrounding the mare post foaling, some of which can be

The condition known as a locking patella or locking stifle is not uncommon in the horse world. You may have heard horse owners talk about their horse that has stifles that ‘catch’ or ‘lock’, or you may have experienced this condition firsthand in your own horse.

Despite the widespread media coverage of Hendra virus outbreaks and the release of the Hendra vaccine last November, many horse owners are still uncertain about different aspects surrounding the vaccine and do not know if they should vaccinate their horses. In this article, Dr Nathan Anthony a member of the AVA HeV Task Force who

Having a foal on the way is very exciting and, although most foalings go ahead without a hitch, it is vital to be able to recognise a problem early. It is important to understand the normal foaling process, recognise problems and know when to contact your veterinarian for assistance. This could mean the difference between