Equine Health
Vaccination
Of all the domestic animals we treat, horses are the most susceptible to tetanus. Tetanus toxin is produced by bacteria and these bacteria are ubiquitous. The bacteria may infect even a minor wound and tetanus can develop. Signs include difficulty eating and stiffness in gait Tetanus is often fatal as treatment has limited success. Vaccinating every 2 years once the initial course is given provides excellent protection. Similarly it is recommended to provide vaccination cover for equine influenza. Flu causes a cough, nasal discharge and raised temperature. Affected horses may take weeks to recover and go back to work and also spread the virus to others they come in contact with. Horses that take part in events at any level require a valid vaccination certificate. The flu vaccination is annually following the initial course which consists of 3 injections.
Worming
There are 3 groups of intestinal parasites
Round worms:
These commonly affect foals and foals not wormed regularly may suffer colic or ill thrift. Large strongyles are the large red worms that are grazed off the pasture and then migrate to the large artery supplying the intestine and this can causes severe colic. Appropriate wormer should be given throughout the spring and summer months to treat these.
Small strongyles are the small red worms that are also grazed off the pasture. The larvae develop in the wall of the large intestine and over winter remain dormant there. In spring they emerge out of the intestine wall and can cause colic and in severe cases chronic diarrhoea. Wormers to target these should be given in the autumn and spring.
Bots:
Clusters of yellow eggs are laid on the hairs of the legs, shoulder and neck by a fly called Gastrophilus. The horse licking transfers the eggs into the mouth, larvae hatch and migrate to the stomach where they mature and pass out in the faeces the following spring. The clinical significance of these is uncertain.
Tapeworm:
Horses ingest forage mites which carry larval tapeworm, the tapeworm develop in the horse's gut at the junction between the large and small intestine. Segments of the tapeworm break away and pass out in the faeces. These worms are associated with large intestinal colic. Appropriate wormer should be given in autumn and late spring.
During the summer months worm burdens are highest because the horses are grazing more and so are exposed to more infection. In the winter worm burdens are lower. Horses that are out all year or yards where many horses are kept are at higher risk of higher worm burdens. It is difficult to advice a worming protocol to suit every horse in every situation but we recommend sampling faeces to check worm egg counts. This way we can ensure the horse receives the appropriate wormer at the correct time and over worming is avoided.
It is recommended that newly acquired horses should be wormed and isolated for 48 hours before grazing with existing horses. An important and one of the best aids to control worms is regularly removing faeces from the pasture. By removing faeces, the worm life cycle is broken and worm burdens are significantly reduced. Once or twice a week removal is recommended. This method of control reduces the need to use worming drugs and this is important as resistance to these drugs is increasing.
Dental Care
Horses, ponies and donkeys have teeth that grow constantly throughout their life. They are herbivorous and graze for many hours a day. The constant grazing means the teeth grind together and naturally wear down. Sometimes problems occur with this mechanism and this is why regular dental checks are recommended. Sharp edges or hooks may develop on the teeth and these need rasping smooth as mouth damage and difficulty eating can occur. More severe dental disease can result in the horse losing weight because of its inability to chew properly.
Colic
Colic is the term used to describe non specific abdominal pain. Causes can be very mild, for example due to a accumulation of gas or can be more serious, for example an intestinal blockage or a gut twist. The signs of colic include restlessness, pacing, flank watching, stretching, sweating, kicking at the abdomen and failure to pass faeces. Sometimes a mild bout of colic will pass by simply walking the horse and allowing excess gas to dissipate. If no improvement is seen prompt veterinary attention is needed.
Laminitis
This disease is caused by a disruption of the blood supply to part of the foot and a subsequent inflammation of the laminae of the foot. Laminitis is most common in ponies and in overweight unfit horses. 1 or all 4 feet may be affected. Causes include excess carbohydrate intake from lush grazing or hard feed overload, infection and toxaemia, Cushing's disease, trauma. Laminitis is always regarded as serious and veterinary attention should be immediate. Prompt treatment is needed to relieve the intense pain and to try to prevent permanent damage to the foot. Signs include shifting weight, unwilling to move sometimes lying down, short shuffling steps. The typical stance is of the front legs thrust forward and hind legs drawn under the body and weight taken on the heels. Treatment includes adjusting the diet, pain killing drugs, drugs to restore correct blood supply to the foot and supportive shoeing.
Vetting a horse
There is a 5 stage vetting protocol set out by the Royal College Of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association. We recommend that before purchasing a horse or pony that you ask a veterinary surgeon to perform this as it provides important information on the horse's health and condition and suitability for the use for which it is intended. The 5 stage vetting is:
1. A preliminary clinical examination in the stable
2. In hand exercise including trotting, turning , backing and flexion tests
3. Strenuous ridden exercise
4. Rest period and further examination
5. A second trot up in hand and foot examination
Further information on the vetting procedure
-The examination is only done on behalf of the purchaser and not the vendor
-The prospective purchaser has tried the horse prior to vetting
-Ensure the horse is well shod for the examination
-Ensure there is a stable and a suitable area for in hand and strenuous exercise. A hard surface is ideal for a trotting area and an area where canter can be performed
-Tack needs to be ready for strenuous exercise
-Prior to vetting find out if there is any reason why the horse should fail the vetting of if there are any pre-existing problems eg injuries or vices
-A blood test may be taken and this can be tested for drugs such as phenybutazone at a later date if required
If a purchaser wishes to obtain a warranty covering matters such as height, freedom form vices, the non administration of drugs prior to examination, or the animal's existing performance as a hunter, riding pony, eventer etc, it is advised to seek a warranty in writing from the vendor as these matters are between the vendor and purchaser and are not the responsibility for the veterinary surgeon.
Artificial Insemination
The practice is able to offer this service. Nigel Misselbrook can be contacted for further advice.
Latest News
11/06/2010
Veterinary Nurse Emma Keddie and partner Adam Jewitt announce the birth of their baby boy Harry.
15/05/2010
Veterinary Nurse Sarah Davis marries Chris Vincent at Longhope Church, Gloucestershire
