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Hi Dr O I have a 3 yo lusitano filly who has been gradually losing weight and muscle in topline for one year now, yet her belly expands. In short, she looks like a very old broodmare. I first noticed the subtle changes when she was about 20 months old. She has never been sick, … Read more
This is a report on a novel estrus (heat) suppression device based on the intrauterine marble principle, see article above for more on this. It consists of 3 oval magnets about an inch long each that when placed in the uterus will assemble themselves into a triangle an inch long on each side. As such … Read more
Hydrops is an excessive accumulation of either allantoic (hydrallantois) or amniotic (hydramnios) fluid. Developing in the second half of pregnancy the condition is suspected when excessive abdominal distension occurs and confirmed of rectal exam. Despite the severity of this condition aggressive early treatment gives a good prognosis not only for the life of the mare … Read more
This abstract mentions, the patient was elderly, so I am presuming a compromised immune system. This is a reminder to be diligent around sick pets and horses to avoid contact with infected materials. Consider gloves and always wash your hands. Those with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with horses with infection altogether. A Human … Read more
The benefits of mixed warm and cool season forages on pastures are undeniable. Fresher nutrients than hay offers and savings from buying prepared forges are two benefits. In this study, they looked at the metabolic and bacterial effects of using mixed-season grasses and found some changes of uncertain significance. However, they conclude that these changes … Read more
Slab fractures of the third carpal bone involving both radial and intermediate facets and outcomes after surgical repair in racing Quarter Horses Equine Vet J. 2021 May 25. Authors Brad B Nelson 1 , Shauna P Lawless 1 2 , C Wayne McIlwraith 1 3 Affiliations 1 Orthopaedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine … Read more
It never made sense when studies in the 1900’s did not find changes in breakover duration with shoeing techniques designed to move the breakover point further back on the foot. Breakover duration is the period during a gait between when the foot is placed on the ground to the point that the toe leaves the … Read more
In these two cases laparoscopic guided lavage was an effective way to deal with primary bacterial peritonitis after failure of after regular lavage systems failed. DrO Standing laparoscopic abdominal lavage using a suction-irrigation device in 2 horses with primary suppurative peritonitis Can Vet J. 2021 Apr;62(4):397-402. Authors Nicola C Cribb 1 , Luis G Arroyo … Read more
Here are 20 confirmed cases of valvular endocarditis in the horse. Presentation is similar to any chronic infectious disease (internal abscesses for example) or advanced cancer case with the possible exception of a heart murmur as a clue to the origin of the disease process. Echocardiography is a useful tool for this diagnosis. Interestingly in … Read more
Silica is recognized as a necessary nutrient with positive effects on bone and cartilage growth and metabolism. Deficiency can lead to disease of these structures. As a result a number of supplements for both humans and horses and arisen to address this. However dietary supplementation of healthy horses that demonstrate positive clinical effects are not … Read more