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SRAC STEED
NEWS 2008

EQUINE DENTAL HEALTH
     The major sign of dental disease is no sign at all. By the time we see weight loss, abnormal chewing, quidding (chunks of hay stuck in cheek) and feed droppage, dental disease is advanced. A thorough exam is the most important part of equine dentistry. This exam should be performed with sedation and a full mouth speculum in place and performed with both visual and digital (by feel) inspection. Once an exam is completed, the veterinary dentist can formulate a plan in correcting problems most often seen in horses by age groups as follows:
Ø      Birth – 18 months – Sharp enamel points, tooth eruption problems, developmental abnormalties.
Ø      Young horse 1 ½ - 4 years – Caps (baby teeth), laceration of tongue and cheeks from sharp points, wolf teeth, unerupted wolf teeth and canines, head shaking due to mouth pain from teeth.
Ø      Adult 4-10 years – Molar grinding surface begins to wear unevenly, sharp hooks on back molars cause pain and abnormal entry of permanent teeth.
Ø      Mature 10-18 years – More extensive abnormal wear pattern of molars including ramps, hooks, waves, missing teeth with corresponding tooth overgrowing, sharp canine teeth.
Ø      Geriatric horse 18 years+ - Almost all have some form of dental disease including uneven wear, tooth loss, periodontal disease (gum disease).
   As you can see, a thorough yearly exam in most horses and more often in those that are found to have dental disease is prudent to make the horse comfortable, perform better and utilize its hay and grain as efficiently as possible. At SRAC, we have put an emphasis on learning and performing high quality dental care on horses as well as dogs and cats. Contact us for further information.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: ACUPUNCTURE
The idea of sticking a couple dozen long needles into their horse would make most owners cringe. However, this is an exciting field of alternative medicine, called acupuncture, which is becoming popular in the United States. Acupuncture has been around for at least 5000 years. We, in the Western World, with our "modern" medicine owners cringe. However, this is an exciting field of alternative medicine, called acupuncture, which is becoming popular in the United States. Acupuncture has been around for at least 5000 years. We, in the Western World, with our "modern" medicine have a hard time understanding how such a simple thing as inserting a needle in the right place on the body could have any effect, let alone, such a profound effect. When we try to understand how acupuncture regulates the body through these mechanisms, we see the body as a web of electrical circuits. The Chinese call the energy that goes through these circuits "Chi", or "life force." These circuits are called Meridians, and they travel on the surface of the body from the fingers, in a human, to the toes, and vice versa. These Meridians cannot be dissected out as a nerve can be, but they can be traced electrically, and they are consistent. If there is an injury and this circuit is blocked, there is decreased circulation to that part of the body and a "dam" is built up which can cause pain and prevent healing. Acupuncture helps the body attain balance so that it can better heal itself by removing this dam and normalizing the flow of nutrients to the injured part of the body. Obviously, acupuncture does not set out to cure something mechanical like a broken limb or torn muscle. For horses, the most effective acupuncture is involved with diagnosis and treatment of pain, especially associated with lameness. Other reported conditions that acupuncture aides in treatment of include
· Performance Glitches
· Vague Lameness
· Sore Backs
· Cold backed or "Girthyness"
· Chronic Lameness
· Toxic Scars
· Laminitis, Founder
· Navicular Syndrome
· Ringbone
· Arthritis
· Neurological Problems
· Immune System Problems
· Reproductive Problems
· "Moon Blindness"
· Geriatric balancing
· Bad attitudes

It is important to remember that acupuncture or other alternative medicine modalities do not stand by themselves. You need to have a proper diagnosis of the problem before any kind of therapy is sought. If you have any question or are interested in this therapy please call the clinic.

FOALING
Foaling season is once again here and there are things that the horse owner should do to ensure a viable and healthy foal. The most critical part of a foal's neonatal development occurs during the first 4 days of life. Basic management principles during this stage can prevent many problems that might result from birthing or environmental insults. The first stage of parturition usually requires 30 minutes to 4 hours. Mares are restless and exhibit signs similar to colic. The second stage is short-lived and delivery of the foal usually occurs within 20-30 minutes. Stage three deals with expulsion of fetal membranes. The placenta is typically expelled within 30 minutes to 3 hours. After birth the mare should be allowed to clean the foal, this allows bonding and stimulates the foal to stand and nurse. However it is crucial that the sac is cleared away from the nasal passages. This can be done by stripping the nostril with the fingers and thumb. Within 2-4 hours the foal should be up and nursing. The foal should have its first bowel movement within 4 hours of birth. Colostrum provides essential protection to the foal. To know if the mare's colostrums is adequate in quality and the foal consumed enough, a blood test can be performed within 24 hours after birth. The mare's udder should be inspected daily for any abnormal distension, which can be the first sign of decreased suckling and possible illness of the foal. Vaccinations are started at the 24 hour neonatal examination if the mare was not vaccinated 30 days prior to birth. If the mare was vaccinated, start the foal's vaccinations at 4 ½ - 5 months of age. A 24 hour neonatal examination is very important. Overall health of the foal is assessed and any abnormalities can be noted and addressed. For any questions regarding your mare or foal please contact the clinic.

POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
Equine monocytic ehrlichiosis, Ditch fever, Equine ehrlichial colitis or, my favorite, Shasta River crud are all names for Potomac Horse Fever (PHF). Recent events have shown that there is a risk to horses in this area. This is a syndrome that presents as sudden mild colic, fever and diarrhea in horses of all ages, as well as abortion in pregnant mares. The disease is seen in spring, summer, and early fall and is associated with pastures bordering creeks or rivers where there are high snail and mayfly populations, the presumed vectors. Initially, horses present with mild depression and anorexia, followed by a fever ranging from 102-107°F (38.9-41.7°C). At this stage, intestinal sounds can be decreased. Within 24-48 hr, a moderate to severe diarrhea, with feces ranging in consistency from that usually seen in cows to watery, develops in ~60% of affected horses. The onset of diarrhea is often accompanied by mild abdominal discomfort. Some horses develop severe toxemia and dehydration. Laminitis can supervene as a severe complication of PHF in up to 40% of affected horses. Several months following clinical disease in pregnant mares, abortion due to fetal infection may occur. Experimentally, pregnant mares infected at 100-160 days of gestation abort at 190-250 days of gestation. The abortion is accompanied by placentitis and retained placenta. Diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and geographical location of the animal. Definitive diagnosis is based on isolation of the causative organism, Neorickettsia risticii from the blood or feces, although the incidence of false positives is high. Treatment of choice is with oxytetracycline early in the course of the disease. A response to treatment is usually seen within 12 hours. Initially, a drop in rectal temperature is observed, followed by an improvement in demeanor, appetite, and gut sounds. If therapy is begun early, clinical signs frequently resolve by the third day of treatment. Generally, antimicrobial therapy is for no more than 5 days. Vaccines are available for protection, however they have shown to only protect 78% of ponies experimentally and field data indicates marginal protection. Reduction of snail numbers in rivers and ditches may be attempted to lessen sources of infection.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Artificial Insemination (AI) offers numerous advantages over natural mating. For instance, the number of mares impregnated by the stallion can increase several-fold by dividing the ejaculate into several insemination doses. Addition of antibiotics to semen extenders minimized venereal transmission of bacterial disease to the mare. Transmission of potential diseases from mare to stallion can also be avoided. The deposition of the semen into the mare's uterus is a relatively easy procedure. The difficulty with this method of breeding is timing the arrival of the semen to coincide with the mare's ovulation. Prior to an attempt of AI breeding, the mare should be having consistent cycles. Repeated rectal exams during her heat period will tell us what stage of her cycle she is in. For early breeding (February, March), your mare should have been under 60days of artificial lighting for a total of 16 hours, including natural daylight. Once in the AI program, mares are inseminated every other day beginning on the second or third day of estrus, until ovulation is detected. Hormones, such as Regumate and Prostaglandins, are available that allow us to manipulate the reproductive cycle and cause the mare to ovulate. This decreases the chance that your mare will ovulate on a weekend or holiday when shipping services are not available. Facilities are available to house your mare to increase the chance of a successful outcome. Call us with any questions.

HORSE SLAUGHTER
This past year all horse slaughter in the United States was stopped. Although animal rights groups and some uninformed, well meaning horse enthusiasts thought this was a win for the horses, it turns out to be a total loss. Unwanted horses have to have a place to go. Although we'd love to see all horses live a long life and die naturally, this is not possible. Economics requires an outlet for these horses. Since the plants in the US were shut down, exports of horses to Mexico went up over 300%. These horses have long distances to travel in trailers or trucks and then a death not monitored by any US government officials. Did we solve any problems? As feed cost continue to rise, more horses will not be taken care of properly. Adoption groups can only care for so many properly before they go beyond their means. Euthanasia and burial or rendering are expensive. Unfortunately we need the horse slaughter plants in the US that are monitored for humane treatment and humane euthanasia. Without these we have pushed the problem out of sight but have not solved the problem or truly made an improvement for these horses.

HOOF CARE
Healthy hooves are literally the foundation for everything you want to enjoy with your horse. The most important part of equine hoof care is regular cleaning and examination. Cleaning the hooves daily to remove dirt, rock and debris is ideal. Routine handling also makes your veterinarian and farrier's job easier. A hoof pick and brush is an inexpensive yet indispensable tool for keeping your horse sound. Use the hoof pick to loosen mud, manure and bedding by inserting the point near the heel bulb to pop off a large disk of debris. Then make downward swipes with the hoof pick in the clefts of the frog. Finish the inspection with a stiff brush to view the entire sole for problems.
Take time while working with the feet to notice normal temperature and strength of normal digital pulse (felt at back of pastern). After repeated inspection, you will quickly notice any abnormalties and be able to take early action to avoid progression to lameness.
Abnormalties that can be identified when picking feet are thrush, punctures, and abscesses. Thrush is a common condition caused by prolonged standing in manure, urine, or mud without picking hooves. Bacteria and moisture invade the sole and it gets crumbly and soft. This foul smelling dark oozing of the cleft later becomes a cheesy texture. Thrush will eventually cause lameness and hoof damage if left untreated, but its early stage is simple to treat. Any decayed infected areas need to be removed and treated with a drying agent. Daily cleaning of hooves and a dry environment will prevent thrush.
Punctures in your horses sole may go unnoticed if it falls out quickly. But if it is still embedded in the sole at cleaning time, do not pull it out. Protect the foot and call your veterinarian. An x-ray will show how deep the puncture goes and what structures are affected. This will assist in determining the best treatment of the puncture.
An abscess usually presents itself as some degree of lameness and a stronger digital pulse. Abscesses can occur from a misplaced shoeing nail, a bruise or overlooked sole puncture. Treatment of an abscess entails locating it with hoof testers and paring it out to relieve pressure.
Every horse owner needs a good relationship with his farrier. Each horse is an individual and a farrier can help determine how often the feet need trimmed and whether to shod or leave barefoot. Average interval for trimming is six to eight weeks but there is no standard.
Basic care of the hoof involves daily cleaning and inspection. Any problems noted should be addressed promptly.

WHAT DO I VACCINATE MY HORSE AGAINST?
Although core vaccines are recognized for all horses, a vaccination program should be individualized for each horse by you and your veterinarian. Any alteration in exposure, environment and use should cause reconsideration of vaccination.
Clients should understand that no vaccine will protect every animal 100%. One needs to practice good management (sanitation and isolation of new horses). Vaccines do not immediately protect and a series of primary vaccinations should be given prior to likely exposure. Rare adverse reaction to each vaccine is possible despite proper handling and administration.
Core vaccines protect from diseases endemic (widespread) to a region, those with a potential public health significance, required by law, highly infectious or those posing a risk of severe disease.
Four vaccines available in numerous combinations are defined as core vaccines by AAEP.
1.   Tetanus Toxoid – All horses are at risk for developing tetanus, an often fatal difficult to treat disease. Clostridium tetani is a bacterial spore found throughout the environment, in the intestinal tract of animals and in the soil. Any puncture, laceration, foaling (mother and foal), allows access of tissue to this infection. Adult horses should initially have a 2 dose series followed by annual revaccination. Any injury or wound event greater than 6 months from tetanus booster should prompt revaccination. Tetanus antitoxin is indicated in a newborn foal born to an unvaccinated mother to provide immunity until a vaccine series can be started.
2.   Encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western) – Mosquitos and bloodsucking insects transmits this virus to horses. Since we cannot eliminate risk completely, and mortality can be 50-90%, all horses should be vaccinated. As with other vaccines, an unvaccinated horse needs a primary series of two vaccines followed by at least yearly revaccination. Yearly vaccine should be given just prior to insect season. For animals traveling to warmer environments during the winter, a twice yearly booster should be considered to give uniform protection yearround.
3.   West Nile Virus – This virus is relatively new to the United States affected both horses and humans. This virus is also spread by mosquitos from bird host. Virus is not contagious from horse to horse. Fatality rate is approximately 33% with 40% of recovered horses having residual effects 6 months after diagnosis. In our area, the highest incidence of disease is noted in late August or early September. Vaccination should occur in mid to late spring to optimize immunity at time of highest risk. Again, adult horses vaccinated for the first time need a 2 dose series and then yearly revaccination.
4.   Rabies – Although a rabies occurs infrequently in horses, infected animals will die or be euthanized. Rabies can easily be transmitted to people through equine bodily fluids, most typically saliva. Horses are exposed through the bite of a rabid animal, typically skunk, bat, fox or raccoon. Unlike other core vaccines, adult horses greater than one year only require one yearly vaccination.
All other equine vaccines are considered risk-based, and therefore you and your veterinarian need to weigh the risks and benefits for your horse to decide what other vaccines to give.

Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis) has two relevant types EHV-1 and EHV-4 which can both cause respiratory disease. EHV-1 can also cause mares to abort or have sick foals. EHV-1 vaccines need to be given to all pregnant mares at 5,7 and 9 months of gestation to help protect against abortion. Foals, horses < 4 years and show horses are at highest risk for EHV. Horses may need to be vaccinated twice yearly. As with all risk-based vaccines, consult your veterinarian.

Equine Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in horses. Those at higher risk of infection are 1 to 5 years of age and those frequently exposed to numerous other horses. Influenza is highly contagious and spread by coughing. Biosecurity is a must to prevent the spread of disease. New horses should be isolated for at least 2 weeks.

All non-core vaccines should be given with respect to each horse and its environment. Also biosecurity (isolation of new horses) must be strict to prevent spread of disease.