Parts 1 and 2 of this discussion outlined some important relevant and practical points on conditions listed 1 – 10 below, with advice on treatments and prevention.
1. COPD (RAO) Respiratory Allergies.
2. Capped Hocks and Elbows.
3. Colic.
4. Casting in box and associated injuries.
5. Ulcers.
6. “Stocking up” of the legs.
7. Skin conditions or Urticaria.
8. Slipping.
9. Stiffness and injury.
10. Tying Up – feed related.
11. Bleeders.
12. Ringworm.
13. Thrush in feet.
14. Foot Canker.
15. Stable Vices.
11. Bleeders: (Already discussed in detail in a previous article).
Causes:
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) refers to bleeding (haemorrhage) from the blood vessels within the lung (pulmonary). Horses that suffer from this are sometimes called “bleeders” or described as having “burst blood vessels”. It is and has been the cause of potential winners losing a race.Endoscopic examination of the horse shows the tiny thin-walled blood vessels (pulmonary capillaries) in the lungs that are damaged by the huge air and blood-flow demands associated with the galloping horse, resulting in bleeding into the lungs. Common in racehorses but also occurs in other types, e.g. eventers, polo, showjumpers, endurance horses etc, following intense exercise.It affects performance.Advice:
All possible sources of allergens e.g. straw, dusty hay, etc, should be removed and replaced with more appropriate better quality alternatives. Treatment includes rest and anti-inflammatory medication, etc.A gradual return to exercise is usually recommended, together with efforts to ensure good air hygiene to reduce small airway inflammation. Products such as Fursemide (Lasix) is a popular treatment, but is banned in racing in Ireland and the UK. Its use is permitted in training but it must be withdrawn within a set period pre-racing.Nasal strips have been shown to help by making it easier for horses to breathe during periods of strenuous exercise but again these are banned in racing here and in the UK but have been used successfully on many competition horses.
12: Ringworm: (Already discussed in full detail in a previous article).
Cause:
Ringworm is a highly infectious fungal skin condition, which is easily passed from horses to humans and from humans to horses.The fungus produces spores, which can remain dormant on woodwork for over a year.Advice:
Although it may not initially appear to be serious, it must be dealt with immediately to prevent its rapid spread particularly in stabled horses where tack, grooming kit buckets or rugs etc, are major causes of spread. Ringworm patches can be any shape, so any skin rash, sore or bald area for which there is no definite diagnosis, should be checked. If in doubt, ringworm is one of the few conditions that it might be best to treat anyway, to avoid the risk of infection spreading any further. Stables etc should be thoroughly cleaned down using a fungicide.13. Thrush: To be discussed in detail in a full article.
Causes:
Thrush is a degenerative bacterial infection of the horse’s frog that causes it to rot away and has a distinctive and nasty odour.It usually results from softening and damage to the soft tissue structures of the foot through standing on wet, dirty bedding.May also be caused by poor foot care, conformation of the foot, incorrect foot trimming or shoeing, etc. Advice:
Improve stable hygieneRoutine picking out of all four feetImprove stable hygiene.Correct farriery.14. Foot Canker: This subject is scheduled to be discussed in detail in a future article.
Causes:
Canker is a growth in the frog of the foot.It occurs under moist or wet stable conditions, as in Thrush.Advice:
Clean out horses’ feet regularly.Improve stable hygiene15. Stable vices: (Already discussed in full detail in a previous article).
Causes:
Boredom and stress from long term stable confinement, training, unsuitable work programme, high energy diets, long fasts, lack of grazing options and socialization, management systems, etc.Advice:
Regular exercise. Reduce stress.Hay fed in frequent, small amounts is better than having a horse fill up on one or two big meals and then stand bored for the rest of the day. The use of hay nets with smaller apertures have the dual benefit in that they also help in preventing ulcers in stabled horses.A radio playing, goats, frequent human visitors, or another horse in the box next door can provide companionship for a stabled horse. Horses need to be turned out regularly preferably with a companion as often as possible.If possible, stable a horse next to a friend, or another horse that it gets along with, so they can see each other. Stables with two openings – one opening inwards in barn/yard and the other opening to the outside areas. This gives the horse additional areas of interest.Better still, provide more freedom of movement and choice by creating a pen outside the horse’s stable so that it can choose to be inside or out. Horses with this choice usually show a preference to going outside.The use of some stable toys may help to alleviate boredom. Balance turn-out time with box time and keep the horse’s indoor environment healthy. A healthy less stressed environment means a happy healthy horse that will be much more likely to perform to its full capacity and ability.
