Selenium Toxicity and Deficiency- Tieing Up

Selenium, in conjunction with vitamin E, is necessary for proper functioning of the immune system and to protect the integrity of cell membranes. However, there is a delicate balance between too little selenium and too much.
Selenium is a mineral found in the soil in many areas of the country. Horses normally ingest selenium while foraging. In other areas--the Midwest for example--selenium is deficient in the soil, and without proper supplementation horses can have significant problems.
Selenium deficient horses will often ´tie-up,´ a degenerative condition of the muscles also known as rhabdomyolysis. It can affect the heart muscle,the muscles of respiration, as well as the large muscles of the back and limbs. It can also cause a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections.A horse that has rhabdomyolosis will have severe muscle cramps resulting in sweating,
stiffness, and increased pulse. The breakdown of muscle cells can result in coffee-colored urine.
The most common obvious symptom is repeated "stretching" to urinate.
Do not walk a horse that is tied up. CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY

A free-choice salt/mineral mix containing selenium is the safest form of supplementation but more radical supplementation is available in acute cases in the form of an injection.

A-Z of Horse Diseases & Health Problems

A-Z of Horse Diseases & Health Problems, by Tim Hawcroft. This book is organized to enable the reader to spot disease symptoms in their early stages and to respond with the most appropriate treatment. Based on the signs observed, the reader is guided to additional signs and possible diagnoses, background causes, and treatments. Each disorder is accompanied by a descriptive color photograph. The detailed index gives quick access, and the handy trim size makes the book a practical diagnostic reference in the stable, on the trail, or in competition.

FOUNDER OR LAMINITIS

Laminitis or founder can be attributed to anything which upsets the vascular or blood pressure balance within the feet. Excessive work, lack of work,deblitating disease,upset of the digestive system ( overfeeding or grass founder), extreme stress, Unequal weight bearing( due to lamesness in an opposing leg)and improper shoeing are ALL common causes of this vascular congestion. This upset to the horse´s circulatory system IN TURN causes the blood pressure to increase in the feet to such a degree that the horse´s natural body function proves inadequate. This congestion of blood flow causes pain(in part) by pressurizing the sensitive laminae which (in part) causes the horse NOT to walk or move in a normal manner ( frog pressure pumps the blood back up the leg vs. gravity). THEN this increase in blood pressure cannot escape because it is encapsulated in the (virtually) rigid horny structure of the foot and damage in the form of an internal "explosion of the foot" is caused to the sensitive internal laminea structure that holds the healthy foot in place inside the external hoof.

Joint Therapy Using Magnets

Magnets increase circulation. These are specifically designed in use and benefits. Inquire thoroughly as to useage for who, what, where, how long first.

Does Not Wear Bridle Willingly

First have your Veterinarian check your horse´s teeth and his mouth. He may still be getting in late teeth. Usually they are completely through by 5 yrs., but there are always the exceptions to the rules. Then check the mouth itself for splinters of wood, hay, forage, or ????? Once you know that his teeth/mouth are not the problem.

Joint Therapy

Hyaluronic Acid directly injected into the joint lubricates tissues reducing the friction & alleviating the pain.

Shoeing Prevents Hoof Cracks

If your horse has soft, or weak feet, then you really need to invest in regular shoeing, even if you don´t ride on the roads or on rough, hard surfaces.

Soft or weak feet really do need the support of a shoe in order to maintain a healthy shape & condition.

Use a hoof oil or balsam daily on the hooves as well to help assist in eliminating moisture penetration, and to keep hooves from drying & cracking.

Joint Therapy Iontophoresis Injections

The injection of Iontophoresis steroids into a joint, which will diminish inflammation.

Basics of a Prepurchase Exam

You should seek the help of a vet because they are trained to evaluate horses on a variety of levels. Not only can they look at a horse´s general health and pinpoint lamenesses, they can also look at conformation issues and help gauge the horse´s ability to excel in a discipline. A pre-purchase exam is a collection of information and data. There is no pass or fail. Every horse has faults; the exam is a process by which they are uncovered for the prospective buyer to evaluate.

The Examination

It normally takes a veterinarian about an hour to do a pre-purchase exam. Most veterinarians have a checklist that they go through when they do the exam. Some of the key areas they look at include:

# Heart and lungs. Your veterinarian will listen to the horse's heart and lungs using a stethoscope to make sure the heart's beating normally and to determine whether the horse's lungs are clear or not. Many healthy horses have heart murmurs, though sorting out an “athletic” murmur from one that could indicate heart disease is not always easy.

# Musculoskeletal system. Your vet will palpate and preform flexion tests to carefully check each leg for any soundness issues. If your veterinarian has any doubts about the soundness of the horse's legs, X-ray films may be in order.

# Teeth. Your veterinarian will look at the appearance, shape and degree of wear and tear on the horse's teeth. If there's a question as to the horse's age, your veterinarian can determine the approximate age of the horse by examining his teeth.

# Nose and throat. The nose and throat are examined to make sure that they're clean and free of discharge or growths.

# Ears. The ears are checked over to make sure that they're free of lice, mites or other small bugs and don't have an excessive buildup of earwax or foul discharge.

# Eyes. An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the horse's eyes for any cloudiness or other abnormality.

# Skin. Your veterinarian runs his hands all over the horse's body and legs, searching for swellings, cuts, lumps or scars. If the horse has had an injury in the past, the veterinarian might be able to tell by examining the horse's skin.

Joint Arthritis....Possible Cause?

PASTERN JOINT MOVEMENT

Hilary M. Clayton, BVMS, PhD of Michigan State University has revealed that the pastern joint undergoes a larger range of motion than previously thought -- 35 degrees of motion during the stance phase of the trot. This amount of flexion during the braking (stopping) phase might explain why there
is such a high incidence of pastern joint arthritis in
sports that involve quick stops.

Joint Therapy Soft Laser Lights

Soft Laser Lights improves circulation to promote the healing.

Joint Therapy Massage

Joint Therapy Massage is recommended to relieve cramping and constriction.

DMSO Products

DMSO Dimethyl Sulphoxide is an anti-inflammatory topical. Wear gloves to apply! Apply lightly to joint.
This will provide initial relief until a Veterinarian can make a diagnosis and prescribe as necessary.

Riding Horses That Pull

A puller should always have the mouth & teeth checked first. Check for sores, tumors, abscess, cuts or bruises.

Leather or Plastic Pads

Leather Pads, are a natural fibre. They are better for long or extended useage. The are the preferred pad. Easier for the farrier to shape to the hoof and are more forgiving, if not quite so fitted! Being natural, the hoof doesn´t collect moisture as readily.

Plastic Pads, are man made non breathable materials. These type of pads are better for short periods where surfaces are rougher, and wear is greater. Not as highly recommended for recouperation of any hoof problems, except where damage could be continued or increased without a pad protection. Being man made material, they have a tendancy to collect moisture more readily within the sole/frog of the hoof area.

Pads are used for protection of the sole and hoof;
Extension of the hoof;
To even up two hoofs, either in the front or back;
To adjust the movement or gait of a horse.

NEW Equine Flu/Herpes Vaccine

Licensing is pending from the USDA on Calvenza, a
combination influenza/rhinopneumonitis vaccine produced by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica.

There are several unique facets to this vaccine. First, the initial two doses are given intramuscularly (IM), and the third dose can be given IM or intranasally (IN). That allows practitioners to avoid
any possible injection site reaction during competition on the third doseage.

Aggressive Behaviour Pullers

Horses that are aggressive or strong or dominent will want to by nature try to pull in order to regain control from the rider by trying to jerk or pull the bit and the reins from the rider´s.

My Horse Keeps His Mouth Open

Second: Check the bit. Clean it (I recommend with Javex, RINSE thoroughly) and then, slide your tongue across the entire mouthpiece that is in his mouth. That way you can feel if there is the slightest metal "spur" on the mouthpiece that could be aggravating him. IF this doesn´t appear to be a problem.

Front End Lameness

When someone trots the horse past you, the horse´s head will raise or come up when the lame leg comes into contact with the ground.

Basics of a Prepurchase Exam

Before the exam starts, your veterinarian will want to know your intended use for the horse and will consider your plans as he conducts the exam. A horse who's expected to compete in horse races, for example, will be examined a little differently from one who's going to be used for trail riding.

The Examination

It normally takes a veterinarian about an hour to do a pre-purchase exam. Most veterinarians have a checklist that they go through when they do the exam. Some of the key areas they look at include:

# Heart and lungs. Your veterinarian will listen to the horse's heart and lungs using a stethoscope to make sure the heart's beating normally and to determine whether the horse's lungs are clear or not. Many healthy horses have heart murmurs, though sorting out an “athletic” murmur from one that could indicate heart disease is not always easy.

# Musculoskeletal system. Each leg is carefully checked to make sure knees and the hock (ankle) joints are flexible. If your veterinarian has any doubts about the soundness of the horse's legs, X-ray films may be in order.

# Teeth. Your veterinarian will look at the appearance, shape and degree of wear and tear on the horse's teeth. If there's a question as to the horse's age, your veterinarian can determine the approximate age of the horse by examining his teeth.

# Nose and throat. The nose and throat are examined to make sure that they're clean and free of discharge or growths.

# Ears. The ears are checked over to make sure that they're free of lice, mites or other small bugs and don't have an excessive buildup of earwax or foul discharge.

# Eyes. An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the horse's eyes for any cloudiness or other abnormality.

# Skin. Your veterinarian runs his hands all over the horse's body and legs, searching for swellings, cuts, lumps or scars. If the horse has had an injury in the past, the veterinarian might be able to tell by examining the horse's skin.

GRASS STAGGERS

Also called STOMACH STAGGERS or SLEEPY STAGGERS is a temporary condition due to impaction of the stomach and often attributed to old, dry, non-nutritive food.In chronic form it is commonly due to a cirrhosis of the liver or to a form of hydrocephalus. In hydracephalus the horse is dull, sleepy, stands cross legged, head drooping and disinterested in surroundings. They may appear drunk, disoriented, lacking sensibility and may fall if turned quickly.IF the course is prolonged a temporary improvement may occur, but the disease is progressive and may render the animal useless, Easily digested food and light work or excercise is recommended under veterinary care.

More On Tender Feet!

Does your horse have tender feet even with shoes, and Easy Boots are just out of your price range?

Buy plastic pads, either from your farrier, or a Farrier´s supply and then when you need them for rough rocky surfaces, duck tape them onto the hoof. Once over the perilous surface, take them off again.

A lot less costly, but A LOT more work & hassle to put on every time!

Joint Therapy Infrasound

Infrasound is a low frequency sound that dissolves encapsulated traumas opening neural pathways to activate & to stimulate natural healing.

An Aid For Pullers

Sometimes it helps to put a stainless steel bit with a broken port or double link (such as a French Link or a Dr. Bristol mouthpiece). The stainless steel discourages mouthing of the bit, and the broken snaffle, assists against leaning on the bit or bracing on the bit.

Joint Therapy Ultasound

Ultrasound is a high frequency sound vibration that improves circulation in order to promote healing.

Riding Horses That Pull

A puller should always have the mouth & teeth checked first. Check for sores, tumors, abscess, cuts or bruises.

Annual Vaccines

Annual Flu Vaccines can now be administered by nasal spray.

Joint Therapy

Corticosteroids curb inflammation and suppress pain.

Conformation Causing Pullers

An unbalanced horse, or a horse that is conformationally designed to thrust the majority of its weight on the forehand, will by natural balance pull on the riders hands to keep its balance.

Joint Therapy/Acupuncture

Acupuncture is recommended to be done at 4 to 7 day intervals.

Oral Painkillers

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories NSAIDS´ such as Pheylbutazone (Bute), Flunixin Megavitamin, Ketoprofen which are all oral painkillers.

Joint Therapy

Injectible Polysulfated Glycosaminoglyeans or PSGAG´s or GAG´s is the mainstay treatment. Intra-articular or intramuscular injections. Protects cartilage from further injury.

Rear End Lameness

When the horse is trotted past, the horse´s head will drop down when the lame rear leg comes into contact with the ground.