Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a master of disguise. This serious disease, which attacks the horse’s central nervous system, can be difficult to diagnose because its signs often mimic other health problems in the horse and signs can range from mild to severe. More than 50 percent of all U.S. horses have been exposed to…
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal disease that threatens the world’s horse, donkey and mule populations. The virus that causes EIA reproduces in the white blood cells that circulate throughout the body. The immune system, via antibodies, may attack and destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Infected horses may die from the…
Owning a horse can be a big investment in time, money and emotion. Unfortunately, horses seldom come with a money-back guarantee. That’s why it is so important to investigate the horse’s overall health and condition through a purchase exam conducted by an equine veterinarian. Whether you want a horse as a family pet, a pleasure…
Kelley A. Krisch DVM Patrons in the equine industry have been hearing of a new treatment on the market recently: Pro-Stride. Most horse owners that have faced performance-limiting injuries are familiar with the ever-so-widely used IRAP and PRP treatments. In both of these systems blood is collected from the horse and processed for their anti-inflammatory…
While a very simple practice in theory, knowing when to deworm, with what product and how often can become a very perplexing matter. This page will help to summarize the signs of parasitism, internal parasites of concern to horses, commonly used deworming (anthelmintic) products, goals of deworming and general recommendations for a deworming schedule. It…
This schedule (along with the changes described below) are for previously vaccinated adult horses and is based upon the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s (AAEP) “Core Vaccine Recommendations.” Rabies Rabies vaccination will be performed once a year in the Fall. Rabies is listed as a core vaccine by the AAEP. The disease is rapidly progressive,…
Horses with dental problems may show obvious signs, such as pain or irritation, or they may show no noticeable signs at all. This is because some horses simply adapt to their discomfort. For this reason, periodic dental examinations are essential to your horse’s health. It is important to catch dental problems early. If a horse…
Because of advances in nutrition, management and health care, horses are living longer, more useful lives. It’s not uncommon to find horses and ponies living well into their 20s and 30s. While genetics play a role in determining life span, you too, can have an impact. You may think that turning your old-timer out to…