Welcome Dr. Jenna Moline

MVS is excited to announce our new associate, Dr. Jenna Moline, is on the job! She’s heading up Team Dixie and we’re delighted to have her as part of the team. Learn more about Dr. Moline below, and be sure to say hi if you see her.

I am a Wyoming native that grew up in Sundance on the outskirts of the Black Hills.  Growing up on a cattle ranch, horses were both an instrument for getting work done, but also provided an outlet that took me beyond the confines of the ranch through 4-H, FFA, and rodeo.  Being unable to decide between two diverse pasions, after high school I initially studied both music (piano and voice) and pre-veterinary studies at the University of Idaho (Moscow).  During the summers of my undergraduate studies I was fortunate to spend three years in Sitka, Alaska where I continued to develop my love for all things outdoors.  Following graduation with a music theory and applied music degree in 2007, I was given the opportunity to move to New York City where I worked as an operations administrator for an asset management company for three years.  Coming home to Wyoming got a little more difficult each time, eventually leading me to return to that initial passion of veterinary medicine.


Returning to Wyoming, I obtained a second Bachelors in pre-veterinary studies and then completed a Masters in Animal Science with an emphasis in nutrition.  The next step was veterinary school at Washington State University (Pullman).  By the end of my first semester, I knew I wanted to be an equine veterinarian.  Unfortunately, at the beginning of my fourth year of veterinary school, my mother was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease).  My plan to become an equine veterinarian took a backseat so I could move home to be with my mother.  After my mother passed I returned to the idea of being an equine-only veterinarian.  Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky had an opening for an ambulatory veterinary internship so I traded mixed animal practice and the mountains of Wyoming for an equine-only career in the bluegrass.  During my time as an associate with Hagyard, I developed a deeper interest in equine dentistry and sports horse medicine.  Being surrounded by green grass and horses was amazing, but eventually the call of the west became too great and I returned back to the Rockies.  Prior to joining Mobile Veterinary Services, I spent two years in Montana working both as an ambulatory and in-clinic general practitioner.


You will often find me accompanied by a canine companion and a cup of coffee.  When not working, I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, whether hiking, having a fire in the backyard, or attending outdoor music venues.  I am looking forward to being back in a metropolitan area where I can attend baseball games, broadway shows, and make it up to Laramie for some football games (Go Pokes!).  I look forward to meeting you and your horses and am thrilled to work with such an amazing team as Mobile Veterinary Services!

How to care for minor wounds

Most horse owners are comfortable treating minor** scrapes and wounds on our ever-accident prone horses. But the myriad of available topical products can be overwhelming – what is best to use and when?

**As always, if you have ANY concern over the depth of the wound, if it’s a grossly contaminated wound, a wound near a joint, a puncture, or there’s a potential need for sutures, ALWAYS check with your veterinarian BEFORE applying any topical product.**

What is ‘Minor’?

First, let’s review what can be considered a minor scrape or wound. Most superficial wounds over areas of dense muscle (such as side of shoulder) or far from joints/tendon sheath/other sensitive areas (such as scrape over front of cannon bone) and only partially breaking the skin can be doctored at home.

Avoid application of caustic or potentially painful options, such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide- these can be damaging to exposed tissue. Look for products that contain a list of ingredients- if you don’t know what’s in it, why would you apply it to your horse?

Superficial Wounds

For superficial abrasions and areas that cannot easily be bandaged, a liquid bandage product such as Alushield or Aluspray is a great option. In its aerosol form, it is easy to apply, allows necessary airflow to promote healing, and protects against wound irritants.

bandage on the leg of horse

Bandaged Wounds

For wounds that are protected with a bandage, the ideal topical product depends on the stage of wound healing. Large fresh wounds that tend to leak large amounts of fluid will not benefit from an ointment- they are too wet (and should be evaluated by your vet!) Less exudative bandaged wounds can benefit from topicals such as Neosporin (triple antibiotic), silver sulfadiazine (SSD), or manuka/medical grade honey. All of these options have anti-microbial properties and preserve a moist healing environment while promoting epithelialization of the wound.

Dealing with Granulation (proud flesh)

In later stages of wound healing, horses commonly produce excessive granulation tissue, also known as proud flesh. Proud flesh can be identified by its appearance as lumpy red tissue that may bulge over the margins of the wound and bleeds very easily.

Proud flesh is especially common on slow healing wounds of the lower limbs that require prolonged bandaging. The good news is that while it has impressive blood flow, proud flesh lacks sensation, allowing your veterinarian to debride and flatten this extra tissue if needed. A combination antibiotic and steroid ointment such as Panalog is often used over proud flesh to help smooth out the granulation tissue so that the wound can continue to contract and heal. Once the granulation tissue is flat and healthy, it is not necessary to apply panalog. Some wounds alternate between proud and healthy granulation tissue during the healing process, so we may alternate applications of panalog or manuka honey depending on how the wound looks at each bandage change.

Ensure your first aid kit is well stocked with a thermometer, clean bandaging material, and a few of the topicals previously mentioned. When you discover a wound on your horse, take a minute to assess its location and depth. And if in doubt, a phone call and photo to your vet is always a good idea to determine best treatment and optimum healing.

Feeding the Senior Horse

When feeding your senior horse, there are several important factors to keep in mind that can change their dietary requirements.

Dental Condition

Number one is the status of your horse’s teeth. You may have heard the term “expired” teeth when your veterinarian is examining your horse’s mouth. This term refers to the fact that horses’ teeth become worn down over time with all the grinding of their feed and can even wear all the way down to the gum line. These expired teeth can no longer effectively grind forage into the small pieces necessary for a horse to gain nutritional value.

The lack of effective grinding can also predispose horses to choke and impaction colic from swallowing long pieces of hay. As a result, we often recommend starting our senior horses on more processed diets, such as hay pellets, hay cubes, or complete senior feeds. These forage alternatives are already processed into smaller particles, making it much easier for the horses to digest. It is recommended to soak these types of feed in water to reduce the risk of choke. When soaking feed, it is recommended to use a ratio of 2:1 (water to feed), especially if the feed contains beet pulp, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes or even longer if the water is cold. The mash should ideally end up with an oatmeal-like consistency.   

GI Changes

In addition to the teeth, there are some age-related changes to the rest of the GI tract that can affect feeding protocols. There is an overall reduction in the absorption of nutrients in a senior horse due to changes in the microbiome and scarring of the intestines. Supplementing with a probiotic, such as Platinum Performance GI or Arenus Assure Guard Gold, can help regulate the microbiome and improve nutrient absorption.

Senior horses are also less efficient at digesting crude protein, meaning that their dietary protein requirement is higher – it is often recommended to feed 12-14% crude protein to older horses, as opposed to the 10-12% recommended for younger horses. Geriatric horses often tend to require more highly digestible fiber sources, such as beet pulp, to keep them healthy. It is important to keep the crude fiber content of their diet over 10% to meet their physiologic needs.

Regardless of age, horses require approximately 1.5 – 2% of their body weight in dry matter per day – whether that’s mainly hay or almost completely comprised of processed feeds, we need to make sure they are receiving the appropriate amount for their weight. Weighing your scoops of grain is very helpful in determining if your horse is getting enough food. For example, a 1000 pound horse being maintained entirely on Purina Equine Senior requires anywhere from 15 to 17 pounds of feed per day depending on their activity level per the label recommendations.

Metabolic Status

A third piece of the puzzle is the horse’s overall metabolic status. Older horses are much more likely to have PPID, or Cushing’s disease, which can make it difficult for them to maintain good body condition, even in the face of good nutrition. These horses need to go on the appropriate medication, Prascend, to allow them to thrive and keep weight on.

On the flip side, horses with EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Insulin Resistance) often struggle to get weight off. It is important for these horses to be kept on a diet low in non-structural carbohydrates to prevent large fluctuations in glucose levels and elevated insulin levels that can predispose them to laminitis.

Determining if your horse has a metabolic disorder involves running blood work that checks the levels of various enzymes and hormones within the system. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is the hormone we look at in Cushing’s disease. In some cases, a horse may have a normal baseline ACTH level but still have Cushing’s disease. If there are clinical signs consistent with Cushing’s disease (muscle atrophy, weight loss, delayed shedding, etc.) your veterinarian may recommend a second test called a TRH stim test to more definitively determine if your horse has Cushing’s disease. Equine Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels, and often elevated glucose levels as well, which are reflected in the bloodwork.

For more information on these metabolic syndromes as well as other conditions that can affect senior horses, please visit our other blog articles:

Each horse ages differently, so it is important to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian to make sure you are meeting all their nutritional needs. Contact us at any time to schedule a check-up and nutrition consult!

Summer Skin Conditions

What a year here in Colorado!  From fetlock deep mud in the spring to humidity, summer storms and a fly plague of biblical proportion…. No wonder our horses are struggling to keep their skin intact and healthy this year!

When mammalian skin spends a prolonged period subjected to constant moisture, its natural, inherent defense mechanisms become weakened, making them susceptible to any number of dermatological conditions.  For horses this year, the most common skin issue we encountered was pastern dermatitis, commonly known as “scratches”.  This condition presents as an accumulation of scabs in the horse’s pastern region.  It can be quite painful to palpation and even present as a source of lameness.  Once the condition has been identified, the next step is softening the scabs enough so that they can be removed with as little discomfort to the horse as possible. 

My tried and true remedy for scratches is a 50:50 combination of Extra Creamy Desitin (zinc oxide) and nitrofurazone.  (With the mention of nitrofurazone, it is paramount to note that this is the ONLY time I ever recommend using nitrofurazone.  Nitrofurazone has been shown to slow wound healing and tissue regeneration, so I never promote its use on wounds or any other skin lesions).  Once you’ve mixed up a hefty amount of this magical combination product, you’ll want to slather the scabs with a thick coat of this goop and let sit for at least twelve hours.  The zinc oxide is an excellent skin protectant and the nitrofurazone helps to rehydrate the scabs and hamper microbial growth. 

Once the scabs have been softened, you can begin removing as many of them as possible.  Keep in mind that the skin underneath is quite sore and painful so work slowly and gently to keep your horse compliant over the next few days of scab removal.  Once you’ve removed as many scabs as possible that day, gently scrub the area with betadine scrub, rinse, dry and reapply the magical goop.  You’ll repeat this process every 24 hours until all the scabs have been removed.  At that point, it is safe to cease the betadine scrubs and just rinse, dry and reapply a light layer of the magic goop for another 5-7 days until the skin is soft and comfortable.  Scratches can be prevented by keeping the legs dry and clean during the muddy season; easier said than done in many situations!

With the onslaught of flies this summer, we’ve seen many horses struggling with insect bite hypersensitivity reactions.  These present as circular swollen regions and can be found all over the horse’s body and along their underbelly.  In moderate to severe situations, horses may develop hives associated with this hyperactive immune response.  Our initial response to a horse with insect bite associated hives is to address the excessive histamine production with an antihistamine, usually hydroxyzine, although cetirizine has also been shown to be effective in horses.  If this medication is not enough to curb the immune response in the horse, steroids can also be utilized, but in select cases as some patients are at a higher risk of steroid induced laminitis with certain concurrent metabolic diseases. 

Cold hosing, soothing shampoos containing oatmeal and topical over the counter steroid creams can also prove helpful.  For long term management and prevention, Equishield SA has proven to be a highly effective oral supplement in our practice that promotes skin and coat health and well as supports and appropriate immune response.  With the fly populations this year, the use of fly sheets, fly boots and fly masks has certainly helped to preserve the sanity of our equine patients as well!  In patients who are refractory to all forms of treatment and management of allergic skin conditions, allergy testing has proven to be an effective option, although that’s a whole new topic for a separate blog!

Ataxia: Is my horse demonstrating signs of neurologic deficits?

Over the past several months our practice has aided in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of several patients with neurologic disorders.  Horses with neurologic deficits can be dangerous to themselves, other horses, humans and surrounding property.  They can be extremely reactive and unpredictable so the identification of neurologic disease in horses is imperative on the part of the owner, barn manager, rider and trainers in order to secure the patient in a safe place and to avoid injury to horse and human alike. 

Ataxia is demonstrated by poor voluntary muscle control.  Ataxic horses will stumble, stagger, wobble and present an overall presentation comparable to an intoxicated human.  Unlike humans, many horses with neurologic deficits will appear normal when standing due to the intrinsic mechanism of the stay apparatus.  This series of muscles, ligaments and bones enables the horse to sleep standing up without utilization of energy.  As such, an ataxic horse can often stand quietly until asked to perform a voluntary movement.

The severity of the clinical presentation of an ataxic patient is dependent upon the chronicity of the disease process, the severity of the injury to the central nervous system and the specific systems involved in the disease process.  Below are several videos detailing different stages of neurologic symptoms in equine patients.  The purpose of this blog is to educate clients on common presentations of neurologic deficits to enable early identification in the field.  Click on the images to view the videos.

Example one: Mild Sidewinder – this is a general term for a horse who physically cannot move their front and hindlimbs in the same tracks.  Notice here how this patient’s haunches deviate to the right but he is still able to walk in a specific direction without stumbling or falling.  This horse is in minimal distress but a thorough work up of his ataxia is required to ascertain the potential progression and severity of his neurologic disorder. 

Example Two: Severe Sidewinder – notice here that this horse’s haunches are moving around his front end almost without his consent.  He does not have control over his intentional, voluntary movements and he cannot ambulate in a normal fashion.  While he can stand quietly, his hind end appears weak and the first few steps out of standing position demonstrate the most instability. 

Video courtesy Dr. Amber Bowen, V.I.P. Equine Services

Example Three: Moderate Ataxia – note here that initially, this horse looks fairly normal, but, when he shakes his head, he stumbles and struggles to maintain his balance.  He makes large movements to accommodate for his lack of neurologic competence.

Example Four: Severe Ataxia –   this horse has little to no control over his own body.  He struggles to remain standing and is forced into unintentional voluntary movement by the malfunctioning aspects of his central nervous system.  These patients are incredibly unpredictable and extremely dangerous as they cannot demonstrate normal avoidance behavior to avoid collisions.  They also usually demonstrate abnormal, hyperreactive responses to innocuous audio, visual and mechanical stimuli. 

Recumbence is the most severe form of neurologic deficiency  These horses cannot stand and often thrash, paddle and tremor on the ground.  They may flop about like a fish out of water and they have very little to no control over their limbs, trunk, neck or head.  Humane euthanasia is usually the only kind option available to these patients. 

Stringhalt is a neuromuscular deficit that results in involuntary exaggerated upward movement of one or both of the hindlimbs.  It is usually most pronounced at the walk and while backing.  The movement lessens in the trot and is almost always absent in the canter.  This is not known to be a painful disorder in horses and the horse can remain serviceably sound and rideable in most situations. 

Video courtesy UC Davis Center for Equine Health

Neurologic disorders in horses are always complex and require in-depth analysis and neurologic testing to attempt to determine the etiology.  Prognosis is always dependent upon etiology and progression. 

Equine Cushings Disease

Most horse owners have heard about equine Cushings disease and are familiar with some of the common clinical signs: a long curly haircoat, delayed shedding, topline loss, pot-bellied appearance, and sometimes laminitis. Additional signs include recurrent infections, delayed healing, increased water intake and urination, and lethargy. Especially as our equine companions live longer than ever before, a diagnosis of Cushings disease is very common. But what causes these clinical signs and what can be done for horses with this condition?

What is Equine Cushings/PPID?

Equine Cushings is the most common endocrine disease in our older horse population. Cushings in humans and dogs differs from the equine condition, so equine Cushings is more accurately known as PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction).

The small pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain near the hypothalamus. It is composed of three different parts, each with unique functions. As indicated by the name, PPID affects the pars intermedia portion of the pituitary gland. The neighboring hypothalamus helps regulate the pituitary’s secretion of hormones. When this regulation is disrupted, the pituitary continues to secrete hormones unchecked. Usually the hypothalamus releases dopamine, a hormone, to signal the pars intermedia to stop producing hormones. In older horses and PPID affected horses, there is less dopamine to inhibit the pars intermedia, so it continues releasing hormones and increases in size. The increased amounts of these hormones, including one called ACTH, affect your horse’s thirst, thermoregulation, and response to stress.

Photo by Moriah Wolfe on Unsplash

How to Diagnose PPID

Diagnosis of PPID is made with blood work to measure the level of the ACTH hormone. Completion of full metabolic panel in addition to ACTH level is important to investigate other hormones that may also be affected, such as insulin and leptin. One important consideration is the time of year when blood is drawn, as ACTH levels of all horses increase during the transitional fall period (approx. mid August through end of November).

PPID Treatment Options

PPID is a manageable, but not curable condition. The mainstay of treatment of PPID involves daily administration of pergolide (prascend). This medication helps reduce ACTH levels and improve clinical signs. Horse owners report improvement in shedding, better maintenance/building of topline, and improved attitude/appetite. Treatment of PPID can also help reduce circulating insulin levels in those horses that experience elevated insulin secondary to PPID, thus reducing the risk of laminitis. For horses with concurrent insulin dysregulation, additional medications and dietary management may be indicated to further mitigate the risk of laminitis. Many herbal remedies claim to aid in treatment of PPID, such as chasteberry, but studies have failed to prove any benefits of supplementation. Treating PPID with pergolide improves both quality and length of life for affected horses.

What’s All the Talk About Insulin? Hyperinsulinemic Associated Laminitis

Thirty years ago, laminitis was usually a career-ending diagnosis, if not a life-ending one.  Aside from mechanical support and pain management, little was known about the contributing factors associated with laminitis and the multitude of clinical factors that affect the severity, outcome, and likelihood of recurrence.  Today, we know a great deal more about metabolic laminitis and specifically the role that insulin plays in mediating this disease process. 

Current data shows that horses with an elevated baseline insulin value are at a higher risk of developing hyperinsulinemic associated laminitis (HAL).  The ability to establish a direct relationship between elevated serum insulin levels and the onset of laminitis has enabled veterinary practitioners to make great strides in combating this disease process. 

Hyperinsulinemic Associated Laminitis Diagnosis and Treatment

When presented with a patient suffering from HAL, the first step is to determine just how high the insulin values are.  Seasoned practitioners can usually estimate the severity of hyperinsulinemia by assessing the extent of regional adiposity (fat deposition in the horse’s body).  The most common site of regional adipose tissue deposition are the crest of the neck, on either side of the withers, along either side of the horse’s topline, and on either side of the tail head.  The greater the accumulation of fat in these areas, the higher the baseline insulin value in that patient.  Bloodwork, in the form of a metabolic panel, is then used to quantify those observations to establish an appropriate therapeutic regimen and track progress throughout the treatment period. 

If the patient is actively suffering from HAL, all therapeutic methods are implemented in an attempt to slow down the damage associated with the laminitic process.  In addition to dietary management and the eradication of starch from the horse’s feed, medical intervention with metformin has proven to be a very successful strategy in our practice. 

Metformin increases tissue sensitivity to insulin in the patient. Insulin is a signaling molecule which instructs cells to recover glucose (starch/sugar) from the GI tract to use to power cellular processes.  In horses with hyperinsulinemia, the tissues of the body aren’t responding to the insulin currently being produced, so, the body produces more insulin, leading to a hyperinsulinemic state. 

The physiologic process by which elevated insulin values lead to laminitis are still unknown.  However, current research shows that insulin is capable of binding to receptors in lamellar epithelial cells which stimulates excessive growth of the horn tubules, leading to the traditional elongated hoof structure of chronically laminitic feet.  Metformin helps to increase tissue sensitivity to insulin which in turn down regulates the body’s natural production of insulin. 

Hyperinsulinemic Associated Laminitis Treatment Outcomes

The success of treatment of horses with insulin dysregulation is highly dependent upon the severity of the HAL, the chronicity of the disease process, and the condition of the hoof capsule.  Optimal outcomes are associated with high compliance on the part of the horse owner when it comes to implementing therapeutic regimens and dietary management, as well as the employment of a farrier who is willing to work with your veterinarian when making strategic decisions around trimming and shoeing your horse. 

These patients require several series of radiographs over the course of their case in order to ensure optimal trimming is being performed in addition to tracking the sole depth of the patient.  Most cases, when identified in their chronic stages, usually require many months to restore physiologic function of the hoof capsule and achieve an acceptable level of comfort on the part of the patient.  Depending upon the integrity of the hoof capsule, metabolic stability, and comfort of the patient, these patients can sometimes return to their previous level of work.  While not all cases have the perfect outcome, with the knowledge and medical advancements the veterinary profession has seen over the past few decades, it is absolutely worth trying to combat hyperinsulinemia associated laminitis. 

Preparing for Trail Season

The days are getting longer, the snow on the ground is FINALLY melting off, and spring is in the air… which means trail riding season is just around the corner!

Trail riding is an excellent activity to share with your horse. Whether you are taking a backcountry trip for several days or hauling down to the local open space for an afternoon, proper preparation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for trail season:

Conditioning

Before embarking on a trail ride, it is important to make sure that your horse is in adequate physical condition. For many of us, winter is a quiet time with minimal riding. We certainly wouldn’t expect ourselves to be able to go from several months off to running a marathon, would we? Make a plan for your summer trips and assess the potential difficulty of your chosen routes. Are you going to be riding the gentle creekside trails at Bear Creek Lake Park, scaling the rocky mountainside at Staunton State Park, or taking off for several days in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park?

Determine approximate length and difficulty of your desired rides and begin working on a conditioning plan. If you haven’t been working your horse all winter, start with short, light to moderate intensity rides. Start building up time and adding in more technical work. For horses who are intended to be used on mountainous trails, add in exercises designed to strengthen the hind end and stifles – such as hill work, backing, working over ground poles, and cavalettis. Build your horses’ stamina and fitness by increasing the time you spend in a proper trot and balanced lope/canter.

Equipment

For the safety and comfort of both you and your horse, always check your equipment prior to usage. Many horses fluctuate in weight and musculature over the winter, so start by ensuring your saddle fits appropriately and you have a proper pad that will wick away excess moisture and prevent rubbing.

If you are planning on riding rocky terrain, I recommend considering shoes or trail boots. While some horses have hard enough feet and do not require additional support, it is a good idea to have a properly fitting pair of trail boots in case of an emergency or soreness on the trail.

Consider other equipment that you may be using during rides – are you going to be donning a new pair of snazzy saddle bags? Tying a rain slicker to the back of your saddle? Prior to heading down the trail, be sure to expose your horse to all of these things in a comfortable and familiar setting. You do not want to learn that your horse does not tolerate saddle bags moving around on their back when you are trying to enjoy a breezy lope through the open field at Dawson’s Butte!

First Aid Kit

It is important to build a first aid kit to bring with you on rides. Depending on the length of the ride, I generally carry a small, abbreviated kit for the ride itself (generally a few select meds, some bandage material, hoof pick, etc.), and have a more extensive kit back in the trailer. Be sure to have a kit for BOTH your horse and yourself! As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian to discuss an appropriate first-aid kit for your horse.

Trailer

If your trailer has been sitting all winter and you plan to haul to various trails, be sure to give it a thorough once-over prior to hitting the road. Be sure to check your floors, bearings, brakes, tires, and electrical. It may also be beneficial to schedule an annual maintenance appointment with your local trailer shop.

Paperwork

While most trail systems do not have specific vaccination or paperwork requirements, whenever you are traveling with your horse, it is important to have appropriate documentation. This may include a current Coggins, health certificate, vaccination record, brand inspection, and microchip information. If you find yourself overnighting somewhere, some places may require one or multiple of the above-mentioned documents, so make sure to confirm any necessary paperwork prior to departing.

**Remember, in the state of Colorado, if you are traveling greater than 75 miles you are required to have a new brand inspection! One way to save money and time is to invest in a “permanent travel card” for your horse. This replaces the need for a new brand inspection every time you travel. In order to obtain a travel card, contact your local brand inspector.**

Water

Trail riding can be thirsty work, so ensure you have access to water for both yourself and your horses. Some trails have hydrants or running water sources, but some don’t. You may need to be prepared to haul in your own water!  Be cautious of shared water sources as these can harbor infectious diseases. Toss a couple of clean buckets into your trailer and reserve them for your horses only.

Make a plan!

Take the time to research your desired destinations before heading out for your ride. Many trails are multi-use, so be prepared to run into bicyclists, hikers, dogs, and other riders. Additionally, be aware of the risks that may arise in each location – such as wildlife in the mountains or snakes in the rocky foothills. Find your trail online or use forums (or friends!) to gather information regarding parking, water, usage, and other amenities.

Whenever possible, find a friend or group to ride with. Let someone reliable know of your riding plans and an expected departure and return time.

If you are traveling outside of the range of your regular veterinarian, make a plan for emergency veterinary care – this may include calling local clinics and finding the closest one that may offer emergency services. Remember – many equine veterinary clinics are very busy right now, and many do not accept non-client emergencies. Some pre-planning may help identify a veterinarian who would be able to help in case of an emergency.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy time in the great outdoors with your horse! Happy Trails!

Horse Show/Travel Biosecurity

The arrival of spring means long-awaited opportunities for trail riding, clinics, and horse shows. However, travel, new stabling, and the mixing of horse populations can also provide the perfect conditions for the spread of disease. With a little planning and biosecurity awareness, you can minimize potential risks to your horse.

What is Biosecurity?

Biosecurity refers to the preventative measures taken to minimize spread of disease. The most commonly encountered infectious diseases include influenza (flu), rhinopneumonitis (equine herpes virus), and strangles. While many horses are vaccinated against these diseases, vaccination does not guarantee 100% protection and does not negate the need for biosecurity.

How do I take effective biosecurity measures?

Some biosecurity measures are common sense – such as not allowing your horse to have nose-to-nose contact with other horses. Other measures are more complex.

First, consider your destination. Horse show venues and campgrounds may have specific requirements for incoming horses, such as a current Coggins test, health certificate, and proof of up-to-date vaccination. Remember to keep your veterinarian apprised of your summer travel plans so that you have all required documentation prior to your departure. While it can be frustrating to manage differing requirements, remember they are put in place for the health and safety of the horse.

When arriving at a campground or show stable, examine the housing for your horse prior to unloading. Look for overall cleanliness – an area free of manure and old bedding. It’s worth asking the venue how facilities are cleaned between horses prior to your arrival. Dirt floors and other porous surfaces are much harder to disinfect since organic debris can inactivate cleaners such as bleach.

Simple and easy biosecurity measures:

  • Prevent all direct contact between your horse and others (no nose-to-nose!)
  • Avoid sharing equipment with others, including; tack, grooming supplies, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, etc.
  • Avoid communal water sources/sharing hoses between horses. Dropping the end of the hose into multiple water buckets can transmit disease.
  • Wash your hands frequently and after touching any other horses.
  • Pack your horse’s thermometer. If your horse appears “off” a fever may be present before he is contagious to others.
  • Don’t forget to clean and disinfect your trailer regularly too!

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy riding season!

Wet Weather Hoof Troubles: Thrush and Abscess

While we are always grateful for precipitation here in Colorado, wet and muddy conditions contribute to the development of two common horse hoof conditions: abscesses and thrush.

Abscesses

A hoof abscess commonly presents as an acute onset severe lameness without obvious signs of injury. Abscesses occur when bacteria is trapped within the foot. Wet conditions can soften the foot, allowing easier access of bacteria. A deep bruise, hot nail, or other foreign body can also lead to abscess formation. Horses with poor hoof quality or white line disease can be more susceptible to abscesses.

Exam findings that help your vet localize the lameness to the foot include an increased digital pulse, localized warmth of the foot, and sensitivity to hoof testers. Radiographs may be recommended to rule out other more serious problems or foreign bodies. In some cases, radiographs may show a tell-tale pocket of gas (infection).

Most abscess resolve in about 7-10 days. The key to improved comfort is drainage of the abscess, resulting in relief of pressure. Care during this time includes application of a poultice to allow drainage while also keeping the foot clean. The most common methods used are a medicated poultice pad (Animalintex) or packing the foot with magnapaste. Both methods help draw out infection and are much easier (and more quickly successful) than soaking your horse’s foot in a bucket of warm water and Epsom salt. A drainage tract is needed for healing, but this tract can potentially allow more bacteria back into the foot, so a proper foot wrap over a poultice pad or magnapaste is essential for cleanliness. Elastikon and duct tape are invaluable for a good foot bandage!

Thrush

Thrush is another common hoof condition linked to wet conditions. You may notice a strong odor when picking your horse’s feet, and wet dark material along the sides and center of the frog. The odor is due to infection with anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that thrive in areas with little to no oxygen). Severe infection can cause sensitivity when using the hoof pick or pressing on infected areas, and sometimes lameness.

Poor hoof conformation and infrequent farrier care can contribute to the development of thrush. Treatment options for thrush include topical drying/antibacterial products (Thrushbuster, dilute betadine, copper sulfate, etc) and farrier work to remove exfoliating frog that may trap additional moisture. A dry environment is also critical.

Observing an acute onset severe lameness in your horse warrants at least a conversation with your vet and most likely an exam. Good management, including a clean dry environment, regular farrier care, and checking/picking out your horse’s feet daily can help minimize his risk of developing a hoof abscess or thrush.