Gastric Ulcers in horses are caused by the gradual deterioration of the stomach lining as a result of prolonged excessive acidity.
Horses in the wild are natural grazers and regularly digest grass and hay (roughage). When confined to stables or yards, and provided feed only at certain times of the day, they become susceptible to ulcers.
This is because the stomach of a horse is continually secreting acid and continual grazing produces saliva that contains bicarbonate (alkaline) to neutralize the acid build up.
Apart from unnatural feeding regimes, concentrate feeding (high grain diets) can contribute by increasing the production of fatty acids. Other factors involved include stress, transportation (particularly a long haul with no feed), strenuous training (it is estimated 90% of racehorses suffer gastric ulcers to some degree), and continual administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e g “Bute”).
Symptoms
Vary from no signs at all to severe Colic, but generally include poor appetite, poor condition (including dull coat), change of attitude, poor performance (racing or other activity), and mild to severe Colic.
In foals, diarrhea is prevalent but this is not the case in adult horses.
The best method of diagnosis when ulcers are suspected, due to the presence of one or more of these signs, is by endoscopic examination. This is a procedure performed by a Veterinarian that allows observation inside a horse’s stomach without surgery. The Endoscope (fiberscope) is a long flexible tube with a lens at one end and a telescope at the other. The end with the lens is inserted through the nostril and down the esophagus into the stomach. Light passes down the tube (via bundles of optical fibres) to illuminate the stomach lining, and the telescope eyepiece magnifies the area enabling the vet to see what is there.
Treatment
The obvious and natural remedy is to return the horse to the paddock to graze all day. Most ulcers will heal spontaneously if this course of action is adopted. Alternatively, stabled horses receiving smaller, more numerous feeds throughout the day, with less grain content and more hay and chaff (roughage) would alleviate the condition.
Sadly, neither of these natural solutions is practicable in racehorse or other performance horses, as trainers believe horses would not perform at optimum levels given these considerations.
In these situations, decreasing acid production is the aim and at least more frequent feeding with no more than 4lb of grain per feed, and reducing workload until appetite improves will help. Gradual change to grains with less fatty acids should also be implemented.
The drug Omeprazole has emerged in recent years as the most potent anti--ulcer medication currently available. It is in the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. It is effective but unfortunately expensive. Brands include Ulcergard, Gastrogard and Omoguard.
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Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Swollen Sheath in horses.
The sheath is the tube of concertina like skin that covers and protects a male horse’s penis. It can become swollen for a number of reasons. The most prevalent in my experience being the aftermath of castration.
Other causes include:
(1) Dirt, skin and oils can build up to form smegma - a sebaceous secretion that accumulates in the folds of the sheath. Over time, large “beans” can form and promote the carriage of Taylorella Equigenitalis (bacteria). In stallions, this can lead to Contagious Equine Metritis (venereal infection).
(2) Injury, resulting in (a) a lesion leading to infection, or (b) a hematoma.
(3) An infected bite from flies or bugs.
(4) Mud Rash.
(5) An allergic reaction to soap used to clean the sheath.
Getting back to castration, post-operative bleeding into the sheath is a common complication, as it is normal for a small amount of blood to drip from the incision site. However, excessive swelling indicates a problem, usually infection.
Castration operations have to heal from the inside out. If the outside skin seals over, a pocket of blood and serum can form, and the area usually becomes infected. The vet will generally re-open the incision site and administer a course of antibiotics.
Treatment:
(1) Smegma - Cleaning the sheath. Although not the nicest of jobs, it is necessary, and should be performed every six months. Here is a quick “how to”:
Wear thin latex gloves.
If it is the first time for the horse, have someone hold him, or if tied up, consider sedation. In fact, unless you are very sure of your horse’s reaction, and confident in your ability to do this yourself, ask your vet to do it for you.
Start by gently wetting the sheath and penis.
Use petroleum jelly to lubricate your hands, the sheath, and penis.
Carefully insert your hand into the sheath.
The smegma will break away and stick to your hand.
Remove at intervals and wash off in warm water.
Work your way up the sheath to the penis.
Remove smegma from around the penis.
Check for “beans”. If detected, gently roll out.
Rinse off the sheath - if you used soap, make sure you thoroughly rinse it off.
(2) Injury. An anti-inflammatory, as well as an antibiotic if infected.
(3) An antibiotic, and possibly antihistamine
(4) Daily cleaning, and an antibiotic cream.
(5) For a start, only use mild soap, but if it happens a topical cream if it does not clear up by itself.
In concluding, I must state that there is not universal agreement on the benefits of regular cleaning of the sheath. Some feel that it will “self clean.” However, all agree regularly handling to detect any abnormalities is a good idea.
Other causes include:
(1) Dirt, skin and oils can build up to form smegma - a sebaceous secretion that accumulates in the folds of the sheath. Over time, large “beans” can form and promote the carriage of Taylorella Equigenitalis (bacteria). In stallions, this can lead to Contagious Equine Metritis (venereal infection).
(2) Injury, resulting in (a) a lesion leading to infection, or (b) a hematoma.
(3) An infected bite from flies or bugs.
(4) Mud Rash.
(5) An allergic reaction to soap used to clean the sheath.
Getting back to castration, post-operative bleeding into the sheath is a common complication, as it is normal for a small amount of blood to drip from the incision site. However, excessive swelling indicates a problem, usually infection.
Castration operations have to heal from the inside out. If the outside skin seals over, a pocket of blood and serum can form, and the area usually becomes infected. The vet will generally re-open the incision site and administer a course of antibiotics.
Treatment:
(1) Smegma - Cleaning the sheath. Although not the nicest of jobs, it is necessary, and should be performed every six months. Here is a quick “how to”:
Wear thin latex gloves.
If it is the first time for the horse, have someone hold him, or if tied up, consider sedation. In fact, unless you are very sure of your horse’s reaction, and confident in your ability to do this yourself, ask your vet to do it for you.
Start by gently wetting the sheath and penis.
Use petroleum jelly to lubricate your hands, the sheath, and penis.
Carefully insert your hand into the sheath.
The smegma will break away and stick to your hand.
Remove at intervals and wash off in warm water.
Work your way up the sheath to the penis.
Remove smegma from around the penis.
Check for “beans”. If detected, gently roll out.
Rinse off the sheath - if you used soap, make sure you thoroughly rinse it off.
(2) Injury. An anti-inflammatory, as well as an antibiotic if infected.
(3) An antibiotic, and possibly antihistamine
(4) Daily cleaning, and an antibiotic cream.
(5) For a start, only use mild soap, but if it happens a topical cream if it does not clear up by itself.
In concluding, I must state that there is not universal agreement on the benefits of regular cleaning of the sheath. Some feel that it will “self clean.” However, all agree regularly handling to detect any abnormalities is a good idea.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Equine Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds in horses can be alarming and distressing to owners, but in the majority of cases turn out to be minor in nature and duration.
However, horses are not inclined to having spontaneous nosebleeds, so even if it appears to have occurred for no reason, you must investigate the cause, which could be:
The most likely cause - a knock to the head, resulting in a relatively large bleed from one nostril.
A bleed, accompanied by coughing, can occur when a foreign body is stuck in a horse’s throat or nose.
When a veterinarian is stomach tubing a horse and inadvertently knocks the nasal tissues when pushing the tube through the nostril.
Occasionally equine sinusitis, or tumours in a horse’s respiratory tract, can cause a trickle of blood.
Becoming more serious, a nosebleed could be a clinical sign of progressive Ethmoid Hematoma--a rare vascular lesion (like a big blood blister) of the Ethmoid Turbinates (at the back of the nostril chambers).
The most serious, albeit unlikely, possible cause is Guttural Pouch Mycosis-- a fungal infection of the Guttural Pouch (pouches that open into the horse’s throat area in what is the equivalent of a human’s Eustachian tube-- connecting the middle ear to the throat). This condition may go unnoticed at first, but becomes very serious when the fungus grows over a large blood vessel in the pouch and weakens the wall of the artery resulting in a rupture. This results in a massive nosebleed and is potentially fatal.
The medical term for nosebleed is “Epistaxis”. Defined as acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity or nasopharynx. I highlight this because, technically, a quite common cause of bleeding from both nostrils--EIPH (exercise--induced pulmonary hemorrhage), which because the bleeding (hemorrhage) originates from blood vessels within the lung (pulmonary), is not a true nosebleed at all!
At one time regarded as a Thoroughbred Racehorse problem, the prevalence of Endoscopic examinations in Veterinary practices has discovered that any breed of horse performing strenuous exercise can experience EIPH.
The cause is rupture of a blood vessel while breathing at an accelerated rate. The source of the damaged blood vessel is usually the upper part of the lungs. The blood makes its way to the trachea and (in the case of a nosebleed) the nostrils via the nasal passages.
All nosebleeds should be taken seriously. If unable to establish beyond doubt the cause is minor, waste no time in contacting your veterinarian to investigate thoroughly.
However, horses are not inclined to having spontaneous nosebleeds, so even if it appears to have occurred for no reason, you must investigate the cause, which could be:
The most likely cause - a knock to the head, resulting in a relatively large bleed from one nostril.
A bleed, accompanied by coughing, can occur when a foreign body is stuck in a horse’s throat or nose.
When a veterinarian is stomach tubing a horse and inadvertently knocks the nasal tissues when pushing the tube through the nostril.
Occasionally equine sinusitis, or tumours in a horse’s respiratory tract, can cause a trickle of blood.
Becoming more serious, a nosebleed could be a clinical sign of progressive Ethmoid Hematoma--a rare vascular lesion (like a big blood blister) of the Ethmoid Turbinates (at the back of the nostril chambers).
The most serious, albeit unlikely, possible cause is Guttural Pouch Mycosis-- a fungal infection of the Guttural Pouch (pouches that open into the horse’s throat area in what is the equivalent of a human’s Eustachian tube-- connecting the middle ear to the throat). This condition may go unnoticed at first, but becomes very serious when the fungus grows over a large blood vessel in the pouch and weakens the wall of the artery resulting in a rupture. This results in a massive nosebleed and is potentially fatal.
The medical term for nosebleed is “Epistaxis”. Defined as acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity or nasopharynx. I highlight this because, technically, a quite common cause of bleeding from both nostrils--EIPH (exercise--induced pulmonary hemorrhage), which because the bleeding (hemorrhage) originates from blood vessels within the lung (pulmonary), is not a true nosebleed at all!
At one time regarded as a Thoroughbred Racehorse problem, the prevalence of Endoscopic examinations in Veterinary practices has discovered that any breed of horse performing strenuous exercise can experience EIPH.
The cause is rupture of a blood vessel while breathing at an accelerated rate. The source of the damaged blood vessel is usually the upper part of the lungs. The blood makes its way to the trachea and (in the case of a nosebleed) the nostrils via the nasal passages.
All nosebleeds should be taken seriously. If unable to establish beyond doubt the cause is minor, waste no time in contacting your veterinarian to investigate thoroughly.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Greasy Heel
Greasy Heel is an epidermal (skin) condition that predominantly occurs on the lower part of horses legs in the pastern area (between the coronet band and fetlock).
In various parts of the world, it is called Grease Heel, Mud Fever, Scratches, Pastern Dermatitis and Dew Poisoning.
Causes.
The most common cause is mud and dampness. A cut or scratch allowing a bacterial infection by the name of Dermatophilus Congolensis is generally the underlying problem. If paddocks are muddy, the horse’s hoofs and lower legs are constantly damp and the bacterium thrives in these circumstances.
Similarly, horses involved in heavy exercise are susceptible as sweat down the legs accumulates behind the pastern making the skin soft and damp.
Horses with white haired/pink skinned pasterns are more prone to the condition.
Constantly standing in stables that are left unmucked or urine saturated, fungi, allergies, or bedding irritants (toxins in sawdust) can also provide similar symptoms.
Symptoms.
The condition usually starts at the back of the pastern on a hind leg and can extend up to the fetlock and above, around to the front of the leg. Swelling occurs and the area becomes greasy and weepy.
If untreated at this stage, crusty scabs form and there are cracks in the skin. As the weeping increases, ulceration and erosion of the skin occurs and it becomes more swollen and thicker, and the whole area of the affected leg is enlarged. Hair matting and then loss occurs during this deterioration.
In chronic cases granulation tissue forms on the skin (known as grapes).
Understandably, the condition is painful and the horse generally appears lame as the pastern flexes during movement.
Treatment.
If the symptoms have developed past the scabby and weepy stage, or there is any sign of infection (for example, the horse shows pain at the touch), veterinary attention is essential as an antibiotic will be required.
If treated early, the first step is to thoroughly clean the affected area. Start by cutting off any matted hair and gently removing the sticky moisture and anything stuck to it.
Prepare a mixture of warm water and betadine and initially sponge the area, giving it a good soaking to soften up the lesions. Then lightly scrub the whole area using a soft brush concentrating on removing all the remaining grease and any scabs. Rinse off after about ten minutes and dry THOROUGHLY (the use of a hair dryer is the best way of achieving this).
A topical corticosteroid cream can then be thinly applied - I suggest you seek a recommendation from a vet for that.
Depending on severity, this procedure may have to be repeated multiple times. Bandages should not be applied as they may harbor dampness, and the leg remaining completely dry is paramount. For this reason, attention should be given to dry stabling and bedding, and less strenuous exercise, etc., until healing is complete.
Prevention.
May be difficult to achieve in some environments, as dry, clean conditions is the simple key, but adherence to the following will reduce the likelihood:
Attending to any cuts or scratches, no matter how small, on horse’s legs as soon as you become aware of them.
Applying zinc based cream, especially to white haired/pink skinned horses, to the pasterns, when in a vulnerable location (e.g. damp, muddy paddock).
Greasy Heel can be contagious, so all necessary precautions should be taken at avoid it spreading to other horses.
Some horses are left with permanent skin thickening and are prone to recurrence. Take note of these and try to avoid vulnerable locations altogether.
In conclusion, the best advice is to check your horse regularly and address any problem immediately, before it has a chance to develop.
In various parts of the world, it is called Grease Heel, Mud Fever, Scratches, Pastern Dermatitis and Dew Poisoning.
Causes.
The most common cause is mud and dampness. A cut or scratch allowing a bacterial infection by the name of Dermatophilus Congolensis is generally the underlying problem. If paddocks are muddy, the horse’s hoofs and lower legs are constantly damp and the bacterium thrives in these circumstances.
Similarly, horses involved in heavy exercise are susceptible as sweat down the legs accumulates behind the pastern making the skin soft and damp.
Horses with white haired/pink skinned pasterns are more prone to the condition.
Constantly standing in stables that are left unmucked or urine saturated, fungi, allergies, or bedding irritants (toxins in sawdust) can also provide similar symptoms.
Symptoms.
The condition usually starts at the back of the pastern on a hind leg and can extend up to the fetlock and above, around to the front of the leg. Swelling occurs and the area becomes greasy and weepy.
If untreated at this stage, crusty scabs form and there are cracks in the skin. As the weeping increases, ulceration and erosion of the skin occurs and it becomes more swollen and thicker, and the whole area of the affected leg is enlarged. Hair matting and then loss occurs during this deterioration.
In chronic cases granulation tissue forms on the skin (known as grapes).
Understandably, the condition is painful and the horse generally appears lame as the pastern flexes during movement.
Treatment.
If the symptoms have developed past the scabby and weepy stage, or there is any sign of infection (for example, the horse shows pain at the touch), veterinary attention is essential as an antibiotic will be required.
If treated early, the first step is to thoroughly clean the affected area. Start by cutting off any matted hair and gently removing the sticky moisture and anything stuck to it.
Prepare a mixture of warm water and betadine and initially sponge the area, giving it a good soaking to soften up the lesions. Then lightly scrub the whole area using a soft brush concentrating on removing all the remaining grease and any scabs. Rinse off after about ten minutes and dry THOROUGHLY (the use of a hair dryer is the best way of achieving this).
A topical corticosteroid cream can then be thinly applied - I suggest you seek a recommendation from a vet for that.
Depending on severity, this procedure may have to be repeated multiple times. Bandages should not be applied as they may harbor dampness, and the leg remaining completely dry is paramount. For this reason, attention should be given to dry stabling and bedding, and less strenuous exercise, etc., until healing is complete.
Prevention.
May be difficult to achieve in some environments, as dry, clean conditions is the simple key, but adherence to the following will reduce the likelihood:
Attending to any cuts or scratches, no matter how small, on horse’s legs as soon as you become aware of them.
Applying zinc based cream, especially to white haired/pink skinned horses, to the pasterns, when in a vulnerable location (e.g. damp, muddy paddock).
Greasy Heel can be contagious, so all necessary precautions should be taken at avoid it spreading to other horses.
Some horses are left with permanent skin thickening and are prone to recurrence. Take note of these and try to avoid vulnerable locations altogether.
In conclusion, the best advice is to check your horse regularly and address any problem immediately, before it has a chance to develop.
Swollen Fetlocks in horses.
Most horses will present with swollen fetlock/s at some stage of their life. On the majority of occasions it will be a temporary situation but to some a recurring, even deteriorating condition.
Temporary incidence could be a result of:
(1) A wound infecting the skin area. An abrasion or cut resulting in a local infection. A course of antibiotics usually clears this up in a week or so.
(2) Severe lower leg impact causing bruising. The application of a cream or gel will dissipate this. Running cold water over the area, and some exercise both help as well.
(3) A sprain as a result of stepping wrongly. An anti-inflammatory (such as bute), and ceasing work generally sees an improvement within a week.
(4) Greasy Heel. Extent of treatment depends on severity. See my article on Greasy Heel.
(5) Minor Hoof problem - An elevated pulse to the hoof will give the impression of a swollen fetlock. Fix the hoof problem and the pulse returns to normal.
Recurring and/or deteriorating conditions include:
(a) Tendonitis of the extensor tendons - Soft tissue injuries to the deep digital flexor tendon or suspensory ligaments
(b) Passive or active edema of the subcutaneous tissue overlying the joint.
(c) Lymphangitis (normally in a hind leg fetlock). A rare chronic fungal disease in which lymph vessels contain granulating abscesses and are grossly dilated with pus.
(d) Major Hoof problem - Navicular Disease, Fracture of the Pedal/Coffin bone, Laminitis or Founder.
(e) Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) This term is used to describe the deterioration ( or pitting ) of joint cartilage. This occurs predominantly in fetlocks and knees, but can also occur in pasterns and hocks/stifles. Various stages of this disease would account for the greater percentage of swollen fetlock causation.
Fetlock joints, which allow considerable movement, are known as synovial joints. They possess a joint cavity which contains fluid allowing the bones to slide over one another without grinding and causing pain. The cavity of the joints are lined by a membrane which is responsible for the production of the thick, syrupy lubricating fluid.
Synovial joints also contain articular cartilage, which cover the ends of the connecting bones. Cartilage is a thick pad of tissue that absorbs the force of flexion of the joint. It has no blood supply and is unable to heal itself if damaged.
Horses subjected to continual, strenuous exercise place constant stress on the joints, which cause them to become inflamed. As inflammation intensifies within the joint the lubricating ( synovial ) fluid dilutes into a thin and watery state, becoming less effective in protecting the cartilage. This, accompanied with the cartilage becoming frayed and rough as a result excessive compression associated with speed and/or jumping, leads to pitting of the cartilage.
Before DJD occurs, the initial sign of joint disease displays as inflammation of the synovial membrane - called synovitis. Apart from strenuous exercise, other contributing factors include hard, unforgiving working surfaces, poor conformation and bad shoeing. Synovitis manifests as windgall - pockets of fluid around the joint as joint fluid production increases in response to the inflammation.
Thoroughbred racehorses routinely suffer from this condition. Rest and/or treatment will generally alleviate the problem but if ignored and a demanding exercise regime continues unabated, damage to the cartilage will inevitably begin.
Treatment of DJD depends on the severity of the disease and the level of exercise the horse is required to perform. In the initial stages, stable rest and ice boots will more than likely be sufficient to reduce the swelling and inflammation. In more established cases analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications are normally required. However, although these medications remove the pain, they do not cure the condition.
The bottom line is consult your veterinarian if you cannot establish the cause of the swelling is minor and temporary.
Temporary incidence could be a result of:
(1) A wound infecting the skin area. An abrasion or cut resulting in a local infection. A course of antibiotics usually clears this up in a week or so.
(2) Severe lower leg impact causing bruising. The application of a cream or gel will dissipate this. Running cold water over the area, and some exercise both help as well.
(3) A sprain as a result of stepping wrongly. An anti-inflammatory (such as bute), and ceasing work generally sees an improvement within a week.
(4) Greasy Heel. Extent of treatment depends on severity. See my article on Greasy Heel.
(5) Minor Hoof problem - An elevated pulse to the hoof will give the impression of a swollen fetlock. Fix the hoof problem and the pulse returns to normal.
Recurring and/or deteriorating conditions include:
(a) Tendonitis of the extensor tendons - Soft tissue injuries to the deep digital flexor tendon or suspensory ligaments
(b) Passive or active edema of the subcutaneous tissue overlying the joint.
(c) Lymphangitis (normally in a hind leg fetlock). A rare chronic fungal disease in which lymph vessels contain granulating abscesses and are grossly dilated with pus.
(d) Major Hoof problem - Navicular Disease, Fracture of the Pedal/Coffin bone, Laminitis or Founder.
(e) Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) This term is used to describe the deterioration ( or pitting ) of joint cartilage. This occurs predominantly in fetlocks and knees, but can also occur in pasterns and hocks/stifles. Various stages of this disease would account for the greater percentage of swollen fetlock causation.
Fetlock joints, which allow considerable movement, are known as synovial joints. They possess a joint cavity which contains fluid allowing the bones to slide over one another without grinding and causing pain. The cavity of the joints are lined by a membrane which is responsible for the production of the thick, syrupy lubricating fluid.
Synovial joints also contain articular cartilage, which cover the ends of the connecting bones. Cartilage is a thick pad of tissue that absorbs the force of flexion of the joint. It has no blood supply and is unable to heal itself if damaged.
Horses subjected to continual, strenuous exercise place constant stress on the joints, which cause them to become inflamed. As inflammation intensifies within the joint the lubricating ( synovial ) fluid dilutes into a thin and watery state, becoming less effective in protecting the cartilage. This, accompanied with the cartilage becoming frayed and rough as a result excessive compression associated with speed and/or jumping, leads to pitting of the cartilage.
Before DJD occurs, the initial sign of joint disease displays as inflammation of the synovial membrane - called synovitis. Apart from strenuous exercise, other contributing factors include hard, unforgiving working surfaces, poor conformation and bad shoeing. Synovitis manifests as windgall - pockets of fluid around the joint as joint fluid production increases in response to the inflammation.
Thoroughbred racehorses routinely suffer from this condition. Rest and/or treatment will generally alleviate the problem but if ignored and a demanding exercise regime continues unabated, damage to the cartilage will inevitably begin.
Treatment of DJD depends on the severity of the disease and the level of exercise the horse is required to perform. In the initial stages, stable rest and ice boots will more than likely be sufficient to reduce the swelling and inflammation. In more established cases analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications are normally required. However, although these medications remove the pain, they do not cure the condition.
The bottom line is consult your veterinarian if you cannot establish the cause of the swelling is minor and temporary.
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