Archive for the "horse care" Category
Recently one of our favorite horses travelled across the nation to move to Hidden Hills, California. Here she is in her new home with Alex, her new best friend.
With a change in environment, different food and a new time change, horses take some time to adjust. Beauty is not exception and upon arrival showed signs of ulcers. If there are any signs of ulcers they can easily be dealt with. I called Don Kapper, one of the top Equine Nutritionists has developed a product Ulcers. This is what he writes:
The Ulcer Formula must come into “contact” with the lesion to work, it is best fed at least 4 times/day for the first two weeks. After that, you can feed the recommended amount, according to her size, twice a day with her regular feed. To order Ulcer Formula and have it delivered please call “toll free” number: 877-235-2171, any questions about Equine Nutrition can be sent directly to Don at:dkapper@prognutrition.com
Also if there are any signs of hives it is important to have the vet take a blood profile to determine what is causing the irritation. This is very simple and will confirm what the allergies are from. A simple injection of steroids will eliminate the bumps in the short term, however if they resurface it is important to solve the problem from the inside.
Wikepedia gives us some valuable information on this beautiful weed that we trampled through today. All of the horses came home covered in the purple juice from the berry prompting us to research this unique plant. The plants juice has multiple uses including being a paint for the Indians to decorate their horses or as ink to write letters in the 1800’s.
The pokeweeds, also known as poke, pokebush, pokeberry, pokeroot, polk salad, polk sallet, inkberry or ombú, comprise the genus Phytolacca, perennial plants native to North America, South America, East Asia and New Zealand. Pokeweed contains phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which are poisonous to mammals. However, the berries are eaten by birds, which are not affected by the toxin because the small seeds with incredibly hard outer shells remain intact in the digestive system and are eliminated whole.
Pokeweeds are herbs growing from 1 to 10 ft. tall. They have single alternate leaves, pointed at the end, with crinkled edges. The stems are often pink or red. The flowers are greenish-white, in long clusters at the ends of the stems. They develop into dark purple berries.
Phytolacca dioica, the ombú, grows as a tree on the pampas of South America and is one of the few providers of shade on the open grassland. It is a symbol of Argentina and gaucho culture.
This adorable pony Ringo is teaching the young Izzy Flood how to ride. It is never too early to start to ride, even 9 month old Vanessa has the passion.
Posted October 8th, 2007 — Filed under
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Shows
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This athlete arrived at Kent Horse Trials in style wearing a silky neck cover to protect his braids from being damaged in transit. Owning a horse allows you to enter an entire universe of horse gear and clothing appropriate to each season. As we approach the colder months ahead, this is a good time to clean and repair all of your blankets.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
TETANUS TOXOID When a wound such as a deep puncture is contaminated, toxins from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani, which thrives in the equine environment, cause lockjaw and general muscle spasms, usually resulting in death. Vaccinate yearly.
Give a booster vaccination at the time of penetrating injury or surgery if most recent dose was more than six months earlier. Broodmares should receive a vaccination four to six weeks before foaling.
EE/WEE/VEE Eastern Western Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis, aka Sleeping Sickness, is a vector-borne viral disease causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Vaccinate yearly, in spring (before insect season). Where Encephalomyelitis is common and/or where there are two annual mosquito “blooms,” give a booster EEE/WEE/VEE vaccination every six months about a month before the onset of the mosquito season.
RABIES Invasion of the central nervous system by a virus that is fatal if untreated; it also transmits to other animals–including humans. Recommended yearly, especially in areas where rabid wildlife is reported or areas considered to be endemic.
WEST NILE VIRAL ENCEPHALMYELITIS A mosquito-born encephalitis that can be deadly to horses and has been reported in all but a few states. Vaccination recommended very six months.
Two West Nile Virus vaccines are now available; consult your veterinarian about the best choice for your horse. If you’re vaccinating your horse against WNV for the first time, he’ll require a booster after the initial injection.
INFLUENZA Acute, contagious, viral respiratory-tract inflammation; occurs in isolated cases or in epidemics. Your veterinarian can recommend which form of the vaccine is suitable for your horse. Intranasal Vaccine every six months; add booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure, such as a show or a long haul.
Intranasal vaccine gives a good immune response when properly applied but can be tricky to administer. If your horse is fussy about substances sprayed up his nostrils, consider using the injectable form. Injectable Vaccine every six months; add a booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure.
RHINOPNEUMONITIS Caused by a herpes virus, a contagious infection of the respiratory tract; often induces abortion in pregnant mares. Optional – every six months.
Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza vaccines are sometimes administered in a single combined dose. If your mare is bred, consult your veterinarian about a Rhino vaccination schedule to safeguard her pregnancy.
remember: always contact your veterinarian regarding the vaccines appropriate for your horse!