Tag Archives: horse

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Squamous cell carcinoma in horses

As we’ve mentioned in our previous blog post, horses are prone to several skin cancers, one of the most common being squamous cell carcinoma.

These tumours appear mainly in the skin, around the eyes, genitals and mouth due to overexposure to the sun and unfortunately they can quickly invade surrounding tissues.

Keep reading for important information about squamous cell carcinoma and how to keep your horses safe from this severe skin problem.

What is a squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of malignant skin cancer that is the second most common type of equine cancer.

While many cases do not have an apparent cause, we do know that exposure to UV rays from the sun is a significant risk factor. Due to this, horses with white coats or light hair around the eyes and mouth are at a higher risk of developing this form of cancer.

When these tumours arise, they are likely to invade the surrounding tissues and cause severe damage, which is especially important when they show up on the eyelids. Fortunately, they do not tend to spread to far away organs, but they can still be challenging to treat.

How can I help my horses?

As with all types of cancer, the sooner squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed, the better, so inspecting your horses regularly will help you spot any lesions early.

For horses at a higher risk, such as light-coloured horses or the more susceptible breeds such as Belgian, Haflingers or Holsteiners, it’s essential to:

  • Use protective eye coverings that block UV rays during the times they are out in the sun;
  • Limit their sun exposure and avoid the hours that are the most dangerous;
  • Pay close attention to any changes of colour in the skin or unexplained growths, especially on the eyelids, genitals and mouth.

Once detected, several treatment options exist, such as surgery, cryotherapy or radiation therapy.

Your vet will evaluate the type of carcinoma and its location and decide on the best course of action to ensure your horse gets an effective treatment with the least amount of side effects.

 

If you’re unsure about a lesion on your horse’s body, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! Getting a proper diagnosis as early as possible is crucial for successful treatment and remission.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

What are sarcoids?

Horses are prone to many cancer problems with Sarcoids, also known as fibrosarcoma, accounting for 40% of all equine cancers and are the most common form of skin cancer.

Keep reading to know more about this locally invasive problem and what it means for your horse.

How can sarcoids affect my horse?

Sarcoids are growths on the skin and can take various shapes and types. While they do not spread to other organs, they invade local tissues and can cause many problems.

An infection by the bovine papilloma virus causes these tumours in susceptible horses. This means that not all horses infected with the virus will develop sarcoids, but the ones predisposed to it are likely to have these growths develop continuously.

The places they appear the most often are:

  • Head, in particular around the eyes and on the eyelids;
  • Lower abdomen;
  • Crotch area;
  • Lower limbs.

Their appearance ranges from tiny nodules to large ulcerated growths, which bleed when something presses or hits them. Because of the way this can attract flies and predispose to infections, especially in areas where the tack is touching, they can hinder your horse’s work capacity and quality of life.

Can sarcoids be treated?

You can treat Sarcoids, but each type has a specific treatment and using the wrong one can have severe consequences.

When you perform the incorrect treatment, your horse is at risk of developing even more aggressive growths, which are likely to spread faster. To avoid this, your vet will perform all of the necessary testing to find out what type of sarcoids he or she is dealing with.

There are many ways to remove sarcoids, including surgery, cryotherapy or chemotherapy, and your vet will decide on the best one depending on location and type. Unfortunately, they tend to return, even after correct treatment.

A proper diagnosis is also vital to rule out any other skin problems that can be mistaken for sarcoids, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or mast cell tumours, to name a few. SCC is highly invasive, spreads quickly to other organs and results from overexposure to the sun.

If you want to know more about this problem, stay tuned for our next equine blog post!

When it comes to sarcoids, this progressive skin cancer needs the proper veterinary supervision and individualised treatment! As soon as you suspect your horse might be suffering from this condition, make sure to contact your vet for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Horses, The Pet Professionals

4 common health problems in horses during summer

Summer provides lots of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather with your horse, but it can also bring some health issues.

Here are some of the most common problems that horse owners might encounter this season and what to do when faced with them.

Dehydration

Dehydration can happen when a horse loses more water (for example, through sweat) than he or she takes in. This is why it’s so important to have fresh water permanently available to your horse, especially during warm days.

Signs of dehydration include:

  • Dark urine/reduced urination;
  • Lethargy;
  • Dull eyes;
  • Dry mouth and skin.

But sweat is not composed of water alone, so electrolyte supplementation may be necessary for some horses, especially if they exercise a lot.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is caused by an excessive increase in a horse’s body temperature and it can be a life-threatening condition.

It often happens when exercising in a hot environment, as it’s harder for horses to lose the excess heat, especially if they are dehydrated.

Signs include:

  • Panting;
  • Nostril flaring;
  • Increased rectal temperature;
  • Irregular heartbeat;
  • Reduced performance and delayed recovery after exercise;
  • Muscle spasms.

Keep in mind that heat exhaustion is a medical emergency! Contact your vet immediately if your horse is showing any of the signs described! Until help arrives, please move your horse to a shaded area and start to cool them by applying tepid water to their skin.

Sunburn

Sun exposure can be as damaging to horses as it is to us, with areas of pink skin and little or no hair being the most vulnerable to sunburn, such as the skin around the muzzle. Sunburnt skin typically looks red, swollen and can be painful.

You can prevent sunburn by protecting vulnerable areas of skin with sun cream or sun-blocking gear, such as a UV filtering face mask.

If your horse gets sunburnt, it’s essential to keep him or her in the shade and apply a soothing cream to the affected area to help the skin heal. Speak to your vet if the skin doesn’t improve within a few days or if you’re concerned about the severity of the burn.

Sweet itch

The saliva of the midge (Culicoides) and the black fly (Simulium) can cause an allergic reaction in some horses, resulting in a condition known as sweet itch (or Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity).

This illness usually affects the base of the mane, base of the tail and the face, but also the back, belly and rump. Signs include:

  • Intense itchiness that can lead the horse to scratch on posts and trees;
  • Tail swishing to keep the flies away;
  • Excessive grooming from other horses;
  • Scratching that can result in hair loss as well as skin inflammation, potentially leading to infection and thickening of the skin;
  • Lethargy or becoming agitated/restless.

Regarding prevention, keeping your horses inside during the day and out at night and using fly sheets plus face masks can reduce the exposure to midges. Many fly repellents can be used to deter flies from biting, and removing droppings frequently from the stable will help avoid attracting flies.

Though horses often find the hot weather uncomfortable, there is plenty we can do to reduce the risk of these heat-related problems. Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re struggling to keep your animals safe this summer.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Can my horse have Equine Herpes Virus?

Dangerous airborne viruses that can cause respiratory and neurological diseases are not just for humans. Equine herpes virus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) is a virus that has a worldwide distribution and is highly contagious, which means that your horses are at risk of being affected, especially if they travel extensively.

Keep reading to learn more about how to keep your horses healthy.

Signs

There are five different variants of EHV, but EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common and clinically significant variants. They might cause respiratory, neurological or reproductive signs.

Respiratory:

  • Fever;
  • Coughing;
  • Lack of appetite;
  • Runny nose.

Neurological:

  • Uncoordinated walking;
  • Loss of bladder function and skin;
  • Paralysis of the limbs ranging from mild to total walking and standing incapacity.

Reproductive:

  • Sudden abortion occurring 2 to 12 weeks after infection;
  • Several mares may abort at the same time;
  • Newborn foals may die soon after birth.

Many animals are also asymptomatic, and they can carry the disease for years and years, shedding the virus intermittently when they are subjected to stressful situations such as during travel or when changing stables.

EHV usually only causes mild respiratory signs, and most animals are expected to recover without issue. However, when there is neurological involvement, these cases might be fatal or require euthanasia due to welfare concerns as animals can be permanently paralysed.

Prevention

There is no specific treatment for EHV, meaning there are only supportive therapy options if your horse gets sick. Preventing your horses from becoming infected is the best way to avoid any issues, especially in young animals or pregnant mares who are the most susceptible to problems.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent EHV, but it is just a part of a sturdy prevention program against this disease. Good biosecurity and hygiene protocols are also crucial to avoid infection as the vaccine is highly effective, yet it doesn’t confer total protection.

Biosecurity protocols often include thorough disinfection of stables, equipment and vehicles where horses have been transported.

Pregnant mares should also be kept separate from the rest of the herd and in small groups of other animals with similar due dates. If you notice one of your mares has aborted, mention it to your vet at once and handle aborted tissues carefully as they can contain high quantities of EHV.

Each situation is unique and the protocols you will need to implement can vary significantly over time so make sure to always discuss any concerns you might have with your veterinarian and keep vaccinations up to date as well as observe all recommended biosecurity measures.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Avoid Equine Metabolic Syndrome during winter


Winter is a difficult time for all of us, horses included! Keeping up with exercise when the weather is dreadful can be a chore, but it’s vital for our equine friends’ health.

With reduced exercise and increased confinement to smaller spaces, your horses have a risk of weight increase and even obesity. Due to genetic predisposition, some animals might be at higher risk of obesity, and they will require specific dietary and exercise management.

One of the biggest concerns with obesity in horses is the development of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), as it causes insulin resistance, creating a host of problems later on, including recurrent laminitis and infertility.

 

Signs that your horse might be suffering from EMS

While there are no signs that are specific to EMS, there are several things that are suggestive that there may be a problem with your animals:

  • Obesity and difficulty losing weight;
  • Recurrent laminitis, especially later in the spring;
  • Uneven distribution of fat (rump, neck and base of tail), even though overall weight might be normal;
  • Infertility in mares.

Other diseases might have similar signs to these, so it’s vital that you speak to your vet if you notice anything that concerns you. Diagnosing and managing EMS as soon as possible increases the chances of avoiding permanent damage to the hooves and fertility levels!

 

Managing your horses’ weight during winter

Laminitis during EMS happens in response to access to feeds or pastures high in soluble carbohydrates, which means that this problem can go undetected until spring when horses go back outside. As they graze on the recently grown pasture, the insulin dysregulation caused by the ingestion of these carbohydrates triggers painful laminitis.

To help avoid this problem, managing exercise and calorie intake will reduce the chances of insulin resistance and weight increase, both important risk factors for EMS.

Keep up exercise routines even during bad weather

Horses are hardy animals, who mind the cold and rain much less than their human friends! Decreased exercise without any balancing of their diet or without finding other ways to keep them active is a recipe for disaster.

As horses who are predisposed to EMS are also predisposed to obesity, making sure they don’t gain excessive weight during winter is much easier than reducing their body condition score later.

Evaluate the composition and quantity of their feed

It’s a great time to take a look at your horses’ calorie intake as well as the composition of their diet. An overabundance of soluble carbohydrates in an unbalanced diet will cause serious problems, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet for help in determining the dietary management of your horse so that he or she can ingest the proper nutrients and calories for their metabolic needs.

 

EMS is a complicated problem for any owner, especially after it has evolved to limiting or even debilitating laminitis. However, it can be treated and managed with a proper exercise regimen, dietary adjustments and medical treatments if necessary.

Speak to your vet and he or she will work with you to find the best treatment plan for you and your horses.

 

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

 

Horses

Check your horse’s hooves regularly

Preventing injuries and illness is always better than treating them! If we had to point out a situation where this is especially true, it would be when it comes to hoof health in horses.

Hooves are fragile yet fundamental structures in equines, and many problems affecting the hooves are liable to evolve into severely painful and debilitating conditions that can often have fatal outcomes.

Laminitis, the inflammation of the soft tissues that hold the hoof in place, is extremely common and recurrent in horses, donkeys and ponies. It can severely impact animal welfare, to the point where owners might have to make the humane decision to euthanize a horse whose laminitis does not respond to treatment.

Experts recommend that you inspect your horse’s hooves regularly, including them in your daily care routine. The extra minutes you spend giving your horse a careful visual inspection can absolutely make a world of difference, as it might mean that you catch subtle lameness or structural changes in the hoof early on.

Because of the poor outcome of hoof diseases, the earlier you spot issues, the better your veterinarian and your farrier can help you solve them.

Read the tips below to help you in your daily inspection;

Symmetry

Take a good, long look away from your horse so that you can inspect all four hooves at once and observe any movements or posture that might be unusual. Take notice of any apparent changes between them, such as differences in size, shape or colour.

After an overall look, compare hooves on the same limbs, so you’re comparing front hooves between themselves and then the back hooves as a pair.

While some minor variations can happen between limbs, any noticeable changes should be noted and reported to your vet as soon as possible.

The overall shape of each hoof

As you start to do a closer inspection, pay attention to the shape of the hoof. Here you must have a solid knowledge of what a normal hoof should look like and how your animal’s feet usually look.

Many changes like uneven or bulging growth rings, contracted heels or warping of any part of the hoof should not go ignored.

Cracks, bruises or foul smells

While it may seem time-consuming, getting close and taking a long look at your horse’s feet allows you to spot issues that could need immediate attention.

Cracks and bruises might have developed or become apparent overnight, so a close, daily inspection is paramount. If you know or suspect that your horse might have stepped on something hard or had a traumatic incident recently, pay extra attention.

Foul smells usually indicate an infection and may be accompanied by local discharge of pus or other fluids. Thrush, in particular, has a very recognizable odour.

As owners, we are our horses’ greatest advocates as we know them the best and interact with them daily. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, do not hesitate to call your vet!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Wounds in horses

Like any other animal, including ourselves, horses can suffer from a multitude of injuries that may result in open wounds.

Today, we’re covering three important aspects to consider when facing wounds in horses that can help you be prepared for an unexpected situation.

 

#1 – Vet contact information

This had to be top on our list! Always have your vet’s contact information near you in case of an emergency so that you can seek professional advice quickly.

Wounds in horses can look very dramatic with torn, dangling skin, showing muscles and tissues underneath, but often wounds that are small in size and not as gory in appearance may be the ones that will need attention and treatment more promptly.

 

#2 – Blood everywhere

If your horse is wounded, it probably means that there’s blood, and sometimes even a lot of blood! Don’t panic – horses are large animals, which means they also have a large volume of circulating blood. Putting it in perspective, a haemorrhage that would be fatal for a person is not likely to cause noticeable problems for a horse!

That said, instead of focussing on the amount of blood you are seeing, focus on locating the source of the bleeding and how the bleeding looks. If you see blood dripping, it is likely to be coming from a vein, which is easier to manage. However, if the blood is shooting, it’s probably coming from an artery, which comes straight from the heart with high pressure, and this situation needs immediate attention.

In either case, grab something you have at hand (if you have a first aid kit, grab a sterile dressing, if you’re out hacking in the woods, a piece of clean clothing will do) and apply firm pressure to the wound for a while to stop the bleeding.

 

#3 – Wound location and type

Wounds affecting the lower limbs should always be assessed by a vet. As the limbs consist mostly of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, there is not much support from muscles or other tissues in case of trauma.

This also means that a wound on a limb is more likely to affect a joint or tendon sheath, which can quickly compromise the horse’s overall health.

Head wounds and wounds affecting the eyes should also receive prompt veterinary attention, as there are many superficial and delicate vessels and nerves on the face.

As for the type of wound, appearance can be deceiving, and the smallest wounds can actually be the worst.

Puncture wounds are extremely dangerous as it’s not possible to assess their depth just by observing them. Puncture wounds on the limbs can easily affect joint structures, and when located on the body, they can cause internal organ damage and infections.

 

Remember, the way a wound heals is often influenced by the initial first aid applied, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet to help you! Also, always approach your horse with caution and be attentive to subtle signs, as pain can lead to aggression.

And if you’re interested in knowing what you can do in an emergency situation before professional advice and treatment can be obtained, have a look at our equine first aid course on The Pet Professionals’ site.

 

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Equine respiratory disease

Fun fact about horses’ anatomy and respiratory system:

Did you know that whilst most other mammals, such as cats and dogs, have 13 pairs of ribs, horses usually have 18?

This means that their chest is longer, allowing it to accommodate a large set of lungs that have a capacity of around 55 litres, which is nine times superior to ours. This is one of the reasons why horses are capable of such strenuous exercise and work.

Lungs are an important part of horses’ respiratory system. It’s in the lungs’ alveoli that gaseous exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the horse’s bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be eliminated from the body.

 

That said, today, we’re raising awareness of important conditions that can affect a horse’s respiratory tract, what you can do to keep your horse healthy and how you can spot respiratory issues at an early stage.

 

Common horse respiratory diseases

There are many diseases that can affect a horse’s respiratory system, which we can divide into two large groups:

Infectious diseases:

  • Viral infections, such as equine influenza and equine viral arteritis
  • Bacterial infections, such as strangles, and secondary infections

Non-infectious diseases:

  • Inflammatory airway disease
  • Recurrent airway obstruction

 

What can you do to promote your horse’s respiratory health?

Staying informed is key, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed and discuss any concerns that you may have with your vet.

Knowing how to spot indicators of respiratory issues is very important as well so that you can tackle these at an early stage.

Regarding infectious diseases, some can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccination protocols are recommended based on a number of factors, including age, lifestyle and environment, so you should discuss this with your vet to find out what would be best for your horse.

As for non-infectious diseases, the ones that we mention above have an allergic nature, which means that part of their management involves environmental changes to remove or minimise potential allergens in the air.

 

Spotting respiratory signs

There are obvious signs of respiratory disease that everyone can easily identify, such as nasal discharge, coughing, and reluctance to exercise (although this last sign can be caused by many non-respiratory problems as well).

But it’s also important to be aware of more subtle signs, such as an increased respiratory rate and other non-specific signs like altered behaviour, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

If you recognise any of these, contact your vet so that they can examine your horse as soon as possible and if necessary, start treatment straight away!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses


 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Staying fit in 2021

January 2021, it’s the beginning of a New Year, and if you’re like most people who set New Year’s resolutions, you’re likely to have written down ‘eat better’, ‘start exercising’ or ‘lose 2 kgs’ on your list.

If you find these goals relatable, so do we, as it is well known that proper nutrition, an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight are all very important in leading a healthy life.

This is as true for horses as it is for people and, with obesity on the rise within the equine population, we’ve decided to go over some tools that you can use to make sure your horse stays fit and healthy.

 

#1: Recognising the problem

It can be hard for horse owners to recognise that their horse is overweight so, how do you do it?

Finding out if your horse is at an ideal weight requires a thorough visual and tactile assessment, also known as fat (or body) scoring.

Look at your horse. If you can see the ribs individually, your horse is likely to be underweight.

Now run your hand over your horse’s back – can you feel the ribs and pelvis? If not, your horse is likely to be very overweight.

There are a number of other visual and tactile landmarks, such as the neck and shoulder blades, that can help you evaluate your horse’s fat score. Talk to your vet so they can teach you how to fat score your horse properly and create a record to help you keep track.

 

#2: Providing adequate nutrition

Ensure your horse is getting all the nutrients they need by offering them a balanced feed, and don’t forget to factor in the calories provided by hay, fresh grass, and treats to avoid over-feeding.

Maintaining weight and weight variations are dependent on the number of calories ingested versus the amount spent, so make sure you are feeding your horse with the right amount to maintain, lose or gain weight, according to your horse’s needs.

 

#3: Implementing an exercise routine

There are different types of activities you can do with your horses with some being more indicated for weight loss than others.

If your horse is overweight, keep in mind that the excess kgs can have a significant impact or their physical ability, so you should always adjust the intensity, frequency and type of exercise to something that your horse can tolerate safely.

 

As with everything else, keep in mind that this is a dynamic balance, so what works today might not work tomorrow and always take into account your horse’s individual characteristics when planning an exercise or feeding routine.

 

Remember, obesity can lead to unwanted and even life-threatening consequences such as cardiorespiratory disease, hormone imbalance, arthritis and laminitis so, if your horse is overweight, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Oral problems in horses

When we think of digestion, the first organ that usually comes to mind tends to be the stomach. However, all of the digestive organs are equally important to guarantee your horse’s nutrition, and the digestive process starts in the mouth.

So, what should we keep in mind regarding our horses’ oral health care?

#1: Regular oral checks

Horses’ teeth are very different from our own. As herbivorous animals, their teeth are adapted so that they can get the most out of their diet, breaking fibrous food and preparing it for the next digestive processes further down the gastrointestinal tract.

Horses’ teeth keep erupting throughout their lives, and this means that they can ‘grow’ approximately 2-3 mm per year. Because of this, grazing is essential to wear them down, so keeping their size fairly constant. However, when grazing is insufficient, and as the different tooth components wear at different rates, dental issues can develop, such as malocclusions, for example.

When this happens, some teeth can acquire sharp edges that cut into the surrounding tissues (cheek and tongue), which can be very painful.

Also, as horses get older, they become more prone to periodontal disease and oral infections due to alterations of the shape of the teeth. 

Dental care will help prevent oral pathology, so having a look at your horses’ mouth regularly and booking routine dental appointments are essential.

However, when horses have oral problems, sometimes behavioural changes are spotted before the oral lesions, which brings us to topic number two.

#2: Attention to changes in behaviour and appearance 

As oral disease can be very painful, keep an eye out for general signs of pain or discomfort, but to the more specific, look out for the following:

  • A reluctance to eat or eating slowly
  • Alterations while chewing – using only one side of the mouth, dropping feed, …
  • Head shaking
  • Bit and bridle aversion 

Physical signs can also be apparent such as facial swelling, nasal discharge, bad breath and weight loss. 

If you recognise any of the signs mentioned above or if you’ve been postponing your horse’s dental appointment, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses