Spinal Column horse issues

Spinal Column Newsweekly is putting together a special edition concerning the horse.  If you have articles/photos related to horse rescue, advice on picking a horse, rescue stories, etc submit them to timdmoch@thescngroup.com.  The special section is scheduled for publication on April 6, 2011. The information must be sent by Wednesday, March 30th.  You can also call Tim Dmoch at 248-360-6307, ext. 398.

Red snow

If you notice red spots in the snow this time of year, while alarming, are a normal oxidative process that occurs after the urine has been voided from your horse.  Normal horse urine sometimes turns red or brown after standing for a while in the snow.  This is due to the presence of oxidizing agents termed "pyrocatechines" in the urine.  It is rare for a horse to pass blood in the urine and when present is almost always accompanied by some abnormal void behavior.  Frequent urination and straining are the most common indications of a disease in the lower urinary tract.

Downer horse

An interesting video showing how a horse was urged to get up after being down for an extended time.  Important to note that if a horse has been down for an extended time they must be flipped over if there is any chance of getting them up.  Be very careful if you try this and be sure to have enough help.  The web site is: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLWaCv6LOfQ

Health certificates and EIA testing in Michigan

This last December the legislation requiring EIA testing for horses expired in Michigan due to a "Sunset Provision" in the previous regulation passed by the legislature.  New legislation is being composed to  present to the Michigan legislature for passage sometime this spring.  Right now we are in limbo regarding what the rule is.  Contact the state veterinarians' office if there is any question about the rule.

Another reason to contact the office is Michigans' rule regarding Equine Piroplasmosis.  This disease is a reportable to the USDA and Michigan has set up its' own regulation.  If the disease has been reported in the state of origination within the last twelve months (12) a negative test is required before shipping into the state of Michigan.  The number for the state veterinarians' office is: 517-373-1077.

Winter Weather

So, the weather is too bad to turn out the horses.  What should you do so the
horses don't colic? 
     1. Increase the hay and decrease the grain.  Only give enough grain to
get supplements in.  If you have Bran or Oatmeal you can make a warm ,wet
mash of 1/3 grain and 2/3 Bran or Oatmeal.  The total should not exceed 1/2 of
the total grain normally fed .  Hay should be spread out throughout the day. 
Don't feed it all at once 
     2. Make sure the horses have plenty of water.
     3. Consider turning them out just while cleaning the stall.  Even a little
exercise will help.
Hope this helps .
                    Don

Deworming your horse

The Feb. 2011 issue of Equus magazine has a very informative article describing the parasite problem and control of it in the horse.  In the very near future deworming of the horse is going to be headed in a new direction.  We do regular fecal egg counts in our office to monitor the issue for our clients.  Contact our office for further information.

Finding a Vet.

Recently the AVMA has listed a web site if you're searching for a veterinarian to take care of your horse.  The address is: www.MyVeterinarian.com .  It's an easy site to use and should be up to date in names and addresses.