MSU seeking horses with bad ankles

MSU is considering a research project seeking non-invasive and more precise techniques for evaluating arthritis and cartilage deterioration in fetlock joints. Twelve to fifteen horses would be required for this project. Donated horses may be of any age, but must have obvious symtoms of fetlock pathology. Donors can earn a tax deduction for including their horses in the project. As part of the research, horses will have to be humanely euthanized to compare imaged results with actual pathology of the joint. For more information or to offer a horse, contact Dr. John Caron at (517)353-9710.

Dressage clinic with Debbie McDonald

On July 30 and 31 Brilliant Reflection Farm and Nutrena a presenting a two day Dressage clinic with Debbie McDonald. Debbie will be interacting with the audience. Brilliant Reflection farm is located in Ortonville, MI. Sponsorship opportunities and auditor applications contact Barbra Reis at blondmane@yahoo.com or 248.670.9031 or visit www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com to download forms.

State of Michigan Equine Importation Requirements

Recently the state of Michigan has updated the import requirements for horses originating from states that have had cases of equine piroplasmosis (EP) in the last 12 months. Testing for equine piroplasmosis is no longer required, however horses entering Michigan from states that have had cases of EP in the past 12 months must be accompanied by an interstate health certificate or a veterinary inspection signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:

I HAVE EXAMINED THE ANIMAL(S) LISTED ON THIS CERTIFICATE. AT THE TIME OF THE EXAMINATION, THE ANIMAL(S) LISTED ON THIS CERTIFICATE IS/ARE NOT UNDER QUARANTINE FOR PIROPLASMOSIS, NOT DISPLAYING SIGNS OF PIROPLASMOSIS, AND WITHER DID NOT HAVE EVIDENCE OF LIVE TICKS OR WAS/WERE SUCCESSFULLY TREATED FOR TICKS IF TICKS WERE PRESENT."

Welcome Dr. Crystal DeWitt DVM

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dr. Crystal DeWitt DVM to our practice. Crystal received her DVM from Michigan State and graduated with Honors in 2011. Her undergraduate degree (B.S.) is from the University of Findlay where she majored in Equestrian Science. She is an active cutting horse enthusiast who is a board member of the Great Lakes Cutting Horse Association and its past president. Between Findlay and MSU she worked as an assistant trainer for a cutting horse farm in southeast Michigan. She lives in Dryden with her husband Chad, 3 cats, 2 dogs, and 5 horses. Her special interests include lameness diagnosis, dentistry, and reproduction.

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