ASKHQ: OLDER HORSES

Q: My older horse still seems to love work, but I'm concerned as his stiffness is definitely increasing. I've had my vet to look at him, and she agrees that we need to slow down, but how do I do this when he enjoys his work so much? A: Many horses bodies start to slow down…

BylizzieSeptember 16, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUMPS AND BUMPS: NODULES

What they are: Nodules are referred to as simply nodules or as pressure bumps or sweat bumps. In medical terms they are referred to as eosinophilic granulomas with collagen degeneration, nodular collagenolytic granulomas or nodular necrobiosis. They are distinct, firm nodules about the size of a R2 coin, usually found on the neck, withers or back.…

BylizzieSeptember 2, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUMPS AND BUMPS: WHEN YOU NEED TO WORRY

Lumps and bumps are all too common in our equine friends. Some just need a 'watch and wait' approach and others need urgent veterinary attention. The difficulty comes in differentiating between the two variants. Over the next few days we will be running through several of the common causes of lumps and bumps, and what…

BylizzieAugust 31, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: OSTEOARTHRITIS

Q: My mare has osteoarthritis in her hocks, which can make some schooling difficult for her. I want to maintain her fitness, without stressing her joints or making her arthritis flare. Do you have any advice for how best to achieve this? A: Osteoarthitis is a condition that commonly affects older horses, but it doesn't have…

BylizzieAugust 30, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: FLU VACCINE

Q: If vaccines work, why do vaccinated horses still contract flu? A: Vaccines don't stop infection entirely, but they increase your horse's immunity to the infection. This means that the vaccine helps to reduce the severity of the disease and the clinical signs your horse will show. They also minimise transmission of the virus to other…

BylizzieAugust 20, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 12) FEET

Hooves can be great indicators of overall hoof health. Poor quality horn in the feet can be suggestive of nutritional deficiencies, and rings can be signs of previous episodes of laminitis or stress. Any big sand cracks from the top of the hoof, or grass cracks from the bottom of the hoof, should be looked…

BylizzieAugust 16, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 10) MANURE

Your horse's manure can give you clues as to his overall condition. Droppings should be in firm, well-formed balls. Very loose droppings or low amounts of droppings are a cause for immediate concern and should prompt a call to your vet. Horses should pass droppings every 1-2 hours so if your horse suddenly starts to pass…

BylizzieAugust 15, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 8) GUT SOUNDS

You should be able to hear your horse's gut sounds as your horse digests his food by putting your ear to his abdomen. You need to do this on both sides of your horse. In a horse, these noises should be nearly constant, as horses are trickle feeders and therefore should be eating roughage like…

BylizzieAugust 13, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 4) MUCOUS MEMBRANES

Your horse's mucous membranes include his gums, his nostrils and his eyelids. These areas (as discussed briefly in the previous posts) can all provide helpful clues about the health of your horse. In essence, we want all of these areas to be a nice salmon pink colour. If you notice any of the following colour…

BylizzieAugust 11, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 3) GUMS

Sticky gums are a sign that your horse is dehydrated, so make sure he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. If you struggle to get him to drink when at a show, try taking bottles of water from home. Some horses are very fussy about what water they drink, and can taste…

BylizzieAugust 10, 20190Comments

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