Top 5 Benefits of Equine Massage

by Ivy Bergstrom | Jan 3, 2022 | Animal Health

Most people love a good massage, and they would probably love it even more if they regularly carried another person or two on their back. Have you ever considered getting one for your horse?

Top 5 Benefits to Equine Massage

1. Injury Prevention

Just like humans, horses are more prone to injury when their muscles are tense, tight, and overused. If a muscle is in poor condition, they’re more likely to be pulled, or create wear and tear on their joints. Animals cannot tell us when they’re in pain, so it is a great idea to aim for pain prevention.

2. Increases Flexibility and Range of motion

Horses are not especially flexible animals: they’re not often seen stretching and bending to funky yoga poses. In fact, horses are fairly limited to laying or standing, and in some cases, sitting. That being said, their natural range of motion is worth preserving because that can also prevent injuries. The more naturally your horse can move, the happier it will be.

3. Pain relief

Muscle tension is not any less painful for horses than it is for people, therefore, your horse may greatly benefit from pain relief, especially in areas that contain scar tissue. The movement of stiff muscles in scar areas gradually loosens scar tissue, and improves the animal’s circulation. This is especially helpful for stall bound horses.

4. Relaxation

Obviously, relaxing a horse’s muscles will help a horse relax. A horse may display it’s relaxed state in several ways, like licking, chewing, swaying into the massage, and even falling asleep!

5. Trust

One of the top benefits of Equine Massage is building trust with your horse. This can help a horse learn that human touch can be a pleasant thing, and this is therefore often recommended for horses that have been rescued from abusive homes. In a healthy home setting, it is still beneficial, as it can show your horse that they mean much more than the work that you may put them to. Bonding with your horse can improve their loyalty to you.

Now that you know that benefits of equine massage, would you hire a massage therapist for your horse?

Ceruli, Paige. (2018, July 7). The Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy. DVM360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-benefits-of-equine-massage-therapy

Fought, Emily. (2019, July 15). Top Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy. Cowgirl Magazine. https://cowgirlmagazine.com/benefits-equine-massage-therapy/

Lorton, Stacey. (2017, March 28). Equine Massage Therapy: They Key to Keeping your Horse Healthy and Performance Ready. Cowgirl Magazine.  https://cowgirlmagazine.com/equine-massage-therapy/

Winter Horse Care Tips

by Ivy Bergstrom | Dec 27, 2021 | Animal Health

Brrr! It is starting to get colder, the days are getting shorter, and autumn is gradually making its decent into winter. It is important to discuss the best winter care to protect our equine neighbors from the harsh elements.

1. The Winter Water Ways

Fun facts: In the summer months, horses naturally obtain 60-80% of their water intake directly from the food they eat- like lush grasses from the pasture. However, the feed often provided in the winter is much dryer, and therefore does not provide the hydration that grass might.

For this reason, it is important to make sure that your horse has sufficient access to water. Without the hydration from pastures, a horse will need to drink about 10-12 gallons of water a day.

If you’re concerned that your horse isn’t drinking enough water, it may be helpful to keep the water between 45-65 degrees and ensuring that it doesn’t freeze by regularly maintaining the water tank heater and substituting salt blocks for loose salt.

2. Lower Critical Temperature and Feed

When winterizing your horse, it is important to know that all horses have lower critical temperature – this is the temperature point at which your horse will need extra calories to sufficiently maintain its weight, health, and overall well-being against the cold.

Adult horses tend to reach their lower critical temperature at 18 degrees Fahrenheit when they have their winter coat, and 41 degrees Fahrenheit when they have their summer coat. Smaller horses, weanlings, and foals will reach their lower critical temperature at a higher temperature than mature horses.

If your horse is in a climate where it will reach its lower critical temperature, it is important to increase your horses feed by up to 25%. The nutrient needs will remain the same, and it is generally agreed upon that forage is the best feed for winter. Your horses exercise needs will remain the same as well.

3. The Dos and Don’t of Blanketing

If your horse is in a colder climate, blanketing may be a good idea, but only if done in the correct conditions. Blanketing your horse incorrectly can damage their skin, their winter coat, and make them less tolerant of the cold.

 Dos:

• Remove blanket daily and verify that it stays dry and that the blanket fits properly to prevent the development of sores and rub marks.
• Blanket when there is no shelter available, and temperatures drops beneath 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When there is a risk of the horse getting wet (example: weather predicts rain, ice, sleet or snow).
• When your horse has not acclimated to winter or developed a proper winter coat.
• The weather is decreasing, but your horse is in poor health.

Don’ts:

• Don’t blanket a horse before the December 22^nd, as this is when their winter coat is still growing. Premature blanketing will signal the coat to stop developing.
• Do not blanket a wet horse, as this can make the horse colder, and cause sores to develop.

4. Hoof Care

Much of routine hoof care will remain the same in the winter months- but you may notice that your horse’s hooves grow much slower than when in the summer months. This is normal! Trimmings should still occur every 6-12 weeks.

It is also good to regularly check your horse’s hooves for ice and snow packed underneath the hoof. When ice gets stuck in a hoof, it increases your horse’s chance of slipping and falling, and make it difficult for them to talk.

5. Shelter

Providing some form of shelter, such as an open-sided shed, trees, or a building can increase the horse’s tolerance of the cold. If you’re in an area with mild winters, they may seldom use their shelter. In more extreme climates, safety from snow, ice and wind allow horses to tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter is coming- don’t let catch yourself unprepared!

Sources:

University of Minnesota Extension. (2021). Caring for your Horse in the Winter. https://extension.umn.edu/horse-care-and-management/caring-your-horse-winter

Blocksdorf, Katherine. (2019, November 19). 14 Winter Care Tips for Horses and Ponies. https://www.thesprucepets.com/winter-horse-and-pony-care-tips-1887259

Equine Metabolic Syndrome

by Ivy Bergstrom | Dec 13, 2021 | Animal Health

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a condition that is associated with 3 main features: obesity or regional adiposity (fat pockets on various parts of the horse’s body, such as the neck and ribs), insulin resistance or insulin regulation issues, and laminitis.

What causes EMS and where did it come from?

EMS is believed to be caused by genetic factors. Because certain breeds, such as ponies, donkeys, and Arabians are predisposed to developing EMS, some believe that gene associated with EMS was evolutionarily developed to help equines in food scarce climates be able to more efficiently store carbohydrates and maintain their weight to prevent starvation when food was not available.

However, a horse’s environment can play a factor in a prone breeds development of EMS- such as rapid pasture growth, or unregulated access to a pasture (where they may experience hyperphagia: a hunger to eat non-stop).

Regardless of the origins of EMS, it is important to know that EMS affected horses produce high levels of insulin when they eat meals that have high levels of specific carbohydrates, and these insulin levels are slow to return back to a normal level.

Laminitis and Other Affiliated Conditions

One of the largest concerns regarding EMS is that it increases a horse’s likelihood of developing laminitis, which is an extremely painful (and in severe cases, potentially life threatening) condition where an animal’s hoof separates from the underlying coffin bone. This can make it painful and difficult for your horse to walk and stand, which can restrict their mobility and access to necessary resources, such as food and water.

Horses with EMS may also be more prone to developing hyperlipemia, which is a condition where the blood stream passes too much fat to the liver, and therefore causes the liver to become diseased and function less efficiently. Hyperlipemia can cause EMS to worsen significantly, because it can affect a horse’s desire to eat, which, in turn, affects insulin levels.

In addition to laminitis and hyperlipemia, another cause for concern is the increased likelihood of developing PPID (also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction- say that five times fast), obesity, and infertility.

What should I do if I think my horse has EMS?

First, talk to your vet. Your vet should be able to run blood tests that can determine the glucose and insulin levels of your horse. It is quite likely that the vet will want to come to where the horse is and take the tests there- this is because glucose levels can also be affected by other factors- such as stress, or diet changes. Keeping your horse in the place that it considers home is important for an accurate test.

If your horse tests positive for EMS, the likely methods of treatment are dietary management, non-structural carbohydrate restriction, gradual calories restriction (emphasis on the term gradual: from 1.5% of their body weight to 1.25%, and then after some time, down to 1% until they reach their ideal body weight- this is important because sudden restrictions can worsen EMS), eliminating/restricting pasture access, increasing exercise, and if all else fails, possible Thyroxine or Metformin supplementation. Non-structural carbohydrate restriction may come in multiple forms: the preferred method is to run a feed analysis so that your vet can have an in-depth understanding of your horse’s current nutrient intake.

If a feed analysis is not a good option for you and your horse, they may suggest soaking your horse’s hay, which will lower the levels of non-structural carbohydrates. Should you choose this option, please know that is important to add vitamin and mineral supplements because the soaking process can also leech much of the nutritional value in hay.

Sources:

Kritchevsky, Janice. (2019, April). Overview of Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/equine-metabolic-syndrome/overview-of-equine-metabolic-syndrome

Young, Amy. (2020, March 23). Equine Metabolic Syndrome. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health. https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-metabolic-syndrome

University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine: Leatherdale Equine Center. Equine Metabolic Syndrome.  https://www.equine.umn.edu/research/equine-genetics-and-genomics-laboratory/current-projects/equine-metabolic-syndrome

Guidelines for a Medical Emergency

by Ivy Bergstrom | Nov 29, 2021 | Animal Health

Naturally, horses are a bit injury prone: when they fall, they fall farther than a human does, and they land on weight that is much heavier than a person. If you own horses, it is possible that you may experience medical emergencies. So how can you be prepared?

Observe your horse for changes

This one can be a tough one, but if you know your horse well, it should be easier to identify when they aren’t looking or acting like their normal self.

Some signs of distress in horses are pawing at the ground, vocalizing, repeated head movements, flared nostrils, decreased appetite, etc.

Does your horse seem lethargic? Are they experiencing seizures, paralysis, or seem like they are in pain? These symptoms could indicate that it is time to take a closer look.

A closer look:

At this point, there are several at home tests you can do to assess your horse. Your vet will likely want to know your horse’s heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and their skin pliability. To test the skin pliability, pinch or fold the horse’s skin and let go- how quickly the skin snaps back into place can indicates whether your horse is dehydrated.

You can also test if your horse’s blood oxygen levels are normal by opening their mouth and pressing your thumb against their gum and releasing it.  At first, the gum will likely be an off-white color, but it should quickly return to the color it was before your touched it.

 While you’re looking, what color is the inside of their nostrils?

In case you’re not familiar, here is what these tests should look like on a healthy horse:

Respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths per minute.

Rectal temperature: 99.5-101.5 F

Gum re-coloration time: 2 seconds.

Skin pliability: immediate.

Any part of their body that secretes mucus (such as the nostrils) should be pink.

Be prepared before an emergency happens

• Keep your veterinarian’s number saved as a contact in your phone, including their after-hours number. Some recommend also having a backup vet saved in your phone, just in case yours is not available at the time of the emergency.
• Know the fastest emergency route to your local surgical center.
• Keep a copy of your horse’s medical records in case they may not be accessible after hours, during an emergency (this includes allergies and vaccinations).
• Keep a first aid kit in a place where it can be easily accessed.
  • A good first aid kit should contain cotton rolls, contact bandages, cling wrap, gauze pads and wrap, adhesive wrap/tape, scissors, latex gloves, antiseptic solution, pliers, and some form of emergency splints.
• Delegate care roles among your friends or family to help you with the horse if there is an emergency, as it is important to avoid panicking during an actual emergency. Your horse will need you to remain calm, and you will need someone to help them remain calm.
• If you board your horse at a stable, make an identification card to hang in front of their stall, incase there is an emergency while you are absent. The card should include your name and contact information, the name and contact information of your horse’s veterinarian and how they can be reached after hours, a brief summary of medical history, and your veterinary insurance information if applicable.

Call sooner rather than later

If your horse is acting out of the ordinary, call your veterinarian before it escalates to an emergency. Even if your horse only seems somewhat unwell, notify your vet, as it can help him/her prepare for the possibility of an after-hours emergency and identify the problem before it worsens.

Medical emergencies are frightening, but they are manageable, especially if you are prepared. For more tips on how to keep your horse happy and healthy, subscribe to our blog.

Sources:

American Association of Equine Practitioners. (2021). Guidelines for Equine Emergencies. AAEP. https://aaep.org/issue/guidelines-equine-emergencies

Eilerts, Jennie. (2019, May 31). Causes and Effects of Stress in Horses. Pro Earth Animal Health. https://proearthanimalhealth.com/causes-and-effects-of-stress-in-horses/

Equine Laminitis

by Ivy Bergstrom | Nov 1, 2021 | Animal Health

Uh oh! Is your hooved friend walking funny? It may be caused by Laminitis.

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is defined as the damage of the laminae, which is tissue that connects their hoof to the bones in their feet. This damage can be simple inflammation, stretching, separation, or tearing of the laminae. Once laminitis occurs, the coffin bone of the foot and hoof capsule start to rotate and sink into each other.

As you can probably imagine, this can be very painful for your horse. The good news is that it can sometimes be prevented!

Preventing Laminitis in Your Horse

The short answer for preventing laminitis is to make sure your horse is healthy, and to work to prevent endocrine diseases, such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), by making sure your horse is eating appropriately and not becoming overweight.

Some breeds of horses are more prone to developing laminitis, such as Draft Horses, Ponies, Morgan’s and miniature horses.

Regulating your horse’s feed is an important part of prevention. If a horse has sudden access to unregulated forage, such as escaping to an alfalfa pasture, they may develop “grass founder” laminitis because their body has not adjusted gradually to the change in their diet.

Horses may also develop laminitis if they experience digestive upsets caused by overloading on certain carbohydrates, such as excessive grains, or fruits.

Other causes of laminitis are excessive damages to the feet (referred to as “road founder”), leaning too much on to one foot because of injuries on another foot, other foot diseases, or exposure to bedding that contains black walnut shavings, and more.

Signs a Horse Might Have Laminitis are, but are not limited to the following:

1. Hesitance when turning left or right
2. Changes in their stride or gait
3. Changes in behavior and temperament
4. Shifting weight while standing
5. Excessive caution while walking on hard surfaces, or an obvious preference for soft surfaces
6. Heat and/or pulse coming from hoof
7. Resistance of lifting foot
8. Heels or hooves grow more quickly than the rest of the hoof
9. Bruising or white line on hoof wall, and bruising of soul
10. Changes in hooves or hoof wall angle
    
11. Bulging/convex soul

Treatment

The damage caused by laminitis is irreversible, and treatment is usually aimed at preventing further damage and managing the damage that has already occurred. If you’re concerned that your horse might have laminitis, it is best to start treatment sooner rather than later.

Depending on the severity of the laminitis, prognosis and treatment might look a little different, but it will usually include changing their diet to one that includes hay with low non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), sugars, and low calories. There is also a strong likelihood that your vet will suggest confining them to an area with soft ground with deep bedding to limit pressure on the laminae, and then work to reduce inflammation.

Reducing inflammation of the laminae is often accomplished through a combination of rest, icing of the hoof, and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can also provide pain relief. 

If you are concerned your horse might have laminitis, call your vet soon!

Sources:

Young, Amy. (2020, March 23). Laminitis.  UC Davis: Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health. https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/laminitis

American Association of Equine Practitioners. (2020). Laminitis: Prevention & Treatment. AAEP. https://aaep.org/horsehealth/laminitis-prevention-treatment

The Laminitis Site. (No date). Laminitis. https://www.thelaminitissite.org/