Q: A few months ago, I bought an older Appaloosa gelding. He was severely underweight and had heaves. I brought him to my vet and he had his teeth and feet done, was dewormed and received medication for his...
Owning a horse is supposed to be fun. But misunderstanding equine-related legal issues can cause horse owners hassle and heartache, not to mention a lot of expense. Educating yourself about these legalities helps ensure that your involvement with horses...
You’re in the barn aisle tacking up your horse when he ducks his head and expels a harsh, dry cough. Just one, but it gives you pause. He had started munching his evening hay when you arrived at the...
When communicating with your vet, you should consider the following checklist to relay any history and information that might shed light on your horse's respiratory problem.Questions to answer include:Have there been any indications of respiratory illness in other...
Not too long ago, heaves was more commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. In recent years, the terminology has changed to distinguish the equine from the human form of lower airway disease. In humans, COPD...
Q: I just purchased a three-year-old gelding. Whenever I walk him on a lead, he crowds me. He's still getting used to his new home, and he tends to spook sometimes. I'm afraid he's going to run me over!...
It's well-known that obesity rates in humans are alarmingly high in the western world. In the United States, nearly two-thirds of adults are obese or overweight. In England, the rate is more than 50 percent and projected to continue...
Q: I have a gelding in his late-20s. He is still sound and healthy, except that he coughs when he is ridden. He always does it when he trots or canters, and sometimes even just at the walk. Is...
Piles of fluffy snow in your pasture—and a horse that nibbles at them—might make you think your horse is all set for water this winter. Think again, please! The main cause of colic during the winter is from reduced...
How do you know if your horse is too fat, too thin, or just right? The Henneke Body Condition Score (BCS) system assigns a value from 1 (extremely emaciated) to 9 (extremely obese). Most horses are considered healthy at...
