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The UK’s leading equine health & well-being magazine
February/March 11 £2.95
Foal pneumonia vaccine set for German trial By Louise Cordell
from a severe and potentially fatal disease.
A POSSIBLE vaccine against a bacteria that causes severe pneumonia in foals is to be tested in field trials in Germany.
“Moreover, for horse owners and breeders, disease prevention would avoid significant economic losses. Finally, the availability of a safe and efficacious vaccine would lead to a reduction of antibiotics prescriptions in animals.”
It has been announced that scientists are entering the final stage of development of a vaccine against Rhodococcus equi. It has been created using a special, nonpathogenic bacterium strain, which has had four genes deleted from the genome. Currently it is difficult to protect foals against this potentially fatal disease as, so far, attempts to develop a vaccine have not been successful. However, there is an urgent veterinary need for a safe vaccine that will prevent infection, because currently the disease can only be managed with long term antibiotic treatment. In addition, foals that do recover from the infection can be left with permanent pulmonary lesions, which decrease performance and can cause financial losses to the breeding sector. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has developed the candidate vaccine and Dr Rene Aerts, vice president of Global Biologicals Research and Development, said: “The advantage for the animals would be that they are protected against suffering
R. equi is found in soil and foals are infected by the bacterium while grazing or by inhalation of contaminated soil dust. This disease is primarily pathogenic in young foals, whereas most of the older equine population – above six to eight months of age are unaffected. The candidate vaccine strain is derived from a wild type R. equi bacterium which has lost its virulence through genetic modification. So far, extensive safety studies have been carried out to show the vaccine cannot cause pneumonia in foals, and also that it is expected to be unable to cause disease in humans or other animal species. In the next phase of the study, a group of foals will be vaccinated with the candidate vaccine and will be compared to a group of non-vaccinated foals. The number of R. equi infections will then be evaluated in each group, before a decision is made on how to proceed.
The Spanish Riding School has announced three London dates for its November 2011 tour. It has been five years since the horses and riders from the 430 year old school have visited the UK and their last shows sold out within days. The new show, titled ‘Imperial Dream’, will feature in-hand work and movements above the ground such as the Capriole, Levade and Courbette.
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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 3
Vets have pivotal role to play in improving long-distance transport
EDITORIAL GROUP EDITOR:
Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 email: ah@whpl.net EDITOR:
Christine Keate Tel: 07825 097 464 email: chris.keate@horsehealthmagazine.co.uk REPORTER:
By Louise Cordell VETS attending the first veterinaryled European Equine Transport Forum have agreed that the profession needs to take a leading role in improving long distance horse transport. In support, the BEVA Trust has announced the introduction of its Equine Transport Enforcement Award of 1000 Euros, to be given annually to the individual or group of individuals working in the field, doing the most to improve enforcement of the current transport Regulation. The Forum attracted representatives from 38 nations; including a strong turnout from Eastern Europe where horses sourced for slaughter often start their journeys and Italy which is the end destination for the majority of these horses. Key issues raised included:
The practical enforcement of the current Regulation at the beginning, middle and end of journeys.
profits in sourcing horses in Eastern Europe and then transporting them long distances for slaughter.
Consistent enforcement of the current Regulation across all member states.
Dr Madeleine Campbell, who helped organise the event, said: "The atmosphere throughout the day was one of collaboration and determination to succeed.
That horses transported for slaughter should receive the same regard for their welfare as competition and leisure horses The lack of adequate assessments of fitness to travel, leading to diseased horses being transported greatly increasing the risk of transmitting infectious diseases across Europe. Delegates also examined the longterm need to change the attitude of Italian consumers, raising awareness of the current welfare issues related to their preference for fresh meat, labelled as Italian produce. In addition they discussed the impact on equine welfare of increased
Louise Cordell Tel: 01226 734694 email: lcordell@whpl.net
PRODUCTION STUDIO MANAGER:
Stewart Holt email: sth@whpl.net
DEPUTY GROUP EDITOR:
Judith Halkerston email: jhalkerston@whpl.net
“A process of education is necessary so that consumers understand the welfare issues associated with longdistance transport and start demanding accurate information about where the meat which they are buying originally came from, and how far the horses travelled to slaughter.
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“We are all in agreement that vets have a pivotal role to play in both education and enforcement, and that they want to play it."
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR:
Tony Barry ASSISTANT PRODUCT MANAGER:
Andrew Loades Tel: 01226 734482 Fax: 01226 734478 email: al@whpl.net NATIONAL FIELD SALES EXECUTIVE:
Ellie Robinson Tel: 01226 734483 email: er@whpl.net
The programme, abstracts and presentations from the Forum can be found at: www.fve.org/events/index. html#conferences.
Farrier Richard wins national contest A STAFFORDSHIRE farrier has won a national competition organised by equine charity The Horse Trust. Richard Slater, who has been working as a farrier for the last six years, won the Rose Bowl trophy at the Open Farriery event. Competitors took part in two classes, hunter shoeing and therapeutic shoeing, and Richard came second in both classes, achieving more points than the other competitors.
Company showcases its innovative packaging products
He also won the award for the Best Dressed Foot in the therapeutic shoeing class and won the award for the Best Specimen Shoes in both classes. He said: “I’m really pleased I won. “It is the first time I have been to this competition and it is different to many others as you have to make shoes from scratch using traditional methods – I learnt a lot from taking part.” The Horse Trust has been running the Open Farriery competition since 2007 in recognition of the vital role that farriery plays in improving equine welfare.
Richard Slater
MANUFACTURERS Measom Freer will be showcasing the very best of their innovative packaging products at the easyFairs 2011 Packaging Innovations Exhibition.
150ml sizes.
The well-established blow and injection moulded plastic packaging company will be exhibiting a selection of their new bottles for the first time.
Come and meet the team at EasyFairs Packaging Innovations, NEC, 16 and 17 February on Stand No. C8 to find out more about how these great value packaging products can enhance your brand image and shelf presence.
Two new 30ml bottle shapes expand their Amenity bottles range, they have added to their popular Metric range with a 350ml bottle, a new 75ml oval bottle joins the Griffin range and a brand new range of Fosse bottles will launch in 125 and
Also on show will be their diverse range of plastic packaging products from jars and boxes to scoops and fasteners.
For more information call: +44 (0)116 2881588, fax: +44 (0)116 2813000, e-mail: sales@measomfreer.co.uk or visit: www.measomfreer.co.uk.
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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS
Warning over Irish equine welfare crisis By Louise Cordell THE Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has warned that the country’s equine welfare crisis has escalated to its highest ever levels. The charity is struggling to cope with the number of horses needing its assistance after recently taking in 22 equines within a 48-hour period. Many of these animals require long term and costly rehabilitation but worse, ISPCA inspectors are also discovering dead horses on an almost daily basis. This means that because the organisation is so stretched dealing with the most needy of cases where horses are in immediate danger, it is being forced to leave other animals in conditions that would not normally be
Patrick Print, former British Horse Society chairman, has been appointed OBE in the New Year Honours List. The Society extended its congratulations and chief executive Graham Cory said: “Patrick presided over the Society during a period of substantial growth in membership, a thorough reappraisal of its vision and purpose, and a modernisation of its image and attitudes. He has that happy blend of clarity of purpose, breadth of knowledge and natural diplomacy which made him the ideal chairman. What is more, his genuine respect and admiration for staff and volunteers alike was fully reciprocated.”
considered acceptable. Conor Downling, ISPCA chief inspector, said: “We are really only fire-fighting, trying to address the most serious situations. “Our inspectors are trying in vain to keep on top of the volume of calls that they are receiving and must prioritise those that they think most urgent. “I am aware any complaints which they have been unable to get to weight heavy on their minds every evening. We cannot continue to take in equines at the rate we are currently. “It simply isn’t sustainable.” The ISPCA is now calling on the government to take increased ownership of this massive problem which is threatening to damage the reputation of the Irish horse industry having already received worldwide coverage.
Abandonment problems in Buckinghamshire THE Horse Trust has reported a dramatic increase in the number of horses being abandoned across Buckinghamshire. During 2010 the charity took on seven abandoned horses, compared to none in the previous five years. Other equine welfare charities are also experiencing the same problem, with Redwings announcing a 400 per cent increase in the number of horses reported as abandoned over the last year.
Liane Crowther, welfare and education officer at the Trust, said: “Until recently there wasn’t a problem with horses being abandoned in Buckinghamshire. But now it seems that the economic climate and the spiralling cost of hay is pushing owners to desperate lengths. “Many owners keep their horse on a shoestring budget and so simply can’t afford the increased cost of feeding and looking after their much loved horse.”
Bitting training course planned A PROFESSIONAL’S Bitting Training Course, run by Accredited Myler Bitting Advisors is set to take place on 23 March 2011 at Netherton Hall, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1PB. Open to anyone with an equine related occupation. Do you want to know how to stop your horse resisting, or how to make your aids as clear as possible? Do you just want to know your horse is comfortable in its mouth? The day will cover bitting theory and practice. All participants will be involved in hands-on bitting. The cost is £50 to include lunch, refreshments and any literature.
For more information please visit: www.belstane.com, call: 01335 372600 or e-mail: info@belstane.com
Diploma in animal physiotherapy THE College of Animal Physiotherapy offers a flexible Diploma in Animal Physiotherapy.
We train individuals from the UK and all over the world and the course is designed to be fitted around employment.
The College is an accredited learning provider with the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council and the course is accredited by the British Veterinary Nursing Association.
At the College of Animal Physiotherapy we have been training animal/veterinaryphysiotherapists for over 25 years.
It is not a requirement to be a human physiotherapist in order to train with us and to go on to work as an animal physiotherapist.
Our president Sherry Scott was one of the first animal physiotherapists and has been instrumental in its development for over 35 years.
Many graduates of our College now run successful animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices or work in house at a veterinary practice.
Our wealth of knowledge an experience is unsurpassed by others and our College is the most established training route for individuals with animal related skills.
For more information please visit: www.tcap.co.uk, call: 01865 358877 or e-mail: therapyenquiry@btinternet.com
The course is delivered partly by distance learning and partly by hands on practical training.
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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 5
Industry ‘four times bigger than estimated’ THE equine industry is more than four times bigger than official statistics have previously estimated, according to new research by the Lantra Sector Skills Council. More than 400 equine employers participated in the study, which was dedicated to understanding more about the industry and what drives people who work with horses. Amy Cosgrove, Lantra’s equine manager, said: “This research was designed to provide a more realistic view of the size and scope of the equine industry, which is so often underestimated. “The problem has been that many people outside of the equine world think that working with horses is more of a hobby, so it is really important that we identify how vital this industry is to the UK economy. “Before this research, official statistics identified 3,450 UK equine businesses employing 20,700 employees but that doesn’t sound like much. If you ask a member of this industry they might agree that these numbers
sound much too low.” An extensive count of UK-wide businesses, as a part of this research, using the National Business Database and links to trade associations identified more than 19,000 UK equine businesses, a 450 per cent increase over previous estimates. According to these new figures, this substantial industry is actually supported by 41,000 equine workers, a 98 per cent increase over the previous statistics. Results also showed that equine businesses feel recent economic problems are the biggest threat to business success. Despite this concern, this research shows that this robust industry had positive growth last year, even if only by two per cent, during a time when many industries were struggling to survive. And while many of the landbased industries are struggling with large portions of staff retiring, this research shows the equine industry has a much younger workforce, with 57 per cent being under 35 years of age.
From left: Sue Robb, Nicolina MacKenzie (SEIB Marketing Manager) and Sonya Fitch-Peyton riding Blue Java. Picture: Real Time Imaging
Blue Java takes the crown TIM Binnington’s Blue Java took the crown at this year’s Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship.
prize of £2,500.
The SEIB sponsored competition was created to support and encourage the re-education of thoroughbreds taken out of racing, re-schooling them and preparing them for a new career in the show ring.
Liz Morley, conformation judge, said: “As a breeder of thoroughbreds, I was in heaven. This was a very even class and any one of the top horses could have won. There was a wide age range but they all coped and it just shows what wonderful animals they are and how they can adapt.
It is supported by the charity Retraining of Racehorses and this year the winner also collected a
“I look at a class like this and wonder why we import so many foreign horses.”
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UK industry is ‘missing a trick’ First horse is rehomed in BHS assisted scheme THE British Horse Society has secured a safe new home for the first horse through its Assisted Rehoming Scheme. The project, which was launched earlier this year, aims to match privately owned horses which need rehoming with owners looking for a new horse. In this case, Emily had decided to rehome her horse Allie due to a change in personal circumstances. She said: “I was unsure what to do with him as, after giving birth at the start of the year, I was really short of both time and money.
“I couldn't sell him as he was getting old and there was no guarantee as to where he would end up, but I wanted to make sure he had the best home possible. “After speaking to his prospective rehomers for hours on the phone I decided to let Allie go, and it was very reassuring to know that the BHS had vetted and approved his new home. “I would recommend the scheme to anyone in a similar position and I couldn't be happier with how everything has turned out.”
Lick hewn proving popular in UK REDMOND Rock is a totally natural lick hewn from the ground in Utah, USA. Unlike some other deposits, this one is high in minerals, many of which are essential to a horse’s wellbeing and also give a palatable flavour and distinctive colour to the rock. Since its introduction to the UK last year, Redmond Rock is proving popular with owners of all types of horses from family ponies to top competition horses and youngstock to veterans. The hardness of Redmond Rock makes it economical and effective for use in the stable or the field, even during wet or snowy weather, as it doesn’t crumble easily and is
THE horse industry needs to do more to help itself at the local level, according to new research by equine expert Dr Georgina Crossman. In her PhD study, she contrasted the English equine policy network with those in Sweden and the Netherlands, and found that our country is ‘missing a trick’. After looking at the relationships between interest groups and the government in all three places, she found that in those countries there was a faster progression of industry policies thanks to industry alignment with government objectives and better awareness of the socioeconomic contribution of the horse. Her report, produced at the Centre for Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter, said: “Not only is the contribution horses make to the economy and employment crucial at a local level, priory issues for horse owners such as greater offroad access are more likely to be developed through local links.” Dr Crossman found that, in Sweden, riding schools have direct links to local councils which helps to
maintain open access for all riders. In the Netherlands, the role the horse plays in diversified farm enterprises is widely recognised and the equine industry works at a regional level to raise its profile. A Dutch industry representative said: “The government should not be involved too much, they have to regulate some things but it is important that the horse industry can manage itself.” She concludes that the most important recommendations are adopting a structured approach across the horse industry, alongside the aligning of its strategy with the coalition's programme and priorities. Tim Morris, British Horse Industry Confederation chairman, said: “I am reassured by the findings of this study which lean strongly towards ‘going local’ and the BHIC, the BEF and its members are already focusing their efforts in this direction.” Dr Crossman will be presenting a detailed summary of her findings at the National Equine Forum on 8 March 2011.
Addition to therapy product range FMBs and Magnet Medics are delighted to introduce the latest addition to their range of therapy products – the Mounty Massage Roller. The Mounty Massage Roller uses compressed air technology to help loosen, relax and warm up the horse’s back muscles before and after exercise.
resistant to horses biting off chunks. Although subject to natural variation, there are significant levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and many other elements as well as sodium in Redmond Rock. Because it contains such a comprehensive range of elements, and horses can take in as much or as little as they want, it is the ideal adjunct to any feeding regime. The rocks, which will each last a horse typically three months, have a minimum weight of 3.15kg and retail at £9.85.
For more information visit: www.redmondrock.co.uk or call 01494 721763
The roller provides both pressure and pulsating massage in an automatic three-phase cycle and it’s under £400. Serena Hickson of FMBs Therapy Systems, said: “The Mounty Massage Roller starts work at the horse’s withers and then continues along the back muscles. “The first part of the cycle is a relaxing stroking/pressure massage which is followed by a sequenced deep pulsating massage to help tone and warm up by increasing the horse’s circulation. “The third part in the cycle is a rest phase. “We feel that this product fits in well with our existing range and offers something a bit different.
“The roller has been designed to help stimulate the back muscles thus increasing blood flow and oxygenating the muscles and helping to remove metabolic waste products.” The Mounty Massage Roller comes with control box and battery pack, chest straps, battery charger, transport bag, instructions and a 12 month warranty. The product usually retails at £449 but is currently priced at £399 as an introductory offer, which finishes on 30 June 2011.
For more information visit: www.fmbs.co.uk, call: 01628 472440/07885 539312 or e-mail: info@fmbs.co.uk.
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HORSE HEALTH I N E W S 7
Rules will hit unscrupulous online dealers DEFRA has announced new regulations to target unscrupulous dealers in veterinary medicines online. The controls will mean that, from April 2012, only websites approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate will be legally allowed to dispense and supply veterinary medicinal products. Customers will be able to see the approved status of veterinary medicine websites by looking out for a logo which all registered websites will display.
buying vet medicines from online retailers they should only use websites registered with VMD so they know the medicine is correctly prescribed and dispensed for their pets.” Once the new regulations are introduced, online retailers will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the set requirements concerning dispensing, supply and advertising of veterinary medicines. The new logo will contain a unique number and will link back to the VMD website.
John Fitzgerald, VMD director of operations, said: “Some medicines are being sole by ‘rogue’ traders and without any advice being provided.
The VMD will also monitor websites selling veterinary medicines and, if they are found to be operating illegally, action will be taken.
“This irresponsible retailing of medicines risks animals’ health, which is why these new controls are crucial.
The rules will only apply to UK based websites and, following a consultation, the new regulations will also continue to allow antimicrobials to be advertised to farmers.
“From 1 April 2012, if people are
Company introduces new mud fever supplement EQUINE Answers are an established company specialising in the production of high quality equine supplements direct to the public and professional yards through online sales from their website www.equineanswers.co.uk. Their product range boasts high specification supplements that take equine nutrition to a new level. Equine Answers have recently brought to the market Mud Warrior, a high specification mud fever supplement. Mud Warrior is highly effective in treating and preventing mud fever through its high spec formulation. Mud Warrior is a unique nutraceutical formulation including zinc and MSM (a natural form of bioavailable sulphur) combined with natural herbs and spices. The combination of proven nutraceuticals with natural ingredients makes Mud Warrior a powerful supplement that helps tackle mud fever quickly and then helps maintain skin integrity. Mud Warrior can be used as a highly effective treatment for mud fever and also as a preventative supplement to guard against the
problems caused by the harmful bacteria that naturally occurs in soil. The levels of the active ingredients in Mud Warrior are unsurpassed in the marketplace. We have formulated Mud Warrior to the highest possible specification making it the hardest hitting product you can buy. Add to your daily feed to give maximum prevention and protection against mud fever. At only £26.95 for a 45-day supply it is extremely good value for such a high spec product.
For more information on Mud Warrior please go to www.equineanswers.co.uk.
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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS
Editor’s insight... PROMOTING equine health and welfare is a fundamental principle of Horse Health magazine and it is very disturbing to hear of the increasing cases of neglect which have occurred over this winter. In Ireland the problem is so intense, that the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has recorded taking in 22 equines over a 48 hour period. Christine Keate
Much of this can be laid at the door of
the economic crisis with the value of horses there so low, that people in some areas are swapping them for mobile phones. Closer to home, where many are finding it increasingly harder to meet their financial commitments, it is a timely reminder that ‘horse ownership’ and the responsibility this implies incorporates a responsibility to provide a pain free and secure end, when keeping an animal becomes impossible.
Many animal welfare charities now have helplines dedicated to supporting owners in making informed choices, and to consider euthanasia if appropriate. One of the topics on the agenda of the National Equine Forum, to take place in London on 8 March will be an update on what the British Horse Industry Confederation has been up to, with particular reference to the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy.
Product alleviates symptoms VIRAL respiratory infections are extremely common in horses – just like humans at this time of year, they can suffer from coughs, colds or respiratory stresses. The infections may cause irritation and inflammation of both the upper and lower respiratory tract, leading to the symptoms of nasal discharge, a persistent cough and loud respiration during exercise. For a better chance of a quick recovery, treatment should focus on avoiding stress, rest, minimising the chance of re-infection and alleviation of the symptoms. Emvelo’s Breathe+ product has been designed for this. It is a water soluble blend of natural essential oils including eucalyptus, tea tree, camphor and peppermint. Breathe+ helps to liquefy thick, sticky mucous and open up breathing passages, thereby reducing stress. It is applied as a fine mist within the stable, at regular intervals and can also be applied in concentrated form direct to halters and bedding.
Parelli tickets up for grabs HORSE Health has teamed up with Parelli to offer one reader the chance to win two tickets to the 2011 Parelli Celebration.
24-hour x-ray service launched A NEW 24-hour mobile x-ray service for vets and farriers has been launched in South Wales. Equiray operates seven days a week, using a portable digital x-ray system that means that all images taken can be viewed within minutes and decisions made there and then regarding further tests. Alternatively, images can be instantly
emailed to the vet or supplied direct to the practice. For farriers, the x-ray can be displayed on screen so that they can see the internal bone structures within the hoof before and after remedial work. Specialist farriers requiring monthly x-rays of certain horses are also using the service and plans to extend the company nationally are in progress.
Thousands enjoy Your Horse Live THIS year’s Your Horse Live exhibition was one of the busiest ever. Advanced ticket sales were up again from 2009 with thousands of visitors from all over the country descending on Stoneleigh for the equestrian event. Michael Bacon of TopSpec said: “We have never been so busy, the stand was bursting with visitors and we had so much interest in our competition it was incredible.”
Olympic silver medallist Karen Dixon provided a demonstration on retraining racehorses, explaining how, with the right support and skills you can overcome some of the common problems that racehorses can have. Spectators flocked to the Q&A Live area which included talks covering a wide range of topics from creating music for dressage with Tom Hunt, to sports psychology.
The two-day event takes place on 9 and 10 April at the LG Arena in Birmingham, with Linda and Pat Parelli. As well as an action-packed educational programme, the team will be celebrating people who have discovered their potential with horses in the Savvy Spotlight sessions. The key focus of the celebration will be Horsenality - showing how to recognise the four different Horsenality types and the best strategic training approaches to get your horse to be calm, trusting, motivated and willing. For your chance to win, send your name, address and a contact telephone number to: Parelli 2011 Giveaway, Horse Health Magazine, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Entries must be received by 4 March 2011 and the winner’s name will appear on the Horse Health website at: www.horsehealthmagazine.co.uk.
The horse which turned out to be a donkey THE identity of a mysterious breed of ‘horse’ that died at Pompeii has been resolved by a Cambridge University researcher, who realised it was a donkey. Academics had initially believed that they had unearthed a new, now extinct, breed of horse when they uncovered the remains at the ancient Roman town in 2004 and analysed DNA sequences from the skeletons. However, Susan Gurney, working with Dr Peter Forster on horse genetics at Cambridge University,
looked at the study again and discovered inconsistencies in their findings. She concluded that there appears to have been a mix-up in the lab, which resulted in horse DNA being combined with donkey DNA to create an artificial hybrid. Despite this, she confirmed that the research could still prove important as the newly identified donkey may well be the first proof that the ‘Somali’ ass lineage normally found in Italy dates back to at least
Roman times. The original study six years ago analysed the skeletons of five equids that had been well preserved by the volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79. The team looked at the mitochondrial DNA sequences of each of the horses and while four were quickly identified, the fifth ‘horse’ appeared to be of a mysterious DNA type no longer found today. In a subsequent paper, they
reported that this must be from a different, unknown breed of horse, which had perhaps since disappeared. Susan said: “Looking at the research with hindsight, it is possible to recognise two separate strands of horse and donkey DNA. In addition, the horse DNA that appears to have been inadvertently mixed in with the donkey’s genetic information is the same type as that found in one of the other horses – which might be the source of the mistake.”
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feeding and nutrition
An equine equivalent to couch potato? RESEARCHERS have adopted Big Brother tactics in order to tackle growing levels of obesity in Britain’’s horse population. One in three horses and over 80 per cent of ponies are currently in danger of fat-related health risks such as laminitis – now a new study is set to put different breeds under 24 hour surveillance to find out why. Tiny camera, GPS devices and movement monitors will be attached to the animals in order to analyse every aspect of their lifestyles as part of Edinburgh Napier University’s three year project. Dr Dave Smith, study leader, said: “The equipment will allow us to distinguish between food related effort and other exercise – the horse equivalent of a trip to the fridge or the gym.” The project, which is the first of its kind, will be conducted at a Norfolk farm run by World Horse Welfare and, initially, around 15 horses will graze in paddocks specially seeded with different grasses. Dr Smith added: “We suspect a major factor in rising obesity levels
has been the move from grazing in traditional meadows, which naturally feature a variety of grasses, to monoculture fields more suited to dairy cows. “However, there are also horse and pony owners who, through overfeeding, are unwittingly killing with kindness – even horses in ‘show’ condition can be significantly overweight.” In a prior study, Dr Teresa Hollands, senior nutritionist at study sponsors Dodson and Horrell, found that obese horses are at greater risk of developing skin, muscular and bone problems, as well as laminitis – a lifethreatening inflammation of the hoof. She said: “Owners forget that although they might not be putting food in a bucket, these horses and ponies are over-consuming calories from grass. What is interesting is that some animals that graze together in the same field get fat, while others remain perfectly healthy. “What we hope to find out with this study is if there is a horse equivalent of the human couch potato.”
Wormers warning HORSE owners are being advised to only purchase wormers from suppliers that provide appropriate veterinary advice.
drugs. Developing a programme will reduced the risk of drug resistance and could save money in the long term.”
The Horse Trust has issued the warning after becoming aware that many websites are selling equine wormers, such as moxidectin, without providing best practice advice before purchase.
Last year, The Horse Trust launched a campaign to ask horse owners to take a more informed and strategic approach when worming their horses to tackle the growing problem of drug-resistant worms.
However, AMTRA – an independent government regulatory body – recommends that animal medicines are only prescribed by a vet, veterinary pharmacist or animal health advisor (SQP) who has passed exams to demonstrate animal health knowledge.
Small redworms are the most important parasite affecting horses and the overuse of worming drugs has to the development of drugresistant redworms.
Jeanette Allen, chief exeutive of The Horse Trust, said: “We are really worried to see that some websites allow people to buy equine wormers without providing veterinary advice. “We would strongly advise people to avoid purchasing wormers from the internet - instead contact a vet or SQP to develop a tailored management programme. Many horses have a natural immunity to small redworms so may not need regular treatment with worming
Stephen Dawson, secretary general at AMTRA, said: “Vets and SQPs have been trained to provide tailored advice for the particular circumstances of each horse. The product you used latst time isn’t necessarily the right one for next time. Buying from a website which doesn’t provide that vital advice risks increased likelihood of resistance build-up, as well as less effective worm control and thus is bad for animal welfare and for your pocket. “And buying, possessing or using wormers which haven’t been properly prescribed is illegal, too.”
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feeding and nutrition
Pathophysiology and nutritional management of Cushing’s Syndrome By Catherine Hale, product and nutrition manager for Allen and Page and company nutritionist Claire Lawrence PITUITARY pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as Cushing’s syndrome, is the most common endocrinological disease in horses and typically effects animals over the age of 15 years. A progressive disorder seen in all classes of equidae, PPID occurs from alterations in the hypothalamicpituitary-andrenocortical (HPA) axis and it is postulated that neurodegeneration of the dopaminergic pathways may be the initiating cause of the disease. Clinical signs of PPID include hirsutism, hyperhidrosis, polydipsia, polyuria, muscle wasting and laminitis. Affected horses will also develop hypertrophy, hyperplasia or adenoma of the pars intermedia lobe of the pituitary gland, which can often affect surrounding structures and may lead to the over-expression of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) a peptide hormone precursor which is
implicated in the production of adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland is comprised of three lobes, the pars distalis (PD), the pars intermedia (PI) and the pars anterior (PA). The PI contains specialised cells known as melanotrophs, which produce alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), ACTH and beta endorphin from the pre-cursor POMC. The PI is subjected to inhibitory control by the hyperthalamus, through dopamine production. Dopamine acts upon melanotrophbased D2 dopamine receptors, inhibiting POMC mRNA expression and subsequent POMC release. In PPID animals, dopaminergic inhibition of the PI is lost, resulting in lowered dopamine concentrations in affected horses. With POMC levels unchecked, it is likely that the POMC-hormones are the cause of the clinical signs of PPID in horses. One complication often associated
with PPID in horses is insulin resistance (IR). Insulin is responsible for the regulation of blood glucose and initiates the uptake of glucose into the tissues. Various mechanisms can interfere with normal insulin function, including interference of insulin receptor signalling by high serum concentrations of cortisol or adipokines released from stored adipocytes. As horses with PPID may often be overweight and may also have adrenocorticol hyperplasia, IR will always be a threat. Recent research has alluded to a link between IR and laminitis meaning that PPID horses are also at increased risk of developing laminitis. Feeding the horse or pony with Cushing’s disease: Unfortunately laminitis and Cushing’s disease go hand in hand and so it is important to treat any horse or pony with Cushing’s disease as a laminitic, regardless of whether they have suffered an episode of laminitis. Forage should form the basis of the diet and hay can be soaked for up to 12 hours to reduce its sugar content. For horses and ponies that maintain their weight well this is not too much of a problem, generally speaking low starch, low sugar and high fibre chaffs, mixes or pellets designed for laminitics are suitable to use. However, many horses and ponies with Cushing’s disease may still be in work or may have difficulty maintaining their weight and these types can prove much trickier to feed. It is important to keep the starch and sugar levels of the diet to a minimum but also to provide a source of calories (energy) that either come from fibre or oil, rather than starch found in cereals. Unmolassed sugar beet and alfalfa are good examples of low starch feed ingredients that contain a good
amount of calories, these ingredients can be added to the diet or there are complete feeds on the market that are free from cereals and molasses and are often based on either alfalfa or unmolassed sugar beet. The advantage of using a complete feed is that you can be safe in the knowledge that the feed is fully balanced with the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals required to keep your horse or pony healthy. For older ponies with teeth that are not quite what they used to be, it’s vital to ensure that they still have a good intake of fibre to help maintain their weight and to keep their digestive system healthy and functioning correctly. The use of soaked high fibre cubes can be beneficial and these can generally be fed in quite large quantities, although it’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer first, to replace part, or the entire hay ration as necessary. For those horses and ponies still struggling to maintain their weight extra oil can be added to the diet. Oil is very calorie dense and can be particularly useful for horses that are already receiving large quantities of feed or for those that have limited appetites. If you are adding oil purely as a source of additional calories then most types of oil are suitable to use including soya, vegetable and linseed oils. Most horses can be having up to 300ml of oil per day which equates to approximately a coffee mug full, although, as with all changes to the diet it is important to introduce oil gradually. The addition of a vitamin E supplement is recommended to horses receiving additional large quantities of oil to the diet to help ‘mop up’ free radicals that are produced during oil metabolism. A full list of references is available at: www.horsehealthmagazine.co.uk.
‘Unfortunately laminitis and Cushing’s disease go hand in hand and so it is important to treat any horse or pony with Cushing’s disease as a laminitic, regardless of whether they have suffered an episode of laminitis’
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HORSE HEALTH I
feeding and nutrition
Nutritional innovations and developments of 2010 By Lizzie Drury MSc Registered Nutritionist, Saracen Horse Feeds HORSES are subject to numerous health challenges including bone malformations, soft tissue or skeletal injuries and infections of various kinds. Research continues to turn up information that broadens our knowledge of causes, treatments and prevention of some equine health problems. Rice bran given the all clear: The nutritional benefits of feeding rice bran are well known. It can be used to increase the calories your horse consumes without making him excitable, helps to limit the amount of starch your horse eats while maintaining his weight and can put an incredible shine on your horses coat without resorting to messy oils. However, rice bran has had a grey cloud hanging over its head, which
was particularly worrying for many performance riders. Rice bran is a natural source of gamma oryzanol, a natural steroid, which would classify gamma oryzanol as a prohibited substance. Researchers from the Institute of Animal Nutrition in Hannover presented data during EWEN that showed that supplementation with gamma oryzanol had no effect on testosterone levels in either blood or urine of mares or geldings. Insulin resistance and weight gain: (Carter et al., New Bolton Centre, University of Pennsylvania.) Three adult geldings were fed 200 per cent of their digestible energy requirements for a period of 16 weeks to induce weight gain. Body weight increased by an average of 20 per cent and body condition score rose from an average of six to eight. A number of measurements (glucose tolerance plus concentrations of insulin, triglycerides and
nonesterified fatty acids) were recorded before and after weight gain to evaluate glucose and insulin dynamics. Insulin concentration increased with weight gain, and insulin sensitivity decreased by 71 + / - 28 per cent. The decreased insulin sensitivity was compensated for by an increase in secretion of insulin. Prevention of obesity is listed as a potential management strategy to avoid insulin resistance and high circulating insulin levels in horses. Yeast supplementation with high fibre or high starch diets: (Jouany et al., ENESAD, Dijon, France.) Four horses with fistulas of the ceacum and right ventral colon were fed high fibre or high starch rations with or without supplementation with yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae). The high fibre and high starch diets consisted of pelleted feed and long wheat straw given in two daily meals to provide the fibre to starch ratios of 3.5 and 1.0 respectively. Following a three week adaptation period, intestinal contents were collected four hours post meal and analyzed for the levels of bacteria and yeast. Lactobacilli concentrations were higher in the ceacum and colon and levels of streptococci did not change when dietary starch levels increased. In yeast supplemented horses, yeast concentrations were higher in the ceacum than in the right ventral colon and did not show a change related to diet. Concentrations of lactobacilli and lactic acid utilizers were greater in the ceacum but the same in the colon of yeast supplemented horses. The authors stated that most enzymes involved in plant cell wall digestion were increased with the addition of yeast, and this fact may help to explain the better digestion of fibre that has been reported in previous studies of yeast supplementation. Shipping Fever: Shipping fever is a general term used to describe respiratory infections that sometimes occur after horses are transported for several hours. Horses that are untied spend considerable amounts of time with their heads lowered allowing bacteria and secretions to drain from their nostrils. In the high head position in which horses are often transported, these microorganisms may spread back
Lizzie Drury into the respiratory system, causing irritation or infection. A study commissioned by the Japan Racing Authority showed the incidence of shipping fever started at about eight hours in a small number of horses, increased to around ten per cent after 24 hours of transport and rose to almost 50 per cent of horses following 40 hours of transport. Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation provides significant benefits: Continuing research is revealing more information about the benefits of supplementing horses with omega 3 fatty acid to achieve a more nutritionally sound balance. At a study at the University of Florida, horses were fed either flax oil or fish oil, both being good sources of omega 3 fatty acid. After ten weeks, horses in both of the groups had plasma and red blood cell levels of omega 3 fatty acids that were higher than in an unsupplemented control group. For thoroughbred racehorses, omega 3 fatty acid oils have been shown to have an important role in the structure and formation of the wall of the red blood cells, conferring upon them increased suppleness and flexibility. This red blood cell flexibility is advantageous during exercise, as the more flexible the red blood cells the more easily and efficiently they pass through the narrow capillaries in the lungs and the muscles, making oxygen uptake and delivery and waste product removal more efficient. Human athletes on omega 3 supplemented diets, report improved performance times and less delayed muscle soreness and this is attributed to better oxygen delivery, higher levels of antioxidants and the protective effect of omega 3 oils have against inflammation. Stallions supplemented with marine source omega 3 fatty acids for 90 days showed a 46 per cent increase in daily sperm output, although sperm motion characteristics such as motility and viability were not different from un-supplemented stallions.
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feeding and nutrition
HORSE HEALTH I 13
The benefits of a high fibre equine diet By The Pure Feed Company FEEDING is a controllable factor within the horse’s management regime that can have a dramatic impact upon its health and fitness. It is important to feed in such a way that complements their digestive system and benefits overall horse health, with plenty of fibre constantly passing through the system. Starch and sugars have been introduced into the horse’s diet as a means of supplying cheap and fast acting high energy fuel. However, the complex equine digestive anatomy has not evolved to cope with these feedstuffs, they developed efficient mechanisms to compensate for the ingestion of their natural diet – tough indigestible fibres made of structural carbohydrates. The cell walls of forage contain structural fibres made of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, betaglucans and pectins, which cannot be degraded by natural secretions of enzymes or acids. So, the nutrients locked up in the middle of the plant cells are not accessible, due to the impossibility of breaking down the structural walls of the cells. The horse, therefore, relies on the bacterial support from the population of microbes in the large intestine which ferment these structural fibres. Readily digestible, energy rich meals do not suit the horse’s highly efficient, specialised digestive system. Indeed, it is because the mucosal monosaccharide transport systems are so incredibly efficient that issues can arise when feeding non structural carbohydrates. Gradually, science is revealing the potential negative effects high starch and sugar have on the horse’s health. Excitability may be an obvious factor; however there may be a deeper more serious problem. Feeding an unacceptable amount of non structural carbohydrates can cause rapid fermentation in the cecum and colon, resulting in an imbalanced pH, a disrupted population of beneficial microbes and proliferation of Lactobacillus sp. This in turn can lead to increased
Changing to a more natural diet can lead to a shift in overall health. acid production, increased risk of colic and laminitis, as well as metabolic disorders. So, changing to a more natural diet should see a shift in many ways, through behaviour and overall health. First of all, the balance of good/bad bacteria can be restored in around 14 days, therefore, by feeding a diet of high fibre, synbiotics and a good quality specification of vitamins and minerals, we can see almost immediate improvements in digestive health. Certainly cutting down the starch and sugar and replacing it with fats and fibre can be beneficial. Fibre takes longer to ferment in the large intestine and causes a less severe drop in intestinal pH once digested in comparison to non-structural carbohydrates, whilst fats provide a slow release source of non-heating efficient energy. Fats are emulsified through a trickle of bile into the duodenum, increasing the surface area for lipase to facilitate hydrolysation. Consequently, fats are absorbed by the small intestine before they even reach the large intestinal microbes. In turn, this is a method of providing necessary energy for working horses, in a way that is compatible with their digestive systems.
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HORSE HEALTH I
insurance
Keeping a horse at livery doesn’t clear you of liabilities By Alison Andrew of Petplan Equine THOSE who keep their horses at livery entrust their care to other people. Irrespective of how well run the yard is and how carefully things are done, accidents can and do happen and theft is unfortunately a common occurrence. However, who is responsible in the event of a breach of security or an accident can often be a grey area.
Being aware of your third party responsibility is vital, regardless of how your horse is used
Horse insurance is designed to give you peace of mind and financial security, knowing you can quickly make arrangements to treat any injury or illness without having to worry about the cost is one aspect but veterinary cover is only half the story. Horse owners and riders have responsibilities many may be unaware of and could, without insurance, be faced with bills of tens of thousands of pounds if found liable. If a car drives on to a yard, a horse kicks out and damages it, who is liable? The horse owner would be liable for any damage to a car belonging to a third party.
is found to be negligent. What about if one horse kicks and harms another? The owner of the horse that kicked would be liable for any damages or vets’ fees providing it could be proven which horse kicked and that the owner accepted liability. If you can’t identify the horse or choose not to pursue the owner the vet fees benefit in your equine insurance policy should cover the vet fees. As it is a common scenario usually the horse owner would not be pursued. Employees of livery yards often ride out on the horses stabled there. What would happen if they were involved in a road accident? The livery yard’s insurance may cover injuries caused to the person. Some livery yard policies may also cover the horse so it is worth checking. Given the cost of tack, what would happen if a yard was burgled and all your tack was stolen? Cover varies from policy to policy. Some cover tack wherever it is, provided it is securely locked, either in a tack room or out of site in a car or lorry.
Providing the horse owner has included third party liability cover within their equine insurance policy, the insurer will cover the cost of the damage.
It is worth keeping records of all tack, and checking whether the policy covers replacing stolen tack with new equipment, or, some policies only cover value at the point of theft.
What about if a horse breaks out of a secure livery yard and causes a road accident?
Most policies, will also insist tack is locked away using a five lever mortice lock.
Again, perhaps surprisingly, the horse owner is liable unless the livery yard
If you don’t have your own policy, don’t assume the yard will cover you.
Conclusion: If you’re stabling your horse at a livery yard, make sure you check out their insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered in comparison to what your policy will cover. It is also important to let the
yard owner know if your horse has any behavioural problems or vices so they can handle him in the appropriate manner. Knowing the risks will help ensure you are properly protected.
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research and development
HORSE HEALTH I
Nutrigenomics – opportunities for tailor-made nutrition By Dr Helen Warren of the Alltech Biotechnology Centre RESEARCH and development are key to enhancing our knowledge and understanding of animals. Over the decades, there have been a myriad of different scientific ‘ages’ that have led to significant advances in the knowledge of many fundamental aspects of form and function in many species, and it appears that the current scientific ‘age’ is the world of the ‘omics’. Genomics, proteomics and metabolomics are some of the examples. Work at the molecular level has generated as many questions as it has answers, and the idea of genetic programming and alterations of gene expression that have positive physiological consequences, is becoming increasingly prevalent. In this current era of the gene, the substantial effects of nutrition on gene expression are only just starting to emerge, in a young science termed nutrigenomics.
Nutrigenomics: It is important to distinguish between nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics the latter is focused on how the genetic make-up of an individual coordinates a response to diet. Nutrigenomics attempts to determine the effects of common dietary ingredients on the activity or expression of whole genome; thus gaining an insight into how nutritional molecules affect metabolic pathways and homeostasis - it aims to resolve the interaction between diet and genome. In short, it has begun to identify molecular mechanisms of nutrientrelated health and disease states. In recent years, the field has expanded to not only investigate the impact of classes of nutrients on gene expression, but also the effect which different chemical forms of the same nutrient have on transcriptional profiles in different tissues. In human nutrition, hopes are that nutrigenomics will form part of the arsenal of tools to allow the refining
Money back guarantee on stem cell therapy VETCELL’S StemRegen is a revolutionary stem cell therapy used by vets to treat tendon and ligament injuries in horses. The technique was developed by Professor Roger Smith at the Royal Veterinary College and, over the last eight years, VetCell have been using StemRegen to treat horses of all shapes and sizes. Proven to be the best treatment for overstrain injuries of the superficial digital flexor tendon, StemRegen treated horses have a very low, 27 per cent chance of re-injury on the treated tendon compared with a 57 per cent chance for conventional treatments. NH racehorses treated using StemRegen have a ‘return to performance’ rate of over 80 per cent compared with approximately 40 per cent for conventional
treatments. In StemRegen treatment, bone marrow sample is taken from the injured horse’s sternum or hip bone and is sent to the lab to separate the stem cells and begin the culture process. The stem cells are returned to the vet after two to four weeks of culturing so that they can be implanted into the tendon. VetCell has now introduced the VetCell Promise – a money back guarantee whereby VetCell will repay the stem cell culture cost or supply cells for re-treatment if re-injury occurs to the treated tendon.
For more information visit: www.vetcell.com, e-mail: info@vetcell.com or call: 01865 922227
Nutrigenomics utilises DNA micro-array technology that has been in use for over a decade. It is capable of profiling gene expression patterns of tens of thousands of genes in a single experiment of dietary and nutrient recommendations to meet individual requirements.
undergo sensitive gel-based assays, such polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
This may not be the first area to be exploited in terms of equine science, however, the ability to understand dietary and single nutrient effects on gene expression and, therefore, metabolism will undoubtedly lead to great advances in health and disease and, perhaps, also performance.
To fully capitalise on the developing micro-array technology application in animals, the fully sequenced genome is required, otherwise extrapolation from other species is inevitable, exemplified by the rapid progress in understanding disease in species where the genome has been sequenced.
Gene profiling:
Elucidation of mechanisms of beneficial dietary components, such as plant sterols and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), have been carried out using the technology of micro-arrays. Identification and quantification of biomarkers for specific disease states has also been aided by the use of this technology and the potential for other species and diseases is vast.
Historically, techniques, such as Northern Blots and PCR have been used to identify single gene expression thus requiring knowledge and identification of genes already known to be affected by various endogenous and/or exogenous stimuli. This means sequential, laborious assessment of the expression of individual genes. Nutrigenomics utilises DNA microarray technology that has been in use for over a decade. It is capable of profiling gene expression patterns of tens of thousands of genes in a single experiment and is invaluable when it comes to generating a holistic view of changes in gene expression.
Ramery et al. (2008) used human micro-array technology to identify genes of interest in horses with Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), however, the authors noted that, although several genes of interest were implicated, a complete expression profile was not possible using human micro-array. The publishing in full of the horse genome sequence (National Institute of Health, 2007) will add significant power to the use of micro-arrays in future applications.
The general construction of microarrays relies on immobilising DNA sequences (oligonucleotides or amplified cDNA from PCR) onto a solid support, which is then hybridised with a labelled RNA probe.
Testing:
The extent of hybridisation of the mRNA with individual sequences on the array gives a quantified measure of gene expression.
Detailed micro-array experiments to investigate the effect of individual nutrients, such as selenium have not been conducted in horses.
Genes of specific interest may then
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HORSE HEALTH I
research and development Continued from Page 16 However, in other species, including humans it demonstrates significant effects on gene expression profiles relating to health and disease. For example, studies have revealed surprising differences in the gene expression profiles in hen oviduct (recognised model for the study of reproductive function), resulting from dietary supplementation with inorganic sodium selenite or organic selenium, in the form of selenised yeast where the organic selenium source affected the expression of key genes involved in the pathway of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (Power, 2009). This initial work on fertility in hens may be extended to look at the effect of selenium at the molecular level on reproductive performance in horses, such as Thoroughbreds.
DNA helix
In humans, work from the SandersBrown Centre on Ageing and Alzheimers Disease demonstrated that organic selenium was able to reduce the amyloid plaque burden (a key feature in Alzheimers) and minimise DNA and RNA oxidation. Micro-array techniques can now look at the exact changes in profiles of gene expression in the pathology of Alzheimers to identify the nature of the beneficial effect. With the development and refining of micro-array technologies, as well as the full sequencing of the horse genome, the opportunities for the quantification and qualification of the effects of nutrients and diet on health and performance, both on an individual, as well as herd level, appear exponential. By determining physiological effects of specific nutrients it may be possible to improve health and performance through dietary manipulation.
‘Micro-array techniques can now look at the exact changes in profiles of gene expression in the pathology of Alzheimers to identify the nature of the beneficial effect’
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orthopaedics
Trials confirm benefits of treatment for bone spavin NEWLY published trials show that horses suffering lameness caused by bone spavin can show marked improvement following treatment with a relatively new bisphosphonate treatment, administered by an infusion, in combination with controlled exercise. Bone spavin is the commonly used name for osteoarthritis of the lower hock joints. It is thought to be responsible for around a third of hind-limb lameness in horses and ponies in the UK. It usually affects both legs at the same time and it can be seen in horses and ponies of all ages and types The trials were carried out on a total of 108 pleasure horses, show jumpers and eventers of a variety of sizes and breeds, all of which had been clinically diagnosed with bone spavin. Eighty seven horses completed the trials, comprising 42 horses treated with the new drug and 45 placebo cases. By day 60 approximately 60 per cent of the treated horses had improved in lameness by two grades or more, scored on a ten point system.
How the treatment works: Bone is a living tissue and is constantly undergoing remodelling to repair micro-damages resulting from mechanical stress. This remodelling starts with removal of damaged bone followed by formation of new bone to fill the holes. The cells removing bone are known as oesteoclasts and the cells putting new bone back are called oesteoblasts. In bone disease processes such as bone spavin, there tends to be an imbalance with the bone removal happening up to ten times more quickly than the repair process. When the process gets out of control too much bone is removed and the body then fills the holes in with poorer quality woven bone. This is less able to cope with normal wear and tear and needs to be remodelled. A vicious cycle develops of excessive remodelling without necessarily fixing the problem with better adapted bone. The treatment works by reducing the activity of the bone removing cells. This modulation can help to prevent the problem getting worse and give the bone producing cells a chance to catch up.
HORSE HEALTH I 19
Jeanine Preece and George
Case study: George AN ex-racehorse debilitated by osteoarthritis has been given a new future thanks to the drug. George, an ex-racehorse owned by Jeanine Preece from Bristol became persistently lame soon after Jeanine acquired him. Vet Duncan Ballard BVM&S CertEP MRCVS from B and W Equine Group, was called in to investigate the problem. He carried out a series of tests, nerve blocks and radiographs which identified significant osteoarthritic changes to not only the two lower hock joints in George’s left hind leg but also the tarsocrural joint. He said: “On initial examination I found that George had developed a bog spavin on the left hind limb. “He presented as three tenths lame on the near hind and was six tenths lame post flexion. Following a nerve block to the lower hock joint he was much improved and trotted up at just one tenth lame. Radiographs confirmed extensive osteoarthritic changes to the main joints in the hock. “It is likely that the damage was a result of trauma from an old injury.” Duncan had first come across the bisphosphonate infusion when it was undergoing trials at the Royal Veterinary College in 2006. When it was licensed for use in the UK a couple of years ago he began to use it to treat cases that did not respond well to steroidal medication and had some very positive results. He also favours the drug as a long
term management protocol for cases that involve more than one area of extensive bony change, such as kissing spines and osteoarthritis of more than one joint. Initially Duncan medicated George’s lower hock joints with a steroidbased treatment but when the horse showed no improvement he recommended the new drug. George was admitted to the veterinary practice where he was sedated before the treatment was administered as a single infusion over a period of approximately 30 minutes. George was able to go home the same day. Over the following weeks Jeanine built up a programme of controlled exercise. Six months later, after a brief setback with a slight bout of laminitis, Duncan took further radiographs of the joints and was impressed to see that they were starting to bridge on the dorsolateral aspect. He advised a second treatment as a precautionary pain management option, explaining to Jeanine that this would be a safer method than a steroid-based treatment which could provoke another attack of laminitis. Just eight months on from the first treatment and George has made remarkable progress. Duncan added: “George is sound and doing incredibly well. He has muscled up evenly, where previously he had severe muscle atrophy on his left hind quarters and he’s fit, healthy and in full work.”
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B l o o d s t o c k m a tter s
Is your foal covered in the event of unforeseen circumstances? By David Ashby, MD and class underwriter at Amlin Plus IF there is a problem with a mare’s pregnancy, or if a newborn foal requires veterinary attention soon after birth, the costs accrued by the owner can be substantial. In addition, there are other risks such as theft and accidental injury to a newborn foal, which should be considered. Therefore, it surprises us that foal insurance, for both prospective births and also newly-born animals, isn’t a higher priority for some owners and breeders.
Prospective foal coverage: ‘Prospective Foal', 'Unborn Foal' or 'Foetus Insurance' are essentially the same thing, and provide cover in the event of the mare not remaining infoal at the expiry of the policy period, the foetus not being alive at the expiry of this period, or the mare dying while carrying the foal inutero. Cover is commonly arranged from the date the mare tests pregnant from 42 to 60 days after the last service, through to a set amount of time, usually 30 days after foaling. We like to work with the vet in question to confirm ultrasound
results of a single, live foetus, and require a veterinary certificate confirming the mare is sound to carry full-term. There may also be set clauses in the nomination agreement, such as failure of the foal to survive until a
‘Prospective Foal', 'Unborn Foal' or 'Foetus Insurance' are essentially the same thing, and provide cover in the event of the mare not remaining in-foal at the expiry of the policy period, the foetus not being alive at the expiry of this period, or the mare dying while carrying the foal in-utero
set number of days after its birth, or to a certain age, which need to be considered. ‘Prospective Foal' premiums vary greatly depending on the age and breeding history of the mare. Rates reflect the hazards involved, but this insurance is essentially a straightforward policy. Generally, the sum insured is limited to multiples of four or five times the stud fee.
Other types of foal insurance: For a newly-born foal, look for a policy that covers All Risks of Mortality, as well as Theft and Life Saving Surgery; these policy elements will reimburse the owner in the event of the foal’s death, theft or humane destruction, or if life saving
surgery is required, for example for fracture repair or colic. Benefits and cost savings can be gained within an insurance policy that requires blood tests as part of its terms; blood tests can detect potentially life-threatening conditions in a foal. Experts recommend that for most foals, blood tests are taken between 12 and 24 hours of age, to confirm the foal has absorbed enough colostrum from the mare, and to check its health. Early blood tests demonstrate a clean infection profile. Haematology tests in foals can be seen as a preventative measure that increases the chance of a healthy animal in the future. Routine blood tests are an essential part of a preventative veterinary plan for the newborn foal.
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Continued from Page 20
Equine surrogacy: Equine surrogacy is a topic that always prompts discussion, as the surrogacy of high-value foals is a potential legal minefield. Essentially, if someone offered their mare as a recipient to receive another mare's embryos, e.g. a surrogate dam, the foetus owner may be liable if the mare dies or needs veterinary attention. However, the lessor could easily insure that risk and it would be down to the parties involved to discuss the cost of cover – the
‘Essentially, if someone offered their mare as a recipient to receive another mare's embryos, e.g. a surrogate dam, the foetus owner may be liable if the mare dies or needs veterinary attention’
owner of the surrogate dam may pass this cost to the owner of the embryo. Alternatively, the owner of the embryo could take out their own insurance against the surrogate mare dying or needing veterinary attention. Prospective foal coverage can also be used in the case of surrogacy by the owner of the embryo. If something happened to the surrogate mare that prevented her from ever carrying a foal again, that should be covered by a Loss Of Use policy, (assuming the mare was specified as being used for breeding); the insurers should also be aware that she is an 'embryo recipient'. Where surrogacy is concerned, consult a specialist insurer, in case a bespoke policy may be required.
Banked stem cells: Banking stem cells can reduce the risk for equine death and aid recovery from injury. Owners that invest in storing the stem cells of their foals are contributing greatly to the future health of their bloodstock animals. Banked stem cells are available within hours, helping horses recover more quickly from many serious ailments and injuries.
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focus: England Partnership Board
Mixed response to new disease control plans THE equine community has been expressing a mixed response to new government plans to help protect horses from disease. New proposals have been published, replacing previous plans to create a costly ‘animal health’ quango and charge horse owners a yearly disease control tax. Instead it is hoped that the equine community will be at the heart of a new partnership approach with government, helping to transform how decisions on animal disease and welfare are taken. The report, published by the Advisory Group on Responsibility and Cost Sharing, includes plans to establish a new ‘England Partnership Board’ within Defra. If implemented, this would see responsibility for decisions on animal health and welfare fully shared between government, industry and animal owners. However, while backing the recommendations, the British Horse Industry Confederation, has also called on ministers to ensure that the equine sector is well represented on the new Board. Professor Tim Morris, chair of the BHIC, said: “We all know that disease is a constant risk to horses, but a hugely expensive and bureaucratic animal health quango
‘We all know that disease is a constant risk to horses, but a hugely expensive and bureaucratic animal health quango and a tax on every horse owner was not the way to reduce those risks’ and a tax on every horse owner was not the way to reduce those risks. “Through BHIC the whole equine sector came together and worked as one voice to both oppose the original untenable proposals and come up with constructive alternatives. “We are confident that the proposals set out today represent the best way forward and the sector looks forward to continuing to engage with Ministers on vitally important issues such as the spread of equine disease.”
Concerns that equine industry may not be adequately represented THE Horse Trust has also expressed concerns that the equine industry may not be adequately represented on the Partnership Board. Paul Jepson, the Trust’s specialist policy consultant, said: “The report thankfully reinforces the inseparability of health and welfare and endorses the path that the horse industry and government embarked on a few years ago with collaboration as the cornerstone. “However, the proposed Board of industry experts and Defra to drive policy and strategy for the whole
animal sector is of concern. “It seems unlikely that the horse industry will merit a seat at the top table of this board despite contributing an estimated £7bn to the UK economy. “Despite this, horse owners will be delighted at the report’s rejection of the proposed levy on animal owners to fund national health and welfare programmes. “The equestrian world was not at all clear what this revenue would be used for and the report recognises the difficulties and cost of collection.”
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diagnostics
HORSE HEALTH I 23
Scintigraphy – What does it do and how does it work? By Annamaria Nagy DVM MRCVS of the Animal Health Trust Centre for Equine Studies
cause of pain cannot be identified using radiography and ultrasonography.
THE principle of scintigraphy is the detection of gamma-rays emitted by a radioisotope previously administered to the patient. Scintigraphy is mostly used for diagnosing orthopaedic injuries as a part of the lameness investigation, but has also been used in respiratory medicine and other areas of clinical research.
Assessment of the possible significance of radiological abnormalities.
A radioactive isotope (technetium) is bound to a ‘carrier’ molecule (a pharmaceutical, methylenediphosphonate) that binds to the hydroxyapatite crystals of the bone. This radioactive substance, the radiopharmaceutical, is injected into a vein and is then distributed throughout the body via the blood and gets taken up into the bones. The radiation from the horse is detected by a gamma camera and an image is formed by a computer. Some injuries increase the turnover of the bone and more radiopharmaceutical will be bound to these regions. This shows up as a ‘hot spot’ (increased radiopharmaceutical uptake [IRU]) on the image. Scintigraphic examination is performed under standing sedation; the gamma camera is moved around the horse to acquire images of different body parts.
Indications for scintigraphic examination include: Pain is localised to a region, but the
Acute onset of lameness and suspicion of a fracture or stress related injury that cannot be identified radiologically. The source of pain cannot be localised using local analgesic techniques. The dangerous behaviour of the horse prohibits using local analgesic techniques safely. Multiple limb lameness, which may make interpretation of local analgesic techniques difficult. A racehorse with a history of lameness at high speeds, which is not currently lame but is suspected to have stress-related injury. Intermittent lameness which cannot be reproduced in order to perform local analgesic techniques. Suspected thoracolumbar or pelvic region pain. Poor performance or ill-defined cause. Monitoring repair.
Common abnormal findings: Racehorses: One of the greatest values of scintigraphy is detection of stress fractures before they can be identified using radiography or ultrasonography. Lameness associated with a stress fracture may be sudden in onset and severe, but may improve rapidly with rest. Horses often show lameness at high speed, or perform more poorly than previously and diagnosing these injuries can prevent complete and catastrophic fractures. The most common sites of stress fractures include the third metacarpal bone, the humerus; the tibia; the ilial wing and ilial shaft; and the facet joints of lumbar vertebrae. The dorsal cortex of metacarpal/metarsal bones is a common site of stress-related modelling, which can also lead to stress fractures.
Enostosis-like lesions are relatively common in Thoroughbreds and appear as focal areas of intense A horse undergoing scintigraphic IRU. Their aetiology and clinical examination of the distal aspect of the significance is debated; however,
left hind limb
in some horses they may be the cause of severe, sometime sporadic lameness. These often occur proximal to the carpus (knee) and tarsus (hock) and associated lameness may therefore not be influenced by local analgesic techniques. Sports horses: Pain is frequently localised to the foot in sports horses and scintigraphic examination frequently reveals IRU in the navicular bone, at the insertion sites of the deep digital flexor tendon or the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint on the distal phalanx and in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx (pedal bone). Scintigraphy can be useful to detect abnormalities in the proximal aspect of the third metacarpal (cannon) bone. Stress fractures in this region have been recognised in horses of various disciplines and often cannot be diagnosed using radiographs. Scintigraphy can give particularly valuable information on the clinical
significance of radiological abnormalities in the hock (spavin) or the back (e.g., impinging spinous processes [kissing spines] or osteoarthritis of the thoracic facet joints). It can detect abnormalities of the sacroiliac region which is difficult to image with other modalities.
Conclusion: As with any other diagnostic imaging techniques, the results of scintigraphic examination should always be interpreted in conjunction with the results of clinical examination and diagnostic analgesia. False positive and false negative results both occur. Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake may be seen with no clinical consequences. Lesions may be missed due to inadequate blood flow to the area, insufficient time between the injury and the scintigraphic examination, or thick soft tissue coverage over the site of the lesion.
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HORSE HEALTH I
Injuries to the foot – hoof cracks ... By Andrew Poynton FWCF of the Poynton Farriery Clinic
Neglected and overgrown hooves increase the likelihood of splits.
ONE of the injuries most commonly found in the equine foot is hoof cracks.
A horse kept on boggy ground with soft soles can grow some length of hoof before succumbing.
Some are only superficial and don’t appear to cause any problems or lameness, whilst on the other hand some horses are continually dogged by on and off lameness brought about by cracks in the hoof.
If the horse is taken out onto hard ground such as a road and ridden, this further exacerbates the situation.
What causes hoof cracks? Some cracks are caused by direct trauma to the foot and particularly in the coronary border region, such as an overreach or tread to the heel quarter damaging the hornproducing zone. Depending upon severity, this may cause a brief fault in the hoof wall growth, whereas a more severe injury could leave permanent damage resulting in a ‘false quarter’, a scar of weakened horn or a complete break in hoof wall continuity.
Poor farriery also comes into this category; if the hooves are left with excessive length of toe and commonly shod short and tight at the heel, the foot is subject to severe distortion, so something has to give, that initially being the hoof wall. In short, cracks occur as a result of unequal forces placed on the foot resulting in concentrated stress in a small area. Leaving the extreme and hopefully obvious causes aside there are more subtle causative factors that are not induced by either the owner or farrier, but may be a combination of limb/hoof conformation that predisposes the foot to constantly land and load unevenly.
A common scenario toe crack, long toe short shoeing and shoeing overdue We call this medio-lateral imbalance; this can be induced by ignorant farriery, but it is a common conformational defect in many horses. The horse may move beautifully and compete at a high level, which often is the case, but that does not change the facts. In fact it is often the case that as the level of work is increased these hoof
cracks begin to appear.
A common scenario: A tight footed warmblood dressage horse competing at advanced medium level, doing really well goes off form and on closer examination has blown a quarter crack from the coronet on the inside; it is sensitive and bleeds when worked – many horses exactly fit this profile.
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forge Continued from Page 24 This horse will have some form of angular limb deformity, that is, the foot will not be central and below the limb or there will be lateral rotation of the leg from either the knee or fetlock, possibly both, not a lot, but enough to induce focused overload in a particular area, in this case the medial heel quarter. It will be tighter than the lateral side and the frog will have a deep cleft or even sheared heels and prone to thrush.
What can be done to minimise the occurrence of hoof cracks? Most cracks can be resolved if treated and managed appropriately. Starting from the top, pure and simple good basic husbandry and regular accurate hoof trimming takes care of the majority of cases. Then the flat footed thoroughbred turned out in a boggy field would benefit from a drier environment. A farrier may take great care repairing a complete toe crack in such a horse but the long term recovery may be influenced heavily by the owner, who could find a drier environment and continue with moderate work level until there are clear signs of the hoof growing together before expecting more from the horse. Where it appears all the standard
procedures are being followed and still there are problems, have a look at the horse moving with your farrier and see if there are any subtle gait issues that would not have been obvious when the horse was standing. To resolve these cases a way of enabling the foot to land and load evenly needs creating, along with immobilisation of the defect area so that horn integrity can be reinstated.
Methods of repair: There are many and varied solutions both in materials and shoes used – the main objective is a positive result. The shoe of choice is a heartbar shoe which supports not only the wall but the centre of the foot via the frog. Appropriately positioned clips give additional strength. Immobilisation of the crack has been achieved by staples, nails used horizontally similar to the staple, wire laced up the crack through a number of holes drilled as eyes, then acrylic adhesive added. Metal patches screwed into place using self tapping screws is another, and casting with various adhesives and fillers yet another method. The materials and method I prefer to use entails the use of a little adhesive and a tough plastic formula which replaces the defective area, having similar flex to horn but tougher. Rather than patching the crack, in most instances it is possible to inlay
Clotting agent available CARRIED by the military in Iraq to manage even the worst battlefield injuries, Celox, an exceptional blood clotting agent, is now available to the UK veterinary and equine industry. Celox veterinary is easy to apply and inexpensive to purchase. Effective even in hypothermic blood, Celox is non-exothermic when used. It works by linking to the surface of red blood cells and platelets, producing a gel-like clot which effectively ‘plugs’ the wound. Celox veterinary is rapidly becoming the haemostat of choice for veterinary surgeons and equine professionals worldwide, and is suitable for: accidental injury, dental bleeds, arterial or venous bleeding, mass removal, haemostasis following debridement and severe high pressure bleeding. Greg Quinn of Chine House Veterinary Hospital, said: “A sinus surgery to remove an ethmoidal haematoma bled profusely but stopped quickly after packing.
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“It bled again the following day after removal of the packing. “The opening was now too small to repeat packing so I syringed the Celox veterinary granules into the sinus via the opening, and it worked brilliantly. “After the excision of exuberant granulation tissue in preparation of granulation bed for grafting I used the Celox veterinary gauze to stop the inevitable bleeding – much better than using swabs and direct pressure alone.”
For more information call Equine Marketing and Sale on: 01323 843276 or 07884 102147, visit: www.equinemarkets.co.uk or e-mail: info@equinemarkets.co.uk
Hoof trimmed and crack excavated this material leaving a strong and neat reconstruction job. Where there is infection or vascular structures involved then drainage is required so the crack cannot be fully filled until a later date.
Can long standing cracks be resolved? If there is irreparable damage to the coronary corium from where horn is derived, then a ‘false quarter’ will remain, the best that can be done in these cases is to keep the foot well trimmed and the quarter attached to the main hoof; this is an ongoing
process. Where there has been a complete crack from top to bottom and full depth of the wall but the coronary border remains intact then there is hope of complete repair. These are usually as a result of long term foot balance issues; I have seen horses that have had a hoof crack for more than ten years completely recover. You may initially need to go to a specialist to get to grips with the problem then when it is clearly on the mend it can be passed back to the regular farrier to continue the good work.
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HORSE HEALTH I
Discipline specific shoeing By Claire Brown of Farriers’ Pages THE conformation and condition of a horse’s foot combined with the exercise that it is doing directly affects the way in which the horse is shod. It is imperative that a farrier knows what work the horse will be doing; what terrain and surface will be covered, at what speed and what obstacles may be faced, in order for him/her to care for the horses feet appropriately in both shoe and style. A horse participating in a fast activity such as polo and hunting will be shod with less steel exposed (shorter and tighter) to reduce the risk of a shoe being pulled off however this will require the horse to have a shorter shoeing cycle to ensure the correct support to the foot is maintained. A horse participating in lighter work and/or at controlled speeds and conditions may be shod with greater support (width and length) if required. In instances where movement is
judged the type of shoe will need to be considered in order to compliment the horse’s natural action. Furthermore many competitions have shoe-specific rules and these also need to be adhered to. Horseracing: National hunt or flat, all weather or turf. Some trainers have particular ‘ideals’ for how their horses are shod however, the basic principles remain the same. ‘An ounce off the foot is a pound off the back’ - race horses are shod with the lightest material available whilst racing and aluminium plates are the most commonly used. During pre-season training (especially when doing road work) or in between races themselves trainers may opt for a steel shoe as these last longer. Generally all horses are shod with aluminium plates for racing. Flat
horses are more likely to be left with aluminium plates on continuously - they are often run with their races closer together, are shorter in distance and often complete less road work.
As with shoeing for any other discipline media-lateral balance and adequate support is essential.
Aluminium plates are exceptionally light and are made from a relatively narrow section keeping the weight down but still providing good traction.
Due to the shorter shoeing cycles, preservation of the foot is desired and unnecessary trimming of the hoof is avoided in order to maintain strength within the foot particularly important due to the concussive forces these feet are exposed to.
Aluminium is not heated to be fitted to the foot like steel shoes but a good fit can still be achieved and is equally important.
Thinner walls found in the Thoroughbred foot benefit from a nail with a strong thin shank to minimise hoof wall distortion.
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