Horse Health (May/June 2010)

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The UK’s leading equine health & well-being magazine

May/June 10 £2.95

Researchers on brink of DNA breakthrough

By Louise Cordell RESEARCHERS are on the brink of finalising a DNA profiling technique that will be able to confirm the identity of racehorses that have tested positive for drugs.

It is hoped that this breakthrough will reduce hearing costs when samples are contested as well as increasing public confidence in the industry.

The study has been funded by the Australian Government’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and has shown that urine samples can be used to unequivocally identify a horse using DNA profiling. This has been impossible in the past as urine only contains small levels of DNA, however the researchers are now closer to a reliable test that could be used by drug testing laboratories.

The report, ‘DNA Profiling of Horse Urine Samples to Confirm Donor Identity’, is based on work carried out by Paula Hawthorne and colleagues at the University of Queensland. The team tested a range of profiling techniques on seven urine samples and compared the results with hair samples from the same horses.

DNA profiling is routinely used to prove identity and parentage in horses, but the process is usually based on hair rather than urine because urine only contains a small

amount of cellular material, and the DNA that is present degrades rapidly.

Their results showed that both storage time and temperature had a significant effect on the success of the DNA profiling.

To be of use, urine could be stored at 4°C for no more than two days (or frozen at 20°C or -80°C) before processing, and samples stored at 4°C for a week or more resulted in no useable results.

The most successful results were achieved using a commercially available test, which allowed the researchers to identify all twelve DNA ‘microsatellite markers’, in four urine samples – all from male animals.

These profiles from the urine samples also matched the DNA profile from the respective hair sample from the same horse.

Despite the successful results of the study, there is still more work to do. The researchers have now made a series of recommendations pointing out that once the best profiling method has been established, more tests will be needed to find out if the results are affected by various drugs, and also to validate and refine the procedure for routine operations. However, they confirm that once the optimum method has been finalised, it should not be long before it can be integrated into existing routines at racing drug-testing laboratories.

PERMISSION has been granted for a 50m high white horse to be built beside the A2 dual carriageway in Kent.

Gravesham Borough Council gave the goahead for the Ebbsfleet Landmark Project – a thoroughbred racehorse 33 times larger than a real horse – created by artist Mark Wallinger.

The aim of the scheme is to create a high profile marker for the Ebbsfleet Valley which will be

visible from Eurostar trains and the search is now on to find potential funding partners.

Mark Wallinger said: “This is a tremendously exciting project. I was honoured that my White Horse won and I am delighted that the council has granted it planning permission. The team and I are very much looking forward to creating a new landmark for the area.”

Picture: Anthony Reynolds Gallery, London

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 3

Two Shire horses have been recruited to the new National Brewery Centre in Burton upon Trent.

Local Shire expert, Andrew Whetton, has been employed as head horseman to take care of the animlas and said: “Shires are in my blood and a large part of my life has been dedicated to these magnificent creatures.

“I’m really happy to be working at the new centre and showing visitors just how great these horses are.”

Picture: Andrew Whetton, yearling colt and Major

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:

Louise Cordell Tel: 01226 734694 email: lcordell@whpl.net

PRODUCTION STUDIO MANAGER:

Stewart Holt

Study unveils link between protein and colic death

By Louise Cordell RESEARCHERS believe that they have discovered a link between protein in equine fat tissue and mortality from colic.

The project, funded by The Horse Trust, has found that the expression of a particular protein in the fat tissue is positively associated with an increased rate of post-operative mortality in horses.

The study was led by Melissa Packer, who collected abdominal fat samples from around 230 horses undergoing colic surgery.

She then looked at the expression of various cytokine genes in the fat tissue to see which were being produced.

Each of the 230 horses were then followed over the next two years, with data gathered on post operative complications and survival following colic surgery.

After analysing fat samples from 78 horses, Melissa found a significant and positive association between the expression of a cytokine called MCP1 and an increased rate of postoperative mortality.

She said: “The relationship between

MCP-1 and mortality from colic, opens up the possibility of using it as a diagnostic tool when examining horses.

the maximum level of MCP-1 in their blood, and so are no longer producing the cytokine within their fat cells at the time of sampling.

“Such a test would be a useful additional tool for vets when dealing with horses that are seriously ill and where it is uncertain whether they would survive additional surgery, or whether it is better to consider euthanasia.”

Packer is currently applying for funding for a PhD to continue research into this area.

Although routine testing for the genetic expression of MCP-1 would take too long at present, it is hoped that further developments in designing a test to detect circulating levels of MCP-1 in the blood could be beneficial.

During her research, Packer also looked at the relationship between various cytokines and the BMI of horses.

She expected to find a higher genetic expression of MCP-1 in the fat tissue of obese horses as they would be expected to have a lower survival rate from colic surgery.

However, she found the opposite that the expression of the MCP-1 genes was lower in obese horses.

Melissa believes that this could be because obese horses already have

Society calls for award entries THE Royal Agricultural Society of England is calling for entries for this year’s Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year Award.

Now in its twelfth year, the competition is open to every agricultural and equine university and college in the country, and consistently attracts high quality entries. A shortlist of students will be selected to present their theses to a panel of judges and an audience of industry based professionals at Stoneleigh Park.

The winner will receive an award, a £500 cheque and a five year membership for the Royal

Agricultural Society of England.

The deadline for submitting theses is 23 July 2010 and the final shortlist will be announced in early September.

Institutions wanting to apply should send seven hard copies of the entered thesis to Chris Taylor, Membership Department, Royal Agricultural Society of England, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ and one electronic copy to chris@rase.org.uk.

Entries are limited to one per establishment and can only be from first degree students on Honours Bachelor’s courses.

She added: “Obesity is a major health issue for horses, so it is vital that we have a better understanding of the impact obesity has on colic surgery survival rates.”

email: sth@whpl.net DEPUTY GROUP EDITOR:

Judith Halkerston email: jhalkerston@whpl.net

ADVERTISING 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

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.

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS

Support for Scottish hot branding proposal THE British Horse Society has announced its support for the Scottish Government’s proposal to ban hot branding.

While it has acknowledged that further research on the physical and mental stressors involved would be useful, a spokesperson said: “If we do not know whether or not an act is injurious to the overall detriment of the welfare of a horse, but have good reason to believe it may be, then for the horses’ sake we will assume that the act is injurious until the contrary is proved.

“In the case of hot branding we believe there is little doubt that the application of hot irons to an animal causes unjustifiable pain.”

The society has pointed out that all the arguments in favour of hot branding are weakened by the method’s limitations, for example a brand can be difficult to read from a distance and can

be obscured by a thick winter coat.

However, an implanted microchip offers definitive identification in a much less stressful way.

Graham Cory, BHS chief executive, said: “Whereas some will point to the practical difficulties inherent in other methods of identification, The British Horse Society cannot condone a practice which elevates the convenience of the owner to a position above the welfare of the horse.

“It is essential that horses can be accurately identified for a number of welfare reasons and in order that animals of proven genetic merit can be singled out for breeding purposes.

“However, the Society considers that there are other means by which identification can be achieved.”

BHS concern at Animal Health Bill

By Louise Cordell THE British Horse Society has spoken out regarding its concerns over the government’s new Animal Health Bill.

The organisation has issued a response to the draft Bill, which would establish a new NonDepartmental Public Body - the Animal Health Organisation.

This group would take over responsibility from Defra for animal health policy and delivery, but not welfare, which would remain with Defra.

Mark Weston, BHS director of access, safety and welfare, said: “The Society has grave concerns that the separation of animal health and animal welfare functions, for reasons which have no rational justification, will have a detrimental overall effect on the health and welfare of equines.

“The formation of a new NDPB imposes an expensive layer of unnecessary bureaucracy.”

He has pointed out that while there have been many years of consultation with the livestock industry on responsibility and cost sharing, this has not included the horse industry, resulting in a set of proposals that are not in the interests of the equine world.

He added: “The livestock industry is

significantly different to the horse industry.

“As a consequence, proposals relevant to that industry will not always be appropriate to the horse industry, which is primarily a leisure pursuit, the cost of which is paid out of taxed income of the majority of equestrians.”

The BHS claims that, because of the vast differences between the two industries, equine health issues may be marginalised and that proposals relevant to the livestock sector will be inappropriately applied to the horse industry.

Mark added: “The draft Bill is premature and, in the main, applies only to England.

“It does not make sense to pursue such proposals solely in England when England, Scotland and Wales are one epidemiological unit.

“The European Community has no proposals to consider or implement such responsibility and cost sharing proposals until at least 2012.

“The decision to reserve the cost sharing proposals to a future Finance Bill could mean that there will be inadequate consultation on any such proposals.”

The society is now urging everyone involved in the equine industry to send their views on the consultation to Defra’s Animal Health Bill Team.

Ponies rescued in complex operation MORE than 30 ponies have been rescued from a site in mid Wales by Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

There had been ongoing concerns about the welfare of the ponies for several months and the council approached the charity for its expertise in dealing with large groups of unhandled ponies.

Redwings went on to remove 36 ponies from the site in a complex operation involving five lorries and 14 staff.

Now, 31 of the animals have been

taken to Redwings in Norfolk, while five more have been offered a home at HorseWorld in Bristol.

Nicolas De Brauwere, head of welfare and senior veterinary surgeon, said: “It wasn’t an easy rescue and the ponies were virtually unhandled, but it all went very smoothly. We were able to round them up in just a few hours and they are now all in the safety of the sanctuaries involved.”

Trading Standards are currently conducting an investigation.

Eurotunnel providing horse service THE Eurotunnel has opened its doors to horses for the first time, providing an alternative to the 90-minute ferry route.

They will now be able to travel in passenger trains that will cut the journey time by a third. Eurotunnel is working with horse transporter

Peden Bloodstock to provide the service, which is aimed at racing and showjumping transporters with air cooled vehicles. Horses will travel in their own horsebox with their regular driver and groom, however, a vet will be kept on standby for emergencies or breakdowns.

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 5

Tories unveil plans for the horse world

By Louise Cordell THE Conservatives chose this year’s National Equine Forum to announce their plans for the horse world to over 200 influential members of the industry.

James Paice, shadow minister for agriculture and rural affairs, claimed that his party’s policy on horse passports has changed and that they now accept they should be compulsory for all horses.

He also suggested that regarding animal transport, more regulations should be a last resort, and instead the focus should be on properly enforcing existing European rules.

Finally, he added that the party did not oppose the levy, but maintained that any tax must be worth the cost and effort of collection.

The event was also a launch pad for plans for a new Museum of the Horse in the UK. Caroline Anns-Baldock, an equestrian historian, said: “We are said to be a nation of horse lovers, yet we are the only European country that does not have a museum of the horse.”

She has set up a committee of equestrian and business experts and

is in the process of setting up a trust to fund the first phase of development.

The Forum also included presentations from Arik Dondi, Defra’s deputy director of exotic diseases policy, Ben Mayes of Mayes and Scrine equine vet practice on licensing for UK horse establishments and Dr Carolina Liljenstolpe on the role of the horse in Europe.

Steven Beane, World Championship Blacksmiths Competition winner 2009

Dr Mark Hillyer of the Newmarket Equine Hospital spoke on the development of systems to endoscope galloping horses, Dr Pat Harris on nutrition and gastric ulceration and Professor Chris Proudman on worming and wormers.

The event is set to be held alongside NAFBAE’s Farriery Focus on 8 May and will bring together previous winners of the World Championship Blacksmiths Competition, all under one roof.

In the topical spot, Chris House talked about the training and regulation of paraprofessionals and Professor James Wood discussed the control of exotic disease and equine flu.

Farriers prepare for Champion of Champions EXPERT farriers from around the world are preparing for the first Mustad Champion of Champions competition.

Participants will take part in a single shoeing round broken down into three sections to allow the work to be judged anonymously.

Marks allocated will be used to

identify the farrier scoring the highest marks on the day and Mustad will make a charitable donation of £5,000 to the charity chosen by the ‘winning’ farrier; all other Champions will receive a further £250 for a charity of their choice.

Renowned farriers David Wilson Snr from Scotland and Marshall Iles from Canada will be judging the competition and Steven Beane, who won the World Championship Blacksmiths competition last year, is one of the competitors who will be taking part.

Finally, the British Horse Society undergraduate presentation 2010 was delivered by Holly Claridge, winner of the Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year, on the 3D anatomy of the cervical articular process joint in the horse.

Record funding for Association THE Association of British Riding Schools has received a record amount of funding through the BEF from Sport England.

The four-year funding project will provide the Association with £54,000 in its first year to grow and sustain participation in equestrian sport, plus an additional £15,000 towards supporting sport strategy for young people.

Projects will be rolled out regionally among ABRS member schools and will follow the successful BEF funded ‘Young Riders’ model currently being piloted at an ABRS member riding

school in Essex.

Julian Marczak, ABRS chairman, said: “Naturally we are delighted and immensely proud at the outcome of the funding bid. This represents a major step forward not only for our Association, but also in recognising the vital role that riding schools play within the sport.

“Riding schools so often provide the means by which newcomers are introduced to the sport and in effect they are an essential launch pad for riders wanting to progress to participating in the various different areas of equestrianism.”

New postgraduate qualifications HARPER Adams University College will be delivering new postgraduate qualifications in Veterinary Pharmacy after signing a partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Candidates from a pharmaceutical or animal health background will be able to study over two or three years to obtain a university diploma,

postgraduate certificate or masters degree in veterinary pharmacy.

The course will be managed and taught by the Veterinary Pharmacists Group (VPG) of the RPSGB and accredited by Harper Adams, which already offers animal health, bio veterinary science and veterinary nursing undergraduate programmes.

William Fox Pitt will be heading to Badminton with his Activo-Med Combi Pro system

‘Worth the investment ten times over’ ARE you looking to maximize your performance this season? FMBs’ range of Activo-Med Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) and cyclonic massage therapy systems can help you and your horse.

The Activo-Med Combi Pro rugs provide sequenced PEMF and cyclonic massage therapy from poll to tail plus the shoulders and stifle area. Research using thermal imaging and gait analysis has shown a marked improvement in the horses' way of going, suppleness and length of stride after using the Activo-Med system on a pre-warm up setting.

The rug is available in two models: the Activo-Med Pro and the ActivoMed Sport. They are safe, practical and portable, making them as easy

to use at home or away.

The Activo-Med Power Pad offers PEMF, cyclonic massage and/or laser therapy and is available with one, two or all three therapies with adjustable settings. The new Power Gilet for riders has a lightweight power pack and control panel attached, so the wearer is free to carry out other activities during the therapy. William Fox-Pitt said: “Having used the Activo-Med Combi System for over two years now I can honestly say it’s worth the investment ten times over.”

For a demonstration or more information on Activo-Med or treadmills, please call 07885 539312 or visit: www.fmbs.co.uk. Hire or hire/purchase also available

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS

Artificial insemination warning for owners

By Louise Cordell OWNERS of mares planning to breed by artificial insemination this year are being advised to make sure that stallions have been tested free of all venereal diseases and that shipped semen is accompanied by the appropriate paperwork.

Madeleine Campbell, British Equine Veterinary Association president, said: “We are looking to ensure that shipped semen, whether it is imported or comes from within the UK, is accompanied by the correct paperwork confirming that it is free from disease.

“No-one should be using semen which is not accompanied by that paperwork and to help, we have developed our own certificate for use within the UK." The Horserace Betting Levy Board’s annually updated Codes of Practice contain information on the testing standards that the industry has recommended and together with BEF and BEVA, it has developed a simple certificate for use with semen originating with the UK. The aim is that, if the certificate is

properly completed, those using the semen can be confident that it should comply with industry standards and will not pose a health risk to the mare being inseminated.”

Jan Rogers, BEF head of equine development said: “With several cases of notifiable diseases having already occurred in the UK this year, it is ever more important that our biosecurity measures are up to scratch and moreover, that any process is easy to understand – the more straightforward any certificate is, the more likely it is to be used.”

UK studs are being asked to ensure that a completed certificate is included with every dose of semen shipped from their premises, and mare owners, inseminating vets or licensed AI technicians are being advised to check that any semen they receive is accompanied by a certificate.

The shipped semen certificate for semen originating in the UK can be downloaded from www.bef.co.uk/British_Breeding.

Call for feedback on dangerous dogs document HORSE riders and owners are being encouraged to respond to a consultation document issued by the government on dangerous dogs.

Defra is consulting on a number of options as to how the current situation regarding dangerous dogs might be improved and the British Horse Society is calling on the industry to get involved.

The Society has been collecting information from the victims of dog attacks over the last ten years in an effort to demonstrate the impact of dangerous dogs on horse riders and owners.

During that time they have received more than 97 reports from attack victims, with 74 of these occuring in the last three years.

Ten of these attacks proved fatal for the horse while another 42 resulted in injury.

The BHS believes the consultation also raises many pertinent issues to owners and riders and their vulnerability to attacks by dangerous dogs.

Mark Weston, BHS director of access, safety and welfare, said: “The number of reported incidents is continuing to rise and steps to make dog owners responsible for their animal’s behaviour would be welcomed by the Society. “ Any new legislation should cater for dog attacks on horses and riders as they, as proven by our reports, are increasing.”

Second horse stud book opens in Ireland A SECOND sport horse stud book has opened in Ireland to give breeders more choice when deciding where to register their sport horses.

The Studbook for Irish and European Sporthorses is an independent offshoot of the British based Anglo European Studbook and all currently approved AES stallions in Ireland will be recognised by the new book.

SIES will register foals conceived by

artificial insemination from top performance stallions as well as those bred naturally and organisers also hope to run stallion gradings in Ireland in 2010 based on the AES system.

It will join the two sport horse stud books already in Ireland – the Irish Horse Board and the Warmblood Studbook of Ireland, which opened earlier this year.

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 7

Non-invasive progress in respiratory assessment NEW, non-invasive ways of assessing respiratory health in horses have been discovered by an ongoing research project.

The Horse Trust funded study has developed and validated two simple techniques that can be used to monitor respiratory problems in horses and ponies.

These techniques could potentially be used by vets to screen for horses with respiratory problems and to assess whether a horse being treated for a respiratory condition is improving.

They could also be used by pharmaceutical companies when trialling new treatments for respiratory conditions, such as Recurrent Airway Obstruction.

Currently the only techniques available to monitor respiratory inflammation are invasive, such as endoscopy, and this means they cannot be used frequently to assess when a particular treatment is working.

However the new techniques can safely and ethically monitor the severity of respiratory inflammation in horses on repeated occasions.

The research, led by Professor Sandy Love at the University of Glasgow, has developed a technique that allows vets to easily monitor the frequency of coughing in a horse over a long period of time with 100 per cent sensitivity and 100 per cent specificity.

Cough frequency is known to be a sensitive index of respiratory inflammation, but manually monitoring the number of coughs for an hour each day is not costeffective.

Love discovered that a digital recorder attached to a horse’s headcollar could be used to gather data, which could then be quickly analysed – one hour of coughing could be analysed within three minutes by manually examining a graph of the audio file.

This analysis time could be speeded up further in a commercial setting by automating the analysis using computer software.

The research has also led to the development of a device that can be attached to a horse’s head to capture its breath and condense the liquids within the expired air.

Love found that the most useful indicator was the pH of the liquid condensed from the expired breath – the pH of the exhaled breath condensate was higher in horses suffering from respiratory inflammation.

He said: “Both of these techniques could easily be commercialised to enable vets to quickly and ethically monitor respiratory inflammation in horses.

“They could also result in improved treatment of respiratory conditions, as vets will be able to objectively assess which treatments work or don’t work for a particular horse.”

AHT is named 2010 Pony Club charity of the year THE Animal Health Trust has been named as the Pony Club’s 2010 charity of the year.

The AHT treats more than 3,000 horses, cats and dogs each year through its clinics and its scientific programmes also benefit thousands more animals.

Judy Edwards, The Pony Club chief executive, said: “I was so impressed with the work of the Animal Health Trust when I visited their Newmarket

site and laboratories last year, and I felt this was something that our 50,000 strong membership should be aware of.

“Health and welfare of members’ horses and ponies is uppermost in The Pony Club’s teaching, so to support the work of the AHT in making it our ‘Charity of the Year’ gives us great pleasure and will, I hope, enable more of this wonderful work to be undertaken.”

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS

Editor’s insight...

MANY of you will already know that sadly, we have said goodbye to our Product Manager Claire McLean, who has moved on to pastures new; we all wish her well.

We do, however, have a new team in place, Andrew Loades is now responsible for the smooth running of the magazine ably assisted by Ellie Robinson.

Christine Keate

pasture is hopefully, starting to recover from probably one of the worst winter assaults it will have experienced for many years.

When looking at management practices for this year then, it would be worth incorporating parasite control.

They are both looking forward to meeting many of you over the next few months.

Research is revealing increasing resistance to anthelmintics and with no new drugs on the horizon it is imperative to utilize those available on an individually controlled basis to prolong their efficacy.

Spring seems to have arrived and

Jacqui Matthews of the Moredun

Research Institute discusses the benefits of worm egg counts and gives valuable insight as to why an ‘all yard’ worming policy may not be the best option.

Equine obesity remains at the forefront of many research programmes, and our ‘nutrition’ pages in this issue include some of the latest findings regarding equine metabolic syndrome and diet induced laminitis, together with useful information on how to instigate and maintain and equine weight loss programme.

Majority of MEPs support WHW campaign WORLD Horse Welfare has announced that the majority of MEPs across the EU are now supporting their campaign to end the longdistance transportation of horses to slaughter.

The charity has been calling for a review of the current legislation affecting horses being moved across Europe.

It has been campaigning on the subject for many years and believes that this support for their Written Declaration will speed up the release of a proposal to amend legislation –

resulting in a short, finite journey limit for horses travelling to slaughter.

Jo White, director of campaigns, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that some many people have got behind the campaign.

“However, this is just one step forward to end the single biggest abuse of horses in Europe, so we must not lose momentum.

“We need to ensure that pressure is maintained on decision makers to end these cruel and inhumane journeys.”

New medication rules in effect for all events 2010 additions to jar range NEW for 2010 Measom Freer have added a 10ml and 150ml size to their popular stock jar range.

The 10ml jar is available in thick walled san with colours to order and the 150ml is available in thick/thin walled clear food grade polystyrene with san and colours to order, both sizes have jar caps available to fit.

These prestige jars are designed to have an appealing shape which is easy to handle.

This gives the jars good shelf impact with flexibility in colour and decoration possibilities to enable your product to have shelf individuality.

They have a glass-like appearance the advantages of being light in weight and shatter resistant.

Ideal for grooming products, diet supplements, tack/leather care and pharmaceutical products these jars extend and complement their

existing thin/thick walled jars which now range through sizes 10ml, 25ml, 50ml, 100ml and 150ml.

As always Measom Freer have their vast range of bottles, boxes, fasteners, measures and scoops all available off the shelf, as well as a host of different caps – including flip caps, dropper caps, screw and snapon caps. All their products are designed and manufactured inhouse.

They also offer bespoke product design and a printing service for their bottles and ancillary products.

Bespoke designed products can be made to customers' own requirements using their in-house CAD CAM 3D design and quality CNC tool-making facilities.

Contact our Sales Team now on Tel +44 (0)116 2881588, Fax +44 (0)116 2813000, sales@measomfreer.co.uk or

THE FEI has announced that new medication and prohibited substances rules are now in effect for all events.

Its latest Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and the Equine Prohibited Substances List are now available for everyone involved in equestrian sport.

Alex McLin, FEI secretary general, said: “This is a landmark for our sport – the beginning of the Clean Sport Era. “It is culmination of a collective effort by the entire equestrian community to protect the integrity of our sport and the welfare of our horses.”

Under the new Equine Anti Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations, anything prohibited in competition, no matter how the substance is classified, is called a ‘prohibited substance’.

Doping substances which have no

place in equine sport are called ‘banned substances’ and medication substances that are commonly used in equine medicine but prohibited in competition, are called ‘controlled medication substances’.

The FEI has made an easily searchable Prohibited Substances Database available to help riders and vets quickly determine whether the substances they are using are prohibited.

The new Regulations set clearer responsibilities for competitors and also tougher sanctions for anyone who violates the rules.

The organisation has also broadened the ‘person responsible’ concept, to include a greater focus on support personnel.

The aim of this change is to ensure that all participants in equestrian sports who disobey the regulations are held accountable.

The new Regulations and List are available at www.feicleansport.org.

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 9

Final approval for new guidelines THE FEI has also now given its final approval to new stewards’ guidelines on warm-up techniques following the rollkur row.

A working group, headed by Dressage Committee chair Frank Kemperman, has created a series of new rules for stewards, which will help them to spot rollkur in the collecting ring.

The current rules already include instructions covering aggressive riding, but the working group has put together a new section that includes clear instructions on what action should be taken relating to flexion of the horse’s neck during pre and post competition training.

They key initiatives in the new guidelines are: Movements which involve having the horse’s head and neck carriage in a sustained or fixed position should only be performed for periods not exceeding approximately ten minutes without change.

No single neck position should be maintained which may lead to tiredness or stress.

The rider is not permitted to use rough, or abrupt aids or apply constant unyielding pressure on the

horse’s mouth through a fixed arm and hand position.

The guidelines state that it is the stewards responsibility to ensure that riders respect these procedures and intervene if required.

They also make it clear that precompetition training sessions can only exceed one hour in exceptional circumstances, and with the permission of the chief steward, and that there should be at least a one hour break between any training periods.

The Working Group has also recommended the introduction of CCTV which can be used to monitor the practice arena for selected events.

In addition, it has suggested that a new group should be set up with the job of investigating cases which occur during events, but for whatever reasons, cannot be dealt with at the time.

Frank Kemperman, Working Group chair, said: “Everyone in the FEI has horse welfare at heart and these new guidelines will help the stewards be more proactive, giving them the authority to do their job and prevent abuse in all disciplines.

“A huge amount of work has gone

The practice arena at selected dressage competitions will now be monitored using CCTV into producing these guidelines so it is pleasing that the Bureau has given them unanimous approval.

“The principle on which these

guidelines are based is respect for the horse, but also for the stewards, who do a difficult job with great dedication.”

Rollkur ruling THE FEI has outlawed rollkur when ridden using ‘aggressive force’ and confirmed that its use will lead to punishment under organisation rules.

The decision has been made following controversial media coverage of the practice, including an incident at Odense where Patrick Kittel’s horse was apparently in distress.

A round table conference, attended by vets, welfare experts and industry officials, has now redefined rollkur as ‘flexion of the horse’s neck achieved through aggressive force’.

They made the difference clear

between rollkur and the technique of riding a horse in a low, deep and round outline – which is not achieved through force and is therefore allowed.

Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare chief executive, said: “We are pleased that the FEI has used this opportunity to draw a clear ‘line in the sand’ regarding rollkur.

“It is now vital that the decisions made at this meeting are implemented, and that stewards receive proper guidance and training on what is and what is not acceptable at competitions.”

Driving changes to have impact THE British Horse Society has warned that new changes to driving legislation will impact on the horse industry.

It has claimed that new rules revoking ‘grandfather rights’, to accompany learner drivers in small lorries, buses and vehicle plus trailer combinations, will have a severe impact on the equestrian world.

From this month, drivers who passed their car test before January 1997 will no longer be able to act as ‘supervising’ drivers to those learning to drive the listed

vehicles – and crucially for equestrians, this includes 7.5 tonne horse boxes.

A spokesperson for the Driving Standards Agency said: “Clearly there are road safety issues involved where a person who has never passed the relevant driving test acts as the supervisor for a driver in these categories.

“These changes will make it illegal for anyone to act as a supervising driver in such vehicles if they only hold pre-1997 implied entitlements.”

Rosehip supplement for equine joint health NEW LitoVet is a specialised rosehip supplement for equine joint health that has a unique standardised GOPO content, achieved through a patented manufacturing process.

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In a double blind placebo controlled trial involving 74 horses, LitoVet helped to maintain the horses'

natural anti-inflammatory processes and significantly boosted antioxidant defences which resulted in horses with better suppleness and a greater willingness to work in the supplemented group.

LitoVet is suitable for all types of horses and ponies, available in 1.5kg tubs lasting approximately two months and 3kg tubs lasting approximately four months at maintenance level.

For more information visit: www.litovet.co.uk or contact: info@litovet.co.uk

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feeding and nutrition

HORSE HEALTH I

Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance

By Teresa Hollands BSc(Hons) MSc(Nutrition) PhD, R.Nutr, for Dodson and Horrell WATCHING what you feed your horse or pony isn’t enough on its own to minimise the risk of the life threatening disease of laminitis; you have to make lifestyle changes too.

In fact we now know that it isn’t just what is fed today or tomorrow that increases the risk, but what has been fed over a long period of time.

Diabetes has recently been diagnosed in the horse and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is very similar to its human equivalent.

A person does not become diabetic, or suffer human metabolic syndrome because they ate a doughnut last night, but because they have eaten doughnuts all their life, become overweight and the body has changed the way it is able to control glucose and insulin, and it is the same for horses.

If a horse is comfortably cuddly for

several years, his metabolism will start to change and he will lay down metabolically active fat.

This metabolically active fat increases his risk of becoming insulin resistant.

He may suddenly become susceptible and suffer a laminitic episode from only a little extra grass or small weight increase.

Insulin resistance increases the risk of laminitis as it prevents glucose being taken up by the lamellae which eventually become weakened.

Alternatively, high glucose switches on substances that trigger the ‘unzipping’ of the lamellae and weak lamellae cannot hold up the pedal bone within the hoof.

Epigenetics: New research is identifying that what we feed broodmares and the way we manage the diet of foals and youngstock may be putting them at greater risk of disease and obesity later in life.

Diet can have direct effects on the genes of the foetus.

The changes are not in the DNA, but in the mechanism that switches the genes on or off - known as epigenetics.

These epigenetic differences have the potential to affect foetal development and growth as well as influencing long term patterns of gene expression associated with the increased risk of many diseases.

So for example, if a mare is fed high calories and not enough vitamins and minerals or if she is on a restricted diet (low protein, vitamins and minerals) known as suboptimum nutrition, then her foal is more likely to be born with insulin resistance and therefore at greater risk of obesity and laminitis as a mature horse.

Feeding the laminitic Dietary insult: If a horse has developed laminitis because he has had a dietary insult

that has changed the fermentation in his hind gut (e.g. a very large meal of starch) or something that has caused endotoxaemia, then it is important that the correct gut flora is re-established and the dietary cause removed.

Discuss with the vet if a bran mash is appropriate to wipe out the bad bacteria from the hind gut.

Re-establish gut flora – yeast improves hind gut fermentation and probiotics help re-establish the front end of the gut.

Provide B vitamins – ensure they don’t contain high levels of copper or iron as often the liver is stressed trying to remove the toxins that have leaked from the hind gut.

Feed high fibre feed to help the re-establish the friendly bacteria in the hind gut and to keep the horse chewing whilst stabled.

Make sure he has water, at floor level if he is lying down a lot.

Continued on Page 11

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Dr Hollands checking for ribs Continued from Page 10 Feed hay on the floor, so he can nibble if he is lying down.

Short term:

Feed hay soaked for 12 hours to provide bulk but reduced calories.

Balance his diet especially in terms of vitamins and minerals and protein.

Add three tablespoons of cod liver oil to his feed.

Long term:

Get his body fat down to below fat score three.

Feed according to workload.

Fat score fortnightly, and keep horses at less than 3.7 during the spring and summer.

66 per cent of laminitis is pasture associated.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome is on the increase and with it associated laminitis.

Until recently researchers thought that fructans found in grass affected the hind gut in a similar manner to an overload of starch detrimentally changing the fermentation in the hind gut.

However recent work has shown that the fructans do not reach the hind gut but are fermented in the small intestine of the horse.

Laminitics have three times the levels of free radicals compared to non

Aim for a minimum of half an hour active walking per day.

Make the most of the winter to lose summer fat, for example by using a lighter weight rug.

Don’t cut back on bulk, it is necessary to maintain a healthy digestive system, reduce the risk of colics, produce saliva whilst chewing to minimise the risk of gastric ulcers, and to provide occupational therapy to minimise the development of oral stereotypies.

Reduce calories by soaking hay for 12 hours.

Monitor grass intake. Some horses can eat five per cent of their bodyweight as grass, gaining 21kg in a week – four per cent of their bodyweight. Consider a muzzle or increase the number of horses in the field.

laminitics.

Horses and ponies with a fat score of more than 3.7 are at greater risk of laminitis and foot related problems.

It is likely that if a mare is on a diet deficient in protein, vitamins and minerals her foal will be born with insulin resistance.

If fed in excess; high fat diets predispose a pony to insulin resistance more than high sugar diets.

Ponies and horses with insulin resistance are at a higher risk of laminitis.

Exercise is protective against insulin resistance.

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HORSE HEALTH I

feeding and nutrition

The latest findings in laminitis research

By Clare Barfoot RNutr, Spillers nutritionist IT has long been recognised that diet induced laminitis is associated with the over eating of non structural carbohydrates (NSC) which are made up of the sum of fructan, starch and simple sugars.

It may seem straightforward therefore, reduce the NSC in the diet and reduce the risk of laminitis, it isn’t, however, that easy.

The NSC in cereals does not vary greatly so it is easier to predict the amount provided and formulate diets appropriately.

However, The NSC content of pasture in particular can vary between less than two per cent to well over 40 per cent in the dry matter; due to the varying demand for energy by the grass at any given time.

Whilst grass is actively growing NSC is being used to fuel this growth and the horse will be consuming less fructan and sugar.

The problem comes when the grass is not actively growing due to environmental circumstances (such as temperature, light intensity, water availability) however the energy from the sun is still being converted to sugar (via photosynthesis).

This sugar is then stored within the plant/grass as fructan and therefore is readily consumed by the horse. Consumption of high levels of fructan and simple sugars

can be the first trigger factor in the complex cascade of events that results in laminitis.

Unfortunately there is no way of knowing what the levels of NSC are in the pasture at any given time, however, following the tips below should make it easier to predict when the NSC levels are likely to be at their lowest: Avoid/restrict turning out in spring (before flower development) and autumn when sugar and fructan levels are likely to be highest.

Turn horses out to pasture late at night until early morning, removing them from pasture by mid-morning at the latest.

Avoid pastures that have not been properly managed by regular grazing or cutting.

Restrict grass intake by using a grazing muzzle (that still allows drinking), grazing with sheep, turning out in a sparse paddock or by strip grazing. Turning out in an arena or woodchip surfaced area may also be beneficial.

Do not turn horses out onto pasture that has been exposed to low temperatures in conjunction with bright sunlight e.g.. sunny frosty mornings.

Do not allow animals to graze on recently cut stubble such as after hay harvest.

In known laminitics consider no grazing whilst providing a suitable forage.

Choose mature forages such as late cut hay that are likely to be lower in non structural carbohydrate. Alfalfa is also suitable as it is low in fructan but does contain starch so it is advisable to have it analysed before feeding. Good hygienic straw, when appropriate, can also be mixed with hay to reduce its energy density.

Soak hay overnight in tepid water to reduce the level of sugars.

Insulin resistance – why some horses suffer and others don’t: It has been well recognised that overweight horses especially ponies are more prone to laminitis; this may in part be linked with increased risk of concussion but is more likely to be associated with insulin resistance.

In the horse changes in insulin sensitivity are associated with certain diseases, including some forms of tying up, developmental bone problems, hyperlipidemia and laminitis.

It is regarded generally as a diminished ability of a given concentration of insulin to exert its normal effect, therefore the body has to keep releasing more and more insulin to elicit the same effect.

This change in metabolism is a dangerous situation and maybe one of the most predictable predisposing factors that determine whether a horse or

pony may go on to develop laminitis at a later date if presented with an appropriate trigger factor e.g.. grass high in soluble carbohydrate.

Obesity and diet or simply just being a pony, have all been shown to have an effect on insulin sensitivity.

It has been suggested that the risk for laminitis in overweight horses is more appropriately associated with the development of insulin resistance particularly if there is an uneven distribution of fat deposits such as a cresty neck or a fat pad at the base of the tail.

Insulin sensitivity has also been shown to be lower in laminitic animals suggesting its role in the development of laminitis.

The ‘syndrome’ of obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis in mature horses has been referred to as either ‘peripheral Cushing’s syndrome’ or an equine ‘metabolic syndrome’.

Insulin sensitivity has also been found to be affected by diet; large fluctuations in glucose and insulin following meals high in sugar and starch (e.g.. cereals) may supply inappropriate signals of energy availability altering the insulin sensitivity of the tissue.

The link between obesity, insulin sensitivity and blood flow to the foot in the horse is currently a hot topic for research.

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HORSE HEALTH I 13

Big rise in ulcer awareness A RECENT survey has shown that awareness of gastric ulcers has increased significantly over the last two years.

The third in a series of annual surveys was carried out in 2009 as part of Gastric Ulcer Awareness Month (GUAM).

Results showed the number of referrals for gastroscopy doubled from the previous year, and is now eleven times higher than in 2007.

It showed that more vets are considering gastric ulcers as part of the diagnostic process when presented with the vague clinical signs associated with ulcers, and

that the number of practices in the UK with three metre long video endoscopes is growing steadily, with 4.5 per cent of the respondent practices owning a gastroscope.

In addition to this 51 per cent of practices now send horses for referral on average 4.3 times a month; a significant increase from 0.4 per month in 2007 and 2.2 per month in 2008.

There is still much to do to raise awareness of this under-diagnosed condition.

The results indicate that those practices which do not have a

Table 1: Shows the percentage of vets that would consider gastroscopy based on presentation of the following clinical signs in 2008 and 2009.

Poor Performance Poor Appetite Weight Loss Change in behaviour Poor condition Recurrent colic

2008 23% 23% 25% 16% 25% 20%

2009 71% 96% 90% 61% 61% 84%

scope are still, in the main, less likely to consider ulcers as part of their differential diagnosis, or refer for a gastroscopy.

The number of horses diagnosed with ulcers following gastroscopy still falls well below the documented incidence at 90 per cent of racehorses in training, 60 per cent of performance horses and 37 per cent of leisure horses.

Risk Assessment Initiative: The UK’s first online gastric ulcer risk assessment for horse owners was launched as part of the 2009 Gastric Ulcer Awareness Month (GUAM).

By logging on to the website: www.gastriculcerrisk.co.uk, owners, trainers and riders can complete a form which then returns the results via e-mail.

Where an animal is considered to be at medium to high risk, owners will be advised to consult their veterinary practice, taking along their risk assessment to discuss with their vet.

This will enable the vet to perform a health check and then discuss the requirement for gastroscopy and, as part of the risk assessment campaign if a gastroscopy is performed, the vet can enter the examination data into the website.

From this information, we hope to find out more about gastric ulceration in our UK equine population.

This data will help us provide vets and horse owners with more detailed information relative to the UK. This risk assessment initiative has been developed through consultation with practising internal medicine specialists, and we hope it will help highlight more cases and encourage clients into the practice with horses that are at genuine risk of ulcers.

Further diagnosis, treatment and management measures can then be considered in consultation with the client.

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HORSE HEALTH I

feeding and nutrition

Counting the calories

By Emma Case BSc (Hons) of Baileys Horse Feeds IN the summer when most horses are enjoying time in the field the poor old ‘good-doer’ is usually confined to a life of little or no grass, a bit of hay and the occasional handful of mix or nuts.

Whilst this may help to control weight, it isn’t very good for overall health.

Sometimes even hay intake is restricted to control weight, but this carries the risk of digestive upsets.

The digestive tract of the horse functions most efficiently, when it has an almost constant supply of fibrous material to break down.

For horses confined to the stable, the lack of movement combined with lack of fibre may result in a dangerous build-up of gas potentially leading to colic, and increases the risk of developing stereotypies.

It makes sense that we feed more forage than concentrate so this will generally be the main source of calories.

The amount of forage provided can be controlled, but not at the expense of gut health.

An absolute minimum of one per cent of bodyweight is required to maintain gut function, equating to 5kgs per day for a 500kg horse.

Little and often is vital, when feeding particularly when horses are stabled for long periods of time.

Use small holed hay nets, put several inside one another, and place as many as possible around the stable to maximise the time taken to extract the hay.

Source hay with as low a nutritional value as possible - not dusty and brown, it should be clean, and more coarse and fibrous, with more stem than leaf.

Coarser hays are less digestible, so the horse cannot extract as many nutrients or calories.

Soaking soft, green hay for at least an hour will help to leach out some sugar and reduce calories, but will also increase nutrient loss.

Grass is normally an abundant source of essential nutrients so limiting intake to control a horse’s weight, means it misses out.

Whilst hay can be used to provide an alternative source of fibre, it doesn’t contain anywhere near the nutrient levels of grass.

As these nutrients are crucial to the general health of the horse, a shortfall can result in poor condition and performance.

Low calorie balancers contain concentrated levels of nutrients, including quality protein, vitamins and minerals, which mean that they can be fed in very small quantities (approximately 100g per 100kgs bodyweight).

This helps to keep calorie intake low but ensures the horse receive a balanced diet counteracting any nutrient shortfall which may be in the forage.

As well as looking at total diet as a percentage of bodyweight, we can look at the calorie intake ie. digestible energy in MJ/kg required per day.

In order to encourage weight loss, we should feed ten per cent less than is theoretically needed for maintenance.

For example, the total diet for an average horse at maintenance might provide eight MJ/kg so a ration for one needing to lose weight needs to only provide 7.2 MJ/kg, forcing the horse to burn body stores of calories to make up the deficit and therefore lose weight.

Hay and low calorie chaffs can average seven to eight MJ/kg so in order to reduce overall calorie intake barley or oat straw could be used as a partial forage replacement along with a balancer, to bring the total digestible energy level down.

One of the most common feeding strategies employed by owners of overweight horses and ponies is to give a token offering of a high fibre, low energy feed, like a meadow or pasture mix.

As these feeds are designed to be fed in much greater quantities, a handful provides very little of the vitamins and minerals the horse needs and some calories that he doesn’t.

Gradual weight loss: A target reduction of one per cent of bodyweight per week, or 25 to 30 kg of bodyweight over four to six weeks is ideal.

Regular weighing or weightaping will be useful, with results plotted on a graph helping to give a visual representation of progress and to aid

diet calculations since the forage/feed quantities will need reducing as the bodyweight decreases.

Too little food or an abrupt drastic reduction in intake can cause digestive upsets or worse.

Hyperlipaemia is a condition that arises when the body is starved of energy and excessive fat is mobilised to compensate.

As a result, free fatty acids and triglycerides are released into the blood stream which, in excess, can cause liver and kidney failure.

Prolonged periods without food are, therefore, not only risky but will also increase the likelihood that the horse eats more voraciously when access to feed is resumed.

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worming

HORSE HEALTH I

Maintaining optimum health for optimum digestive efficiency

By Lizzie Drury, senior registered nutritionist, Saracen Horse Feeds

equine management.

THE vitality and well being of horses of all ages are threatened by a variety of internal parasites, and the use of control measures ensures vigor and best performance.

Parasites can easily keep horses from growing and performing to their best potential and in some cases they can create conditions that are capable of killing a horse.

It is fairly safe to say that most horses have some population of internal parasites at almost any time.

Especially in areas where horses have been pastured for many years, some vets feel that it is virtually impossible to prevent exposure as horses graze.

A heavy parasite load prevents the proper uptake of nutrients from the digestive tract and horses may show diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, coughing, pot belly and poor coat condition.

At best, routine deworming keeps that number of worms at a level that is minimally harmful and deworming, whether it be targeted strategic dosing or interval dosing, should be included in any programme of

My horses look healthy. Will a few worms hurt them?

Worms can also cause ulceration or rupture of the ceacum and colic can result from blockage or tissue damage in the digestive tract.

How can I find out for sure whether my horses have worms?

An examination of the manure can give limited information about which types of worms are present in the digestive tract.

Because parasites in some life stages do not produce eggs, the presence of eggs in the faeces shows only that the horse has an infestation of mature worms.

If a horse is allowed to graze or eat hay off the ground, he is almost certain to have some level of parasite infestation.

Generally speaking if your horse predominantly lives in or is turned out but only has himself or a mate for company and you regularly poo pick your field this would be considered a low risk situation (although if you are struggling to maintain body condition or your horse has a pot belly or poor coat this could indicate a high worm burden) and targeted strategic worm dosing would be recommended.

Faecal egg counts are recommended to be performed every eight to ten weeks.

If the count is more than 200 epg then anthelmintic treatment is required.

A vet or worming specialist can provide information about how to collect and test manure and then suggest worming programmes.

What else can be done to limit exposure of horses to parasites?

Pasture management is an important part of parasite control.

Rotating pastures and the movement of horses to clean and uncontaminated pastures is helpful but maybe limited by stable and fencing constrictions.

Young foals and yearlings should be given preferential consideration for grazing locations.

Chain harrowing and topping to break up manure piles are good agronomic practices and also make microclimatic conditions in the pasture less favorable for the development and survival of strongyle eggs and larvae.

Poo picking will decrease exposure of grazing horses to parasite eggs and is still an invaluable technique.

Population density should be held within reasonable limits, because strongyle infection risks increase geometrically; i.e. doubling the horse per couple of acres quadruples the exposure.

Conclusion

No feeding regime can be completely successful if horses are not able to take advantage of the nutrition provided by the forage and concentrate feeds that we provide them.

Proper and timely deworming is an integral part of any careful management scheme and will allow horses of all ages to benefit maximally from the balanced diets that are made available to them.

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HORSE HEALTH I

Optimum control with targeted worming LEADING parasitologist, Professor Jacqui Matthews of the Moredun Research Institute and the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary studies, explains why a ‘yard-based’ one policy for all, worming programme may not be the best option either effectively or economically.

Know the drug options: When it comes to helping to reduce the development of anthelmintic drug resistance, horse owners must be aware that several brands of wormer contain the same active ingredient.

These all belong to one of only four main classes of drugs.

Because there are unlikely to be any new active ingredients available for the foreseeable future, it is important to differentiate between these different classes of drug when making a selection.

So whilst there may appear to be numerous wormers available on the market, the four major drug groups for controlling parasites are: 1. Macrocyclic lactones (e.g. ivermectin and moxidectin) for broad- spectrum nematode (roundworm) treatment and bots.

2. Tetrahydropyrimidine (i.e. pyrantel) for nematode and tapeworm (at elevated dose rates) treatment.

3. Benzimidazoles (e.g. fenbendazole) for nematode treatment.

4. Praziquantel – to treat adult tapeworms.

It is important that owners are able to distinguish between these four classes so that, firstly they are using the appropriate wormer for the type of worms that a horse has (or is likely to have) and, secondly, are not continually using the same class of wormer year after year.

As there has been research to show an increasing resistance to some of these drugs, it would be wise to consult a veterinary surgeon for advice on the most appropriate and efficacious to use.

The smart option: Detailed documentation of the wormer used is critical when recording and managing a worming programme.

An individual approach to worming is relatively simple to run and execute and may have financial benefits.

Increasingly, yards and owners are opting for targeted worming

programmes incorporating WECs (worm egg counts), thus putting them in tight control of parasite management by only treating when necessary.

Targeting treatment: Other factors that contribute to the development of drug resistance include: too frequent dosing, underdosing, and the treatment of all horses in a group every time.

These are all issues that need to be addressed and a more targeted programme adopted.

For example, usually around 20 per cent of horses in each population carry approximately 80 per cent of the total worm burden.

These ratios make targeted treatment strategies feasible in horses.

Currently, targeted treatment strategies should be based on dung WEC analysis performed in the late spring through to the end of summer.

WECs in practice: Many retailers and veterinary practices offer WEC services, however it’s important that these laboratory aids be undertaken at the appropriate time of year to take into

account the life cycle of the most important worms, the redworms (cyathostomins).

This means that a worm egg count taken between autumn and early spring is unlikely to be helpful because the majority of small redworms will be in the gut wall at this time of the year.

A WEC will identify and enumerate the eggs of all species of roundworms; however they are not so good at identifying tapeworm burdens and do not allow the estimation of gut wall burdens of immature encysted small redworms (cyathostomins).

Whilst a blood test can be used to identify tapeworm burdens, this can be relatively expensive for routinely targeting treatments in all horses, so unless there is particular concern (i.e. a history of colic or other tapewormassociated disease), for most programmes one or two treatments for tapeworm, one in spring and/or autumn with a combination wormer that includes praziquantel will provide a good cornerstone for a worming programme.

Additional treatments for encysted stages of small redworm can be carried out in the autumn/winter.

So, by treating each horse only when necessary, regular WEC tests in the spring/summer are likely to pay for themselves in the long-term, especially on yards where serial or interval dosing is the current regime.

Diagram and caption courtesy of Fort Dodge Animal Health

Pictured left: Cyathostomins have developed into the most common and pathogenically significant parasite to affect horses today.

The eggs are passed with the faeces where they hatch and moult progressively from L1 to L2 to L3.

The infectious L3 are ingested by the horse accidentally as they are grazing and are swallowed.

They are passed down the digestive tract until they arrive at the large intestine and invade the intestinal wall. Further development continues within the small cysts they make in the gut wall.

Eventually, a moult into L4 occurs after which the larvae travel back through the gut wall into the intestinal lumen. A final moult occurs there as the larvae form young adults (L5) which mature and mate to repeat the reproductive cycle.

Unique to cyathostomins, is the length of time L3 can take to develop into L4 and emerge from the gut wall.

Although the entire developmental cycle can be as short as six weeks, the ‘encysted phase’ for L3 can be delayed for as long as two years.

It is these inhibited encysted larvae that, without warning, may develop and emerge ‘en masse’ from the gut wall. This mass emergence typically occurs in late winter/early spring and is potentially fatal to the horse.

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HORSE HEALTH I

In the first of a two-part feature on the treatment of severe laminitics, Andrew Poynton FWCF of Poynton Ltd, discusses the parameters for commencing treatment.

Clear criteria needed for treating severe laminitis WHEN considering treating severe laminitic cases, there needs to be clear criteria for proceeding and initially a tripartite agreement on the way forward is desirable.

The veterinary surgeon, farrier and owner should discuss the level of commitment in time, care and finance and agree to work together; without this, it is futile proceeding.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? What is a realistic prognosis?

In considering this, it is worth adhering to the basic sentiment of the Hippocratic Oath to ‘never do harm’.

The first and most important factor is the welfare of the patient.

Is the pain manageable? Is there infection that can be managed and are there still adequate signs of life to reinstate recovery, whether it is full or partial?

This is dependent on good blood supply and freedom from physical constriction.

What and when are the signs? There must be potential of new growth from the coronary border of the hoof.

If a collar of horn can regenerate from heel to heel, then there is potential for new hoof growth.

If there is brief break in horn growth and a fault between old and new horn, the new hoof growth often recovers very well.

Even chronic cases with prolonged constriction to the horn, producing papillae of the coronary corium may recover if trimmed sympathetically, but some endure stunted and permanently deformed growth.

These cases can be treated to maintain paddock soundness for a valuable brood mare only whilst hoof reconstruction and remedial support shoeing is maintained.

When not to proceed with treatment: Where it is obvious that there is irreparable damage within the hoof, patient welfare is such that it is inhumane to continue to proceed such as devastating total hoof sloughing and gangrene.

If the horse has a metabolic condition that is erratic and untreatable, no amount of farriery treatment is going to resolve the condition; also in geriatric meltdown where the horse’s organs are failing.

Radiography: The importance of radiography for accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is essential.

In the acute and post-acute laminitic, only x-ray will reveal what is happening internally before the external signs become full-blown, such as solar prolapse or a depression developing at the coronary border. Precisely how much P3 movement has occurred needs to be known.

Latero-medial radiographs are predominantly most important.

Dorso-palmer images can be useful also, as optimum foot balance is even more critical in laminitic case.

Reference points: When working from X-ray, the farrier needs to take reference of the original dimensions of the hoof in

‘The veterinary surgeon, farrier and owner should discuss the level of commitment in time, care and finance and agree to work together; without this, it is futile proceeding’

relation to the phalanges, take measurements and put markers or reference points on the hoof before cutting, otherwise accurate trimming will not be possible.

So long as the outline of the hoof and bones are visible, measurements and reference can be taken from them. If the X-ray images have been enlarged or reduced it is helpful to be informed of what ratio it is, ideally 1:1 actual size.

Radiographic indications: To identify abnormality, first normality should be studied.

Abnormality is noticed as divergent faces of P3 and the vertical face of the dorsal hoof wall and the distal tip of P3 closer to the sole (rotation).

Phalangeal rotation is recognised by P3 angle greater than P2 and divergent from the hoof wall.

Capsular rotation is recognised where the dorsal wall deviates but the phalangeal alignment remains straight; this is less severe than phalangeal rotation.

Increased distance between the wall and P3 combined with a reduction of distance between the base of P3 and the sole where greater detachment of the lamella bond has occurred is recognised as distal displacement often described as ‘sinking’.

Latero- medial displacement is also common.

These descriptions are not mutually exclusive but are combined in many clinical cases.

More severe cases may reveal any of the following: perforated soles, P3 protruding, the proximal border of the hoof wall jamming against the extensor process, greater voids between P3 and the wall and below P3 and the sole, which may be seromas or sites of infection, seen as dark pockets on x-ray.

At the coronary border, lesions detaching the hoof from the coronary corium; this can be partial or in some cases extending from heel to heel, such cases are usually terminal and about to slough (lose) the hoof.

A clear x-ray of this will show a dark

line at the coronary border and a crumpled step at this juncture along with P3 unusually deep in the hoof.

Recovery or euthanasia: This can be quite a rollercoaster ride.

Some horses that suffer a devastating onset and severe rotation or sinking, will develop deep seated infections, sole prolapse and rapid disintegration of the hoof.

This is the turning point one way or the other. Either the infection and pain can be managed and they recover or this is the point that treatment is terminated and euthanasia is implemented.

Unnecessary hoof removal can reduce the horse’s chance of recovery.

Anything that is undermined, dead or detrimental needs removal, as and when, is down to the experience of the practitioners involved.

Relevance of size and weight: Miniature Shetlands that succumb to laminitis have a small cube of a hoof; their bones may rotate within the hoof but seldom descend through the soles.

The physical weight of the pony is not adequate to punch a hole through the sole; proportionately they have a thick, strong sole in ratio to their size compared to a large warmblood or draught horse; these ponies are relatively easy to treat.

However, when it comes to the large warmblood draught horse, or very fat cob, they are more difficult to manage.

Why might this be?

I believe if it was more fully understood that the weight of the horse bearing down through the bone column is the major destructive force following laminal breakdown, and if P3 descent is to have the best chance of being arrested, it needs firm neutralising resistance from below, from the earliest time possible.

If this approach was broadly adopted I wonder if more large laminitics would be viewed with more optimism.

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A foot with the greater part of the hoof sloughed, within two months of treatment commencing.

The same foot recovering five weeks later

The same foot 13 months after the first picture (top) was taken

Shows a severe case of rotation

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HORSE HEALTH I

forge

Shoes without nails

By Claire Brown of Farriers’ Pages GLUE-ON horseshoes are commonly used in the treatment of many equine foot disorders including orthopaedic disorders in foals and abnormal foot conformation.

As the design and materials have evolved to produce stronger adhesives and a more malleable composition they are now a viable option for horses in high levels of work.

Their success has been highlighted with notable wins by horses wearing glue-on shoes in a number of disciplines.

The variety of glue-on horse shoes commercially available is evolving quickly but broadly speaking there are three main types: synthetic glueon shoes, aluminium core shoes and metal horse shoes.

Synthetic glue-on shoes are made from acrylic polymers, polyurethane or polyethylene.

This type of shoe absorbs energy efficiently; it is lightweight and permits expansion of the hoof.

Available in different sizes and, in some instances widths, the glue-on shoe is attached to the hoof with a resin with similar final hardness as the hoof horn.

The foot is trimmed as normal and the frog is trimmed level with the wall-bearing surface to prevent contact between the frog and the horseshoe. The farrier will clean and degrease the foot with denatured alcohol, before applying the shoe, taking care to keep both, and the surrounding working area very clean.

Glue-on horse shoes with an aluminium core are made from an aluminium horseshoe (to provide rigidity) covered with polyurethane (to absorb shock) – the horseshoe may have ‘tabs’ which are used to glue the horseshoe to the hoof wall.

The shoes can be shaped before application to the hoof as with a standard nail-on shoe (a shaping device is often provided by the

Glue on shoes are not traumatic and non invasive manufacturer as the shoes cannot be heated).

and possess an effective shock absorbing rim pad.

Again, the foot is trimmed as normal and the surface of the hoof wall is lightly sanded and cleaned before application.

The success of glue-on horseshoes is largely dependent on the correct application in suitable conditions carried out by a suitably qualified and competent farrier.

Metal horseshoes may be glued-on to horses with a very broken hoof wall potentially allowing the horse to stay in work whilst the new hoof grows.

As before, after it has been trimmed and degreased it is important to keep the foot clean during the application process.

A further alternative is a glue-on shoe incorporating an adhesive bonded fabric cuff which promises to be stronger than a nail attachment

‘Glue-on shoes are not always suited to changing environmental conditions, for example from muddy field to dry stable and across varying terrains, and cleanliness and hygiene is paramount to the success of the shoe both in longevity of attachment and to avoid infections such as thrush due to the decreased exposure to air’

The shoeing area must be clean, dry and, in many cases, well ventilated.

The procedure is best carried out wearing latex or rubber gloves and with some products a mask is also recommended.

Many manufacturers of glue-on shoes conduct training days for farriers to ensure the products are fitted correctly and the maximum benefits are realised.

Glue-on shoes are not always suited to changing environmental conditions, for example from muddy field to dry stable and across varying terrains, and cleanliness and hygiene is paramount to the success of the shoe both in longevity of attachment and to avoid infections such as thrush due to the decreased exposure to air.

Increased application time compared with nailing-on shoes can cause some horses to become restless and need sedation.

Higher material costs plus additional tools required and increased application time also means that glue-on shoes are more expensive

than traditional shoes.

However, applied correctly a glue-on horseshoe can last as long as nail-on shoes and, in some cases, longer if nailed-on shoes have been thrown or have become loose early in the shoeing cycle.

They are hard-wearing and good for sensitive footed and ‘hammer-shy’ horses.

In remedial and therapeutic applications the benefits of glue-on shoes have revolutionised treatment and success rates, particularly in cases of laminitis and angular limb deformities in foals.

Glue-on shoes are non traumatic and non invasive.

As with all areas of science new products are continually being research and trialled.

One such product is a horseshoe shaped mould which is fitted onto the horse’s foot into which urethane is injected.

Once set, the mould is removed leaving a ‘shoe’ forming an extension to the horse’s hoof which provides both protection and traction.

For many the application of glue-on horseshoes will be a temporary solution to a hoof problem, however, with the product shelf constantly evolving glue-on shoes may become a regular feature in leisure and competition horses.

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HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 23

The management of summer skin allergies

By Richard Sygall DVM, MRCVS, GPCert(EqP), veterinary surgeon at Janssen Animal Health AFFECTING three to five per cent of all horses in the UK sweet itch or summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis, is caused by an allergy to the saliva in the bite of Culicoides midges.

It is particularly prevalent in the summer months, when midges are most active and they usually attack the mane, withers, back, rump or dock of the horse, so it is often these areas that are affected.

Prevention and control: Sweet itch is notoriously difficult to manage and once a horse develops the condition it reoccurs every summer, proving a management nightmare for its owner.

affected horses may sometimes do more harm than good as scratching on a stable wall or door can cause a lot of damage.

Insect repellents: Insect repellents and insecticides may help control the midges and prevent them from biting the horse.

Insecticides containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids, can be effective.

Benzyl benzoate will also keep flies away, but it has to be constantly reapplied.

Insect repellents should be applied well before signs develop and should not be administered to inflamed or broken skin.

All insect repellents and insecticides should be applied with care.

Stopping the itching:

Prevention and control should include a three-pronged approach decreasing the horse’s exposure to the midges, killing the flies and stopping the itching.

If a horse is bitten, corticosteroids may bring temporary relief by depressing the immune system but there could be serious side effects such as laminitis.

Decrease exposure:

Antihistamines are effective, but high doses are required and they tend to cause drowsiness.

As midges thrive in marshy fields it is advisable, although not always practical, to relocate a horse susceptible to sweet itch to insectfree areas such as exposed, windy fields or chalk-based grassland.

Grazing should be well drained and away from rotting vegetation, such as muck heaps, which may attract flies and water troughs should be cleaned regularly to prevent flies from breeding there.

The most effective protection for horses out at grass are light rugs and hoods which can cover all the areas of the horse susceptible to bites.

Stabling horses from dawn to dusk, when flies are at their most active, and insect-proofing stables with finemesh screens will also help prevent horses being bitten.

Ceiling or wall-mounted fans in stables create a breeze, which prevent flies from landing on the horse. Stabling more seriously

Soothing lotions will relieve the itching and reduce inflammation but they will not deter further midge attacks.

Maintaining a healthy skin before and through the critical midge season: Skincare products, including topical gels and natural food supplements, may help and those containing nicotinamide are proven to be particularly effective in helping to maintain and support a healthy skin in horses prone to summer skin allergies.

All preventative measures, such as utilising the insect repellents and administering the vitamin food supplement, should be instigated before the midge season starts to prevent the midges from biting and stimulate a horse’s immunity.

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24 30

B l o o d s t o c k m a t ter s

In the wild equids are grazing, herd animals that rarely exert much physical energy

The equine digestive system in horses working to maximum fitness

By Helen Warren of the Alltech Biotechnology Centre THE horse’s gut is not very conducive to athleticism.

In the wild, equids are grazing, herd animals that rarely exert much physical energy in terms of fast/athletic movement unless responding to a threat and, as such, their hind gut is able to act as it should – as a fermentation vessel that contains digesta most of the time.

The structure and function of the equine gut is complex and easily prone to digestive upset, for example at the location of the pelvic flexure.

The shear size and weight of the gut, plus its persistent contents, means it must not be the easiest structure to carry around.

Function: The efficient functioning of the hindgut plays a key role in generating energy and nutrients for metabolism and the subsequent maintenance of homeostasis.

The horse has evolved to require a minimum amount of dietary fibre as a food source for the microorganisms located in the caecum and large colon.

In addition, the small intestine of the horse can digest very little starch at any one time and, consequently, struggles to deal with concentrate meals containing more than three to four grams of starch per kilogram of body weight per meal (Potter et al., 1992).

Disruption of normal hindgut function by less than adequate dietary fibre or excess dietary starch

‘The efficient functioning of the hindgut plays a key role in generating energy and nutrients for metabolism and the subsequent maintenance of homeostasis’

often reduces the ability of the hindgut to maintain a near-neutral pH, which can lead to acidic conditions, often referred to as acidosis.

Acidosis actually relates to a lowering of blood alkali reserves (this means a lack of buffer to compensate for the increased acidity) and many horses suffer from a sub-clinical form, particularly those in hard work coupled with limited access to forage.

Excessive amounts of starch that are fermented in the small intestine may also have implications for performance.

When volatile fatty acids (VFA) are produced as products of fermentation, they are absorbed across the mucosal barrier together with water.

If absorption does not mirror production and VFA accumulate in the caecum/colon the animal attempts to buffer the resultant pH decrease by recruiting water from the blood.

This, of course, has consequences for osmolarity and subsequent hydration.

Metabolic issues: Unfortunately, data to try to elucidate exactly what is happening at gut level during exercise appear

scarce in the horse.

It is known that exercise seems to induce increases in adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol as part of a normal response to exertion, rather than that of a stress response (Harrington McKeever and Gordon, 2008) and their respective concentrations are dependent on the intensity and duration of exercise (Nagata et al., 1999).

Effects of diet on response to exercise have also been studied. High hydrolysable carbohydrate diets have been shown to increase heart rate and blood lactate concentration with little or no benefit to performance.

Fat supplementation has proven useful in certain situations, however, animals need time to become metabolically adapted to fat supplementation – this may be around two to three months for complete adaptation (Pösö et al., 2008).

As the horse employs fermentation as a major digestive mechanism at both the front and rear of the GI tract it follows that reasonable amounts of gas are produced and require removal.

Continued on Page 25

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Bloodstock matters It has been suggested that the escape of this gas may be impeded during exercise and result in significant discomfort to the animal (Lorenzo-Figueras and Merritt, 2008).

Another issue associated with fermentation in the stomach is gastric ulcers and data exist to demonstrate an increased prevalence in horses undergoing race training (Orsini et al., 2009).

Additionally, the rate of gastric emptying is potentially reduced during exertion, which may have implications for the above, however, this area is lacking information.

Intestinal dysmotility (abnormal gut motility) is likely to be a significant issue with regards to exertion and is an area that requires more research.

Physical considerations: Aside from the metabolic issues of gut function often associated with performance horses, there are also physical considerations.

For example, increase in intraabdominal pressure via contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles could potentially have numerous consequences, such as physical dislocation of the intestines, diversion of blood flow and release of regulatory compounds (Lorenzo-Figueras and Merritt, 2008).

Indeed, in humans the term ‘caecal slap’ has been assigned to the knocking of the caecum against the abdominal wall while running (Porter, 1982).

Implications for this include effects on blood flow and, consequently, any functions influenced by blood flow (of which digestion is one) would be affected.

Traditionally, animals are restricted in their access to feed prior to exercise, however, increased blood flow to the GI tract has been demonstrated in

The effect of intensive exercise on the functioning of the gut is complex and not fully understood animals that have been fed rather than fasted and may be at lower risk of hypovolaemia.

nutrient metabolism, such that lipid oxidation is considerably reduced, which may be detrimental to performance.

Maintaining sufficient water ingestion is also key to maintaining blood flow – forage vs. concentrate meals encourage greater water ingestion.

Conclusion:

Additionally, concentrate meals offered two to three hours prior to exercise can alter

In summary, the effect of moderate to intensive exercise on the functioning of the gut is complex

Conversely, forage meals have no such effect (Pösö et al., 2008).

and not fully understood in the horse.

However, ensuring the supply of optimal levels of nutrients and energy via quality feed, as well as promoting gut health through the potential use of yeast-based supplements the horse may be better able to cope with the physiological challenge of exercise.

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joints

HORSE HEALTH I 27

Equine joint supplements – Are they worth the investment?

By Luis Lamas, DVM CertES (Orth) MRCVS, Equine Surgeon

tissue are not fully restored (leading to a biomechanically weaker tissue) which is at increased risk of re-injury.

FROM a clinical perspective equine performance can be divided into three aspects: suitability of the horserider partnership for the intended purpose, training and injury prevention, and finally, investigation and treatment of problems which could prevent optimum performance.

Finally, degenerative conditions occur in all tissues and are a consequence of inadequate balance between the anabolic and catabolic rates of tissues (wear and tear).

Clinical aspects of horse-rider suitability are not always obvious as they require knowledge of the horse’s potential and rider ability.

This assessment has a degree of subjectivity and is, at times, hard to determine in the short term.

Reduced performance can arise if any of the three components (ability of the rider, ability of the horse and horse-rider partnership) are not properly suited.

It is important for owners to establish a solid relationship with their veterinary surgeon in order to receive adequate advice on these matters.

As with any athlete, training is essential to maximise performance and prolong a horse’s athletic career.

The musculoskeletal system continuously adapts to exercise, but these changes are slow and require relatively long periods of time (weeks to months).

Equine professionals should be aware of these different categories of injury in order to be able understand general principles of prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems.

The most common cause of equine poor performance is lameness and the most common cause of lameness is osteoarthritis (OA).

OA is a complex disease process characterised by articular inflammation which may lead to degradation of articular cartilage.

OA can also be classified as acute, chronic or degenerative based on the above definition.

Conventional therapies for OA in horses are designed to relieve pain and discomfort and often include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Some causes of OA are veterinary emergencies (infected joints), others require prolonged periods of limited exercise levels and some are best treated surgically.

As such, training should be directed at the ultimate maximal exercise goal and should take into account the necessary time for the body to adapt.

The goal of joint therapy is to decrease inflammation which causes pain and drives the degenerative process.

Poor performance:

Treatment:

Clinical conditions that stifle performance can be divided into three broad categories: Firstly, acute injuries occur when the yield point of a body component or system is surpassed.

Chronic injuries occur when the original properties of an injured

There are many therapeutical strategies and options to treat and delay the onset of OA in horses.

The majority of them have solid research and evidence to back them up - pharmaceuticals are subject to intense scrutiny and pharmacovigilance.

Joint supplements do not fall into this category however, and are classified as nutraceuticals which, although regulated, do not have the same level of requirements as pharmaceuticals.

Joints are complex systems where distinct tissues play different roles in providing a physiological function (organs) and all components influence each other.

The three main components are Pbone, the joint capsule (synovium) and cartilage.

The synovium produces joint fluid which lubricates and provides nutrients to cartilage.

Joint fluid is mainly composed of large molecules diluted in water but many other smaller proteins play essential roles in maintaining a healthy joint environment.

Most joint supplements (joint nutraceuticals) are composed of the building blocks for these large molecules.

The theory being that the benefit of their administration comes from providing parts of the very large joint

fluid molecules this will more effectively ‘feed’ the joint, increasing the metabolic capacity of articular tissues and thus delaying degenerative OA. Two factors may refute this theory: The first is digestion. As these molecules pass through the digestive system they are broken down into simpler forms which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

This would defeat the purpose of feeding large structural molecules to horses if only their fragments would be available to cells.

The second is that even assuming that these molecules are absorbed without digestive degradation, the scientific evidence that these molecules concentrate in joints is, in the majority of cases, tenuous.

Analysing the scientific literature to look for evidence of clinical effects is not easy.

This is especially true in the equine literature due to the many variables involved and difficulties in comparing different studies.

Continued on Page 28

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HORSE HEALTH I

Continued from Page 27 Finally, the acute and degenerative forms of OA have different pathological reasons.

This makes reproducing degenerative conditions in ‘in vivo’ and ‘in vitro’ models is extremely challenging.

Finally, one must take into consideration the quality and origin of the products.

As with pharmaceuticals, nutraceutical quality depends on the quality of ingredients and the manufacturing process.

Also an important and frequently overlooked issue is the origin of some of these products.

Joints are complex systems where all components influence each other

For example chondrotin, one of the molecules with most scientific evidence of efficacy, is mostly purified from animal byproducts (in most cases these originate from cattle and pigs but in rare cases – and hopefully becoming rarer – from sharks).

I believe that all those involved in the trade of these products have a responsibility to ensure that the products we are selling or recommending meet ethical and quality requirements during their production.

Conclusion: One must not be skeptical of the benefits of joint supplements as there is significant scientific evidence

to support their use.

Joint disease can be career limiting for a horse and cause significant discomfort.

The therapeutic ability to treat and delay the degenerative form of OA is limited and the use of joint supplements may be justified on this basis: Even if the benefits are small they may still play an overall positive role in delaying the disease process.

It is imperative however to understand and explain that joint supplements are not a treatment that should be regarded as a preventative measure should be combined with therapeutic strategies if there is an ongoing problem.

I think the investment in joint supplements is justified, but as so many other investments nowadays you should not necessarily expect high return rates from it.

Luis Lamas

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HORSE HEALTH I

Equine Recurrent Uveitis – First Encounters the bloodstream and can have an affect on gut motility which, in severe cases, can lead to colic.

By David Donaldson BVSc(Hons) DipECVO MRCVS, European Specialist in Veterinary Opthalmology for the Animal Health Trust EQUINE recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the most common cause of blindness in horses, and is serious because the eye, unlike most tissues and organs in the body, does not tolerate inflammation very well. Structures such as the retina and lens and do not always regain normal function after an episode of inflammation or more seriously, following recurrent episodes of ERU. In order to limit the amount of damage associated with an episode of uveitis, it is critical that it is diagnosed early and treated intensively.

Given this, it is important that the drug is used ‘to effect’; once pupil dilation is achieved and the eye is more comfortable, the frequency can be reduced to the lowest level possible to maintain the desired effect.

The dosage of atropine used and the monitoring of gut activity and its use should be discussed with the veterinarian.

For the first week or so of treatment horses are often better kept in a darkened stable.

Figure 1

If this is not possible, a suitable face mask which blocks out light may be used.

If neglected or misdiagnosed, the immune system has more time to recruit larger numbers of immune cells (white blood cells) into the eye, leading to more damage and making the disease more difficult to control.

This also provides the added benefit of reducing fly worry, exposure to dust, bedding and wind, as well as reducing self trauma.

Usually after the first week it is possible to turn horses out for some time during the day, gradually increasing these periods as the disease is controlled.

Symptoms:

The most obvious signs of ERU occur when the horse has an attack of ‘acute’ uveitis (inflammation), which is very active and worsens rapidly over a period of days.

The eye is usually very painful, leading to tearing (epiphora), squinting (blepharospasm) and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).

There is often swelling of the eyelids and, if the eye is visible, the normally clear cornea may be cloudy, and the fluid in the front chamber of the eye becomes turbid (aqueous flare) or, in severe cases, may appear yellowish (Fig 1).

The conjunctiva around the eye is often congested and red and blood vessels may also start to grow into the cornea (Fig 1). If these signs are

Figure 2 present, veterinary attention is needed.

A horse with such signs should immediately be placed in a darkened stable to relieve the painful muscle spasms associated with photophobia.

The stable should be checked for any edges on which he could catch or rub the inflamed eye.

Initial treatment involves medication to relieve pain and reduce the spasm of the eyelids, therefore allowing close ocular examination. In some cases, sedation (via intravenous injection) and local nerve blocks to reduce pain and muscle spasm, are required before it is possible to examine the eye.

‘The most obvious signs of ERU occur when the horse has an attack of ‘acute’ uveitis (inflammation), which is very active and worsens rapidly over a period of days’

Treatment:

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment is started with topical steroid eye drops or ointments, topical atropine and oral anti-inflammatory medication.

The topical steroids may be difficult to instill due to pain and poor patient compliance and it may be necessary to use a ‘lavage’ system (Fig 2) – placing a silicone tube through the upper or lower eyelid so that the drops can be injected through a port at the other end of the tube, therefore, avoiding handling the eye whilst getting medication to it.

Oral anti-inflammatory treatment usually involves drugs such as flunixin meglumine or phenylbutazone.

Topical Atropine one per cent, a very powerful medication may be used, however, it will lead to paralysis of the iris muscles which control the pupil size and result in pupil dilation.

This not only reduces pain but also helps prevent adhesions within the eye which can permanently prevent proper movement of the pupil.

Atropine may also be absorbed into

Treatment for acute uveitis needs to be continued until the inflammation in the eye has completely resolved which may take weeks or months.

A major cause of disease ‘recurrence’ after apparently successful treatment, is that the treatment is discontinued too early when some low level of inflammation is still present.

This is a particular problem when inflammation affects the back section of the eye (the vitreous body) which is not as easy to assess.

Close examination of the vitreous body for signs of inflammation is necessary before the veterinarian decides to stop treatment.

Conclusion:

Acute uveitis is an aggressive disease which requires early detection and intensive treatment, which should never be stopped until all signs of inflammation have subsided completely.

In the next edition I will discuss the long term management of ERU, including the latest surgical techniques aimed at reducing the recurrence and severity of inflammatory episodes associated with the disease.

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product news

HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 31

Innovation award for Emma and her website A WEBSITE dedicated to advertising professional vacancies within the equestrian industry has received an innovation award.

Equine-Careers.co.uk was a winner at this year’s BETA International awards with judges praising its ‘great benefit to the trade’.

Emma Dyer, site creator, said: “The site has been going for just over a year now and we have received fantastic feedback.

“It came about after I was made redundant from a horse related office job, and when I was looking for a similar role I couldn’t seem to find anywhere that all these kinds of jobs were advertised. I saw an opportunity there and decided to set something up myself.”

The site started out purely as an advertising portal for jobs, but Emma now has plans to take it in new directions.

To start with she is introducing a student work experience service bringing together all her contacts with companies who are able to offer placements and matching them up with students who would find a professional placement valuable.

She has also found that although there are a lot of freelance sales

Rosehip product recognised Emma accepting her award at BETA agents in the equine industry, there is not a central database of their details to help companies find them.

“To address this, she will be providing the service as part of the site, listing the agents’ details geographically, so that businesses can easily take on agents in specific locations as and when they are needed.

Emma added: “It was fantastic to win the award and get so many positive comments and new ideas.

“It seems that the idea had never crossed anyone's mind before, but as soon as they hear about it, people think it is a much needed development – so we are very optimistic for the future.”

A BRAND new joint mobility feed supplement for horses has been presented with an Innovation Award at this year’s BETA International.

LitoVet was recognised by the show’s judges for its proven ability to maintain horse joint soundness and mobility.

The natural product is made from the Rosa Canina variety of rose-hips which contains high levels of GOPO – an ingredient which studies have shown is more effective at reducing joint pain than other supplements, such as glucosamine.

Research performed on over 70 horses at a Danish trotting track, showed that those fed LitoVet regained suppleness more quickly after strenuous exercise and showed improved willingness to work.

The same study also showed that LitoVet may increase the Vitamin C level of horses by up to 40 per cent –

a vitamin that is essential to the formation and maintenance of connective tissues.

A LitoVet spokesperson said: “We are delighted that LitoVet has been recognised by the BETA judges.

“They especially liked the fact that scientific studies have already established that GOPO can significantly improve joint health and mobility in humans and can have an even greater effect on horses – and also that it is suitable for all types of horses, young or old, including performance horses, those in frequent work and horses showing signs of reduced mobility.”

LitoVet is now available in the UK from wholesalers and stockists.

Security system to be launched at Badminton Horse Show A SECURITY system for horse and rider has been recognised at the BETA International Innovation Awards.

The Ride-Alert device has been designed to provide peace of mind to riders and their friends and family – consisting of personal ID tags linked up to an Incident Response Network.

Adrian Soskin, company director, said: “Everyone we have spoken to

about the system has said the same thing – ‘why hasn’t someone thought of this before?’. We have had a very positive response and have event received endorsement from the Air Ambulance service and Point-Two Air Jackets.”

The ID tags for horses can be attached to a saddle or rug and come in useful if a horse bolts after a fall or escapes from its field.

Anyone coming across the animal

Thousands of animals helped through chance encounter THOUSANDS of horses and ponies have been helped to recovery from potentially life-threatening attacks of laminitis by a farrier’s chance encounter with a thermoplastic material.

Used within the medical industry, the highly adaptable, mouldable material led to the development of a unique range of horseshoes which mould to support the foot.

Now, Poynton Ltd, designers and manufacturers of the Imprint range of therapeutic and more recently, sport horseshoes, is celebrating its 10th birthday.

Andrew Poynton, who developed the shoes, said: “Many companies have started in a similar way, but don’t seem to have survived very long, so to be where we are now and still growing stronger, feels like a major achievement.”

can call the phone number on the tag, quote the ID number, and leave it to the Response Team to get in touch with the rider, stables and vet if necessary. The wristband tags for riders mean that, in the event of an accident or emergency, Ride-Alert can pass on relevant medical and allergy information to the authorities and contact the stable and family members.

Adrian added: “We describe the

product as something like a safety belt – you don’t get into your car expecting to have an accident, but you wear it regardless for peace of mind. It is the same with the RideAlert system – it just means that if the unforseen happens, then help is at hand.”

The system is set to be launched to the public at Badminton Horse Show and will then be available online and through selected retailers.

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