Horse Journal - December 2006

December 2006

Manage Your Insulin-Resistant Horse
The first time we discussed insulin resistance was in 1999, when we did a field trial with magnesium supplementation of chronically laminitic and cresty horses and ponies.

Is That Melanoma Deadly?
Melanomas in gray horses are most frequently found on the undersurface of the tail (about 95%). The next most likely location is around the anus and vulva of mares. They can also be found on the lips, eyelids, penis and sheath.

Maybe It’s A Chronic “Stomachache”
Colic and other digestive upsets are a common problem in horses and a variety of over-the-counter supplements are available to deal with them. Probiotics and prebiotics focus on large intestinal function, where complex components of feeds are fermented rather than digested.

2006 Products of the Year
At the end of each year, we look back on the products that we’ve used in our test barns. We consider what various manufacturers have brought to the market and how those products make taking care of our horses easier.

EIA In Ireland
Although EIA (equine infectious anemia, aka "Swamp Fever") is an established disease in Europe, with 10 cases documented in Germany this year, Ireland had been free of the illness until 2006.

Timothy Hay Mites
Timothy is an excellent hay choice for horses, but you may have noticed increasing amounts of brown, curled leaf. Timothy producers, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region, are having problems with mite infestation.

Fencing Against Flies
A Berlin, Germany, group of researchers tested the effectiveness of insecticide impregnated fencing in keeping flies and biting insects away from pastured horses. The fencing was a mesh, 100 cm (39.4 inches) high, treated with 80 mg of deltamethrin per square meter and was UV-ray protected.

Saving On Prescription Drug Costs
Veterinary service for an illness or injury can put a strain on many owners’ budgets, and when the treatment also involves long-term medication the total can be staggering.