common conditions such as foot abscesses or imbalances. Hoof quality can change dramatically throughout the year and so keeping on top of the condition of your horse’s feet can prevent bigger problems arising.
Worming:
Older horses are more prone to higher worm burdens. As the immune system becomes less robust, worms find it much easier to infest the horse which can lead to general unthriſtiness and colic. Routine worm egg counts and tapeworm saliva or blood samples can help to diagnose these issues. If your horse has a consistent ‘zero’ worm egg count, the only time you will need to worm your horse is during the frostier winter months to combat bots and encysted redworm.
Your Vet will be able to provide you with advice on worm egg counts and blood tests to identify roundworms, encysted redworm and tapeworm.
Veterinary Care:
Common conditions found in veteran horses can differ and include: Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID), arthritis, skin diseases, liver and kidney diseases, tumours and growths and colic.
PPID is a degenerative disease which causes various hormonal changes in the pituitary gland situated in the base of the brain. As a horse ages, this gland becomes overactive which leads to an increase in various hormones (particularly ACTH and cortisol). These changes cause the many clinical signs associated with Cushing’s - laminitis, long haircoat, patchy sweating, recurrent infections/foot abscesses, skin conditions, lethargy, increased drinking/urination and many more! A simple blood test can be performed to diagnose the condition which can normally be managed (but not cured) using a drug called pergolide (Prascend tablets). Controlling this hormone imbalance is important to maintain your older horses’ quality of life
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease) is a degenerative condition of joints resulting in painful cartilage erosion and inflammation. Wear and tear is the most common cause in the older horse but any injury to the joints can lead to arthritis. Diagnosis is usually made on clinical signs, nerve/joint blocks and radiographic change (X-Rays). Arthritis is oſten worse in the winter when standing still in the stable or with their back to the wind in the field. There are many treatment options to ensure the continuing comfort of your horse – with both
Fully Equipped Equine Clinic Close to M40 junction 12
24hr Ambulatory Service 01926 612937
www.springpaddocksequine.co.uk Equine only Veterinary Surgeons
Fully equipped Equine Clinic & Accredited BEVA AI Centre Offering 1st opinion and a 2nd opinion referral service
• Free Zone Visit scheme • Vaccination loyalty scheme • Lameness assessment facilities • Digital portable X-ray • Ultrasound Scanners & Shockwave • Video Endoscopy & Gastroscopy • Pre-Purchase Examinations • JMB Measurement • Dentistry & Visiting Dental Specialists • Acupuncture • IRAP and PRP • Surgical Facilities with Visiting Surgical Consultants
• Diode Surgical Laser for treatment of Sarcoids & Melanomas
• Accredited BEVA AI Centre • In House Laboratory • Client Evenings & Discounted Clinics
Please telephone the Clinic to discuss your individual requirements 01926 612937
medications and supplements. Your vet will be able to advise you which is the best option for your horse.
Colic can be extremely distressing for both horse and owner. The most common causes in our geriatric patients are; intestinal tumours, impactions (of either feed material - due to long fibre not being digested correctly, a high worm burden or insufficient water intake). Investigating any unexplained weight loss, maintaining regular dental care and worming and ensuring your horse is drinking enough are excellent pro-active ways of preventing this potentially fatal condition.
Ultimately we all know that for our much loved veterans there will be a time when we have to make the decision to say good- bye. This can be very difficult to come to terms with and we all know how much a part of the family our horses become! A good relationship with your Vet really helps as they can offer advice and reassurance and ultimately will be the person there with you when the time comes. We all want to ensure our horses and ponies have a good quality of life and this is equally important in equines of all ages. As long as you have a happy and healthy horse then remember … age is not a disease!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Stephanie Barnett BVMedSci BVM BVS (hons) MRCVS Spring Paddocks Equine
www.springpaddocksequine.co.uk Tel: 01926 612937
Stef graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2015 and went on to undertake an internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Centre in California. Following her return to the UK, she has been working for the past few years in equine practice in the West Midlands, settling at Spring Paddocks Equine where she enjoys the varied life of an ambulatory equine veterinary surgeon.
Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements September/October 2020 13
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