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WINTER CHECKL I ST
AUTUMN 2013 ISSUE
Older horses are more susceptible to worm
infestation so it is important to pay close
attention to their worm control. Many owners
are now using strategic worm control; i.e.
only worming horses with a positive faecal
worm egg count (FWEC). This cost effective
approach is recommended as it reduces the
development of drug resistant worms. It must
be remembered that FWECs do not identify
tapeworm or encysted small redworm
(cyathostomes) so a winter worming dose
with a suitable product is still recommended.
Your XLVets Equine practice will help you
choose which product to use.
EQUINE MATTERS
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Regular foot care from a qualified farrier is
vital but you should take the time to discuss
any special requirements for your horse or
pony before winter. Some veterans find the
hard, frosty ground painful to walk on and
even if they have coped all summer
unshod, may benefit from some front shoes
to reduce solar bruising during winter.
If your horse or pony has had laminitis
previously, it is important to remember that
laminitis is not exclusively a spring and
summer disease so the feet should be
monitored carefully all year round.
We also see more cases of thrush during
winter as stabled time increases.
Regularly picking out the feet should
help prevent this. If a mild case develops,
it can usually be treated by scrubbing out
the feet, especially the frog clefts, with
dilute povidone-iodine. More severe cases
or those which become lame require
veterinary and farriery interventions.
Foot care
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Worming
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Arthritis
Many veterans have mild arthritis which is
often seen as a stiff gait, especially after
time in the stable. Horses often cope well
throughout the summer with maximal time
turned out and free exercise, but may
suddenly become very stiff when they are
stabled more. After assessment by your
veterinary surgeon, you can discuss
management strategies and/or low dose
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as 'bute’. We try to maintain
the horse or pony's comfort and mobility
using the lowest dose possible which
reduces the risk of side effects and allows
us to increase the dose as necessary.
Although we are always aware of drug
side effects, we routinely use these drugs
long term with very few problems. If these
drugs are given, it must be remembered
that Section IX of the passport should be
signed, declaring the animal will not enter
the human food chain.
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The use of in feed anti-inflammatories can help
maintain comfort and mobility
A routine blood sample can identify mild or
early problems like liver disease or simply
provide reassurance about your horse’s health.
Although it is rare to see problems with long
term NSAID usage, blood samples can be
used to monitor the horse's health during
treatment. If problems are detected, early
treatment, management or dietary changes
can usually be implemented.
Blood samples for Cushing's disease (PPID)
can also be useful. As well as a hairy, curly
coat, Cushing's symptoms include abnormal
fat distribution, excessive sweating, drinking
and urination, recurrent bouts of laminitis,
reduced immunity and even lethargy.
Identification and treatment of Cushing's can
reduce the occurrence of many problems,
especially laminitis and dental problems.
Blood tests
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Providing supplementary forage and shelter or
rugging will be necessary for most geriatrics
As horses and ponies age, their nutritional
demands may increase. Before winter
starts, it is worth assessing the availability
and quality of grazing, hay or haylage
and possibly having your forage
analysed. Feed companies offer advice
regarding geriatric nutrition but it is
worth remembering that the current
recommendation is less reliance on cereal
based products and more on fibre and
fat based diets. It is also important to
remember their digestive systems are
adapted to 'trickle feeding' and also to
consider concurrent dental disease or
other individual requirements. Rugging
and shelter from the elements must also
be considered, especially if the horse or
pony benefits from year round turnout.
General
management
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Preparing your geriatric horse or pony for winter helps identify problems and
therefore steps can be taken to keep your geriatric as healthy as possible.
XLVets Equine practices are offering geriatric health checks as part of the ‘Old
Friends’ campaign so do ask your veterinary surgeon for more information.
Summary