Spring has sprung and the new green grasses and clover are rich with sugar. Now is the time to monitor or remove your high-risk horses from the spring pasture. Horses that have previously foundered are likely to do so again from the rich grass. Fat, cresty necked horses or that those with Cushing’s disease are also at high risk.
FOUNDER ALERT
Founder is an inflammation of the lamina (laminitis) in the hooves caused by the overload of sugar.
Founder signs are:
1. Reluctance to walk or turn.
2. Leaning back on the hindquarters to relieve the pain of the front feet.
3. Laying down and sore on the front feet when getting up.
Because 60% of the horse’s weight is on the front end, the horse usually founders in the front feet. With mild founder, the inflammatory state can be treated with removal from the pasture, anti-inflammatory drugs, and soft ride boots. In severe founder, the inflamed lamina separates causing the coffin bone in the foot to rotate downward requiring intense treatment.
Founder can be a life-threatening disease that in many cases is preventable. Removing these horses from the pasture to a grassless paddock until July 4th substantially reduces the founder risk. The mature summer grass is lower in sugar, so the horse can then be turned out to graze.
APRIL 15 – TIME TO WORM
During the winter, Strongyle parasites inside the horse’s intestinal wall are dormant. Around April 15 and after, the Strongyles hatch from their dormant stage to become active blood sucking, egg laying adults. Horses should be wormed with an Ivermectin or Quest dewormer to kill the adult strongyles. Adult horses 5 yrs and older should be wormed April 15. Young horses, age 1-4 years old, should be wormed 4x per year. On October 15, we can do a fecal to check the parasite load to determine if the horse (all ages) needs deworming.
TIME FOR SPRING VACCINATIONS
The AVMA recommended core vaccinations are East/West Encephalitis, West Nile, Tetanus, and Rabies if the horse is in a closed herd environment. If the horse is exposed to other horses, (trail riding/ competing etc.) they also need a Flu and Rhino vaccination.
BE PREPARED FOR HORSE ACTIVITIES AND EMERGENCIES
1st AID KIT
1. Bandage material for a cut: sheet cotton, Vet Wrap, Neosporin ointment and telfa pads.
2. A dose of Banamine or Bute for Colic. Most vets will dispense a dose for emergencies if you are a client. ALWAYS give orally. Never Give a Banamine Shot in The Muscle!!
3. Eye medicine for a cornea ulcer, scratch, hay in the eye, or eye injury.
4. Thermometer (digital is ok from the dollar store). Normal horse temp is 99-101.5.
5. Flashlight, plyers/wire cutters, scissors.
We can fix you up with the necessary medical supplies for your 1st Aid Kit. Keep one in your barn and trailer.
TREATMENT FOR A CUT
If bleeding badly, pack with Neosporin and bandage tight with sheet cotton and vet wrap. If not bleeding, wash with a hose down in the cut, then pack with Neosporin and bandage. With leg cuts, bring to the vet to examine and probe the cut making sure no tendon or joint is involved.
CASTRATION SIGNS April 15-24
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