EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA
EIA is a blood virus of horses that is transferred via horse flies, mosquitoes, or contaminated needles. The virus attacks the red blood cells, causing severe anemia leading to death. There is often an asymptomatic carrier state of the virus, but the horse will be positive on the Coggins test. There is no cure, successful treatment or vaccine for EIA. If a horse tests positive, it is tested again by the National Veterinary Lab. If it is still positive, the horse is euthanized to prevent the spread of this deadly disease or has to be branded and isolated for life, ¼ mile from all other horses.
EIA OUTBREAK AT QUARTER HORSE RACETRACKS
Texas and nationwide, EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia) was almost eradicated. It was found in only 0.25% (1/4 of a percent) of the horse population with Coggins testing in the US. The present EIA outbreak involves the QH race horses of trainer Heath Taylor (now suspended). The horses were stabled at Albuquerque race track in August, then shipped to Lone Star race track in Dallas and Los Alamitos race track in CA. One horse died of the disease and because there is no cure for EIA, the Coggins test positive horses were euthanized. The current investigation found the transfer of the disease to be iatrogenic (spread of disease through medical treatment) using blood contaminated needles or vial.
COGGINS TESTING
Routine testing is recommended every 12 months but may vary by state. All horses entered into exhibitions or competitive events, crossing state lines (a health certificate is also required), and changing ownership (private sale or auction) must have a current, negative Coggins.
PREPURCHASE EXAMS
It is a good idea to have a vet exam before you buy a horse. The exam can find problems with lameness, limping, conformation, and potential problems for the intended use of the horse. The first part of the exam checks the vital signs, heart, eyes, and legs for areas of inflammation, soreness, injury, and the hooves. The second part of the exam checks for soundness, limping, gait abnormalities at the walk and trot on a straight line and circle. Flex tests are done where the vet holds the leg up in flexion for 1 minute. The horse is then trotted off to determine if the horse is limping on the leg. A tail pull test for EPM is often done. The third part of the pre purchase exam can be routine x-rays or of a problem joint. There is no longer a pass/fail conclusion of the pre purchase exam. The problems are identified and with that information, a well-informed decision can be made to purchase the horse or not.
FALL TRAIL RIDING TIPS
The weather is cooling off and it is a great time to ride. Here are some tips to help you have a safe ride.
- Do your homework, research the trails, and ask fellow riders for advice.
- In a fanny pack or saddle bag, carry your cell phone, whistle, knife and hay bale twine for emergency tack repair.
- Some of our local areas are open to hunters. In hunting season wear reflective colors. Be heard by singing and talking to alert hunters of your presence.
- In the trailer, have a first aid kit for the horse that contains bandage material (we can fix this up for you), antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment. Have a dose of Banamine (oral) or Bute paste for colic or pain. Don’t forget a human kit with wound material, insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottles and a snack.
- Don’t ride alone, it is safer to ride with a friend.
FALL FECALS
It is time to do the fall fecal exam to see if your horse needs to be wormed this fall.
HAYNETS
A study of feeding hay from hay nets showed that hay nets did not affect dental health of the horse. Horses fed loose hay on the ground had higher weight gain and wasted more hay.
CASTRATION SIGNS: Nov 4-11. Schedule it now before the weather gets too cold and you have to wait until spring.
TEETH SPECIAL
In November, we are offering our teeth special on Mondays at the clinic. The cost is $140 for a basic float, sedation, and Bute injection. This is a savings of at least $60! Some (especially older) horses may need dental services in addition to a routine float. This will result in an additional cost.
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