Voluntary CEM Surveillance Testing Announced - February 09, 2010
Stallion owners are asked to participate in a voluntary surveillance test effort for contagious equine metritis (CEM) in order to help animal health authorities collect accurate information on the presence (or absence) of the disease in the United States.... Full Story

Accelerated Vaccination Combats Horse Influenza Outbreaks - February 09, 2010
Equine influenza (the "flu") used to be considered a mere annoyance by many, but major outbreaks such as H1N1/swine flu in humans and the Australian equine influenza outbreak of 2007 have changed our thinking. These days, when a flu outbreak... Full Story

Woman Fined for Forging Horse Health Documents - February 09, 2010
A Boscobel, Wisc., woman has been fined for selling horses without testing them for disease and forging documents claiming the tests had been done, the state veterinarian's office said. In a plea bargain, Carol Swenson pleaded no contest to one... Full Story

Improve Pastures this Spring - February 09, 2010
Horse owners wanting to add to or improve the forage species in their existing pastures should consider using either the frost seeding method in February and early March, or interseeding later in the spring months. Frost seeding Frost seeding... Full Story

Equine Carpal Spavin Treatment - February 08, 2010
Carpal spavin is a degenerative form of osteoarthritis located at the junction of the medial splint bone (the inside part) and the second carpal (knee) joint. Not only does this result in crippling lameness, but quality of life issues often lead to euthanasia... Full Story

Different West Nile Virus Genetic Lineage Evolving? - February 08, 2010
It's a variant of Murphy's Law: Anytime you think you have a handle on something, the unexpected happens and you're off balance again. The equine health world might be in this boat now concerning West Nile virus infection in horses. With... Full Story

Spring Vaccination Schedules Shared by Readers - February 08, 2010
More than 900 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "When does your veterinarian give your horse(s) spring shots?" Results were as follows: April 40.49% (366) March 36.84%... Full Story

Flaxen Chestnut Color Inheritance Studied - February 08, 2010
Chestnut Morgan horses with lighter manes and tails, called "flaxen," are the subject of a research project seeking to unlock some of the mysteries of coat color inheritance. The preliminary results from the Morgan study have produced some... Full Story

New Jersey Emergency Responders to Learn Animal Handling - February 08, 2010
To prepare state and county animal response teams to aid animals during emergencies, the New Jersey Animal Emergency Working Group will hold its 13th annual symposium March 1, 2010, in Westampton. The daylong seminar will seek to ensure all counties... Full Story

Equine Hospital Salmonella Biosecurity Evaluation - February 07, 2010
Salmonella infection is a disease taken very seriously by equine veterinarians, partly because it can cause severe gastrointestinal disease in their patients, and also because it can do the same to the veterinarians and hospital staff. Thus, most equine... Full Story

Vets Form Equine Health and Welfare Alliance - February 07, 2010
A group of equine veterinarians have formed the Equine Health and Welfare Alliance (EHWA), which will be “dedicated to the proper care and maintenance of the horse and all equines,” according to a release. “The mission of the... Full Story

Current Joint Therapies in Equine Veterinary Practice - February 06, 2010
The results of a veterinarian survey on joint therapies were summarized by Dora Ferris, DVM, a staff veterinarian in Colorado State University's Orthopaedic Research Center, at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention,... Full Story

Racetrack Offers Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta $5 Million - February 06, 2010
Calling it "one of the most important moments at Oaklawn and in Arkansas sports," Oaklawn Park president Charles J. Cella has upped the purse of the April 3 Apple Blossom Handicap to $5 million provided champions Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta... Full Story

Thoroughbred Trainer Suspended Three Years - February 06, 2010
The Nebraska Racing Commission has suspended owner/trainer David C. Anderson for three years and fined him $4,000 as a result of positive tests for Class I drugs in two of his horses. According to the Omaha World-Herald, Anderson's two horses... Full Story

Treating Horses with Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells - February 05, 2010
Stem cell therapy has been used for soft tissue injuries, including stifle meniscal lesions following surgical debridement, and for treating tendon injuries. Bone marrow-derived stem cells are reported to achieve improved bone and cartilage effects as... Full Story

Texas Group Gains Custody of Seized Donkeys, Horses - February 05, 2010
Allegedly maltreated animals recently removed from a Texas ranch will be moving to new homes now that a Fannin County judge has put them in Habitat for Horses custody. Fannin County police and Habitat for Horses investigators removed nine allegedly... Full Story

New Equine Dentist Bill before Oklahoma House - February 05, 2010
A bill that would protect non-veterinarian equine dentists in Oklahoma from criminal prosecution advanced yesterday when that state's House of Representatives' Agriculture and Rural Development Committee approved the measure. Sponsored by... Full Story

MSPCA Overwhelmed by Surrendered Horses - February 05, 2010
Horse surrenders throughout New England have reached a critical point, said the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). Horse owners are battling the high costs of feed, hay, and stabling amidst a poor economy. The result... Full Story

TheHorse.com en Español: Entrenamiento de Primavera - February 05, 2010
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for more Spanish-language resources coming soon. Read this article in English.... Full Story

Revised Understanding Equine Nutrition: Forages (Book Excerpt) - February 05, 2010
Hay, the most common type of forage fed to horses, averages 28% to 38% crude fiber and has a DE level of about 1.95 to 2.5 Mcal per kg. (Cereal grains, by contrast, contain between 2% and 12% crude fiber and have a much higher DE, averaging 3.3% to 3.7%... Full Story

Horse Hoof Trimming Guidelines - February 04, 2010
One of the biggest troubles with discussing horse hoof trimming and balance is that when it comes to hoof balance, there isn't a set definition. This makes it challenging for everyone to achieve a balanced foot. At the 2009 American Association of... Full Story

New York Carriage Horse Welfare Under Scrutiny - February 04, 2010
Amendments to improve care for New York's hard-working carriage horses were reviewed at a Feb. 3 NYC Health Department public hearing. The NYC Administrative and Health Codes guide the health, safety, and well-being of the city's licensed... Full Story

EIA Reported in Belgium - February 04, 2010
Animal health authorities have reported a case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Belgium. The positive horse was found during an investigation into two horses from Romania that recently tested positive for EIA in Great Britain after a stopover in... Full Story

Central Kentucky Colostrum Banks in Need - February 04, 2010
The colostrum banks at both Rood & Riddle and Hagyard equine hospitals in Lexington are dangerously low and in dire need of donations as the foaling season gains speed, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Manager's Club announced in a statement. Both... Full Story

Virginia Tech Teaching Hospital Adds Podiatry Service - February 04, 2010
A full-time farrier, Travis Burns of Marshall, Va., has joined the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. Burns' arrival also brings the addition of equine podiatry services in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In... Full Story

Rutgers Equine Science Center Director Honored - February 04, 2010
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture's Equine Advisory Board has named Karyn Malinowski, PhD, director of the Equine Science Center at the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Horseperson of the Year. Malinowski was presented with... Full Story

General Anesthetics in Horses: Inhalants and Injectables - February 03, 2010
The basic strategies for general anesthesia in horses--gas (inhalant) versus injectable (intravenous) medication--might soon be sharing and/or trading places on the popularity scale, according to Ann Wagner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVA, ACVP, professor of veterinary... Full Story

EquiRab Rabies Vaccine Effective in Study - February 03, 2010
Rabies is one of those diseases you want to avoid at all costs--it's rapidly progressive, fatal, and can be transmitted from your horse (or any other infected animal) to you. While vaccines are available for horses, no data was published on their... Full Story

New Treatment for Equine Osteoarthritis Investigated - February 03, 2010
David Frisbie, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, of Colorado State University, spoke to a large audience at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention, held Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nev., about treating joint disease with a novel formulation... Full Story

Texas Filly Shot, Information Reward Offered - February 03, 2010
Law enforcement authorities in Parker County, Texas, hope the offer of a $10,700 cash reward will result in the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the shooting death of a young Quarter Horse last month. On Jan. 24 ranch hands discovered... Full Story

Donated Stallion Service Raises Funds for Equine Guelph - February 03, 2010
A donated breeding to Mister Big, a Standardbred sensation, raised $6,500 for Equine Guelph, the horse owners' and care givers' non-profit education center at the University of Guelph. The breeding was donated by the horse's owner, Joe Muscara... Full Story

Thoroughbred Owner Ejected from Track, Investigation Continues - February 03, 2010
Thoroughbred owner Michael Gill, ejected from Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course Feb. 2 by order of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, said he has no intention of backing away from an announcement he's leaving the business because... Full Story

Severe Laminitis in Horses: Modified Surgical Treatment - February 02, 2010
When a horse has a severe case of laminitis with marked instability of the coffin bone, cutting the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is a treatment that veterinarians often recommend. This surgical procedure is commonly done halfway down the back of... Full Story

Eye Removal Surgery Recovery Reviewed - February 02, 2010
Horses recover from general anesthesia following removal of an eye (enucleation) equally well as horses recovering from other types of surgeries, reported veterinarians and surgeons from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center during a... Full Story

Charges Filed in Ohio Arabian Cruelty Case - February 02, 2010
An Ohio woman faces multiple animal cruelty charges after county animal welfare authorities removed 31 allegedly malnourished Arabian horses from her property. Last week animal welfare authorities from the Humane Society of Ottawa County discovered... Full Story

Reward Offered in Texas Horse Shooting - February 02, 2010
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting a horse near Weatherford, Texas. Reports indicate... Full Story

Racehorse Adoption: New Vocations Places 330-Plus in 2009 - February 02, 2010
New Vocations racehorse adoption program placed more than 330 retired racehorses into new homes and careers during 2009. The program, which has facilities in Lexington, Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee, has adopted more than 3,000 retirees into carefully... Full Story

Horse Hay Prices Shared by Readers - February 02, 2010
More than 1,570 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How much are you paying for small square bales of hay?" Results were as follows: $3-5.99: 47.08% (741) $6-8.99:... Full Story

Tampa Bay Backstretch Worker Dies in Horse Accident - February 02, 2010
An exercise rider and backstretch worker died Feb. 1 after a horse fell on top of him while exercising at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Robert Shields, 60, died after one of the horses got spooked and... Full Story

Lower Palmar Digital Nerve Blocks: Concerns in Horses - February 01, 2010
When a horse becomes lame, one of the first things a veterinarian will do is perform nerve blocks on the affected limb(s) to identify the location of the pain. However, several recent studies have focused on whether these nerve blocks really block the... Full Story

Single-Dose WNV Booster Effective for Pregnant Mares - February 01, 2010
When we only had one vaccine for West Nile virus (WNV) in horses, vaccination was quite simple. Then when different types of vaccines came along, the waters got a little muddier, especially for pregnant mares in which breeders feared risking not one,... Full Story

More Equine Piroplasmosis Cases Reported - February 01, 2010
Animal health authorities have discovered more cases of equine piroplasmosis, including 13 positive horses tested as part of a routine racetrack screening program in New Mexico, and one horse in Texas that was a cohort of a positive trace-out from an... Full Story

Local Analgesia Aids Castration Pain Control - February 01, 2010
Adding a local analgesic to the systemic pain medications used during castration relieved pain in colts, researchers recently reported. The researchers observed three groups of 12 colts. All of the horses received pain medication before and after... Full Story

Arabian Horses Removed from Ohio Farm - February 01, 2010
More than 30 allegedly malnourished Arabian horses are receiving rehabilitative care after officials removed them from a farm in Oak Harbor, Ohio. On Friday, Animal welfare authorities from the Humane Society of Ottawa County discovered 37 animals... Full Story

San Diego Police Horses Up for Auction - February 01, 2010
Seven San Diego police horses will be sold in an online auction after their unit was disbanded in December, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. San Diego Police Assistant Chief Bob Kanaski said the seven horses, which range in age from 9 to 12... Full Story

Evolution of Critical Care in Private Equine Practice - January 31, 2010
There have been marked changes in the level of equine critical care, noted Fairfield Bain, DVM, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVP, ACVECC, at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention, held in Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nev. These changes,... Full Story

British Vets Encourage Responsible Anthelmintic Use - January 31, 2010
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) recently launched a campaign to remind veterinarians to use anthelmintics in grazing animals, such as horses, responsibly. The campaign, which includes a poster that outlines the Do's and Don'ts in... Full Story

Broodmare C-Section: Subsequent Fertility and Foaling Rates (AAEP 2009) - January 30, 2010
Cesarean sections, or C-sections, are performed on approximately 15%-25% of pregnant mares admitted to equine hospitals for dystocia (difficult or abnormal labor or delivery). C-sections are also performed as elective procedures or in cases where underlying... Full Story

Jockeys Speak Out Against Owner's Thoroughbred Breakdowns - January 30, 2010
The horses of Thoroughbred owner Michael Gill entered for the Feb. 3 race card at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course will be permitted to start unless the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission steps in with immediate action, a spokesman for... Full Story

Nevada Wild Horse Roundup Deaths - January 30, 2010
Wild-horse advocates have criticized federal land managers after the deaths of 26 mustangs so far in a government roundup on the range north of Reno, Nev., up from nine deaths a week ago. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Friday Jan. 29 reported... Full Story

Texas Man Accused of Abusing Four Horses - January 30, 2010
A man in southeast Houston, Texas, is accused of abusing four horses, one of which died before it could be euthanized by the Houston Humane Society, according to kvue.com. A video of the horses--including the one that dies--is heart-wrenching. It... Full Story

Colic in Horses: General Review - January 29, 2010
Among the species of domestic livestock, the horse is the animal that most commonly suffers from colic. Colic is a general term indicating abdominal pain. The anatomy of the horse's digestive tract, how the tract works, and the management practices... Full Story

Haiti Animal Relief Coalition Working with Government - January 29, 2010
The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) team is meeting with officials from the Haitian government, as well as international agencies such as the United Nations, to define the country's most pressing animal-related problems. They are also identifying... Full Story

Radiographic Abnormalities in Young Quarter Horses Common, AAEP 2009 - January 29, 2010
A high prevalence of radiographic abnormalities exist in the joints of yearling and 2-year-old Quarter Horses, but the clinical significance of these changes is not yet known, according to Erin K. Contino, MS, of the Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research... Full Story

Lawsonia Infection in Foals: No Negative Effect as Adults (AAEP 2009) - January 29, 2010
Horses that recover from Lawsonia intracellularis infections cost less as yearlings than their siblings, but they race just as well, reported Michele L. Frazer, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. Frazer presented... Full Story

Horse Haulers Urged to Follow Commercial Driver Texting Ban - January 29, 2010
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Jan. 26 issued a nationwide ban on texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. "We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe,"... Full Story

Louisville Horse Breeders' Seminar Postponed Due to Weather - January 29, 2010
The University of Kentucky Equine Initiative and the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association are partnering for a third year to bring Kentucky horse owners and breeders an educational seminar. The Kentucky Quarter Horse Association's third annual Breeders'... Full Story

Pregnant Mare Exercise: No Negative Effect on Fetuses in Study - January 28, 2010
It's human nature to do everything to protect an unborn baby--even an equine baby. And humans that we are, some of us tend to think that means we should keep a broodmare's physical efforts down to a minimum. But new research is showing that even... Full Story

Painkillers and Gastric Ulcers in Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 28, 2010
If you've ever given the common oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone (Bute) to a horse, you've probably been warned that it can cause stomach (gastric) ulcers if you give too much or give it for too long. Thus, there's... Full Story

Vet Interviews, AAEP Tradeshow Videos Available Online - January 28, 2010
Did you miss the AAEP Convention this year? Fear not; you can still hear from some of the speakers and tradeshow representatives without trekking to Vegas! News Editor Erin Ryder interviewed the presenters of some of the topics most relevant for... Full Story

31 Horses Seized, Oregon Rancher Faces Charges - January 28, 2010
An Oregon woman is facing multiple animal cruelty charges following the removal of 31 allegedly neglected horses from her property last week. Linn County Sheriff's Deputies and animal rescue agency volunteers removed the animals from the Cross-Tie... Full Story

German Competition Horse Medication Policies Revised - January 28, 2010
Getting away with doping in equestrian events is about to become even harder for equestrians practicing in a country recognized worldwide for its horsemanship. The German Equestrian Sports Federation (FN) has announced new regulations to control... Full Story

Last Chance! Horse Industry Survey Closes Soon - January 28, 2010
Tell the editors of horse magazines and Web sites what equine industry issues matter most to you by participating in the American Horse Publications survey. The survey deadline was recently pushed back to Jan. 31, 2010. The AHP's member publications,... Full Story

Haiti Veterinary and Animal Outreach Update - January 27, 2010
Lloyd Brown with Wildlife Rescue of Dade County deployed to Haiti as part of the Humane Society International (HSI) field assessment team. He is a long-time responder with various animal disaster groups both nationally and internationally. With his military... Full Story

New Equine Herpesvirus Treatment Option Studied, AAEP 2009 - January 27, 2010
The typical veterinarian's arsenal against equine herpesvirus includes vaccination to prevent the disease and supportive care/antiviral medication when the disease strikes. However, one more weapon might eventually be added to that list, somewhere... Full Story

Improve Regional Limb Perfusion of Antibiotics in Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 27, 2010
The equine lower limb can be a notoriously difficult part of the horse to treat with systemic antibiotics, mainly because the limited blood supply in this area makes it tough to deliver enough antibiotic to be effective. One option for getting a lot... Full Story

UK Bill to Revise Animal Health Oversight - January 27, 2010
Legislators in the United Kingdom have proposed major changes in animal health, including a new governmental body. The bill was introduced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn. Other measures in the draft Animal Health Bill, which was drawn up following... Full Story

Racehorse Kip Deville 'Doing Great' in Laminitis Fight - January 27, 2010
Kip Deville, who has been battling life-threatening laminitis for several months, continues to show significant improvement at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., and his connections remain cautiously optimistic. "He is doing... Full Story

Sepsis Treatment in Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 26, 2010
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in which the whole body is in an inflammatory state due to the presence of a known or suspect bacterial infection. The evolution and future of sepsis treatment in the horse was described by Pamela... Full Story

Common Castration Complications (AAEP 2009) - January 26, 2010
Complications associated with equine castrations occur commonly and should be indentified and treated properly in the field, relayed Liberty M. Getman, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. She presented "Review... Full Story

Mexican Donkey Welfare Aided by UK Sanctuary - January 26, 2010
A Donkey Sanctuary mobile unit working in Mexico recently met two working animals that contribute to their owners' lives in very different ways. The Donkey Sanctuary has been working in Mexico City and the surrounding areas since 1984 and is... Full Story

Kentucky Horse Owners Urged to Prepare for Winter Storm - January 26, 2010
Kentucky livestock producers and other animal owners have been urged to prepare for a severe winter storm that is expected to strike the Commonwealth near the end of the week. "Kentucky has been slammed by severe winter weather many times in... Full Story

Horse Trust Takes in Retired Police Horse - January 26, 2010
The Horse Trust has reopened the doors of its sanctuary, thanks to an increase in donations from the public. The first horse to benefit from this is Weller, a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) horse who has retired to the sanctuary after 14 years of service. In... Full Story

Track Bans Owner's Horses Pending Necropsy Review - January 26, 2010
Horses entered in the name of Michael Gill, North America's leading owner by races won and purses earned in 2009, will not be accepted for entry at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Chris McErlean, vice president of racing for track... Full Story

Cortisol Levels and Colic Survival in Horses (AAEP 2009) - January 25, 2010
Cortisol, which is often termed the "stress hormone" because its levels rise in response to stress in horses and other species, might offer veterinarians another tool for assessing and developing prognoses for horses with colic. At the 2009... Full Story

Vets Join Haiti Animal Relief Coalition - January 25, 2010
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Veterinary Medical Foundation have joined a coalition of other animal health and welfare groups to help address the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti following the January 12... Full Story

Dressage Star Blue Hors Matine Euthanized - January 25, 2010
Dressage mare Blue Hors Matine, whose dressage freestyle at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen became an Internet video sensation, was euthanized today after breaking a leg in a paddock accident, Horse and Hound reported. The 13-year-old Dutch... Full Story

Humane Society Group Arrives in Haiti - January 25, 2010
After arriving in Haiti Thursday evening, a team of veterinarians has begun to assess animal needs and is offering hands-on assistance to animals affected by the earthquake. The group represents Humane Society International, The Humane Society of the... Full Story

Jail Sentence for California Horse Cruelty Family - January 25, 2010
The California family convicted on multiple animal cruelty charges connected to the removal of 100 horses from their Frazier Park ranch will serve jail time and are prohibited from owning horses for five years. Jane Bor, her son Ernie, and daughter-in-law... Full Story

Lameness in Racehorses, AAEP 2009 - January 24, 2010
When a racehorse is injured, one of the biggest concerns an owner has is whether or not the animal will be able to race again. The owner also wants to know if the horse will be able to perform as well as it did prior to being hurt. Travis Tull, DVM,... Full Story

Improving Peritonitis Treatment in Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 24, 2010
"Prompt and aggressive treatment of peritonitis is often essential in horses," began Olivier M. Lepage, DMV, PhD, Dipl. ECVS, from the University of Lyon in France, at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec.... Full Story

Alberta Wild Horse Shooting Arrests Made - January 24, 2010
Law enforcement authorities have arrested two men and a 13-year-old boy in connection with the shooting of a pregnant mare near Sundre, Alberta, last year. Jason Nixon, 29, and Earl Anderson, 40, both from the Sundre area, have been charged with... Full Story

Painkillers and Analgesics in Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 23, 2010
"In the last few years, there has been a large increase in awareness of treating pain in horses; many practitioners want to know how to do it better," began Nora Matthews, DVM, Dipl. ACVA, professor of anesthesia at Texas A&M University.... Full Story

Removing Incisor Teeth in Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 23, 2010
On occasion, certain dental problems in horses might call for removal of one or more permanent incisor teeth. At the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nev., the procedure for extracting equine incisor... Full Story

NC State Vet School Prepares First Responders - January 23, 2010
Most people can picture the first responders who come to the rescue in the wake of a natural disaster. But who provides emergency help for the dogs, cats and, horses that people love? And who takes care of the cows, poultry, and hogs that form the backbone... Full Story

Changes in Equine Surgical and Postoperative Care, AAEP 2009 - January 22, 2010
Just 20 years ago, overall equine survival of surgical colic hovered at 39-48% due to anesthetic complications and breakdown of surgical incisions. Recent overall survival rates range from 55-95%, dependent on timely intervention and clinician/hospital... Full Story

Ohio Track Offers Help for Horses at Risk - January 22, 2010
Cincinnati's River Downs Race Track has established a "surrender stall" program for horse owners who can no longer care for their animals. The program was established in response to the removal of six allegedly malnourished horses from... Full Story

DMSO Doesn't Help Gastric Aspects of Endotoxemia, AAEP 2009 - January 22, 2010
Endotoxemia, or the presence of microbe-derived toxins in the bloodstream, is "one of the most severe and ubiquitous disease processes in horses," noted Gal Kelmer, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, ECVS, lecturer in equine surgery at The Hebrew University... Full Story

World Equestrian Games Travel Tips - January 22, 2010
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The competition is held every four years, and the 2010 edition, coming to Lexington,... Full Story

Cold Weather Horse Care Precautions Shared - January 22, 2010
More than 1,270 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What do you do to help your horse cope with below-normal temperatures?" Results were as follows: Providing shelter (barn,... Full Story

New FEI Drug Regulation Web Site Launched - January 22, 2010
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has launched a new Web site dedicated to its ongoing Clean Sport Campaign. The Web site contains information about the regulations that the FEI is implementing this year to combat doping... Full Story

Equine Influenza PCR Assay Available in Kentucky - January 22, 2010
The Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (LDDC) at the University of Kentucky now offers a molecular diagnostic assay to detect the H3N8 equine influenza virus (also known as type 2 equine influenza virus) in clinical specimens. Currently only the H3N8... Full Story

Horse Owner Profiles Help TheHorse.com Better Serve You - January 22, 2010
An expanded Profile section on TheHorse.com will help us better serve our users and allow you to better manage your communications from TheHorse.com. Registration on TheHorse.com is FREE and opens access to many features. You can read any of our... Full Story

Horse Vets Say: Hold the Persimmons, Please (AAEP 2009) - January 21, 2010
Persimmons are bright orange tropical fruits that are claimed to have many health benefits in humans, from helping prevent cancer to arresting the hiccups. However, they have a dark side--they can form hard "concretions," or fiber masses, in... Full Story

Mare Aborts Full Sister to Barbaro - January 21, 2010
One day after Barbaro's brother Lentenor broke his maiden in impressive fashion, farm managers reported that La Ville Rouge, the dam of both horses, aborted her 2010 foal. The foal, which was aborted Dec. 24, 2009, had been sired by Dynaformer... Full Story

Great Britain EIA: 50 Horses Exposed - January 21, 2010
Fifty horses were exposed to equine infectious anemia (EIA) at a stable in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. All horses on the infected premises appeared clinically normal but will be tested at 30-day intervals for up to 90 days. The two positive mares, which... Full Story

Freeze Stops European Atypical Myopathy Reports - January 21, 2010
The largest outbreak of equine atypical myopathy in Europe has ended with freezing winter temperatures, with a record number of 371 reported cases, according to a group of researchers in Belgium. Atypical myopathy (AM) causes severe generalized weakness... Full Story

Barbaro Brother Lentenor Breaks Maiden - January 21, 2010
Lentenor, a full brother to ill-fated 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, broke his maiden impressively on the turf Jan. 20 at Gulfstream Park. Making his third start and first as a 3-year-old, Lentenor went off as the even-money favorite in the... Full Story

ASPCA Awards Nearly $550,000 in Equine Grants in 2009 - January 21, 2010
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) awarded $546,789 in the form of 164 equine grants to rescue groups and humane organizations across the country in 2009, according to its just-released year-end report. Grants were... Full Story

Send Horse Reproduction, Lameness, Skin Questions to AAEP - January 21, 2010
Veterinarians will provide horse owners with timely, accurate information on reproduction, lameness, and equine skin conditions through the American Association of Equine Practitioners' online "Ask the Vet" discussion tool. Horse owners... Full Story

Listen Up: Horses Demonstrate Auditory Laterality - January 20, 2010
A neighborly neigh is processed in a different way than other whinnies, meaning that horses have brain side preferences for sounds, according to a new study by French researchers. The phenomenon, known as "auditory laterality," has previously... Full Story

EIA: British Horse Owners Advised Not to Panic - January 20, 2010
The British Horse Society is urging horse owners not to panic after two horses in Wiltshire, England, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), also called "swamp fever." Equine infectious anemia is an untreatable disease of horses,... Full Story

Mobile Vet Clinic to Aid Haiti Animal Relief Efforts - January 20, 2010
The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) will be able to utilize a mobile veterinary clinic from by the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society. The United Animal Nations recently provided an update on ARCH progress. A field team based in the Dominican... Full Story

Second Surgery Possible for Shot Massachusetts Horse - January 20, 2010
"Picaro," the horse from Spencer, Mass., brought last week to the Cummings School's Hospital for Large Animals at Tufts University with gunshot wounds, will undergo additional testing and a possible second surgery today. A surgery on... Full Story

Man Accused of Hanging Horse to Plead Not Guilty - January 20, 2010
A man accused of starving and then hanging a 27-year-old Appaloosa plans to plead not guilty at his next court appearance Jan. 25, at which time a trial date will also be set. David Whiffin of Vancouver Island faces charges of killing cattle, causing... Full Story

New Horse Owner Education Available Via KHC - January 20, 2010
The Kentucky Horse Council is no stranger to educating new horse owners. In 2009 they released a DVD, HorseSmarts: Essential Advice for Today's Horse Owner. The 60-minute video, which was shown on KET last summer and fall, includes information on... Full Story

Immunology of Foals: Environmental Effects on Immune Maturation - January 20, 2010
Newborn foals can be susceptible to many viral and bacterial infections. One example is the unique susceptibility of young foals to Rhodococcus equi, a common cause of bronchopneumonia. Foals' increased susceptibility appears to be due to their... Full Story

EIA Reported in Great Britain - January 19, 2010
Animal health authorities have confirmed two cases of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Wiltshire, England. The two horses were recently imported from Romania via Belgium, noted a statement from the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs... Full Story

Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti Adds New Members - January 19, 2010
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, a coalition created to address the needs of animals in Haiti following the country's devastating earthquake, and has pledged an... Full Story

Rachel Alexandra Named Horse of the Year - January 19, 2010
In one of the most highly anticipated announcements in Thoroughbred racing history, Rachel Alexandra was named 2009 Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards Jan. 18 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The announcement was made just before 10:30 p.m. EST by Alex... Full Story

Nebraska Mustang Cruelty Sentencing Set - January 19, 2010
Jason Meduna, the former Nebraska training ranch operator convicted on multiple felony animal cruelty counts involving the maltreatment of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs, will appear in Morrill County District Court on Feb. 23 for sentencing. Meduna... Full Story

Rabies Vaccinations: An Equine Care Basic - January 19, 2010
According to a recent report issued by the Kentucky State Veterinarian's office, the number of reported cases of rabies rose from 45 in 2008 to 46 in 2009. However, the number of cases has doubled in the last five years. Two of the confirmed... Full Story

BEVA Silent Auction Aids Working Equids - January 19, 2010
The British Equine Veterinary Association Trust, the charitable arm of BEVA, is offering some fabulous opportunities and unique prizes in its silent auction to raise money for its work to improve not only the wellbeing of some of the 100 million working... Full Story

Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Injuries Reviewed - January 18, 2010
Studies at both the molecular and cellular level are needed to better determine how tendon injuries occur, said a group of researchers in the United Kingdom. Only then can appropriate treatment and preventive measures be developed. "Some tendons... Full Story

Nebraska Mustang Trainer Guilty on Cruelty Charges - January 18, 2010
The former operator of a Nebraska training ranch for Bureau of Land Management mustangs has been found guilty on 145 of the 149 felony animal cruelty charges against him. Jason Meduna was charged with 149 counts of class 4 felony animal abandonment... Full Story

Eventing Risk Management Plan Unveiled by FEI - January 18, 2010
A new worldwide Eventing Risk Management Policy and Action Plan aimed at reducing cross-country horse falls was launched at the third annual FEI Safety meeting in Malmö, Sweden, Jan. 17. Based on a six-year statistical study of the sport, the plan... Full Story

Free 2010 Equine Seminar Series in Kentucky - January 18, 2010
The 2010 Universitiy of Kentucky's Department of Veterinary Science Equine Diagnostic and Research Seminar series kicks off Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. with a presentation by the University of Pennsylvania's Sue McDonnell, PhD, Certified Applied Animal... Full Story

Rescue Horses Receive Free Vaccines; Apply Now for 2010 - January 18, 2010
More than 2,500 horses received vaccinations through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC). Established in December 2008, the UHVRC is now accepting applications for 2010. "It is wonderful to see larger organizations that haven't... Full Story

Horse of the Year, Eclipse Awards Tonight - January 18, 2010
One of the most competitive races for Horse of the Year honors in recent memory will conclude tonight, Monday, Jan. 18, with announcement of whether it is Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta, two females who dominated American racing in 2009. The Horse... Full Story

Semen Centrifugation Speeds Examined in Study - January 17, 2010
Theriogenologists typically recommend low centrifugation speeds for separating equine semen from seminal plasma in ejaculate, as it was unknown whether higher speeds would damage the cells. However, higher forces did not damage sperm in a new study. "There... Full Story

Zenyatta to Run in 2010 - January 17, 2010
After conferring with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, a decision has been made to run the champion mare Zenyatta in 2010 rather than breed her, trainer John Shirreffs said Jan. 16. The undefeated Zenyatta, a finalist for 2009 Horse of the Year, had been... Full Story

QuarterFest Tickets on Sale Now - January 17, 2010
The popular American Quarter Horse party known as QuarterFest is returning to Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 2010, and tickets are now on sale. The Tennessee Miller Coliseum at Middle Tennessee State University will host QuarterFest April 30-May 2. QuarterFest... Full Story

Readers Fight the Freezing Temperatures - January 17, 2010
Exactly 1,000 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What problems are you facing with this week's below-normal temperatures?" Results were as follows: Icy conditions in... Full Story

Breeding: Best Mare Management Practices - January 16, 2010
Breeding season for horses usually occurs in the spring. This makes winter a good time for breeders to plan for the upcoming season. Although people have many reasons for breeding a horse, there are some important factors that all breeders should consider... Full Story

Santa Anita Raising Money For Quake Victims - January 16, 2010
As news of the devastating earthquake, which struck the Caribbean island nation of Haiti on Jan. 12, continues to unfold, the Santa Anita jockeys' colony and Santa Anita Park have joined forces to send aid via the American Red Cross. "We... Full Story

Massachusetts Horse Recovering from Gunshot Wound - January 16, 2010
A horse brought to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University yesterday (Jan. 14) from Spencer, Mass. with gunshot wounds has undergone emergency surgery to manage bone and soft-tissue injuries to the head, veterinarians said. On... Full Story

Prepurchase Exam of the Western Performance Horse, AAEP 2009 - January 15, 2010
"Certain concepts apply to any horse in any discipline being evaluated for a prepurchase exam," commented Kent Carter, DVM, MS, as he addressed the topic Purchase Exam of the Western Performance Horse at the 2009 American Association of Equine... Full Story

Reward Increased for Information on Mustang Shootings - January 15, 2010
The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the shooting deaths of six wild horses rose to $12,500 this week, when the Humane Society of the United States added $2,500 to the existing $10,000 reward offered... Full Story

Updated: Haiti Veterinary Outreach Efforts in Progress - January 15, 2010
Veterinary and agriculture groups are organizing a response effort in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince. Christian Veterinary Mission has served in Haiti since the early 1980s and has set up a dedicated... Full Story

Pennsylvania Police Horse Recovering; Donations Needed - January 15, 2010
Duke is the most popular and longest-serving police horse on the Lancaster City, Pa., police force. While he is expected to make a full recovery from colic surgery performed at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, the mounted police... Full Story

Weed of the Month: Common Dandelion - January 15, 2010
Common name: Common dandelion Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale Weber Life Cycle: Perennial Origin: Europe Poisonous: No Dandelion is widespread across North America and is a commonly occurring plant in all types of pastures and turf.... Full Story

Additional Endorsements of National Welfare Code of Practice - January 15, 2010
The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Endurance Ride Conference, the American Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have recently endorsed... Full Story

WSU Horse Eye Care Available at Eastern Washington Satellite - January 15, 2010
It is not unusual for horses to develop an eye problem, be it from an infection, injury, or cancer. While many veterinarians treat eye issues, there are some that can turn into serious problems and may need advanced eye care. These can include non-healing... Full Story

Lameness Problems in Gaited Horses, AAEP 2009 - January 14, 2010
About 75 veterinarians gathered to discuss common lameness problems faced by gaited horses during the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention. Foot lameness was the first topic of discussion, especially the high heel/low... Full Story

EVA Discussed at Veterinary Convention - January 14, 2010
An engaging Table Topic discussion on Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) was held at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. Approximately 40 equine practitioners attended the discussion, which touched on some current... Full Story

Horse Rescue Groups: Take Unwanted Horse Survey - January 14, 2010
The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) has released an online survey intended for the operators of horse rescue, retirement, adoption, and rehabilitation facilities. The UHC hopes to find out what these organizations need to survive in today's economy... Full Story

Fake Vet Sentenced to Two Years in Prison - January 14, 2010
A British man who claimed to be a veterinarian and doctor has been sentenced to two years in prison, Horse and Hound reported. Russell Lewis Oakes registered as a vet in the UK after buying a fake degree certificate on the Internet. Authorities investigated... Full Story

TheHorse.com Facebook Gathers 3,000 Fans - January 14, 2010
Social media is an important part of the way horse owners, trainers, managers, veterinarians, and others connect today. TheHorse.com's Facebook page has broken the 3,000 friend barrier, illustrating our success in trying to be where our users want... Full Story

Dead Donkeys, Horses Found; Texas Rancher Faces Charges - January 13, 2010
A Texas man remains in jail following his arrest on animal cruelty charges for allegedly maltreating donkeys and horses on his property. Acting on a complaint on Sunday, Fannin County Sherriff's Office and Habitat for Horses investigators discovered... Full Story

Prudent Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - January 13, 2010
Equine veterinarians commonly prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for horses to treat a myriad of diseases, including colic, respiratory disease, and lameness. NSAIDs are also very common in human medicine, and they include such... Full Story

Equine Environmental Impact Study to Include UK Faculty Member - January 13, 2010
Jill Stowe, PhD, assistant director in the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics, will participate in a USDA education project, along with Cooperative Extension agents and university faculty across the region. The five-year... Full Story

Revised Understanding Equine Hoof Care Book Available - January 13, 2010
New material about hoof maintenance, shoes and boots, and diagnostics has been added to the revised edition of Heather Smith Thomas' Understanding Equine Hoof Care, now available from Eclipse Press. This handy reference covers a wide array of... Full Story

Kentucky Horse Council Modifies Mission - January 13, 2010
The Kentucky Horse Council said Jan. 12 it has modified its mission statement to offer a "more accurate reflection" of how its role in the equine community has evolved. The KHC board of directors recently adopted the new mission statement,... Full Story

Prepurchase Exams: History, Important Considerations (AAEP 2009) - January 12, 2010
For more than 150 years veterinarians have been performing prepurchase exams, also referred to as vetting, purchase exams, and soundness exams. The definition of "sound" in England in 1842 implied "an absence of disease or seeds of... Full Story

Horse Hauler Caution Advised at Icy Intersections - January 12, 2010
Have you noticed that some traffic signals are looking a little different these days? What you're seeing is the effort to save money and energy. Cities across the United States are replacing their incandescent traffic lights with energy-efficient... Full Story

Thoroughbred Rankings Revised, Zenyatta Still Tops Rachel - January 12, 2010
It was revealed at the World Thoroughbred Rankings press conference in London, England on Jan. 12 that Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, instead of being fourth and fifth, respectively, in the final global standings for 2009, should really be third and... Full Story

Zenyatta Above Rachel in World Thoroughbred Rankings - January 12, 2010
Zenyatta has received another boost. The 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic winner was rated one pound ahead of Rachel Alexandra in the World Thoroughbred Rankings, comprising horses that raced worldwide last year and achieved a rating of 115 or more. But... Full Story

Cornell Vet Researchers Investigate Atrial Fibrillation - January 12, 2010
When Sophy Jesty was 20 years old and an animal science major at Cornell, she met N. Sydney Moise, DVM, MS, Dipl ACVIM (internal medicine, cardiology), now professor of medicine and chief of the section of cardiology at Cornell's College of Veterinary... Full Story

Winter Barn Preparation Starts Before the Freeze - January 11, 2010
Horse owners need to make plans to protect the animals from a possible deadly combination of extreme cold and rain, said Louisiana State University AgCenter equine agent Howard J. Cormier, MS "Weak adults and newborn colts can't survive... Full Story

Nebraska Mustang Ranch Trial Starts - January 11, 2010
The former operator of a Nebraska training ranch for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs went on trial in Morrill County District Court today for allegedly maltreating more than 100 animals. Last April Morrill County law enforcement authorities... Full Story

Guide to Rehabilitating Neglected Horses Available - January 11, 2010
Want to rehabilitate a neglected horse but don't know where to start? A new brochure from the American Horse Council might help. The new brochure, done in partnership with AHC sponsors Nutrena, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, and the... Full Story

Angel Acres Accredited as Global Sanctuary - January 11, 2010
Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue has become the second equine rescue and sanctuary accredited to the standards of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate... Full Story

Jockey Apologizes for Mounted Fight - January 11, 2010
Jockey Eriluis Vaz, one of two riders involved in a mounted fight during Philadelphia Park's fifth race Jan. 8, has issued a public apology for what he terms "bad judgment" as he awaits a hearing before the stewards along with fellow rider... Full Story

Stolen Pinto Mare Found - January 11, 2010
Blue, a 5-year-old Pinto mare reported stolen in Iredell County, N.C., has been located and returned to her owners, CharlotteObserver.com reported. A woman who purchased the mare for $60 alerted police after she saw a local television broadcast about... Full Story

Pasture-Associated Laminitis Prevention Explored - January 10, 2010
The medication levothyroxine sodium appears to protect horses against endotoxemia-induced insulin resistance, reported a group of top U.S. researchers and equine internists. "Previous studies have demonstrated that endotoxemia results in a transient... Full Story

Zenyatta Still Retired, Owners, Trainer Say - January 10, 2010
When Zenyatta worked a half-mile in :48 Jan. 6 at Hollywood Park, speculation continued that she may race again. The more mundane explanation revolved around cold weather in Kentucky and an injured exercise rider. "Steve Willard (Zenyatta's... Full Story

Pinto Mare Reported Stolen in North Carolina - January 10, 2010
Blue, a 5-year-Pinto mare, is missing and presumed stolen. On Dec. 29, 2009, her owners watered and fed the horses before dark and left them for the night. The next morning they discovered that Blue was missing, leaving the Daltons and their grandson,... Full Story