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Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Sports Medicine > Pain Management/Injury


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Topical NSAID Permeation Across Horse Skin Investigated
Veterinarians in Argentina recently tried to use versions of the topical NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) diclofenac made for human pain management on horses, but found horses' skin does not absorb those formulations of the drug as well as human skin does. M. Fabiana Landoni, DVM, PhD, of the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, and colleagues, ... Read full story
 11/20/2009
USEF Medication Group Proposes Further Restriction of NSAIDs
The U.S. Equestrian Federation's Drugs and Medications Committee has reviewed a motion to further restrict the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in horses at USEF licensed competitions. The group put forth a rule change proposal that will be considered at the USEF Annual Meeting in January. Under the current USEF rules, ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
Cautions When Administering Medications
Be familiar with medication side effects and drug interactions before administering therapeutic agents to your horse. Likely lingering in our equine first aid kit, barn and tack room cabinets, or in the horse trailer is an assortment of medications, in bottles, syringes, and tubs, awaiting the next "incident" that might unfold with our ... Read full story
 11/1/2009
Managing Horses' Postoperative Pain   *
Whether a horse is on the operating table for colic or a broken bone, pain management after surgery is critical. In recent years research has clearly shown that making horses as comfortable and pain-free as possible postoperatively leads to shorter hospital stays and better healing. Despite leaping strides in the field of veterinary anesthesia over ... Read full story
 10/21/2009
Anesthetic Drug Propofol Might have a Role in Equine Sedation  *
Many medical procedures are performed while the horse is under standing chemical restraint, but anesthesia in horses can be risky. One study cites an almost 2% mortality rate for equine patients within seven days of receiving general anesthesia. "It may be especially difficult to correctly dose sedative drugs in very old or debilitated patients. ... Read full story
 10/6/2009
Condition Horses to Prevent Lameness  *
An athlete's body is trained to handle an amazing amount of work and stress. From runners to swimmers, all athletes train to handle the specific stress their sport requires. Unfortunately, it is still not uncommon for these athletes to injure themselves performing the very actions they trained for. This is also true of a horse's body. Many horses ... Read full story
 10/2/2009
Paralyzed Foal Recovering after Surgery, Therapy   *
A once-paralyzed foal is now up and running about with the help of an equine "walker" following a groundbreaking surgery to remove a cyst from the spinal cord, according to the treating veterinarians in Belgium. The Boulonnais draft horse filly, "Vittel," underwent surgical laminectomy of the L2/L3 vertebrae at one month old on July 3, one week after ... Read full story
 8/25/2009
New Equine Pain Scoring System Could Provide Quicker, More Effective Intervention  *
A new stall-side pain scoring system for horses could help veterinarians better determine the need for analgesics in lame horses, according to Kirsten Wegner, DVM, Dipl. ACVA (veterinary anesthesiology), an assistant professor of anesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. In order to properly manage pain in lame horses, veterinarians ... Read full story
 8/8/2009
Horse Hock Health
The hock is one of the most complex and hardest-worked joints in the horse's body, so it must be strong and sturdy to avoid injury. Much of what we ask our horses to do, whether high-performance dressage, reining, jumping, or simply going up and down hills on trail rides, requires strong and well-functioning hocks. In this article we'll examine hock ... Read full story
 8/1/2009
Pain of Branding, Microchip Insertion Compared in New Study   *
It is significantly more painful for a horse to be branded with a hot iron than it is to receive a microchip transponder for identification purposes, researchers concluded in a new study. They also found pain from hot branding lasts for at least one week. There is some debate about how best to identify horses, with many supporters claiming that branding ... Read full story
 7/14/2009
Firocoxib Dose for Navicular Pain and Osteoarthritis Established  *
When it comes to pain management in horses, the words "osteoarthritis" and "phenylbutazone" seem to work in tandem. But not all veterinarians are sold on the routine use of this drug in horses. Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic properties. Unfortunately, it also has known ... Read full story
 7/8/2009
Keeping Weekend Warrior Horses Fit  *
Horses that are mainly ridden on weekends require special care and training to avoid injury. Some humans do it all the time: Pack a week's worth of activity into a weekend with pickup basketball games, long hikes, or marathon sessions at the gym. And while most people expect to pay for their exercise spurt with achy muscles, stiff joints, and risk ... Read full story
 7/1/2009
Hock Problems and Age  *
Horses can suffer hock problems at any age. Scott McClure, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Iowa State University, points out that some horses develop juvenile spavin as foals. "This may have to do with how mature the bones were when the horse was born," he explains. Stress of weight ... Read full story
 7/1/2009
Kester News Hour, AAEP 2008   *
Every year equine veterinarians flock to the Kester News Hour session at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention for reports on research that are too brief or new to be included in the scientific program. For the past two years, the fast-paced news broadcast format has been anchored by three renowned equine experts: Scott ... Read full story
 6/10/2009
Rehabilitating Muscle
Q: My horse has a severe laceration involving the biceps femoris and semitendinosis muscles (along the back of the hindquarter). He is 17 and in very good shape, training Prix St. Georges. We were able to suture the site and the incision is healing nicely. My question is on rehabilitation. What would be the best avenue to take to prevent too much scar ... Read full story
 6/1/2009
Horse Owner Survey Shows NSAID Use Trends   *
In a recent survey, 96% of respondents said they used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control the joint pain and inflammation in horses, and 82% administer them without always consulting their veterinarian. More than 1,400 horse owners and trainers were surveyed to better understand attitudes toward NSAIDs, in a project sponsored by ... Read full story
 4/30/2009
Researchers Call for Standards, Testing of Protective Boots  *
Many horses sport leg protection while working or during turnout. Some horse owners also use "support" boots, which are designed to lessen the strain on their horses' lower-limb tendons and ligaments. But David Marlin, BSc (Hons.), PhD, says some boots might be doing little to protect your horse's legs and could even be causing them harm. Marlin, ... Read full story
 4/27/2009
Stem Cell Therapy Effective for Tendonitis in Cornell Study   *
Horses faced with career-ending tendon injuries might possess the power to heal themselves. According to Alan J. Nixon, BVSc, MS, Dipl. ACVS, and colleagues from Cornell University, veterinarians might be able to effectively treat horses with injuries to their superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) by injecting stem cells directly into the injured ... Read full story
 4/25/2009
AAEP 2008: Are Drugs Effective for Acute Laminitis?   *
At the 2008 AAEP Convention, which was held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Bill Moyer, DVM, professor of sports medicine and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, presented a variety of considerations on the state of medical treatment for laminitis. He ... Read full story
 3/18/2009
AAEP 2008: Emergency Veterinary Care at Horse Shows   *
Most horse show emergencies are able to be cared for on-site, but if a crisis develops, the horse should be stabilized and transported to a full-care facility, according to Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. He presented during the in-depth session on emergency care at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners ... Read full story
 3/4/2009
Study: Topical NSAID for Osteoarthritis Safe and Effective   *
Move over, Bute. In a new independent study, researchers at Colorado State University's Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center concluded that diclofenac liposomal cream (1% diclofenac sodium, trade name Surpass) is safer and more effective than phenylbutazone for treating discomfort associated with osteoarthritis in horses. Phenylbutazone, ... Read full story
 2/26/2009
New for Veterinarians and Equine Professionals  *
A year-round guide to what's available for assisting veterinary professionals--from novel gadgets to emerging therapies. Whether he's in the clinic or on the road, your vet tends to everyone's needs but his own. Good thing there are groups working to make his life easier. Here's a month-by-month look at conveniences for veterinary professionals. ... Read full story
 2/1/2009
Managing Joint Health  *
Tips for year-round joint health and management. No Joint, No Horse. Should this be the new motto for 21st century horses? Joint injury, joint disease secondary to trauma or injury, and osteoarthritis (OA) are major causes of attrition and loss of function in horses. As a result, joint health in pleasure and athletic horses is an omnipresent topic. ... Read full story
 1/1/2009
Firocoxib Safety and Efficacy Trial Completed in 429 Horses  *
In a recently completed 429-horse trial, researchers reinforced the effectiveness and safety profile of Equioxx (firocoxib), the first equine oral, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to be approved in more than 20 years. "This research helps prove the benefits of Equioxx, and it also demonstrates the commitment to continued research for ... Read full story
 12/9/2008
Ride Along at the FEI World Endurance Championship   *
The first-ever FEI World Endurance Championship in Malaysia was held Nov. 7-8 in Terengganu. Meg Sleeper, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, and her horse, Syrocco Reveille, competed on the team representing the United States. While the competition didn't work out as the squad had hoped, her journal entries provide an inside look at what it takes to transport and ... Read full story
 11/21/2008
FEI Forms Commission on Medication and Doping  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body of international equestrian sport, today announced the creation of a commission on medication and doping chaired by Arne Ljungqvist, MD, PhD, chairman of the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission (IOC) and vice president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Commission ... Read full story
 11/20/2008
Exercise's Effects Vary by Tendon Type  *
Researchers from the United Kingdom recently embarked on an 18-month exercise study to determine why the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is more prone to injury than the various other tendons located in the distal (lower) part of the limb. The group found significant changes in the composition of the SDFT in horses that were in high-intensity ... Read full story
 11/18/2008
Beware Bute's Adverse Effects, Researchers Recommend  *
Phenylbutazone, or Bute, is an anti-inflammatory drug widely administered long-term for the management of painful musculoskeletal injuries, navicular syndrome, and osteoarthritis. While it is widely known that Bute can cause serious adverse events such as gastric ulcers or kidney dysfunction, most horse people believe adverse reactions to be rare and, ... Read full story
 11/12/2008
Equine Pain Management: Readers Share Their Tools  *
More than 1,350 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What do you use for pain management?" Results were as follows: Phenylbutazone (Bute) 85.33% (1,175) Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) 53.38% (735) Anti-inflammatory herbs 17.79% (245) Alternative treatments 14.52% (200) Other 10.31% (142) 1% Diclofenac sodium ... Read full story
 10/24/2008
Joint Injections: Pros and Cons  *
Joint injections can safely localize lameness or medicate a joint, but occasionally they can cause complications, too. Equine veterinarians recommend and perform joint injections for a variety of reasons. The two most common are 1) to anesthetize or "block" a joint to assist in lameness localization, and 2) to administer medications directly into ... Read full story
 9/1/2008
U.S. Rider, Vet Unsure of Source of Olympic Drug Positive  *
Following a routine drug test on August 19 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, Mythilus, a U.S. dressage horse, ridden by Courtney King-Dye, was found to have tested positive for Felbinac. Felbinac is considered a class A prohibited substance by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Felbinac is usually applied topically for the relief of ... Read full story
 8/28/2008
Olympic Medication Update: 'B' Samples Positive, U.S. Rider also Involved  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has received confirmation that the four 'B' samples in the cases involving the presence of the banned substance capsaicin have all yielded positive test results. This confirms the initial positive findings from the 'A' samples. This involves: Bernardo Alves of Brazil, riding Chupa Chup Christian ... Read full story
 8/27/2008
Understanding the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program  *
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The USEF is responsible for enforcing the rules of 27 breeds and disciplines. Formerly this organization was known as the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA). The name may have changed, but the mission ... Read full story
 7/17/2008
Managing Navicular Pain
Q: My horse was diagnosed with navicular syndrome about five years ago. He was put on isoxsuprine and half a gram of Bute twice a day, and we changed his shoeing regimen. He has been sound since, and he remains sound, as long as he gets the Bute and is trimmed on a regular basis. He is now 19 years old. He occasionally becomes lame when the ground ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
Understanding and Preventing Catastrophic Injuries  *
Following the euthanasia of filly Eight Belles, who suffered catastrophic injuries to both front legs a quarter mile after finishing second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, members of every sector of the Thoroughbred industry have banded together to proactively address safety and welfare issues. In this article, representative members of the equine industry ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
On the Mend: Chelokee's Prognosis Good  *
Larry Bramlage, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, who in mid May said grade III winner Chelokee's chances of survival were at 60-40 after the colt dislocated his right front ankle, is now talking about the colt being released from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington within weeks. "Chelokee is doing great," said Bramlage of the colt, who sustained his injuries ... Read full story
 6/28/2008
Michigan State Opens Equine Back Pain Clinic  *
"Oh, my aching back!" It's a complaint heard worldwide and one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work. So, it's not hard to imagine what a horse with back pain might feel like. Unfortunately, very few veterinarians are equipped to comprehensively diagnose and treat back pain in horses. In mid-June, Michigan State University's ... Read full story
 6/9/2008
Sound Choices  *
Many equine therapy devices are available, but which ones work? Keeping your horse in action or getting him sound and back into battle: twin goals of just about everyone who works with competition horses or who spends a chunk of time playing with their pleasure horses. Consequently, an entire industry of physical therapy devices has emerged, promising ... Read full story
 6/1/2008
Neck Problems in Sport Horses  *
Remember the last time you rolled out of bed in the morning feeling like you must have slept with your neck contorted like a noodle? The lingering stiffness lasts all day, making simple things like dressing and driving a pain. Now, imagine you're a horse with neck pain--consider how uncomfortable it would be to move in a frame, on the bit, to flex ... Read full story
 5/11/2008
Readers Respond: Take the Pain Away  *
Nearly 1,200 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What concerns do you have about short- and long-term pain management in horses?" Results were as follows (multiple selections were allowed): Side effects, such as ulcers: 84.17% (989) Effectiveness (or lack thereof): 63.66% (748) Positive drug tests: 8.60% (101) ... Read full story
 5/7/2008
Learning with Florida Vets  *
More than 170 equine practitioners from Florida gathered in the Bahamas to hear the latest on reproduction and sports medicine Ahhh, the Caribbean life ... toes in the sand, margarita in hand, and ocean water warm as a bath and clear as an aquamarine. Throw in a bunch of veterinarians and researchers discussing equine reproduction and lameness and ... Read full story
 5/1/2008
Surpass vs. Bute for Arthritis  *
Osteoarthritis medications were a hot topic at the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla., with four presentations on various medications during one half-day session alone. In particular, David Frisbie, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Colorado State ... Read full story
 3/31/2008
Intravenous Lidocaine for Controlling Pain and Inflammation  *
Intravenous (IV) lidocaine is one systemic way to manage pain and inflammation, and it also has been used to improve intestinal motility in colic cases. Its use has been a fairly hot topic of late, so Margaret Mudge, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVECC, assistant professor of equine emergency and critical care at The Ohio State University, reviewed its properties ... Read full story
 3/23/2008
Detecting Latent Back Pain in Horses  *
Even if they can't tell you where it hurts, horses with back pain will soon be able to benefit from Scottish and Austrian research focusing on the long muscles of the equine back. In the article, which is slated for an upcoming edition of The Veterinary Journal, researchers reported that electromyography (EMG) readings on the longissimus dorsi muscles ... Read full story
 3/19/2008
Pain Medications for Horses   *
Managing pain in horses is important for a lot of reasons: There are humane benefits in addition to medical ones, such as maintenance of weight, shorter hospital stays, and lower total patient bills. At the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla., Nora Matthews, DVM, Dipl. ACVA (anesthesiology specialist), ... Read full story
 3/11/2008
2007 Morris Animal Foundation Equine Research Wrap-Up  *
The results of equine research funded by the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) in 2007 added to scientists' understanding of foal pneumonia, hereditary muscle disorders, laminitis, and pharmacology. Summaries of MAF-funded equine studies completed in 2007 are listed below. The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will fund about 120 animal health ... Read full story
 12/14/2007
Laminitis Pain Might Originate from Different Source  *
Scottish researchers have discovered that neuropathic pain--damage to the sensory neurons innervating the foot--might play an import role in the chronic pain experienced by laminitic horses. This finding could explain why horses with laminitis often do not respond to conventional analgesics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ... Read full story
 11/27/2007
Focus on Lameness  *
See what veterinarians and owners learned during the AAEP's late summer meeting on lameness. Want to know what veterinarians talk about when they get together? This year it was lameness. Late each summer the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) hosts a seminar focusing on one particular aspect of equine health. The 2007 AAEP Focus ... Read full story
 11/1/2007
Detecting Pain  *
Recent studies have shown that horses are far more stoic than we had imagined. On the scale of pain tolerance, they are much higher than people. For example, the thrashing colicky horse often needs surgery, and after surgery, pain is very difficult to detect. For years veterinarians have walked by hospitalized horses after colic surgery and figured ... Read full story
 9/1/2007
A Look Inside: Veterinary Internists Meet in Seattle  *
Veterinary internists met June 6-9 in Seattle, Wash., for the 25th Forum of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) to discuss the latest research on the internal workings of horses and other animals. Summarized below are some of the highlights for horse owners: Pain Management in Horses Debra Sellon, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ... Read full story
 7/23/2007
New NSAID: First COX-2 Inhibitor for Horses Approved by FDA  *
A new option in equine pain relief marks progress in the development of safer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for horses. Firocoxib (trade name Equioxx), manufactured by Merial, is the first equine NSAID specifically targeting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme to be approved by the FDA, and it is the first new equine NSAID option for ... Read full story
 7/5/2007
NSAID Options: New Pain Reliever for Horses Released  *
Equioxx (firocoxib), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for use in horses, is now available from Merial. Equioxx is delivered as a paste (similar to paste dewormer) and is FDA-approved for treating joint pain in horses. Equioxx was approved by the FDA after field trials demonstrated its ability to relieve joint pain and inflammation associated ... Read full story
 6/22/2007
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)  *
We keep them in our barns, give them to our animals, and take them ourselves. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common, but they aren't benign. In this article we'll investigate what NSAIDs are and aren't, and what we should know when treating our horses. Some things are best described by stating what they aren't. In the case of non-steroidal ... Read full story
 4/1/2007
NSAIDs and Pregnancy
Q: A mare I am planning to breed had shoulder surgery almost two years ago (part of her scapula was removed due to a fracture). Although she healed well, she recently slipped and reinjured the shoulder. She's on Bute twice a day. I have read that Banamine is safer for pregnant mares than Bute. Should I consult with my veterinarian about switching her ... Read full story
 12/1/2006
Corticosteroids: Short- and Long-Term Effects  *
Of the medications available in the arsenal of anti-inflammatory therapies, there is one type that has caused considerable debate. This is the class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Present naturally to some degree in all animals, corticosteroids are normally produced by the adrenal glands. Their natural actions protect the body against a variety ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
The Straight Dope  *
Is post-event drug testing becoming too sensitive, netting too many innocent violators? Are drug withdrawal guidelines for therapeutic medications too unreliable to be useful? Or are policies and tests being fine-tuned in a sensible manner in order to weed out the cheaters and increase odds of a fair and level playing field? As with so many other controversial ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
NSAIDs: Not All They're 'Stacked' Up To Be  *
Bute and Banamine are two of the most common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the market, and they easily accessible to nearly every horse owner. They can be the first line of defense in emergency cases such as colic, and phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine) are frequently stacked (given together) by owners, trainers, ... Read full story
 9/1/2006
Could This be Back Pain?
My mare appears to be in pain particularly in the withers, shoulder, and stomach areas. She used to round her back, but has since stopped. She squeals when she is touched. She has been checked for ovary problems, bladder problems, lameness, and her blood test came back normal. Is it possible that she has a pinched nerve? Is there anything else I can ... Read full story
 8/1/2006
The Equine Back: Conformation and Injuries  *
Horses have been carrying burdens on their backs since man discovered that he could cover more ground faster while riding a horse as opposed to striding along on his own two legs. Man also discovered that it was far less strenuous to pack a load on a horse's back rather than on his own. The horse's spinal column starts at the poll and ... Read full story
 7/1/2006
New Perspectives on the Pain Drain  *
Most veterinarians stock the drawers in their mobile units so that the easiest containers to reach when they open the drug compartments are the pain medications. Whether the situation is an emergency call to tend a horse that has acute abdominal pain, or an elective call for a horse that is an enthusiastic athlete with an ongoing lameness problem, ... Read full story
 6/1/2006
Kentucky Issues Advisory on Naproxen Use  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has recommended horsemen discontinue the use of naproxen at least five days before a horse is scheduled to run to avoid facing a penalty if the horse tests positive for the drug on race day. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a potent pain reliever. The drug is often prescribed for lameness, ... Read full story
 4/20/2006
Broken Legs Aren't Death   *
Looking at a horse's delicate limbs, it's a wonder that those bones can put up with any sort of pressure at all. Equine bones are very tough, but fractures still happen. When they do, even the most stoic of horse owners can feel desperate. But a fracture doesn't necessarily mean the death of a loyal companion or promising athlete. Orthopedic techniques ... Read full story
 1/1/2006
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Chronic Back Pain   *
University of Florida (UF) researchers have reported success with using electroacupuncture to alleviate chronic back pain in horses. The study was published in a recent edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Chronic back pain in horses is common and debilitating, and is therefore an important condition economically ... Read full story
 11/1/2005
Shock Wave Therapy for Pain Relief and Healing  *
Take a lame horse, inject him with stem cells or cells from a pig's bladder lining, zap him with extracorporeal shock waves, and what do you get? That's just one of several research projects involving extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) that are underway or have been recently completed. Following are reports of some recent research using ESWT ... Read full story
 11/1/2005
Dreams Can Come True  *
Soñador is Spanish for "dreamer," the title of a movie opening this month that sounds like a natural fit for horse lovers. According to information from DreamWorks, Dreamer's writer/producer John Gatins grew up loving racehorses, and wondering why horses that broke their legs couldn't be saved. Then came the moving, true-life story of Mariah's Storm, ... Read full story
 10/1/2005
No Added Benefits from Higher Bute Dosage   *
Higher dosages of phenylbutazone (Bute) don't make chronically lame horses any sounder than standard doses, according to a study in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Thus, giving a lame horse extra Bute gives no benefit, costs more, and carries a higher risk of toxicity and/or gastrointestinal problems. Ronald ... Read full story
 6/1/2005
Arthritis in the Performance Horse  *
Arthritis causes considerable pain in your horse, and understanding the disease cycle is necessary in order to prevent further damage from occurring. "One-third of all lameness is due to arthritis or soft tissue trauma," said Rhonda Rathgeber, DVM, PhD, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. She spoke at an educational event held April ... Read full story
 5/31/2005
Stem Cell Treatments Successful on Tendon Injuries  *
Mr Cool's victory in the Stanleybet Long Distance Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park Racecourse, England, on Saturday, May 7 was noteworthy due to pioneering tendon treatment he had received. After the 11-year-old suffered a tendon injury in March of 2004, part-owner Nick Mills approached Britain's VetCell BioScience Ltd., which, in partnership with ... Read full story
 5/16/2005
Athletic Taping of the Lower Limb  *
Athletic taping is commonly used in human sports medicine to begin a physical therapy program; it stabilizes injured soft tissues and helps prevent further injury. Years of experience in the use of athletic taping as well as scientific research supports its use in humans. Unfortunately, there is little research available to support athletic taping ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
Assess Heel Lacerations Early for Best Recovery  *
"A simple heel bulb laceration may look like a regular 'nothing' cut, but it could be life-threatening if it's in the coffin joint, so you need to get it evaluated right away," said Robin M. Dabareiner, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, while describing a study she completed recently with colleagues at Texas A&M University (TAMU) College of Veterinary Medicine. ... Read full story
 4/26/2005
COX-2 Selective Drugs Considered Safe for Horses  *
Following the release of human clinical trial data demonstrating the link between pain-relieving medications known as COX-2 inhibitors and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a public health advisory recommending limited use of the drugs. The advisory, which also covers various non-steroidal ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
BEVA Shares Education  *
The United Kingdom is famous for its rich history and deeply rooted traditions, but that doesn't mean its veterinarians are bound to ancient methods of equine medicine. Quite the contrary, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) hosts one of the world's most in-depth, cutting-edge continuing education meetings every year--the BEVA Congress. ... Read full story
 2/1/2005
USEF Permits Use of Surpass   *
Effective Dec. 1, 2004, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Rule permitted the therapeutic use of Surpass, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory product (NSAID) recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in horses. This is a topical preparation of 1% diclofenac cream from IDEXX Pharmaceuticals. ... Read full story
 1/1/2005
Bute, Colitis, and Ulcers   *
On a blazing Idaho day, the 4-year-old Arab gelding Khalil showed signs of colic. Owner Patty Katucki made an emergency call to the nearby Idaho Equine Veterinary Hospital in Nampa. Upon the veterinarian's arrival, he gave Khalil Banamine and tubed him. Since the horse's heart rate dropped from 60 to 48 in response to the Banamine, he seemed to be ... Read full story
 1/1/2005
NC State Veterinary Researchers Discover New Adverse Effects Associated With Systemic NSAID Use in Horses  *
RALEIGH, N.C., November 19, 2004—Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the cornerstone of treatment for many painful conditions in horses, including arthritis, laminitis, and colic. Although these drugs are an important component of therapy for these disease syndromes, overuse and misuse of NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal injury, ... Read full story
 11/24/2004
Managing Skeletal Pain  *
"Management of severe skeletal pain in the horse can be a challenging task in practice, and is complicated by the fact that many drugs used for this purpose are controlled substances," said Jessica Kidd, BA, DVM, CertES(Orth), DipECVS, MRCVS, of the University of Cambridge, in her presentation at the 43rd annual British Equine Veterinary Association ... Read full story
 10/21/2004
Warm Springwater Immersion   *
Immersion of the body in natural springwater has been studied extensively in humans and dogs for its healing effects. The theory behind immersion is its ability to temporarily suppress the sympathetic nervous system (SNS, the part of the nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response) and enhance the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS, ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
Understanding Equine Pain   *
Would you know if your horse was in pain? "Sure," you think, perhaps picturing your horse with a notable limp or a gaping wound. But what about less dramatic scenarios? Does it hurt your horse when you pull his mane, give him an injection, or have him freeze branded? Would you know if he had internal discomfort or a low-level, nagging ache? What signs ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
Dissolving the Stain of Pain  *
The presence and degree of pain an animal experiences is meant to be beneficial. Pain signals actual or impending body damage, and may help prevent further damage by initiating movement away from the cause or by limiting use of injured areas during healing. Pain associated with acute injury typically has an identifiable cause and can be relieved by ... Read full story
 7/15/2004
Topical Osteoarthritis Treatment Now Available  *
The FDA recently approved SURPASS, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be applied to the skin over a horse's joint to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. The drug is the first topical equine pharmaceutical formulation of diclofenac that uses liposome technology--allowing medication to be absorbed straight to the site of the joint ... Read full story
 7/1/2004
New Topical Osteoarthritis Treatment Available  *
The FDA recently approved a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be applied to the skin over a horse's joint to relieve pain of osteoarthritis. The approval represents the first topical equine pharmaceutical formulation of a compound called diclofenac that uses liposome technology--which allows medication to be absorbed straight ... Read full story
 6/2/2004
Joint Injections: A Good Idea?   *
If you've been around horses, particularly performance horses, for even a short while, you've probably met someone who's had a horse's joints injected. The procedure--which involves injecting medication directly into the joint to combat such problems as synovitis, osteoarthritis, and arthrosis--is now commonplace. Despite prominent use and continuing ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
Banamine Returns to the Market  *
Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that Banamine Injectable Solution, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for horses, is available again to treat inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders and colic. Production of the drug was halted in May 2002, when Schering-Plough signed a consent decree of permanent injunction ... Read full story
 4/23/2004
Relieving Rectal Pain in Mares   *
Roman Skarda, DrMedVet., PhD, professor in the Anesthesia Section of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, has studied techniques of epidural and spinal analgesia in horses for 20 years. For the past seven years, he has focused on acupuncture and alternative methods of analgesia, and is currently using an experimental ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
AAEP Wrap-Up: Foal Care  *
Failure of Passive Transfer When a newborn foal fails to obtain the antibodies he needs from his mother in his first hours of life, he can become very sick or even die from septicemia (body-wide infection). Quick identification of failure of passive transfer (FPT) is key to his survival, but the "gold standard" RID IgG test for FPT takes 18-24 ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
AAEP Wrap-Up: Surgery  *
Surgery for DDSP Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) occurs when the palate partially obstructs the airway by becoming displaced on top of the epiglottis. This can affect breathing, especially during intense exercise. Jennifer Smith, DVM, University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, discussed the combined effects of the surgeries ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Drug Interaction in Lame Horses  *
Whether it is in the Olympics, Major League Baseball, college football or horse racing, the use of multiple pain-relieving drugs to enhance performance is a major concern. Now, one University of Missouri-Columbia veterinarian is testing different combinations of non-steroidal, pain-killing drugs in horses to determine if their use actually enhances ... Read full story
 2/26/2004
AAEP 2003: Triage of Acute Racing Injuries  *
Thankfully not a large part of a racetrack veterinarian's job, severe injury of a racehorse nevertheless is one of the most visible and critical situations these practitioners must handle. Two experienced racetrack veterinarians, Mary Scollay, DVM, senior association veterinarian for Gulfstream Park and Calder Racecourses; and Celeste Kunz, VMD, chief ... Read full story
 2/3/2004
AAEP 2003: Alleviating Acute and Chronic Hind Limb Pain  *
"Musculoskeletal pain associated with acute and chronic hind limb injuries is common in equine practice," said Laurie Goodrich, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, of Cornell University, during her presentation at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners' convention. "Unabated pain can result in complications such as gastrointestinal disorders and supporting ... Read full story
 1/31/2004
New Treatment for Tendon and Ligament Injuries  *
A medical device derived from the lining of urinary bladders of specially bred pigs shows promise for healing equine tendon and ligament injuries, according to Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. Mitchell recently addressed a group of veterinarians at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., about the technology and his positive ... Read full story
 12/31/2003
Research Sets Standards for Studying Effects of Cold Therapies  *
Horse owners everywhere cold-hose or ice their horses' legs to help reduce inflammation, but there hasn’t been much agreement among researchers on its effects, or the success of various methods of cooling. However, a recent University of California-Davis (UC Davis) study determined that one type of cold therapy significantly reduced the temperature ... Read full story
 10/20/2003
Shock Wave Therapy for Horses  *
What is shock wave therapy? Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) focuses a highly concentrated, powerful acoustical (sound) energy source to a focal area. The shock waves induce increased activity of bone-producing cells and might also lead to increased circulation in the focal region. As a result, the focal area undergoes a more rapid healing ... Read full story
 9/1/2003
Five Saddlebreds Injected With Damaging Substance Under Treatment  *
The five American Saddlebreds that were injected with an unknown substance and suffered serious injuries as a result continue to recover at Double D Ranch in Versailles, Ky. Ric Redden, DVM, and founder of the International Equine Podiatry Center in Versailles, Ky., visited the horses Wednesday, July 2, further assessed their condition (Carol McLeod, ... Read full story
 7/4/2003
Five Saddlebreds Suffer Injuries After Mystery Injections  *
The Associated Press reports that five American Saddlebreds in Versailles, KY, including one former five-gaited world champion, suffered life-threatening injuries after their pasterns were injected with an unknown substance. COURTESY DOUG SHIFLET Wild Eyed and Wicked, owned by Joe and Sally Jackson, an 11-year-old gelding and former five-gaited ... Read full story
 7/3/2003
Ouch! That Hurts!  *
Pain. The Merriam-Webster electronic dictionary defines pain as 1: punishment; 2: usually localized physical suffering associated with bodily disorder (as a disease or an injury); also, a basic bodily sensation induced by a noxious stimulus, received by naked nerve endings, characterized by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
Understanding Back Pain   *
Since the beginning of his involvement with man, the horse has been used to either pull heavy loads or carry a rider or packs upon his back. Prior to the advent of the gasoline engine, a great many horses were bred for pulling strength and power. That all changed with mechanization. Although those horses still ply their trade in relatively limited ... Read full story
 11/1/2002
Racing Toward Injury  *
There seems to be little doubt that musculoskeletal injury--including injury to bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments--is a major problem for Thoroughbred racehorses. This impression has been borne out by studies of "wastage" in the racing industry, where wastage describes the losses that occur during the training and racing of a horse. In some studies, ... Read full story
 9/1/2002
Jump Landings and Tendon Strain  *
Lameness in show jumpers is often caused by forelimb tendon injury. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is most frequently injured, followed by the interosseus tendon (IT), and the accessory ligament (AL), while the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is rarely injured. Repetitive landings over high fences produce significant forces on these ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
Prolonged Bute Use Detrimental to Joints  *
Chronic use of phenylbutazone, or Bute, in horses with joint problems could be causing more problems than it's preventing. A recent study showed that Bute and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) might be detrimental to equine joint cartilage regeneration. The study was performed by scientists in The Ohio State University's ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
Combat Stiffness  *
Day after day, you battle with your horse to get the correct left bend. Or maybe the trouble comes when you ask him to pick up the right lead, push off his hind end, or stretch out into a longer stride. Instead of a willing response, all you get is resistance. You assume you're facing a training obstacle, and you try to push both of you on through ... Read full story
 4/1/2002
Prolonged Use of Bute Detrimental to Joint Cartilage  *
Chronic use of phenylbutazone, or Bute, in horses with joint problems could be causing more problems than it’s preventing. A recent study has shown that Bute and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) might be detrimental to joint cartilage regeneration in horses. The study was performed by Lisa Beluche, DVM; Alicia Bertone, DVM, ... Read full story
 3/18/2002
Ketoprofen Side Effects?
Q. I have a 9-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with caudal heel pain or possible navicular syndrome, and he is becoming more dependent on painkillers. The trouble with phenylbutazone (Bute) is that he is starting to have some gut ache and loss of appetite. So when I read your article on ketoprofen ("Drugs and Pain" in the March 1997 issue of The Horse, ... Read full story
 1/1/2002
Wisconsin Veterinary School Gets Anderson Sling  *
A newly purchased Anderson sling will provide improved support for horses recovering from neurological problems or surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Courtesy University of Wisconsin-Madison The new Anderson sling in use. Traditional slings concentrate support in the belly area. But horses with neurological ... Read full story
 12/27/2001
Phenylbutazone (Bute) Longevity
I was wondering how many days phenylbutazone (Bute) can stay in a horse's system? I have a horse which has to stay on this medication on a fairly constant basis. Carole If you mean how long is the drug effective at reducing inflammation or how long can it be detected in serum or urine, the answers are different. Also, dosage is a significant factor, ... Read full story
 11/1/2001
NSAIDs: Pain Relief or Pain in the Gut?   *
The demands of athletic activity can (and often do) take their toll on the horse's body, particularly the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. Sole bruising, tendon strains, sprained suspensory ligaments, arthritic joints, and sore backs, to name but a few, are common injuries in athletic horses. A process common to all of these ailments ... Read full story
 10/1/2001
Is He Really Lame?  *
You want your horse to be sound and stay sound. But calling the vet out for a thorough workup every time your horse stumbles or acts stiff can get costly, and waste your veterinarian's valuable time--especially if those problems turn out to be training troubles in disguise. On the other hand, leaving a sore horse untreated might exacerbate the current ... Read full story
 8/1/2001
Wrapping It Up  *
When is it appropriate to bandage a leg or wound? If it is appropriate, what is the best material to use? There is a growing variety of commercial bandaging material available to the horse owner and veterinarian; in one major tack store's catalogue there are 11 pages devoted entirely to bandaging material and "leg apparel." Much of what is used boils ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Bute and the Urinary Tract
Can you direct me to any information regarding the effect of phenylbutazone (Bute) on the urinary tract of a gelding, specifically symptoms and prognosis for full recovery? Peter Phenylbutazone works by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, the chemical byproducts of inflammation. Prostaglandins appear to have an influence on perfusion (blood ... Read full story
 4/1/2001
Back To Work--The Equine Spine  *
Think of your fondest memory of a time spent with a horse. Chances are you were going for a ride, enjoying the scenery and the companionship that exists between horse and human. It is no wonder that with the time we endeavor to spend on our horses' backs, we spend thousands of dollars each year to pamper them--gel pads, foam pads, air pads, saddles ... Read full story
 3/1/2001
Solving Equine Back Pain  *
A recent survey published in England revealed that 70% of all sport horses sustain at least one musculo-skeletal disorder in any training season. In the past few years, horse health professionals have expressed the need for better and more definitive ways to treat back soreness in horses and to be able to differentiate between lameness caused by injury ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
The Breaking Point--Catastrophic Injuries  *
Catastrophic injuries, involving the fracture of a bone, take a heavy toll on racehorses in training and in competition. Research through the years has given the veterinary surgeon additional tools and knowledge to deal with these life-threatening injuries, and the result has been a higher survival rate than was recorded in the past. To help make ... Read full story
 10/1/2000
What Causes Poor Exercise Performance?  *
A huge amount of time, effort, and money often are invested in the preparation of horses for various athletic events, including Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, three-day eventing, steeplechasing, dressage, hunter-jumper events, reining, cutting, and endurance racing, to mention but a few. Regardless of discipline, we expect that a well-trained ... Read full story
 9/1/2000
How Much Bute Is Too Much?
My veterinarian recently prescribed "Bute" when my gelding came up sore after an endurance ride. He advised a specific dosage, but I wonder if I could be helping my horse more by increasing the amount of Bute or giving it to him more often. Can I give him more without making him sick? Phenylbutazone, or "Bute" as it commonly is known, is a potent ... Read full story
 7/1/2000
Inflammation  *
Within every living cell (muscle, tendon, lung, bone, etc.), there is a biochemical and cellular time bomb waiting to go off—inflammation. However, it is to be noted that inflammation is a double-edged sword. More animals (and probably people) die from an inflammatory disease than all other disease processes combined, yet without an adequate inflammatory ... Read full story
 4/1/1999
When the Bone Breaks  *
They shoot horses, don't they? We all know about the rather depressing traditional "cure" for a horse with a broken leg. But there's good news--they "shoot" them a lot less often these days. The reason is that remarkable advances in equine fracture repair now mean that many horses which in years past could not have been saved, are not only recovering ... Read full story
 9/1/1997
Bandaging Basics  *
A common question among horse owners and veterinary students is: When is it appropriate to bandage a leg or wound and, if it is, what is the best material with which to bandage it? There is an ever-growing variety of commercial bandaging material available to the horse owner and veterinarian. In one of the 1997 editions of a major tack store's catalogue, ... Read full story
 6/1/1997
When Bones Collide  *
The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be. She doesn't move as easily as she once did; she doesn't jump fences or wheel around the paddock with the same grace and fluidity she had in her youth. On cold and rainy days, she comes out of her stall feeling positively creaky. She doesn't care for having her feet held up for long periods of time by ... Read full story
 3/1/1997
Drugs And Pain  *
When you feel stiff and sore, you can grit your teeth and work through the pain; or, you can depend on medication like aspirin, ibuprofen, or even a stronger analgesic. Like you, the horse suffers from joint inflammation and painful movement. Your horse relies on you to make the decision that determines his comfort level. Either he bears the pain, ... Read full story
 3/1/1997
Pain In Horses  *
Pain is defined as "a feeling of distress, suffering, or agony caused by stimulation of specialized nerve endings." The scientific term for the perception of pain is "nociception," with noci the Latin for "harm or injury." Pain and its control are one of the largest topics in medicine. A quick literature search on only one database going back to ... Read full story
 1/1/1997
Will Medicine Keep Your Horse Sound?  *
Degenerative joint disease is a common malady of the horse. It most frequently strikes the hocks, front fetlocks, and front navicular bones, and its consequences can be severe. In fact, degeneration of the joints is the most common reason for retirement of a horse from athletic use. What mechanisms underlie this joint erosion, and what can be done ... Read full story
 4/1/1996




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