Nancy S. Loving, DVM
Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colo., and has a special interest in managing the care of sport horses. Her recent book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care (available at www.exclusivelyequine.com or by calling 800/582-5604). She has also authored the books Go the Distance as a resource for endurance horse owners, Conformation and Performance, and First Aid for Horse and Rider in addition to many veterinary articles for both horse owner and professional audiences.
Articles by Nancy Loving
Endurance Race Requires Peak Condition
March 17, 2005
The World Championship 100-mile endurance race was held Jan. 27, 2005, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The race fielded 175 horses, with flags of 41 participating countries flying proudly over the Dubai Endurance Village, a facility built Read More
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis and Colic
September 01, 2004
Q: I have a 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who is HYPP N/H positive. This horse is very gassy and tends to colic once a month, which causes a minor HYPP attack. I have tried everything, from changing his diet (no grain) to jus Read More
Diseases of Dietary Origin
March 01, 2004
The axiom, "You are what you eat" does have relevance to horses with regard to health and well-being. Although horses have evolved to eat plant material, not all plants are safe to eat. Some food substances directly exert toxic effects, while Read More
Post-Surgical Care
March 01, 2004
"Your horse is ready to be released to your care at home." These words bring relief that the surgery is past and your horse is ready to return to the farm. But then, you have an anxious moment wondering how to manage a post-operative situation. Read More
Surviving Colic
November 01, 2003
In decades past, colic treatment was actually a misnomer. "Treatment" consisted of waiting out the colic while offering sedative-like drugs to dampen a horse's misery. Either his body healed of its own accord, or he succumbed to death from Read More
Focusing on the Flu
September 01, 2003
Equine influenza can strike a horse regardless of time of year. Competitive horses which attend events where other horses are congregated or horses which live in large boarding barns are particularly at risk. Not every horse which contracts a Read More
Heat Stress in Horses
July 01, 2003
Beneath your helmet, your head feels hot and sweat drips off your face as you ride. Your horse's neck is soaked, and your reins are slippery and lathered. The more you call for an effort from your horse, the more sluggish he seems. Despite movin Read More
Limb Deformities: Congenital or Acquired?
July 01, 2003
As the foal takes his initial stance, a proud owner takes stock to see how straight and strong the youngster's legs are. Many foals are born with seemingly crooked legs (congenital). Most of these crooked legs straighten by the time the foal is Read More
Navicular Syndrome/Heel Pain
April 01, 2003
In most cases of navicular disease, the condition affects both front feet with lameness as described previously. Horses most at risk are those with certain heritable conformation features such as upright pasterns and small foot size relative to body Read More
Providing Care for Your Senior Horse
August 01, 2002
Not all that long ago, a horse in his teens was considered old. Today in many undeveloped countries, this is still considered to be the case. But in the sophisticated horse world, what is considered "old?" We consider a horse to be "aged" when h Read More
Ridding Sand From the Diet
May 01, 2002
In specific regions of the United States, one of the most commonly encountered forms of colic is "sand colic." This is not solely a problem in geographic areas with obviously sandy environments. Anywhere there is sand, decomposed granite, or Read More
Purchase Exam: What Does It Do For You?
March 01, 2002
Purchasing a horse means embarking on an exciting adventure. It is a big step along a path of realizing equestrian dreams and goals, no matter how small or large these might be. A new horse becomes part of your family and a distinctive part of Read More
Handle Medications Safely
July 01, 2001
Many equine caregivers are giving medications to their horses this time of year for breeding, seasonal training, and competition. Often we take for granted the handling of commonly used substances, with never a thought as to adverse effects on Read More
Hair Loss in Horses
April 01, 2001
Tracking down the reason for skin disorders often becomes an exercise in sleuthing. One important element to consider is whether or not your horse is itching and rubbing out the hair, or if the hair is simply missing because of a disease or immune pr Read More
