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A brisk nip in the morning air, trees losing the last of their leaves, flocks of noisy geese flying south--these signs of an approaching winter can stir up a range [...]

You're probably familiar with the skin-pinch test for dehydration. It's simple to do: Grab a fold of skin at the point of your horse's shoulder and pull it away from [...]

Q: My daughter's 16-year-old Welsh pony has fairly recently become prone to choke. We've owned him for half his life and he never choked until this year. Now, however, it [...]

If you were to provide horse owners with scientifically sound advice on how to protect current and future generations of horses from parasites, while saving themselves money in the process, [...]

A horse's thick winter coat is difficult enough to keep clean, but the challenge is even greater when a heavy coat is also greasy. Greasy winter coats are most often [...]

It's fun to expand your horizons by taking your horse to shows and trail rides, but travel can increase his risk for digestive upset. Trailer rides, changes in routine and [...]

Vaccines are the best way to protect your horse from disease. Devastating conditions, such as tetanus and rabies, are entirely preventable with proper immunization, and even when a particular vaccine [...]

Q: I have a 16-year-old gelding who I adore and plan to keep until the end of his life. My past experiences with old horses have been that overall muscle [...]

Travels with your horse don't necessarily end when winter arrives. Whether you're headed to a clinic, show or trail head, there are plenty of reasons you may want to trailer [...]

Winter is flu season for people. Not only do we tend to gather indoors more during cold weather, which makes transmission of pathogens easier, but cold, dry conditions are thought [...]

Two horses with an unhealthy emotional attachment to each other present daily management challenges. If one or both of the duo get upset when they are separated, the vocalizations, pacing [...]

A return to easy trail riding after an idle winter probably doesn't require putting your horse in a formal conditioning program, but be careful to avoid overtaxing him, especially on [...]

With muddy spring footing comes the increased risk that horses will slip or even fall. You may not see the incident itself, but the damage done can often be a [...]

Airborne particles and ammonia fumes in your horse's stall are a concern, but so is the air quality in your indoor arena. A dusty indoor arena can be as harmful [...]

It may seem early to be thinking about blanketing your horses, but it's not. Now, while temperatures are still warm, is the time to pull your horse's winter gear out [...]

Q: Which of the following organs is not found in a horse's body? a. gall bladder b. appendix c. spleen d. pancreas For the answer, turn to page 14. POP [...]

With colder weather approaching, older horses with arthritis may begin to feel a bit 'creakier.' One of the best things you can do to manage their condition is to keep [...]

Q: Does pergolide protect a Cushing's horse from developing founder? We have an older pony who was diagnosed and started on the drug last fall. He seems to be responding [...]

The phrase 'supply chain issues' may not have meant much to you two years ago, but these days it seems like logistical hang-ups are affecting everything from building supplies to [...]

As an equine veterinarian, I rely on many resources to keep the horses in my practice healthy. From the drugs on my truck to consultations with my colleagues, I draw [...]

When your horse shows up at the gate with yet another cut or scrape, it's wise to tend to it right away to head off infection, aid healing and prevent [...]

If you've been anxiously waiting for a crack in your horse's hoof to grow out, you may need to be a little more patient in the months ahead. Hoof wall [...]

I gave my 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare the five-way vaccine, and she had no adverse reaction. But four weeks later, when I gave her the booster, she swelled up on [...]

It's easy to be casual about antibiotics. We've all taken them ourselves, they look like any other medication, and if you've had horses for any length of time, you are [...]

The article "UNEXPECTED EQUINE NOISES" in Equus discusses unusual sounds that horses may make, beyond the typical nicker, whinny, and snort. It explains that groans from a horse while rolling, stretching, or relieving itself are usually normal expressions of relief. However, if a horse groans when being mounted and shows signs of back pain, such as sinking lower or bucking, it may indicate a problem that requires veterinary attention. [Extracted from the article]

DEPARTMENTSCHILL DIET?Q: Which of the following can contribute to winter weight loss in horses?a. increased metabolic activityb. dental problemsc. change in routined. all of the aboveTurn to page 12 for the answer.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

The article "HOW TO HELP YOUR HORSE RECOVER FROM A TOUGH WORKOUT" in Equus magazine discusses the importance of allowing horses to move and stretch their muscles after intense physical activity to prevent soreness. It suggests turning the horse out in a paddock with a companion or taking a leisurely trail ride to help them recover. Additionally, it mentions the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for horses with underlying conditions like arthritis, but advises caution and consulting a veterinarian before administering medication. [Extracted from the article]

When planning an overnight trip with your horse, there's a lot to think about--from packing a first-aid kit to remembering any required health paperwork. You may also want to add [...]

Q: My 14-year-old mare is terrified of injections. She swings her hind end and stiffens her neck so the veterinarian can't get near. Our veterinarian suggested we desensitize her by [...]

The horse hair covering your jacket and truck seats is a clear sign that shedding season has finally arrived, so you can put away your body clippers and let nature [...]

When I arrive on a farm to investigate a lameness case, I often wish I had a Star Trek-like scan ner that I could wave over a horse to get [...]

Laminitis--the inflammation of the soft tissues of the hoof--is one disorder you hope to never see. Once the chain of events that leads to laminitis has been set in motion, [...]

Q: Is motion sickness common in puppies? We have an 8-monthold German Shepherd who is very prone to carsickness. We would like to take our puppy to horse shows and [...]

Q: Do dogs get sleep apnea? My dog snores loudly. It's so bad that he's not allowed to sleep in our room anymore. He is overweight, and I'm wondering if [...]

Q: My dog seems to have a very sensitive stomach. To put it bluntly, he vomits often--at least once a week. He doesn't otherwise seem sick or upset when it [...]

'Extruded' is a word you've no doubt seen on feed bags, but do you really know what it means? Choosing an extruded feed over pellets or other types of nugget [...]

There's no avoiding sweaty saddle pads when you ride in the summer. But 'hot' can turn into 'dangerously overheated' quickly if you don't make sure your horse can cope with [...]

Forget bluebirds and daffodils--a sure sign of spring around the barn is horse hair on everything. Don't just curse the layers of hair covering your saddle pads and truck seats, [...]

Winter can make any horsekeeping task more difficult, but freezing temperatures present unique challenges when it comes to caring for your horse's minor wounds. If you are faced with a [...]

Of all the things your horse could injure himself with, his blanket seems an unlikely candidate. But don't rule it out. Blanket mishaps do happen and they can be serious. [...]

A hot, sweaty, unclipped horse presents a challenge in the middle of winter. Once wet, a winter coat doesn't provide insulation, leaving a horse at risk of a chill. Your [...]

Q: I have a wonderful Paint/ Thoroughbred cross mare who's healthy and full of life. But there is the issue of her dirty udder! Savannah develops an oily, black crust [...]

Winter can be rough on your horse's skin. Moisture from rain and snow encourages bacteria and other pathogens to grow. And thick winter coats--plus layers of blankets--can allow conditions to [...]

Q: My dog bolts his food and I'm not sure why. He's an only dog so it's not like he needs to compete with others to get his meal. But [...]

Q: My 11-year-old Jack Russell terrier needs to have some dental work done. He otherwise is in good health but I'm scared of anesthesia at his age. Do the risks [...]

Q: How do I tell the difference between hearing loss and 'selective' hearing in my dog? My terrier isn't coming when I call these days, and I can't tell if [...]

Q: My Lab loves swimming in the drainage pond at the farm where I board my horse. Is there any reason I shouldn't allow this? He's smelly when he comes [...]

Q: How often do I need to trim my dog's nails? My Sheltie has one nail that often splits and sometimes even bleeds. It doesn't appear to cause her much [...]

MANAGEMENT The genetics of Anhidrosis Q: Can a horse inherit a susceptibility to anhidrosis? Have a question about your horse's health, care or training? But as an equine veterinarian advising a horse owner about how to use this information right away, these findings suggest that anhidrosis is heritable. Anhidrosis has a substantial impact on affected horses, so it really is a welfare concern that is to be avoided as much as possible. [Extracted from the article]

Q: When my horse is lame, I know to check his hooves for rocks and injury and feel his legs for heat and swelling. But I'm not sure what steps [...]