Friday 30 September 2016

All About ... Ringworm




What is it

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin which is highly contagious.  It can transfer to humans.


Signs

  • Tufts of raised hair - these may be circular 
  • Hair falls out about 10 days after infection 
  • Hair loss leaves moist lesions which may be spotted with blood 
  • May be scabs 
  • Itching

Sites are usually on the head, girth and shoulders.


Causes

Fungus is spread in many ways. 
  • Flies, mosquitoes or other biting insects 
  • Contaminated boots, clothing, grooming kit, tack, from a person 
  • Horse to horse, fences which have been rubbed by an infected horse, by a handler

 
 Diagnosis

Ringworm can look similar to rainscald and other skin conditions so it is important to be vigilant.  A skin scraping can be taken which will be examined under a microscope for the ringworm spores.  




Treatment

Horses are contagious for 3 weeks from time of infection.  Therefore it is vital to follow biosecurity measures to avoid spreading it further.  Isolation, do not share grooming brushes, tack, clothing etc.  Do not touch a healthy horse after touching an infected horse.  Do not turn out together.   

Once scabs and scurfy skin has been removed an anti-fungal solution can be applied - this may need to be reapplied several times.  All surfaces will need treating with an anti-fungal solution to totally eradicate the infection.

Horses with ringworm are not permitted to compete. 


Prevention

Isolate new horses for 2-3 weeks.  If you suspect ringworm on another horse isolate immediately and implement biosecurity (hygiene) measures.

Have you seen this week's video 'Big Autumn Clear Out ... Day 2'  on my You Tube channel.   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!
Jo

Thursday 29 September 2016

Happy Horse Pictures.




I needed cheering up today .... 

    












Works every time :)

Did you see yesterday's video yet 'Big Autumn Clear Out - Day 2'  on my You Tube channel.   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!
Jo

Monday 26 September 2016

The Breton


This small draught or carriage horse originates from Brittany in North-West France.  The breed has a unique appearance and great endurance due to the hard climate and poor quality grazing found in the area.  



History

The Breton has an excellent disposition and looks similar to the primitive Steppes horses.  The breed was used to produce half bred work horses which proved themselves very useful for farming.  They were also popular in the military during the middle ages due to their comfortable pace (part way between a brisk trot and an amble).  The Breton was then only about 14hh. For the same reason they were also popular as a riding horse. 

Throughout the centuries the Breton has been crossed with other breeds resulting in 3 types : 

  • The Postier is about 15hh and has a good, active trot as a result of Norfolk Trotter and Hackney blood in the 19th century.  Used for light farm work. 
  • The Corlay was influenced by Arab and Thoroughbred blood resulting in a lighter carriage or riding horse.  This type is rare.  
  • The Draught Breton stands about 16hh and is a result of the introduction of Percheron, Ardennais and Boulonnais blood.  Used for heavier farm work.


Characteristics

Height: Up to 16hh

Colour: Chestnut with flaxen mane and tail is the most common but also blue and red roan, bay and occasionally black.

Conformation:  Thick set.  Head is square and the forehead wide.  The nose can be dished and ears are relatively small.  Extremely strong neck and shoulders.  The back is short and wide and the quarters powerful.  Legs are strong with plenty of bone.

Temperament: Willing, kind and adaptable.

Used for riding and farm work.


Did you see last week's video 'Autumn has arrived' on my You Tube channel.  
Horse Life and Love. Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!
Jo

Friday 23 September 2016

All About ... RIngbone.



What is it

Ringbone is a bony swelling below the fetlock.   High ringbone is found near the pastern  joint, low ringbone near the coffin joint - which is often hidden by the hoof wall.  Ringbone can occur on the joint surface, where it is more painful or the joint capsule.  It is more common in the forelegs.




Signs

These vary depending on the type of ringbone. 

Initially:

  • Heat 
  • Swelling 
  • Pain on pressure 
  • Lameness
As the ringbone develops:
  • Bony swelling 
  • Pain when joint moved and limit to mobility


Causes
  • Conformational faults 
  • Injury 
  • Stress and strain 
  • Osteoarthritis 
  • Poor diet

Diagnosis

X-rays are used to diagnose ringbone in its later stages - the joint surfaces are no longer smooth when it is present.  However, in the early stages changes to the bone will be less obvious so flexion tests can be performed and nerve blocking is useful too. 


Treatment

Ringbone is usually a degenerative disease so treatment is aimed at slowing the progression and to manage the pain.  Some horses can still work, however, it varies from horse to horse.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation 
  • Remedial shoeing to support the heels 
  •  Joint injections 
  • Low level regular exercise eg: turnout

Prevention 

  • Balanced diet 
  • Correct shoeing

Did you see this week's video 'Autumn has arrived' on my You Tube channel.  
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!
Jo