All About ... X-Rays

X-rays or Radiographs are generally used to provide pictures of bone.  They are invaluable for identifying fractures, changes in bone density, arthritis, the state of bone growth and any other bone associated conditions.  However, they will not identify any changes to muscles, tendons, cartilage, joint capsules or other soft tissues.

X-rays are dependent on the density of objects in their path so specialist dyes can be used to show other problems such as ruptured spinal cord discs or problems with the spinal canal.  The dye works by outlining the structures which then make it relatively easy to establish the cause of a problem.  

The rays are directed from the apparatus onto a sensitised plate which is positioned on the far side of the area being examined.  These rays are blocked to a varying degree by bone or other tissues based on their density.  The contrast between these densities shows as a line on the pictures.   A bone fracture would also show clearly due to this variation.

Portable machines, like the one used for Basil's tooth, mean digital x-rays can be taken nearly anywhere and the high resolution images can be seen instantly on a laptop. 

X-rays are relatively cheap (compared to many other diagnostic techniques) and so vets rely on them as a first step in lameness diagnosis as well as other conditions. 

The vet will look out for chips, fractures, bone spurs, roughening (blurring) of the edges of the bone, dark spots and any differences to what is considered 'normal'.

 Top is a healthy navicular bone, bottom picture is not.

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Jo

Spring IS here!

Not very sunny but the field is drying out slowly :)

 and the new grass is peeping :)

and everyone is happy :)

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Jo

Top Tips ... Things to remember when handling horses!

• Horses like quiet handling 
• They still have strong survival instincts

• Be consistent 
• Be confident 
• Do NOT be aggressive 
• Do NOT be noisy 
• Start and end every encounter with a positive

• Do NOT be confrontational 
• Horses are willing to learn 
• Horses like to follow

• Allow time for them to work something out 
• Make sure your body language is saying the right thing

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Jo

All About ... Equine Herpes Virus

What is it

As the name suggests Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a virus!  It is common in horses around the world.  It has several strains but the 2 most common which result in 'serious clinical disease' in horses are;

• EHV1 which can cause respiratory problems as well as abortion in pregnant mares and occasionally neurological problems 
• EHV4 or Equine Rhinopneumonitis Virus usually causes respiratory problems and sometimes causes abortion in pregnant mares.  This strain is most common amongst foals and yearlings.

 

Signs

The virus has an incubation period of 2 - 10 days. 

• Coughing 
• Nasal discharge 
• Increased temperature 
• Reduced appetite 
• Depression

The neurological disease signs include:

• Mild incoordination 
• Hindlimb paralysis 
• Lying down with inablity to get up 
• Loss of bladder and tail function 
• Loss of sensation to skin around tail and hindlimbs

However, a horse can be a carrier and show NO signs of the virus. 


Causes

The virus is transmitted by the nasal discharge through direct contact between horses or indirectly through buckets, rugs, people etcetera.  In addition it is spread through contact with placental fluids etcetera.  
 

Diagnosis

The vet can take a nasopharyngeal swab or blood sample to test. 


Treatment

ISOLATE horse immediately and CALL THE VET.  All horses who have been in contact with the possibly infected horse should not be allowed to leave the yard area.  Biosecurity measures must be enforced to ensure the virus is not spread any more or to other yards or horses.

Supportive care of the horse, treating the symptoms using anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain, fever and inflammation. 

Uncomplicated cases will recover in a few weeks.  Recovery of horses with the neurological disease will depend on how severe the signs are.  Total rest until the horse is fully recovered with a gradual return to work.  

Prevention

Vaccinations are available but are currently only registered for use against the respiratory effects, not the paralytic form.  Isolation of all new horses brought to a yard with full biosecurity and hygiene measures!

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Jo

The Andalusian

Andalusian horses are attractive, flamboyant and extremely agile.  Developed in Spain, in a region called Andalusia, they are descended from the Iberian horses of Spain and Portugal.  

History

In the 15th century Carthusian monks developed the breed, working hard to ensure the Andalusian's purity and survival by careful selective breeding.  They refused to use European blood as ordered by a Royal Edict and hid their horses from Napolean's armies.

They were popular as royal mounts and for haute ecole and have had a significant effect on the development of many European breeds.   Also, popular mounts for bullfighting and as war horses,  the Andalusian horses were used as gifts to develop relations with other European countries.  

The introduction of the Thoroughbred replaced the Andalusian in many ways and their popularity fell.   In the 19th century the numbers began to drop due to cross breeding, disease and war .

More recently their numbers have again increased and in the 1960's the breed began to be exported.  Andalusian blood was then used to develop many of the European warmbloods.

Characteristics

Height:  15hh - 15.2hh

Colour:  Usually grey , occasionally other colours.

Conformation:  The head is handsome with a straight profile and broad forehead.  Eyes are large and the neck elegant.  They have long, sloping shoulders and well defined withers.  The body is short and strong and the chest broad.  The tail is set low and thick, as is the mane.

Temperament:  Easy to handle, intelligent and docile.

Used for bullfighting in Spain, haute ecole, dressage,  showjumping and driving.

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Jo

All About ... Cushing's Disease

What is it

Cushing's Disease or PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) is a relatively common problem in older horses and ponies.  Research is ongoing into this endocrine condition but if identified and treated many horses and ponies continue active and healthy lives. 

Signs

• Recurring laminitis 
• Abnormal hair (hirsutism) - coat can be long and curly or a simple change to shedding/moulting

Possible:

• Excessive sweating 
• Increased appetite 
• Increased drinking and urination 
• Weight loss 
• Lethargy 
• Ulcers in mouth 
• Poor performance 
• Reduced immune function - resulting in recurring skin, respiratory infections or foot abscesses, dental disease and increased susceptibility to worms 
• Loss of muscle condition 
• Pot belly and/or fat deposits along mane 
• Fat deposit over eye (where a depression is usually present)

 

Causes

As they get older some horses produce insufficient amounts of Dopamine ( a neurotransmitter).  This neurotransmitter controls the secretions from the Pituitary gland which in turn control the secretion of cortisol and ACTH (hormones).  If the neurotransmitter is not produced sufficiently cortisol and ACTH production is not controlled - the excess amounts then produced are what cause the signs listed above.

Another cause could be enlargement of the Pituitary gland, again resulting in changes to hormone levels.  Alternatively, a tumour on the Pituitary gland will affect its ability to operate as normal.  It is thought that a large percentage (perhaps 80%) of horses who suffer from laminitis may also be suffering from Cushing's disease.

 

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis and treatment gives the best chance for the treatment to give the best results.  Initial stages are gradual.  Blood tests are available but are not conclusive.


Treatment

Conditions (eg: laminitis) should be treated.  A medicine is now available which can help to control the levels of hormones produced which in turn controls the signs mentioned above!

Prevention

None known at present but research is ongoing.
This site is useful for more detailed information:  http://www.thelaminitissite.org/ppid.html

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Jo