The McMasters Fecal Egg Count is a simple test performed by your veterinarian to determine the parasite load present. This test involves identifying and counting different types of parasite eggs in a fecal sample by examining it microscopically. Results are reported in eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. In general, a low egg count (less than 200 EPG) indicates a low parasite burden, while a high egg count (500-1000 EPG, or greater) indicates a large number of parasites present. High fecal egg counts suggest ineffective deworming, a lot of parasites in the environment or parasite resistance. It is recommended to repeat fecal egg counts two weeks after deworming on all high and moderate egg count horses to determine the effectiveness of the deworming product used and to identify resistance to a particular product.

For some parasites, particularly Tapeworms, they only shed their eggs intermittently, so a low or negative fecal egg count does not necessarily mean the parasite isn’t in the environment. Deworming programs based off fecal egg counts still rely on some scheduled deworming to control these parasites. It is recommended to deworm your horse at least once a year with a product that contains Praziquantal. Examples are Zimectrin Gold or Quest Plus.

Deworming strategies should be based off of fecal egg counts, age of horse, time of year and exposure level (type of pasture, exposure to unfamiliar horses). Here in Florida, the summer months provide some parasite control. High temperatures (greater than 85° F for five conseutive days) kills parasite eggs on your pasture so there is little reinfection of parasites during the summer months. Consult with your veterinarina about performing fecal egg counts and developing a strategic deworming program. Please feel free to drop off a fecal sample at our office too. All we need is one fresh manure ball, in a ziploc baggie labeled with your name and horses name on it. Manure should be less than 12 hours old, and kept refridgerated until evaluation.

Here is a list of helpful websites and contact numbers to assist you in hurricane planning and disaster response.

Disaster Planning Resources:
-register your family and create a family plan: www.floridadisaster.org

Emergency Planning Worksheet for horse owners:
www.thehorse.com/pdf/emergency/emergency.pdf

State Agricultural Response Team www.flsart.org

Disaster Animal Response Team http://fldart.org/home.htm

Community of Hillsborough Animal and Agricultural Response Team www.chaart.org

Bay Area Disaster Animal Response Team www.bayareadart.org

Pasco Animal Response Team http://pascoanimals.googlepages.com/

Hillsborough County Animal Services (813) 744-5660
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices

Pinellas County Animal Services (727) 582-2600
www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices/

Pasco County Animal Services
(727) 834-3216 New Port Richey
(352) 521-5194 Dade City
(813) 929-1212 Land O’ Lakes
www.pascocountyfl.net/

Sunshine State Horse Council-Emergency Evacuation Database
www.sshc.org/evac
813-651-5953

First Aid Kit Items: Gauze pads, vetwrap, leg wraps (sheet cotton or quilts and track bandages),bandage scissors, rectal thermometer, antiseptics (betadine or nolvasan), topical antibiotic ointments, pain relievers (Banamine or Phenylbutazone), baby diapers and duct tape (to bandage hooves)

Acupuncture and TCVM has been used to treat various medical conditions in humans and animals for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture and TCVM approach the animal as a whole and not just as isolated systems, hence the term “holistic” medicine. TCVM is based on the theory that the life force or energy within the body called “Chi” runs along specific pathways throughout the body. These energy pathways or “meridians” are associated with specific internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. Disease and pain in the body are the result of blockages or stagnation of this flow of Chi. The goal of acupuncture and TCVM is to resolve these blockages. Very fine needles (acupuncture needles) are inserted through the skin at specific acupoints throughout the body to restore the correct flow of Chi, resolve stagnation, relieve pain and allow the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture has recently been supported by modern research methods to be a safe and effective means of treating many different conditions. Acupuncture in the horse has been found to be most effective for treating musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle soreness, back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, obscure lameness, and laminitis. It has also been shown to be effective in treating facial and radial nerve paresis, laryngeal hemiplegia, anhydrosis (non-sweating) and behavior problems. Often times acupuncture is used in conjunction with chinese herbs to optimize results and help restore the bodies natural balance.

Temperature: 99.0-100.5 F

Pulse: 32-40 beats per minute

Respiration: 12-16 breaths per minute

Mucous Membranes: Pale pink

Capillary Refill Time: Less than 2 seconds

It is recommended that horse owners become familiar with the normal parameters of their horses’ vital signs. Have your veterinarian show you how to take them properly and practice taking vital signs on a regular basis to accustom yourself to the procedures so you will be prepared when faced with taking them in a possible emergency situation.

Vaccination Schedules:

Vaccines are a safe and effective means of protecting your horse from serious, life threatening illnesses. Vaccination schedules should be developed with your veterinarian and can vary due to exposure risk, health of animal, and geographical location. Florida is considered an endemic area for EEE/WEE and WNV, due to the presence of mosquitoes year round.

The following schedule is a guideline for vaccination of adult horses, and is based off recommendations by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and by our practice in the Tampa Bay area.

*Indicates those vaccines designated as core vaccines by the AAEP. Core vaccines protect against diseases that are endemic to a region, are highly contagious, pose a risk of severe disease, those having potential public health risk, and/or are required by law. Core vaccines have clearly demonstrable efficacy and safety, with a high enough level of patient benefit and low enough level of risk to justify their use in all equids.

Vaccination of foals should begin at 3 months of age. Consult with your veterinarian about specific vaccine schedules for foals and about special vaccine recommendations for pregnant broodmares.

]]> http://www.odessaequine.com/2009/06/horse-health-information/feed/ 0 http://www.odessaequine.com/2009/04/is-it-an-emergency/ http://www.odessaequine.com/2009/04/is-it-an-emergency/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:12:55 +0000 admin http://www.odessaequine.com/?p=91 A veterinarian is always available to answer questions if you have them, if you are uncomfortable with anything your horse is doing, please call. That said here are some general guidelines.

Colic is the number one reason a horse is seen for an emergency. Colic in the horse can manifest itself in many ways. In its simplest term colic means any type of abdominal pain in the horse, and reasons can be anything from mild gas to a severe intestinal blockage or twist. The first sign is usually a horse refusing feed or hay. Other signs include curling the upper lip, pawing, stretching out as if to urinate, or laying down repeatedly. The first thing to do if you think your horse is colicking is to call your veterinarian.

Cuts and lacerations that are deep or involve a large area should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even small wounds can be potentially severe, especially if they are near a joint. Lacerations and wounds that receive attention within several hours of occurrence generally have the best outcome for a full recovery.

Other reasons to call include swelling or discharge involving the eye, high fevers (over 102.5F), acute severe lameness and sudden behavior changes.