Show-Me Animal Products - Quality First Aid Since 1992

Q: We noticed swelling in the hind legs of our 2-year-old stallion. On his nose and under his lip were crusty seeping areas that reminded us of what poison ivy is like on a human. His legs were hot and also had seeping areas. By the second day his front legs were also swollen. The vet put him on banamine for 6 days and the swelling did go down. Our vet was not sure if it was a weed poisoning or something to do with photosynthesis. This occurred at the beginning of Sept. His pasture has plenty of grass but also there are weeds and poison ivy. He had the salivation that goes with clover for about a month and has just gotten over that. Would that have anything to do with it.? Our vet has not gotten back with us on his research in to this. During this week of swelling we gave him a daily bath in cold water, as he seemed to have fever in his legs. This broke on about the third day. Now he has lost hair on his legs where the seeping was occurring. No change in diet but I was using a homemade fly spray on him for about a month and a half. It consisted of white vinegar, blue dawn dish soap, water and eucalyptus oil. Purdue was called to get their opinion but they really didn't have one. Any suggestions what you may think it is so that we can avoid this ever happening again would be appreciated. Helen

A: A:This could be a possible photosensitization, either primary (from something ingested) or secondary (from a liver infection). Blood work with, possibly, a biopsy of affected skin, probably needs to be done along with identification of weeds in the pasture.

Q: I recently purchased a pregenant mare. The vet did an ultrasound and gave me a due date anywhere from February to April. I have been around pregenant mares before and know alot of the signs. My question is what would you recommend for a first time do it yourself "horsewife" As in "midwife? Are there any instructional video's? Please reply to joatgetanewjob.com. Thanks,
Jo

A: Yes Jo there are several books available on mare care and foaling. "The complete Book of Horse Care", author Tim Hawcroft, has an excellent chapter on foaling and caring for your mare during pregnancy. It can be checked out at your local library. The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Association has a 3 tape video series covering mare care, foaling and even raising the orphan foal. However the book is easier to grap for quick reference.

First off, inform your vet of the coming event. He is your best source of information and advice. This late in the pregnancy it would be important to find out what shots if any this mare received before you purchased her. She will need a Tetanus shot 30 days prior to foaling to immunize the foal. Mares receive a Pneumabort K shot in the 5th, 7th, and 9th month of pregnancy to guard against abortion due to exposure to the Rhino virus. I also worm 30 days prior using an Ivermectin product labled safe for pregnant mares. I assume at this time you have already increased her protein intake to encourage milk production. This is achieved either by feeding Alfalfa hay or a protein rich sweet feed.

When your mare shows signs of foaling, bagging up, waxing, prepare her stall with whole straw. It is cleaner than sawdust or shavings which can migrate into the umbilical when it breaks. VSI offers a foaling kit which I use and highly recommend. It contains everything you will need to midwife the foal. Don't be surprised if you spend hours watching and waiting only to have her drop the colt when you go to the house for coffee. Mares can hold off labor for some time if they feel uncomfortable with the audience. Assuming it is a normal delivery your work begins after mother cleans her baby. If you are planning on imprinting your foal, do so in the first hour if possible, but not until mom has her time. After that you will be busy with dipping iodine on the stump, enemas, and lots of loving.

If the delivery is unremarkable, wait until a decent hour to call your vet. I like to have them come out and give an exam. They often can spot a problem before it becomes serious. If you are breeding your mare back on the foal heat, some vets infuse the mare at this time. Your foal need not have any shots until 2 months of age.

Good Luck and enjoy this exciting time. If you have further need for answers, breeders are more than happy to share their time and thoughts. We like to see safe and happy foalings.

Q: My dressage horse has recently developed cracks in the corners of his mouth. They are open wounds, and I can't work him with a bit because of it. I have rested him for a week, and 'vaselined' the bit and his mouth when i do ride, but they don't seem to be helping. Could it be a vitamin deficiency? He is fed wheaten chaff mixed with pony Club meal every day, but no additives. If not, what can I do about my bit or riding to lessen the chance of it happening again? The bit is always cleaned after every ride, and he has been using the same one for two years now without any problems.

I would appreciate any suggestions... Sincerely, Rachael, ACT Australia.

A: One, it needs more than a week to heal. Vaseline on the bit is no good, put the vaseline on corners of mouth. Use rubber bit guards from here on out to help prevent. Could be an allergy to either to the cleaner used on the bit or to the wheaten chaff. If those items have not been changed for two years then we have to look elsewhere. New bridle, causing the bit to fit differently? New fly spray or soap for washing? Has it been in a different pasture thereby being introduced to a new weed? Is it sun poisoning or dew poisoning on a white mouth. This can become a problem where it was not one before.

A new workout regime, perhaps more intense in the Australian heat. Look at the bit if this one is two yrs old. Has any coating come off, are there abrasions on the shanks or mouth piece. Sharp cuts occur after long use and can be like a razor blade. Usually though you will see evidence of this on the tongue and some throwing of the head.

If it is a vitamin deficiency it would be B. A micro probiotic, Fast Trak or any reputable brand, would supply this along with the yeast cultures to rebalance the skin flora.

Q: What should I know about injuries to my horse?

A: Wound location and condition will be very important for your vet to know because location can determine the seriousness of the wound and how you should best proceed.

Q: What should I most watch for?

A: Be especially alert for any wound near an eye which is serious and needs to be professionally assessed for complications. You should also be on guard against any wound located below a hock or a knee or over a joint. This is a high-risk area and could have complications.

Q: Are there any danger signs that I should watch for?

A: Be especially alert to any wound that exposes a hard, white area such as exposed ligaments, tendons or bone. You should also examine any wound for a yellow joint fluid oozing from a wound, a sign of tendon sheath rupture.

Q: I found my hose limping in the stall one morning. What should I have looked for?

A: A wound that has dried edges and the area is puffy is probably more than six to eight hours old and the optimum time for sutures has probably passed.

Q: How can I assess the condition of my horse after an injury?

A: Take your horse' pulse and respiration. Normal pulse is 30-40 beats a minute and normal respiration is 12-16 a minute. You should be concerned if pulse is over 40 and breathing over 20. Your horse is in serious condition if its pulse is over 60 and breathing over 30.

Q: Are there any other indications of my horse's condition?

A: Gum color can help you tell if your horse is in distress. Also, pressing on the gums and timing how quickly they return to the normal color is a valuable vital sign. Normally they should return to color in less than one second. Normally, a horse's gum color is pale pink. You should be concerned if it is bright pink. Dark red or purplish gums would indicate a serious problem.

Q: What else should I think of?

A: Assess when your horse had its last tetanus shot. If it has been over six months, your vet will want to know because he may wish to give a booster. Remember: every species and even every pet is different. If you are in doubt or it appears your pet has a serious wound or disease, contact your veterinarian!