EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS.

Equine grass sickness is fatal condition in horses on pasture, the condition results in colic and prognosis is guarded.The condition affects all age groups,can occur at any time but very common in wet conditions/seasons. The cause of the condition has been pinned as Clostridium botulinum,this bacteria lives in moist soil and when it spreads on grass its eaten by the horse,resulting in severe poisoning. The bacteria toxins affect the horses's intestinal tract which affects the nerves causing a dysfunction resulting in severe colic. The onset of the equine grass sickness could be per acute, acute and chronic.In per acute cases the horses are found dead.The prognosis in the chronic and acute cases are guarded. The acute case, the onset is sudden, with severe abdominal discomfort, high pulse rate and restlessness. The treatment is colic surgery.While the chronic case ,the horse slowly develops a persistent low grade colic with rapid weight loss.The upper eye lid is droopy and there is sticky nasal discharge, and fecal balls are hard and small.The treatment is pain relief and supportive therapy. Equine grass sickness can be prevented with pasture identification; if an area has record of such sickness avoid letting horses in area.Where there has been recent work lately, that involves soil works or turning should be avoided.Areas where dead animals are commonly found in pasture should be avoided.Horses that do not depend solely on grasses for nutrition hardly come down with grass sickness,thus feeding hay at pasture and bringing horses in to stable at night may help reduce its occurrence.

ABDOMINOCENTESIS IN THE HORSE.

Fluid analysis can provide important insights into how to manage colic and other troubling equine cases.Acute abdomen (colic), fever and weight loss are just a few of the reasons you might need to collect abdominal fluid in an adult horse. In many cases of acute abdomen, rapid and uncontaminated sampling of abdominal fluid can help you make important medical or surgical decisions. With advances in biochemical testing and wide availability of equipment at reasonable cost, abdominal fluid analysis can be used to determine the difference between compromised bowel and septic or aseptic peritonitis, as well as whether surgical intervention is indicated. Interpretation of fluid analysis also gives you an indication of whether treatment or surgery will end with a successful outcome. Several methods have been described for fluid collection, the considerations include; An abdominocentesis should be performed in a standing sedated horse that is appropriately restrained and preferably in stocks, if available. The location for fluid collection, unless indicated otherwise by ultrasound guidance, is the most dependent part of the abdomen just to the right of the ventral midline—this helps avoid penetration of the ventral curvature of the spleen. read more here;http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/how-perform-abdominocentesis-standing-adult-horse

COLIC AT A GLANCE.

Colic refers to disturbances in the gastrointestinal track,it could be a mild discomfort to extreme abdominal pain.A mild case can resolve on its own,severe cases require surgery and extreme cases results in death. The common cases are usually associated with 1) changes in exercise routine. 2) changes in stabling routine 3) changes in feed,feeding portions and feeding times. 4)worm load and 5) teeth problems. The common symptoms are 1)restlessness .(frequent getting up and down) 2)flank watching(turning to look at abdomen frequently). 3)Frequent unsuccessful attempts to urinate. 4)fever. 5)high pulse rate. 6)pawing.(scrapping the ground). Colic cannot be prevented in all cases but certain procedures can be implemented to prevent occurrence; 1)Feeding protocol, give a little portion of feed at meal times,do not overfeed and dont allow access to excess water after exercise.When feed is to be changed,introduce new feed gradually and give cool fresh water. 2) Health protocol regular vet checks.2)follow a routine worming program. 3)clean paddock regularly to remove feces,this will reduce contamination of pasture with fecal eggs. 3)keep teeth rasped. Horses are use to routine so do not change routine suddenly. The changes to exercise routine should be gradual and also reduce stress on the horses.

COLIC IN HORSES.

COLIC IN HORSES; YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!!!! Colic refers to any pain or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.The common causes are overfeeding, underfeeding, poor dental health, inadequate consumption of water , excessive consumption of water after exercise and changes in the quality and quantity of feed. The structure of the equine stomach predisposes it to colic hence adequate care must be ensured in horse management; the stomach of the horse is small and without muscles ,the stomach is connected to the small intestine where breakdown of food occurs and the digested matter is further metabolized in the cecal before the waste is expelled.Feed consumed in large quantities within a short period of time will not move rapidly into the small intestine, its the fermentation of feed in the stomach that results in distention with gas resulting in colic pain,which could be fatal if there is a twisting or turning of intestines,resulting in displacement of abdominal structures. The signs of colic in horses are pawing ,chewing and kicking at abdomen,dog -sitting posture, restlessness,getting up and sitting down,sweating ,dullness and refusal of feed and water. Flared snares,depression,cool extremities,depression,lack of bowel movement and reduced/absent gut sounds. Treatment depends on severity and whether surgery is necessary; 1) analgesic.2)sedative.3)lubricants/laxatives. When pain is not resolved after analgesic use,surgery will be necessary to correct it. HOW TO PREVENT COLIC. 1)do not overfeed. 2)give enough roughage. 3)avoid excess grain feeding. 4) proper dental health,to ensure proper chewing of feed to prevent gobbling. 5)do not feed on ground. 6) make dietary changes gradually. 7)de worm regularly; blockage in large/small intestines can also cause colic.6

Ultrasound, Palpation per Rectum to Diagnose Colic

Ultrasound, Palpation per Rectum to Diagnose Colic

Ultrasonography for Evaluating Colic Cases?

Ultrasonography for Evaluating Colic Cases?

Diagnosing Colic in a 'FLASH'

Diagnosing Colic in a 'FLASH'

Colic: First Things First

Colic: First Things First

FEEDING YOUR HORSES.

Learn how to keep your horses happy and colic free!!! http://www.thehorse.com/ecards/Nutrena_102915.html