INFLUENZA IN HORSES.

Influenza caused by myxovirus,causing a respiratory disease that is severe in horses.All age groups are susceptible but foals are more susceptible,and its highly contagious. The mode of transmission is aerosol,usually from horse to horse. The common signs are fever,inappetence, watery nasal discharge,harsh dry cough.The disease is prevented by vaccination, isolate new horses and sick horses.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: HORSES AND MOSQUITOES.

Mosquitoes cause a number of diseases in horses such as west Nile virus,the eastern,Venezuelan and western encephalomyelitis..The mosquitoes transmit these infectious agents by sucking blood of the horses.The mosquito bite though painful characterized by chewing and scratching cause severe diseases,and vaccination is the only form of prevention of such diseases. Horses should be protected from mosquitoes in barns and stalls to prevent these infections; these tips will keep horses/stables mosquito free. 1)remove any object that can collect water,destroy all tins or vessels that has stagnant water. 2)dont litter pasture with manure. 3)deworm horses regularly. 4) spray insecticides in stables/barns, 5) keep drains clean and spray insecticides in drain. 6) use fans in stables/barns to deter mosquitoes.Mosquitoes operate where there is heat and carbon dioxide buildup,thus using fans will ensure free flow of air and remove the carbon dioxide.The fans keep the air moving,making it impossible for the mosquitoes to operate as they only function where air is still. 7) remove manure from stalls daily and from pasture 2 times a week. 8) use of screens in stable. 9)dont leave lights on overnight in stables and during the evening.

DOGS AND HORSE SHOWS.

Animal lovers love to take their pets everywhere,and although not all areas are safe they still want their furry friends around. Horse lovers are usually dog lovers and they will usually want to take them to horse shows,the risk of such exposure is high and the dog can come down with a disease or the horses could be infected. The dogs seeking access to such areas must be sociable,heed commands and learn to sit still and of course they must be vaccinated.Dogs at shows should not be allowed to wander off to stalls or barns or the holding crates of horses. Pups can easily be trampled on,bumped into causing panic which would affect the horses. A shout-out, a yell a grind can change the temperament of the horse, so dont ruin a great day at the horse fair leave fido at home. Horse shows that gives access to dogs have rules; see how to train your dog so he can come with to the fair.http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/horse-show-dogs.aspx

HORSES AND DROOLING.

Horses ,like any animal have salivary glands that produce saliva for digestive functions .When a horse is hungry or perceives food in the environment,it drools.There are cases where horses drool/ hyper salivate continuously that is not food related,this is where veterinary attention is required immediately. PLEASE NOTE; NOT ALL SALIVATING/DROOLING HORSE HAS RABIES. Drooling is actually caused by a blockage in the small intestine/stomach,thus fluid accumulates in stomach and finally backup in the esophagus into mouth and nasal passage.The common causes of drooling are 1) injury to the mouth. 2)inflammation in buccal cavity. 3) broken teeth. 4)irritations. 5)allergies to ingested materials. 6) reactions to toxins;especially fungal toxins gotten from pasture. 7)nerve damage /head injury. When drooling is accompanied with fever that does not abate readily, if the horse does not eat or refuses drink ,accompanied with high heart rate,; seek vet attention immediately. When the drooling involves the nasal passage its an esophageal obstruction. .

PETS,APPS AND VETS.

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HORSE BEHAVIOR.

Horse are beautiful creatures, very lovable and adorable.The best way to get the very best out of horses is to provide adequate care,housing,medication, grooming and proper nutrition.The vast knowledge of equine management can not profit any handler or horse owner if the behavior of these horses are unknown. All animals have behavioral expressions of pain,excitement or aggression and passion.The horse responds to these emotions by kicking, kicking and more kicking.The horse also bites and chews but basically the weapon of defense is kicking. Why your horses kick and signs to indicate that a horse is about to kick. 1) horses kick when they are afraid or anxious.They kick when they want to resist a health protocol or normal stable routines..Horses that want to exert a dominating effect on other horses usually kick to get their way. 2) aggressive horses are natural kickers, they kick at will with the slightest provocation..3) kicking is their weapon of defense. HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A HORSE IS ABOUT TO KICK; A kick from a horse is very fatal resulting massive fractures, paralysis and sometimes death depending on area of kick.When approaching a horse watch the mood as an unhappy horse will definitely kick. SIGNS TO INDICATE A HORSE IS ABOUT TO KICK;1) ear pinning; when the horse ears lay flat,the horse is about to exhibit an aggressive behavior such as biting,chewing and most definitely kicking. 2)Tail switching; when a horse repeatedly switch tail back and forth indicate a horse is about to kick.The switching is usually accompanied by lifting or a cocked hindleg. 3)Red ribbon; if you go for horse shows or horse games or you are in in horse stables and you observe a red ribbon on the horse or braided to the tail;stay away,the horse is a kicker. Horses react easily to changes in temperament,hence approach a horse with loving words and friendly gesture.The horse must see you approaching, never ever approach from the rear; this will make the horse jumpy and he will kick. Happy riding# enjoy your horse.

RABIES IN HORSES.

(pics culled from internet). Rabies a very fatal disease usually prevalent in dogs and wild animals,but also occurs in horses. The disease occurs from a bite from a rabid animal and usually fulminating in an unvaccinated horse. When a horse is infected with the rabies virus,the horse is unstable and anorexic.The skin is sensitive to touch and there are signs of limping/dragging .The horse is aggressive and easily excitable.The horse attacks surrounding objects,kicking and chewing them,the horse drools excessively and has great difficulty in swallowing. The horse chews,scratches at the bite-site.The gait is unsteady,with convulsions and paralysis.The typical signs exhibited depends on the form of rabies; the dumb and furious form. The dumb form, the horse is quiet,withdrawn and anorexic.The furious form shows the symptomatic signs already described.The signs also include fever,muscle spasms and incontinence.These signs appear quickly and proceed rapidly resulting in death in 2-5 days after onset of signs, Rabies virus can be transferred from horse-horse and also from horse-man especially handlers and owners.The zoonotic nature of the virus makes it an important horse disease that need to be prevented and monitored. Vaccination is the only form of prevention.Vaccinate foals at 6 months and give yearly booster.When a vaccinated horse is at risk of exposure to rabies may be following a bite from a wild animal or dogs then do the following;1) wash bite site with soap and water and isolate horse. 2)re vaccinate the horse immediately. 3)give plenty of fresh water.