ATOPIC DERMATITIS.

Atopic dermatitis, defined as an allergic reaction to environmental allergens (such as pollens, barn dust, molds, etc.), is more common in horses. It can be seasonal or precipitated by allergens. The common signs are urticaria (“hives”), urticaria with pruritus (itching), and pruritus alone. Pruritus most commonly affects the face and trunk. Seasonal signs would be most consistent with allergy to pollens and year-round signs would be more consistent with an allergy to molds or barn dust. Urticaria, secondary to atopic dermatitis, could be a familial problem in some horses. Treatment;Medical therapy can include corticosteroids; prednisolone or dexamethasone are the most commonly used. Prednisolone seems to be better absorbed orally in horses than prednisone. The injectable dexamethasone solution can be used orally. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is based on clinical signs and the exclusion of other diagnoses . Horses can have a secondary bacterial skin infection (pyoderma), typified by excess scale, particularly in the shape of a circle.. Read more here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36122/atopic-dermatitis-in-horses?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=07-21-2015

ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE IN ANIMALS AND EFFECT ON MAN.

The world organisation for animal health aims to reduce misuse of antibiotics, because of growing threat of antibiotic resistance bacterial.

An awareness week has been organized in collaboration with world health organization, read details here;http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/Animal-health-body-targets-misuse-of-antibiotics?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

FEEDING ORPHANED FOALS.

Orphaned foals are a breeding reality that all caretakers should consider and learn how to manage.The mare milk (colostrum) is what a foal needs, there are 2 options that we can consider.The owner can get from a colostrum bank or a milk replacement can be purchased or formulated. The colostrum usually is 1 to 1.5 liters total--divided into multiple 8 to 12 ounce feedings is needed to achieve an (acceptable antibody level), but colostral quality greatly affects this, and adequate (antibody levels) can be achieved with less. When colostrum is not immediately available, the foal can be fed with milk or milk replacer within two hours of birth. The foal is fed about 15% of the body weight on the first day, and increasing that amount to 18-22% over the next weeks. Foals should not consume more than 25% of their body weight daily. Read more here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/29123/how-to-feed-an-orphan-foal

VITAMIN E AND HORSE METABOLISM.

Vitamin E it benefits all horses, but will green grass and sunshine be enough? Would a high level performance horse benefit from additional vitamin E? What does vitamin E do in the horse? Vitamin E is a term used to describe a group of compounds known as tocopherols and tocotrienols. In equine nutrition most attention is paid to alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol plays an important role in something called the glutathione pathway, which protects cells from oxidative damage, as well as reacting with free radicals produced by processes such as the lipid peroxidation chain reaction. Free radicals cause damage in cells because they have an odd number of electrons, which gives them an unstable electrical charge. In an attempt to become stable they “steal” electrons from other molecules. This causes a new molecule to be unstable, and it might not be able to perform its function within the body. A chain of oxidative destruction can result within the cell, which can negatively impact cell function and potentially cause cell death. Free radical formation is a natural consequence of various molecular processes within the cell, and we often hear it referred to as “oxidative stress.” It’s easy to label free radicals as “bad,” but they are in fact a perfectly natural consequence of the body using fats and carbohydrates for energy.Read more here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36737/when-do-horses-need-vitamin-e?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=11-16-2015

COLIC SURGERY.

Colic surgeries are common procedures in equine veterinary medicine, but do you know what to expect after your horse recovers from anesthesia? Equally as important as knowing whether you should send a horse to surgery is understanding what to prepare for once he’s back in his own stall.Learn all you need to know here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36718/what-to-expect-after-colic-surgery?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=11-16-2015

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.

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND POWER GENERATION.

Waste management is a global issue with developing countries having the biggest task.The management technique varies as different methods are used to prevent the environmental pollution and health hazard attached to this menace. The generation of electricity from the waste is a possible route,but the methodology and cost implication has always been an issue; see how a minimal investment in a biogas plant can generate power ,save the environment and generate revenue.See this