WOUND RECONSTRUCTION IN HORSES.

These grafts involve relocating the skin from a donor site to cover a wound and restore function and cosmetics in your veterinary equine patients.In horses, skin grafts are most often used for limb wounds where primary closure is not possible or second intention healing is delayed or not occurring. Grafts may also be considered for large wounds of the trunk, as grafting will decrease healing time. This article concentrates on free skin grafts, with an emphasis on punch grafts. With free skin grafts, the donor skin is severed from its blood supply and relocated to a wound. Free skin grafts are categorized by thickness and type. Full-thickness grafts include epidermis and the entire dermis. Split-thickness grafts include epidermis and a portion of dermis. Full- and split-thickness grafts can be either sheet grafts or island grafts. Sheet grafts are applied to the surface of a wound, and island grafts are embedded in the wound (Figure 1). Island graft techniques include punch, pinch, tunnel and modified meek grafts. The advantage of island grafts is that the failure or loss of one graft does not affect other grafts in the wound. read more here;http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/wound-reconstruction-free-skin-grafts-horses

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

LIMB LACERATION IN HORSES.

. Handling hemorrhaging is basically,the same in every animal, the key being to stop the bleeding and prevent animal from going into shock.A wound is basically a break in the continuity of the tissues of the body,which could be internal or external. wounds could be deep or superficial and they could also involve vessels, this will be evidenced by spurting of blood in contrast to oozing of blood from break in integument. Wounds no matter the structures involved, are emergency situations and should be given immediate attention. The first step is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure on site,using a clean gauze or cloth ,absorbing the blood and allowing it to clot.When blood soaks the cloth do not remove just continue to add more absorbent cloth and continue adding pressure. Its important not to remove clots when formed,do not disturb the clotting process. Elevation is another means to stop bleeding, ensure the limb level is above the level of the heart, a combination of elevation and applying direct pressure will stop bleeding effectively. Ensure you seek veterinary assistance immediately . Read more here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36755/how-to-manage-limb-lacerations-in-horses?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=lameness&utm_campaign=11-25-2015

JOINT HEALTH FOR HORSES.

Injuries can occur any time and its the responsibility of pet owners to ensure they protect their animals. Injuries ranging from trauma, slips, falls and puncture wounds should all be guarded against as this will be predisposing conditions for lameness ,poor performance and death in cases of infection of wounds. The horse stalls and stables must be comfortable,airy and free of materials that can be a source of injury such as nails, coiled wires, iron pieces e.t.c. This is where the stall mats come in handy.These are highly durable, recycled rubber that are made into comfortable mats /mattress for the comfort of your animals. The mats are flat, and provide a non-slip surface for the horses preventing any fall. The mats ensures safety by limiting the number of falls and subsequent injuries/lameness.The mats are non porous, so they are easy to clean and disinfect preventing a proliferation of bacteria,thus limiting infection. The horses are comfortable ,without the risk of any injury from penetrating objects in the stall, horses housed in stalls with these mats are clean,calm and very sociable. Get your mats here;http://www.animat.ca/en/equine/

PROMOTING EQUINE JOINT HEALTH.

Horse owners are aware that the predominant factor limiting a horse's athletic longevity is musculoskeletal injury--particularly joint problems. A common assumption is that these injuries result from wear-and-tear and age. Consequently, owners further assume there's not much to be done about it. But think again: Using sensible strategies you can promote healthy equine joints capable of withstanding athletic demands. Balanced nutrition, sensible exercise, and prompt treatment can help a horse's joints function comfortable past their prime. Exercise management is crucial for the rapidly growing horse and is best coupled with a balanced feed ration. "Articular cartilage manages its nutrition and waste product production via normal use and weight bearing, . "Exercise is good but in excess could lead to -problems."Avoiding excessive exercise strain helps reduce potential injuries in foals that could result in growth plate trauma or subchondral (under the cartilage) bone cyst formation within joints. "Moderate exercise with gradual increases in intensity and duration results in better cartilage health and fewer injuries than that imposed by sudden, high-intensity loading.However, it is equally important not to limit a growing youngster's exercise too much since strain-force application (from loading the limbs) helps bone and soft tissue develop properly. There's evidence that articular cartilage responds in a 'handed' fashion--if a young horse works in one direction more than another, cartilage development can differ between limbs .The objective should be to familiarize the young horse with the longe line or round pen rather than attempting conditioning-training work. Implement early exercise in a thoughtful, deliberate manner that limits excessive repetition, which is challenging not only to joints but to tendon, ligament, and muscle as well. Preventing injury is the primary objective in long-term joint health management in horses of all ages. For the grown horse in training ,good body weight and muscle strength are the most important goals, along with conditioning for the specific exercise demands the horse will be performing. When a joint injury does occur, the owner plays an essential role in rapid detection. Close observation and knowing a horse's structure and personality are helpful. Get veterinary attention at the first notice of abnormal clinical signs; such as swelling, heat, pain, and/or lameness; joint effusion (excess fluid in a joint space) is typically the first abnormal sign seen after joint injury. With time and progression, a steady decline in performance associated with gait changes or a horse's reluctance to perform expected athletic efforts. read more here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/29798/promoting-lifelong-equine-joint-health?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=older-horse-care&utm_campaign=11-27-2015

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS IN HORSES.

Many owners provide their horses with omega-3 fatty acid supplements purported to support skin, coat, and hoof health; maximize joint health; manage behavior and cognitive issues; and even function as a natural insect repellent. A recent revealed the following; Supplementation with the omega-3 product increased EPA and DHA levels in blood and synovial fluid,the recombinant equine interleukin-1β injection successfully induced an inflammatory response (synovitis) in the carpus. Although more research is needed, this study supports the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could modify the equine joint’s response to inflammation and might serve as an important chondro protective (protecting the cartilage) agent. read more at study here;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36673/omega-3-fatty-acids-could-benefit-horses-with-osteoarthritis?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=older-horse-care&utm_campaign=11-27-2015

ANIMAL MATS FOR COMFORT.

These mats made from recycled tyres provide support and protection to the animals. The benefits of the mats are as follows; 1) hygienic stalls. 2)prevents injuries. 3)prevents falling ,slipping. 4)absorbs pressure especially in forelimbs. read more here http://www.animat.ca/en/equine/;