Working Hard or Hardly Working?

Determining your horse’s work intensity for feeding purposes

by Larry Lawrence, DVM

Optimal nutrition of the performance horse hinges foremost on the exercise it performs. Just as the diet of a human bodybuilder is dissimilar to that of a marathon runner, most horses are fed with performance goals in mind. Therefore, accurately assessing the level of work performed by a horse is essential in determining the amount and type of feed offered.

Energy and Performance

Energy is produced by aerobic or anaerobic metabolism. The breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and protein into energy with the involvement of oxygen is termed an aerobic reaction. Because oxygen is required, this energy-producing process is slow. The conversion of glucose or glycogen to lactic acid does not require oxygen and is therefore an anaerobic reaction, a process that produces energy quickly. Equine nutritionists divide work into three classes based on how horses derive energy from their bodies to fuel exercise.

High Intensity

High-intensity, short-duration work includes performance events with a primary sprint component. Quick acceleration and top speed over a short distance require anaerobic energy production. Examples of high-intensity, short-duration work are Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing; barrel racing and pole bending; rodeo events such as heading, heeling, calf roping and steer wrestling; and draft horse pulling contests.

Traditional carbohydrate-laden feeds—which include most low-fat textured or pelleted concentrates—and forage may satisfy the nutritional requirements of horses performing this type of exercise. The digestion of carbohydrates provides muscles with glycogen, a fuel critical for high-intensity performance. As workload increases and energy reserves empty, large quantities of complex carbohydrates may be offered to the horse in an attempt to maintain body condition. As carbohydrate intake rises, the risk of colic and laminitis escalates. Replacing a fraction of the carbohydrate content of the diet with energy-rich fat is one way to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders while supplying necessary calories. Horses fed high-fat rations typically require fewer pounds of feed to satisfy caloric requirements because fat delivers 2.25 times the energy of an equal amount of carbohydrate. Fat is becoming an increasingly popular nutrient among those caring for horses with elevated energy requirements.

Research has proven that feeds too rich in protein may negatively affect performance. From an economic perspective, diets overly abundant in protein should be shunned, as protein-packed feedstuffs are far more expensive than other energy sources.

Moderate Intensity

Moderate-intensity, medium-duration work encompasses exercise that taxes but not necessarily exhausts a horse and requires aerobic and anaerobic energy production. The primary moderate-intensity, medium-duration work involves intensive show training and competition. Horses are asked to perform for several minutes, perhaps close to an hour, and often more than once per day.

Feeds formulated for horses performing moderate-intensity, medium-duration work should be similar to those fed to horses involved in high-intensity, short-duration performance. One primary difference, however, involves feeding management.  Horses in this classification may require less feed to support the work effort.

Low Intensity

Low-intensity, long-duration work includes endurance activities that typically last two or more hours. Aerobic energy production is required to sustain this type of exercise. Examples of low-intensity, long-duration exercise include endurance races, competitive trail rides, and draft horse, ranch horse and heavily used school horse work.

As workouts become longer, high quality forage (that which is low in indigestible lignin) becomes imperative in the diet. Not only is fiber a source of energy, but it holds water and electrolytes in the hindgut. Horses can draw on these reserves during exercise, effectively suppressing dehydration. In particular, beet pulp and soybean hulls are considered “super fibers” because of their high bacterial fermentation rate and water-holding capacity.

Determining Intensity

Not all equine athletic endeavors fit neatly into one of these broad classifications. Some activities mesh properties of more than one. With its long twisting courses and explosive jumping efforts, show jumping, for instance, represents both high- and moderate-intensity activity. Polo, a fast-paced sport of sudden accelerations and abrupt stops mixed with easy canters and full-tilt gallops, combines all three exercise classes.

Simpler explanations of workloads, ones that may be easier for horse owners and feed manufacturers to relate to, appear below. These designations are often listed as part of the feeding instructions on feed bags or tags.

• Horses in light work are exercised three or four times weekly in preparation for trail riding, pleasure driving or as light training for low-key show events such as western pleasure, trail and lower-level dressage.

• Horses in moderate work participate in a near-daily, structured training program. Reining horses, jumpers, upper-level dressage horses, polo ponies, endurance horses and young racehorses undergoing breaking and training would fall into this category. Horses involved in rodeo events are also included in this category.

• Horses in heavy work train and compete at the peak of their physical abilities. Racehorses on an active racing schedule and three-day event horses preparing for competition fit into this classification.  Few horses that participate in typical pleasure rides, horse shows or rodeos fit in this grouping.

Deciding the intensity of a horse’s exercise program is not difficult, but owners are often left to determine this on their own with few or no guidelines. Using these basic classifications, caretakers and consultants can accurately ascertain the workload of a horse and can feed it accordingly.

Water: The Overlooked Nutrient

A look at factors surrounding water intake for optimal equine health

by Dr. Larry Lawrence

The most important nutrient in the horse’s diet is one that is rarely added to feeds: water. Though it is often overlooked in discussions involving equine nutrition, water could be considered the first limiting nutrient of all horses, as they cannot survive for as many days without water as they can without feed.

The amount of water required by the horse is determined by the magnitude of losses of water from its body. These losses occur through feces, urine, respiratory gases, sweat and--in the case of lactating mares--milk.

These losses are affected by the amount, type and quality of the feed consumed; environmental conditions; and the health, physiological state, and physical activity of the horse. Horses will generally consume as much water as they need if given access to a palatable water source.

Horses at rest in a moderate climate will generally consume between three and seven liters of water per 100kg of body weight. This translates to around 4 to 9 gallons for an 1100-pound horse.

Water and Diet

Diet plays a major role in determining voluntary water intake and requirements. As a general rule, water intake is proportional to dry matter intake, but the composition and digestibility of the diet can alter this relationship substantially.

Horses consuming all-hay diets drink more than horses fed a large amount of concentrate coupled with hay or a complete pelleted diet.

In a study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research, horses fed all-forage diets ate 19 percent more dry matter to provide a similar caloric intake to those fed a mixed diet, and they drank 26 percent more water.

In another study, horses fed 13 lbs. of a hay-only diet drank 40 lbs. or 5 gallons of water, compared to 22 lbs. or a little over 2.5 gallons of water consumed by horses fed 4 lbs. grain plus 3 lbs. hay, which was partly because of lower dry matter intake in addition to the different dietary composition.

Fiber intake affects water requirements for two reasons:

• First, when horses consume forage, water shifts from the interstitial space into the gut. This results in a decrease in plasma volume that triggers a thirst response. A meal of 5 lbs. of hay resulted in elevated total plasma protein (an indirect measure of decreased plasma volume) and greater water intake than when a similar size grain meal was fed.


• Second, plant fiber has a greater water-holding capacity and is less digestible than other components of the diet, resulting in greater fecal water losses. The physical form of forages also affects fecal water losses.

In a digestibility study, horses fed alfalfa hay in a long-stem form had significantly wetter feces (81.5 percent versus 75.2 percent) than when an identical amount of the same forage was fed in a pelleted form.

Diet can also affect urinary water loss. High salt intake increases urine output and stimulates thirst. Also, protein intake above the horse’s requirement increases water intake and urinary output as the horse voids excess nitrogen via urine. Besides increasing water requirements, this creates an environmental hazard for stalled horses since the nitrogen in urine is broken down into ammonia in the horse’s bedding.

Other Factors

Body condition can affect water intake as well. Because fat is low in water content compared to lean body tissue, obese animals typically require less water than animals maintained at a more optimal body condition.

Ambient temperature influences water intake. Horses typically drink less water in cold weather. Water consumption of weanlings exposed to cold temperatures--18^o F and 1^o F--was compared to that of weanlings housed in temperatures of 46^o F and above. Water intake was up to 14 percent lower in weanlings maintained in cold temperatures.

Heat and humidity increase water requirements, especially in exercising horses. In one trial, daily water intake increased 79 percent when horses transitioned from a thermoneutral environment (68^o F and 45-50 percent relative humidity) to a hot, humid one (91-95^o F and 80-85 percent relative humidity).

In addition to temperature and humidity, other factors impact water intake of equine athletes, primarily duration and intensity of work as well as acclimation of the horse to the environment. Depending on the conditions in which a horse is exercised, total water intake by a 1000lb horse could reach more than 24 gallons per day.

Aside from equine athletes, lactating mares drink more water than other horses. Increased intake is likely due to a combination of factors, principally the fluid losses associated with milk secretion and the increased consumption of feed to support milk production. Though other factors such as diet composition and ambient temperature will play a role in volume of water consumed, 1100lb lactating mares may drink up to 19.5 gallons per day.

Illness and Health

Certain illnesses predispose a horse to increased water consumption. A horse with diarrhea but with normal appetite and thirst might have incredible fecal water losses. The horse compensates for fluid losses by boosting water intake and decreasing urine output. Without resolution of the diarrhea, however, dehydration is likely.

Excessive drinking, known as polydipsia, especially when combined with other signs such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), might be indicative of Equine Cushing’s Disease or renal insufficiency.

Though often neglected in nutrition discussions, water is vital for the health and well-being of all horses. As such, horses should have access to fresh water at all times.

About the Author

Dr. Larry A. Lawrence

Senior Nutritionist, Kentucky Equine Research

A native of Georgia, Lawrence received an M.S. in animal sciences from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in equine nutrition. Dr. Lawrence spent five years on the faculty of Washington State University, where he was the director of the teaching and extension horse programs. He joined the faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1991, where he was an associate professor of animal sciences and the extension horse specialist. Dr. Lawrence leads the Kentucky Equine Research technical staff and provides support for KER Team Members and their customers through research, formulation, and technical field service. He has presented seminars throughout the US and Canada and has been an invited speaker in Australia and Europe.

Vitamins and Minerals Explained

Which supplements are necessary, and when are you offering too much of a good thing?
by Wendy Harless Mollat, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM

As noted in last month's column, the bulk of your horse's diet should come from good quality forage (hay, hay pellets or hay-based complete feeds); however, the addition of certain supplements is often necessary to make up for vitamin and mineral deficits that may be present in certain types of feed or geographic regions. It is equally important to make sure you are not providing excessive amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, as this may lead to harmful toxicity. The vitamins, minerals and other supplements highlighted below are geared toward the adult horse (age 2-20 years). Broodmares, growing horses and high performance horses will all have varying needs that cannot specifically be addressed in this article.

Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral present in plants. Our Northwest soil is notoriously deficient in selenium; therefore, forage grown here is also selenium deficient. To support normal immune system and muscle function horses need 1-3mg of selenium per day, with performance horses and broodmares having the highest requirement. Selenium deficiency can occur in any age horse and usually manifests as mild to severe muscle disease or difficulty chewing. On the other hand, selenium toxicity results in hair loss and hoof wall damage. Because the safety range for this trace mineral is so narrow, it is important not to over-supplement by feeding multiple products that contain selenium.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that counteracts free radical-induced damage throughout the body. It is important for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function. Deficiencies are often associated with limited access to pasture or green forage or prolonged feed storage--this vitamin is very labile and degrades quickly in dried feeds. In general, horses require about 250-300 IU of Vitamin E daily. Supplementation with natural vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) versus synthetic sources is preferable, as the former is more readily absorbed and utilized in the horse.

Calcium and Phosphorous
Most horses on a forage-based diet have adequate intake of calcium and phosphorous, yet it remains important to pay attention to the ratio of these two minerals to each other. Imbalances can cause significant health problems. The ideal ratio is approximately 2:1 (calcium:phosphorous). Ratios of less than 1:1 decrease calcium absorption in the GI tract with serious consequences on skeletal development and repair. Ratios exceeding 3:1 should be avoided in growing horses. In general, hay is higher in calcium and grain is higher in phosphorous. Therefore, diets based largely on grain or bran sources have skewed ratios. With rice bran in particular, look for “stabilized” formulations in which the calcium content has been adjusted to avoid problems.

Joint Supplements
There are literally hundreds of supplements marketed for improving joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been heavily promoted for the treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. All of these products are classified as neutraceuticals – over-the-counter nutritional supplements that may have health-promoting properties. Unlike prescription medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate neutraceuticals, so the manufacturer does not have to provide any scientific research to substantiate the claims made on the label. When choosing an oral joint supplement, the decision should be made based upon your veterinarian’s recommendation; individual experience and clinical response may vary for each horse.

Metabolic Supplements
Metabolic syndrome and Equine Cushings Disease are two health conditions that are receiving increased awareness by owners and veterinarians. While each condition has distinct differences, it is not uncommon for both groups of horses to develop insulin resistance. Under normal circumstances, insulin is responsible for helping shuttle glucose from the bloodstream into the cell, where it can be utilized as an energy source. The hallmark of treating insulin resistance is to increase exercise and control carbohydrate intake.

• Chromium – Research in other species has shown that chromium may improve insulin sensitivity. The jury is still out on the effectiveness of this supplement in horses, but there is no evidence that it is detrimental.

• Thyroxine – If your horse is overweight and has been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome or Equine Cushings Disease, your veterinarian may recommend treatment with a synthetic thyroid hormone to aid in weight reduction. It is important to note that these horses are not hypothyroid and that by administering a thyroid supplement the horse may temporarily become hyperthyroid. While studies have shown that this drug can speed weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, long-term equine safety studies have not been performed. Since potential adverse side effects can occur, thyroid supplements are best used for the shortest time possible to achieve the desired effect.

This is simply an overview of some of the supplements you will encounter in the equine market. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to design a feed and supplement program that is most appropriate for your horse.

The Scoop on Supplemental Feeding

An overview of supplement types and what they do for your horse
By Clint McKnight, DVM, photo courtesy Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital

Feeding the modern day equine isn’t as simple as providing hay, grain, and water. Today, horses are used in a variety of different disciplines, and depending on your horse's workload, nutritional requirements can vary greatly. Most horses require supplemental feeding to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and additional calories that forage alone may lack. Feed producers have addressed this issue by offering many different products for horse owners to choose from. With all of the products available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your horse.

Categorizing feed products into defined groups based on what they provide your horse and then determining the specific needs of your horse can help you decide. I generally break supplemental feed products down into grains (concentrates), beet pulp, fat supplements, and complete feeds (pelleted).

Grains
Grains are a common part of the equine diet, and the most frequently used include corn, oats, and barley. Although they do vary in composition from one type to the next, grains generally are high in energy (starch and sugar), low in fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A (except yellow corn), and variable in protein content (8-12%). The type of processing used in grain preparation plays an important role in how well the horse can extract and utilize the nutritional contents. Whole grains are poorly broken down by the horse, and thus provide very little nutritional value. In order for the horse to most efficiently utilize grains, they should be rolled to break the outer hull, allowing access to the nutritional components within.

Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is generally classified as a forage because it contains about 18% fiber, yet it provides more calories than most hays (forages) pound for pound. This will provide your horse with a good source of energy as well as non-absorbable fiber. Beet pulp is the by-product from the manufacturing of table sugar. Because current extraction processes are very efficient, beet pulp contains little to no sucrose (table sugar) and provides most of its energy from soluble and insoluble fiber. This energy is released relatively slowly during hindgut fermentation and does not lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose, which can occur with concentrates. Beet pulp can be found in compressed pellets or shredded forms. Typical recommendations are to soak beet pulp prior to feeding, with pellets requiring longer soak time than the shredded form. Soaking is essential to prevent choking caused by the rapid expansion of the dehydrated beet pulp once it is exposed to fluid within the esophagus.

Fat Supplements
Fat supplements are products that can provide a higher caloric density in a smaller volume. This can be especially helpful for horses in high performance disciplines or “difficult keepers,” when providing enough calories to maintain weight with hay and grain alone is not accomplishable. Fat can also be added to the diet to keep calories up but allow for the removal of carbohydrate calories. This is particularly important when treating diseases like polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), in which high carbohydrate and starch levels can exacerbate the disease.

Common products high in fat include high fat wheat bran, rice bran, and vegetable oils. Bran products contain very low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorus (which binds to calcium and can create a calcium deficiency) and should be fed in conjunction with other feed products such as beet pulp or a complete feed. Some manufacturers have developed pelleted feeds that are >20% fat but balance the calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and minerals needed by the horse.

Complete Feeds
Finally, there are pelleted feed formulations referred to as complete feeds. The feed manufacturer has done the hard work for you by starting with a hay base, then balancing protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for a horse’s particular needs in a palatable, easily digestible pellet. Most companies will have specific feed products designed for the stage of development, age, or workload of your horse. Other complete feeds help address medical conditions. This is important because there are distinct variations in protein, trace mineral and vitamin concentrations between various grass hays and legumes.

Which Type is Right?
Although good quality forage (hay) should provide the base of good nutrition, supplemental feeding is often required to provide the additional nutritional components needed for growth, development, and to maintain your horse's health and performance. Knowing what various products provide can help determine which is most appropriate for your situation.

Grains can be of great benefit to athletic horses, as glycogen replacement and storage is dependant on dietary glucose. Increasing the fat component of a diet can provide needed calories when trying to increase weight, reduce carbohydrates, or provide additional energy. Beet pulp is a good choice to incorporate with other feed supplements, providing increased fiber and calories without added starches or sugars. Complete feeds generally are the most effective choice when a balanced diet is needed, particularly in growing, athletic, and older horses. Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) complete feeds are also of great value in the treatment of equine Cushing’s disease, metabolic disease, and in storage myopathy cases.

There are always questions surrounding equine nutrition that should be addressed on an individual basis, so I recommend discussing your horse’s diet with your veterinarian. He or she can help determine if any adjustments need to be made.

About the Author
Dr. McKnight graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in January 2004. He completed a medical and surgical internship at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, where he now works as an equine ambulatory practitioner.

Acupuncture: Tool For Vets, Option For Owners

A deeper look at acupuncture from a vet's perspective
by Michael Salewski, DVM

Veterinarians trained in acupuncture have an additional tool to treat patients, but like any tool it has its best uses as well as times when another treatment might be preferred. After all, both sledge and finish hammers can drive a nail, but your drywall looks a lot better if you choose the latter to hang a picture.

Flow of Energy
A good start to understanding acupuncture’s usefulness is to examine how it works. Chinese theory states that the energies of the body circulate through channels called meridians. Two energies necessary for life are qi and blood. Qi (pronounced chee) is the energy of action in the body, responsible for movement and warmth. Blood, in the Chinese system, is not just the fluid circulating in the vessels, but also the energy of cooling, nourishing, and moistening. In order for the body to function correctly, there must be a balance of qi and blood filling the meridians, and their movement must be unimpeded. Acupuncture points are locations on the body where energy flows close to the surface. Needles inserted at these points manipulate energy, directing it where it needs to go, improving the flow and so on. Scientific investigation shows that stimulation of these points often results in the production of chemicals that help with pain reduction, blood flow and nerve function. Though acupuncture can—and does—treat many conditions, its ability to manipulate and direct qi and blood allows it to shine in the treatment of musculoskeletal disease and pain in particular, which is why it is used in these situations more than any other.

There is a saying in Chinese medicine: “If the channels are free, there is no pain; if the channels are obstructed, there is pain.” This applies to all pain: muscle, joint, nerve, and organ. In order to treat patients effectively, practitioners further define the type of pain by the energy blocked and the underlying cause of the obstruction. A deep, dull ache is considered stagnation of qi. Sharp, stabbing pain is considered stagnation of blood, presenting as cramps and what we would call “trigger points.”

There are many causes of obstruction. Trauma is said to sever the meridians, allowing qi and blood to pool in the location of the injury. Pathogens, or “evil qi,” penetrate the body and are labeled according to clinical signs. Invasions of Cold into the body cause a stabbing pain, while Heat causes a warm sensation and Damp causes swelling. This may sound odd to westerners, but horse people already refer to a horse with an extremely painful back as “cold-backed,” check laminitic hooves for warmth, and have seen fluid drained from a swollen joint, so these descriptive terms shouldn’t seem so foreign.

Once the cause and type of obstruction is determined, specific points and techniques are chosen to eliminate obstruction and clear pain. Needles are placed in points to improve the flow of qi and/or blood, along meridians where pain is located, and in special points to clear Heat, Cold and Damp from the body. For example, a point called Small Intestine 3 (Houxi) is on the lower front leg on a meridian that runs up the leg and neck; it is very effective for relaxing muscle spasms and treating neck issues. Points painful to palpation are needled because these a-shi (trigger) points are where obstruction is concentrated. Special techniques, like moxa, which involves burning an herb on the handle of the needle to add heat, can enhance treatment and are especially useful to counteract Cold-type pain.

We explained the type of tool acupuncture is, but still haven’t discussed when it is the superior tool. Here are a few guidelines in regard to pain:

Back Pain: Anyone who has endured severe back pain knows how ineffective most modern medications are. Acupuncture often offers a higher level of relief for these conditions.

Unidentified Lameness: Some horses come up lame and nerve blocks, MRI, and bone scans fail to turn up anything. Since acupuncture theory states that obstruction causes pain, working to clear all obstruction from the painful area is an effective way to resolve these mystery conditions.

Competitive Requirements: Some horses have chronic problems managed with medications that are illegal during competition. Acupuncture is a great option for pain management during a show.
Owner Preference: Some people have personal issues with using medication for long periods of time and prefer a non-pharmaceutical option.

Performance: Subtle aches and pains can crop up over the course of training and showing that aren’t quite enough for bute, but still alter movement and behavior. This is an excellent example of a situation in which acupuncture can be used to keep a horse performing its best.

Emergencies
In an emergency situation, such as colic or acute injury, acupuncture needles are best left in the truck. Hypodermics should be used to give faster acting and more powerful western drugs. However, once the emergency has passed, acupuncture can be integrated into treatment. For instance, horses that still have significant pain after colic surgery and are already being given the highest safe doses of western drugs can be treated with acupuncture for that extra measure of pain relief.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in the successful treatment of many different conditions and is a valuable tool for veterinarians and horse owners. Knowing how it works and when it is best used can help owners make the decision as to whether or not their horse would benefit from this ancient art.

About the Author
Michael Salewski, DVM heads the Alternative Medicine and Rehabilitation Center at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, WA. He is the co-author of The Clinical Handbook of Chinese Veterinary Medicine and the novel Barn Politics, written under the pseudonym Philip Marshall.

Exploring Equine Acupuncture

A new look at an old approach to wellness
by Catherine Madera

I wonder if this is available for horses?

Inspired and curious after returning from my first acupuncture treatment, I couldn’t help thinking of my horses. I come from a holistically-minded family when it comes to health care. It was only a matter of time before I dabbled in alternative therapies for the management issues that cropped up in my three horses. If this therapy was beneficial to humans, why not them?

Ancient Alternative
It has been said that there is nothing new under the sun. As it turns out, acupuncture has been used for centuries to manage pain and cure disease in many animals, including horses. The only thing new is its growing use in modern western veterinary medicine.

Acupuncture is a combination of the Latin words acus (needle) and pungare (to pierce) and is believed to have originated in Tibet. It was first studied and administered by the Chinese, who developed theories about pulse, circulation and the heart 4,000 years before western medicine. The ancient Chinese did not limit the use of this therapy to humans, but treated their work and war horses as well. The earliest acupuncture veterinary book was written between 659 and 621 BC.

While there is more than one theory as to how the therapy works, the Chinese believe the placement of very thin needles along specific body meridians—located along the back, neck and limbs—stimulates qi (also called ch’i), or energy flow. The stimulation of this energy is thought to facilitate natural healing. Rather than seeking to control or manipulate a disease, traditional Chinese medicine recognizes illness as an imbalance and seeks to restore harmony in body systems. While dry needles are often used, there are many ways to stimulate an acupuncture point. These include lasers, heat, pressure and electricity, among others.

There is no known anatomical basis for the theory of body meridians, as understood by traditional medicine. Regardless of skepticism, people and horses continue to find relief through acupuncture therapy.

Mixing East and West
Dr. John Zaccardi, a veterinarian in the Northwest since 1983 and co-owner of Mount Vernon Veterinary Hospital, is one of a handful of veterinarians in the Pacific Northwest who is internationally accredited in acupuncture. Once a skeptic of alternative therapies, Zaccardi decided to study acupuncture at the request of a client.

“Once I enrolled and committed to it [International Veterinary Acupuncture Society], although still skeptical, I promised myself I would keep an open mind.”

The IVAS course covered acupuncture treatment for both large and small animals. Zaccardi honed his skills on the animals provided for the program—mostly greyhounds and old lesson horses—and he has found success using acupuncture at his practice in northwest Washington, combining the benefits of eastern and western veterinary treatment.

“Both are attempting to fight a diseased state. Ideally, alternative therapies should be applied in conjunction with western medicine.”

Common ailments treated by Zaccardi include various lameness issues with arthritis and concurrent back pain, as well as neurologic conditions like partial paralysis. An example of his integration of east and west is found in the treatment of horses with sore hock joints and back pain.

“I like to inject the hocks and apply acupuncture for the back pain to get the benefit of both modalities,” says Zaccardi.

Acupuncture can be administered to a horse on site at the hospital (haul-in) or during a farm call. It can accompany other routine treatments such as a dental float, be a one-time treatment for acute conditions, or require multiple treatments such as in the case of chronic arthritis. Acupuncture can be a powerful tool for pain relief, stimulating the nerves and releasing hormones such as endorphins and cortisol. It has been used to treat horses with respiratory, skin, and various musculoskeletal issues including traumatic injury. According to Zaccardi, horses generally tolerate the procedure well, but mild sedation may be used as the process can be uncomfortable.

Current Research
Available research regarding the benefit of acupuncture in horses is positive. Perhaps most notable is the work by University of Florida clinical faculty member and founder of the Chi Institute, Huisheng Xie, DVM. Dr. Xie received a Ph.D. for his study of neurophysiology and acupuncture as pain relief in horses. Xie found that in lameness due to acute injury, 96% of horses treated with acupuncture improved. Of these, 50% actually became sound.

Acupuncture can be used preventatively and to enhance performance in healthy animals. It has even been administered for behavioral issues. This treatment should not be considered a “last resort” after all other forms of therapy have been exhausted. According to Dr. Zaccardi, this is a common misconception.

“Many animal owners don’t consider alternative therapies until all else fails. This is unfortunate, as often the only cases the therapist is allowed to help are those with a poor prognosis.”

It is possible that horse health and longevity can be enhanced as new understanding of the benefits of alternative therapies such as acupuncture are integrated into traditional western veterinary medicine.

For more information about Dr. Zaccardi and Mount Vernon Veterinary Hospital, visit them online at www.mountvernonvethospital.com.

Sequential photos of a horse receiving acupuncture treatment for arthritis can be seen at: http://www.tomjudddvm.com/acupuncture-session.htm.

A Holistic Approach to Horse Rescue, Part 3

Emotional rehabilitation, re-homing and long term care

by Hannah Evergreen, DVM

In the first two parts of this series, we discussed both the immediate needs of rescue horses and the physical rehabilitation needs for the first few months after rescue. Here, we will explore the emotional needs of rescue horses and what comes after rehabilitation: long term care and re-homing.

All rescue horses have unique emotional needs, some simple and some severe. Common emotional issues I see with rescue horses include post-starvation food aggression, insecurity and trust issues (e.g., difficult to catch, sensitive to being touched), and lack of basic boundaries/training. It can be difficult to tell early on what the horse’s true personality will be as evidence of emotional problems tends to surface later, as the horse gains weight and strength. These issues must be thoroughly addressed as they come up for complete rehabilitation of the horse and to give the horse the best chance of finding a new home and staying in that home long-term.

Training Decisions

At this stage in rehabilitation, the horse is at a normal weight, the physical needs have been addressed, and long-term conditions have been diagnosed and are being treated. Rescue horses at this stage range from completely sound and healthy to sound for light riding to non-ridable. It is important at this stage to have made this determination so the emotional rehabilitation and training can help the horse reach its potential, whatever that may be. For example, if a horse has a saddling issue but is not ridable, it would be silly to spend a month working on desensitizing the horse to the saddle. On the other hand, if the horse is in its early twenties and sound for light riding but has never had any formal training, it may be a more difficult decision whether or not to pursue saddle training. In these situations I recommend an evaluation by a professional trainer to find out more about the horse’s personality and the probability for the horse being suitable for a beginner or intermediate rider with training. Most rescue horses require 2-3 months training by a professional or advanced rider to help them on their way.

This may be a good opportunity for you to brush up on your natural horsemanship skills or other gentle, appropriate training methods. The most important thing in this stage is to go slowly, be consistent, and take the time the horse needs to work out these issues from the start. If a horse is rushed through a program without complete emotional rehabilitation, the issues will surely crop up later.

Adoption Prospects

Once the horse has been rehabilitated as much as possible, it is time to find a permanent home. Most horse rescue organizations advertise on Petfinder.com, on their rescue websites, etc. It is very helpful to the rescue group if you assist them in getting the word out about the horse you are fostering, as well as other horses that are available for adoption. It is ideal to have a home lined up by the time the horse has been rehabilitated, but the reality is that it can take months to find a “forever home.” Keep in mind that some emotional damage from neglect is permanent. Once this has been determined, it should be discussed openly with prospective adopters and these horses should be placed into qualified homes only.

The act of rescuing a horse commits you to caring for that horse or making sure it is being cared for, for the rest of its life. Rescue organizations repeatedly follow up on each horse that has been adopted to ensure it doesn’t end up in a neglect situation again. Because of this, it is easy for rescue organizations to fill up quickly and then be unable to help other horses in need. We are in a time of crisis with too many horses and not enough homes or recourses to properly care for them all.

How You Can Help

Promoting the adoption of rescue horses rather than breeding more is essential. While some breeding may be done responsibly, it quickly becomes a slippery slope for me to decide what is or isn’t responsible breeding. Because of this, I have made the ethical decision as a veterinarian to eliminate breeding and reproduction from my equine practice, and instead help horse rescue organizations. I urge you to be part of the solution and consider fostering or adopting a rescue horse if you are looking for a rewarding rehabilitation project, new companion, or riding partner.

Holistic Horse Rescue Part 2

Healing the rescue horse's whole body is a slow but necessary process

by Hannah Evergreen, DVM

Last month we discussed the immediate needs of a rescue horse, including re-feeding syndrome, nutrition, and parasite and lice control. This month we will take a step back and look holistically at the whole horse. Once the horse has stabilized and is gaining weight, you can start to relax. The horse is not out of the woods yet, however. The horse's body has undergone extreme stress and will need a deeper level of rehabilitation for complete healing to occur. Physical rehabilitation along with detoxification and immune support are keys in this stage.

Physical Rehabilitation

Hoof Care: Many rescue horses have not had proper hoof care in the past and can be difficult to handle for their first trim. If a trim is stressful, wait until the horse has stabilized (2-4+ weeks) as this stress can be problematic early on. Be sure to work with a farrier (and a trainer if needed) who is sensitive to the emotional needs of the horse and willing to go slowly, thinking of each trimming session as a training session until the horse is calm and relaxed for trims.

Resorting to ropes only leads to long term behavioral and emotional problems. Occasionally, sedation should be used to help relax the horse and make a much-needed trim safe for all involved. Rescue horses often need to have their hooves trimmed every three to six weeks for a few months to help reestablish balance and correct pathology from neglect.

Bodywork: Start light exercise at the walk and slowly increase the distance/time and add in a few minutes of trot over the next two to three months. It is important to take it slow due to muscle damage and loss from starvation. Once the horse is at a 4.5/9 or above body condition score (BCS), you can start increasing the trot and adding in canter work, etc., depending on the physical capabilities of the horse.

Having massage work done once or twice a month during this process is very helpful to improve the suppleness of the muscles, address any ongoing problems, and to increase circulation and detoxify the muscles. Chiropractic work is also helpful monthly, as starvation and stress can cause significant subluxations. For painful problems or simply to help the horse recover more completely, acupuncture is also helpful during this process. Work with a veterinarian who is certified in acupuncture and chiropractic to help formulate the best plan for each individual horse. When musculoskeletal problems are not addressed early on, they can turn into long-standing conditions that affect the horse’s quality of life, long term health, and adoptability.

Dental Care: Once the horse has reached a BCS of 3.5/9 or above and has had blood work run showing normal CBC and chemistry levels, she is ready for dental care. Be sure to have a dental exam done by a veterinarian on intake. In cases of extreme dental disease, where the horse cannot eat with out intervention, dental care may be required right away. In severe cases, changes should be made slowly, with dental floats performed by a veterinarian every 3-6 months until the mouth has been re-equilibrated. Soaked hay and beet pulp/hay pellet mashes can be fed during the process so the horse can more comfortably chew her food.

Detoxification and Immune Support

After the stress of neglect and starvation, as well as the chemical lice and parasite treatments, the rescue horse will benefit from a detoxification program. Allowing toxins to build up can affect the horse’s long term health and speed of recovery. I recommend starting the horse on either Dynamite’s Herbal Tonic for one month, or for more sensitive horses, Wendals Herbs Liver Mix for one to three months. These herbal formulas will help support and cleanse the horse’s liver, which is her natural detoxifier. Immune support is also helpful early on in many cases. Horses that have been starved or neglected are often immune suppressed. They can be exposed to viral infections by being rescued and moved to a new location or hospital setting, or they may have an underlying infection prior to rescue. At-risk horses should be put on a vitamin C and/or an echinacea supplement such as Equilite’s GarlicC or Equinacea.

Stay tuned next month for a discussion on the emotional rehabilitation of rescue horses, long term care, and re-homing.

More information on horse rescue and resources can be found at the Northwest Equine Stewardship Center website, www.nwesc.org.

A Holistic Approach to Horse Rescue, Part 1

Treating the immediate needs of neglected horses with a holistic approach

by Hannah Evergreen, DVM www.evergreenholisticvet.com

Five years ago, many rescue horses were geriatric, lame, sick or otherwise not "useful" to their owners. When a young, sound horse came in through a rescue, it was easily placed into an adoptive home. Now, we are seeing greater numbers of sound, young, even well-trained horses end up in neglect situations; they are staying in rescue organizations for months, even years, before finding adoptive homes.

The first thing that needs to be done when a horse is rescued is an intake exam by a veterinarian. A blood sample should be taken for a routine CBC/Chemistry screen, and a fecal sample should be taken for ova and parasite float. These samples help the veterinarian determine the best treatment plan for each individual horse. The veterinarian will also assign a body condition score (BCS) to the horse (a 1-9 scale for objective determination of how fat or thin the horse is) check teeth, look for lice, and diagnose any other immediate medical conditions. The potentially toxic de-wormers, insecticides, antibiotics or other medications are unavoidable in most cases. Limiting their use and using natural treatments to detoxify and support the horse during this treatment period and to maintain the horse afterward are part of the holistic physical rehabilitation process.

The rescue horse should be immediately quarantined for at least one month, during which time feeding, parasite control and addressing immediate medical needs are essential. This quarantine is both to prevent the rescue horse from spreading disease, lice, and parasites to other horses in your barn, and also to prevent the rescue horse from getting viral infections or other diseases horses in your barn may be carrying. Rescue horses are at high risk of disease because they are often immune-suppressed due to emaciation or other illnesses. Don’t forget to disinfect your trailer after hauling a rescue horse.

Nutrition

All rescue horses are at risk of colic from diet changes, so changes should be made slowly, over a one- to two-week period. Probiotics should be given to help maintain beneficial bacteria in the horse’s GI tract and to decrease the risk of colic. Horses that score a 1 or 2 BCS are considered emaciated (ideal BCS is 4.5-5.5) and are at risk of re-feeding syndrome, which occurs when the horses’ metabolism suddenly changes from weight loss to weight gain. Severe metabolic disturbances and organ dysfunction can occur that can quickly lead to death.

At-risk horses must be fed small, frequent meals of grass hay only, slowly increasing to free choice grass hay. Salt blocks or loose salt and vitamin-mineral supplements can be given from the start, as this can help decrease the risk of re-feeding syndrome. Higher concentrate feeds can be added in only after the risk of re-feeding syndrome has passed. The ideal weight gain diet at this point in rehabilitation consists of forage first, low carbohydrate nutrition: free choice high quality grass hay or pasture, up to 30% alfalfa, beet pulp/hay pellet mash (soak all pelleted feeds), fat source (such as 1 cup vegetable oil), and a good quality vitamin-mineral supplement. Other concentrate feeds can be added in to make the mash more palatable. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to formulate the appropriate diet for your rescue horse.

Lice

These pesky external parasites are easily spread and seem to be on the rise in the Pacific Northwest. They are species specific, so you and your non-horse animals don’t have to worry, but you can spread the lice to other horses by not following strict quarantine protocol. There are three main treatment options for lice, the first being the most effective: Permethryn Horse Lice Duster, Carbaryl lice duster, or Fipronil (Frontline). Lice dusters should be used at seven- to ten-day intervals for a minimum of three treatments. All exposed horses should be treated on the same day and stalls should be stripped and disinfected. Blankets, halters, and tack should also be disinfected. Wear a mask, gloves, and long sleeves and avoid inhaling powders. Natural treatments such as tea tree baths and body clipping (weather permitting) can help in mild cases, but are not strong enough to treat most rescue horses.

Worms

Rescue horses often have heavy parasite loads because of neglect/lack of routine deworming and immune suppression. There is risk of colic (impactions, colitis) when a horse with a heavy parasite load is dewormed, so wait one to two weeks for the horses to be out of the immediate risk of colic from re-feeding syndrome, food change, and the stress of moving.

Horses that are loaded with adult and encysted parasites require extensive treatment before they can be put on a routine or natural deworming program. Consult with your vet about the best program for your horse. Since a negative fecal float does not guarantee the horse is parasite-free, rescue horses with few or no parasites seen but questionable backgrounds should be dewormed with Ivermectin, then a Panacur power pack two to four weeks later to help prevent unknowingly exposing your pastures to heavy parasite loads. A recheck fecal float should be done in two to three months. Wait until the horses are through this initial deworming before turning them out on your pastures. It is best to use a small pasture or sacrifice area that can be disinfected or rested after quarantine. Picking manure up daily and composting are also essential to decreasing parasite loads.

The first month of rescue horse rehabilitation is the most critical and requires experience and knowledge to be successful. First-hand experience can be gained by volunteering at local horse rescues or fostering horses for rescue organizations.

Will Chiropractic Benefit My Horse? Part 3 of 3

The science behind chiropractic 

by Brooke Johnson, DVM, IVCA certified Animal Chiropractor 

Chiropractic is a very powerful tool in veterinary medicine. Why does it have such an impact on overall animal health? 

Neurology and kinesiology--study of the nervous system and study of movement--form the scientific base of chiropractic. Previous articles have discussed what a chiropractic exam entails, signs to look for indicating animals that will likely benefit from chiropractic, and how animal chiropractors diagnose vertebral subluxation complexes and correct them with adjustments. Vertebral subluxation complex, used in the chiropractic sense, means a joint that has a reduced range of motion. As the last article in this series, discussion here will focus on what effect a chiropractic adjustment has on the body and why such a small motion can have such a big impact. 

Understanding the Nervous System

A basic understanding of the nervous system is necessary to illustrate how information is transmitted through the body. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, and peripheral nerves travel from the central nervous system to all points of the body. Peripheral nerves have two parts: the nerve pathways leading toward the central nervous system, where incoming information travels, and pathways leading away from the brain and spinal cord, carrying outgoing information. Nerve cells only pass information in one direction, so the pathways leading away from and toward the same body part are separate. 

The nervous system has the enormous duty of coordinating all actions of the body. It must gather information from its sensory nerves to determine what kind of environment the body is facing. From the constant inflow of sensory information, actions are executed to keep the body working smoothly and allow it to appropriately deal with any ongoing stresses such as extreme environmental conditions, illness, nutritional deficiencies and social stressors. 

Healthy and smart decisions from the nervous system require healthy nerves. Nerves are healthy when they are used and fired frequently, much like a muscle requires regular use to maintain healthy muscle tone. The nervous system is used to accomplish consciously directed tasks such as movement, but the vast majority of nervous system use is done unconsciously to maintain posture against the ever-present force of gravity, digest food, thermoregulate, and carry out routine body processes.

Joint Health

Animal chiropractors gain access to the nervous system by evaluating movement within joints of the spine. If restricted movement is found, then an adjustment is performed. An adjustment is a specific, controlled thrust along the plane of a joint that stays within the normal range of motion of the joint. 

Joint health, like nerve health, requires regular use of the system. A joint that doesn’t move, or moves with a decreased range of motion, is more likely to become inflamed and injured. Joint movement involves much more than just the bones making up the joint. Muscles, tendons, cartilage, joint fluids, joint capsules, ligaments, and vertebral discs all work together to make joints move properly. Eighty percent of joint stabilization comes from muscle and tendon crossing the joint. Joint injury is mostly due to failure of soft tissue structures supporting the joint. Strong joints require movement and support. Movement and support are provided by muscles, and muscles need healthy nerves to work properly. Chiropractors can directly impact the nervous system by initiating movement within a joint during an adjustment.

The brain can be considered a computer. It takes in information, analyzes it, then performs an action. For the brain to make decisions about which muscles to use, how much to use them, and when to rest them it needs good, reliable incoming information. Joints that don’t move properly don’t send quality information to the brain for use in decision making. Poor inflow of information increases the chance of a poor decision on how to run body functions. Poor decisions may be seen as muscle spasms, decreased flexibility, pain, or organ malfunction. This is a classic example of garbage in, garbage out.

Whole Horse Health

The previous discussion is needed to illustrate where chiropractic impacts the nervous system. Chiropractic affects input into the nervous system. The most efficient way to treat and have a corrective influence on improper joint mechanics is to change the input from that joint to the brain. A chiropractic adjustment accomplishes this and makes message inflow clearer so the brain can make better output decisions. Chiropractic helps optimize nervous system function. 

Many people easily make the connection between chiropractic and the musculoskeletal system. The less obvious connection is between chiropractic and all other body systems. The immune, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems are all coordinated by the nervous system. If the nervous system works better, the whole animal works better. 

In conclusion, chiropractic is able to positively impact animal health by allowing the nervous system to function more effectively. Since the nervous system coordinates all actions of the body, benefits of chiropractic are seen within all body systems. 

Will Chiropractic Benefit My Horse? Part 1 of 3

Manage the full spectrum of your horse's health

by Brooke Johnson, DVM

Many horse owners are using chiropractic care as an important component of their horse’s health care plan. When used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care, it can provide pain relief from chronic or acute problems. Chiropractic approaches health issues from a different angle from traditional medicine and offers an additional tool to keep your horse working in top form. 

Symptoms and Underlying Causes

Qualified animal chiropractors can diagnose and treat vertebral subluxation complexes (VSCs), or areas of motion restriction within the spine, through a chiropractic examination. There are also symptoms owners, riders or trainers can observe that may indicate a horse is having spinal problems and could benefit from a chiropractic exam. The most common sign is pain, which may be expressed in posture, reaction to touching the body, or refusal to work. The following signs may indicate pain or other effects of a subluxation:

• Reduced performance

• Abnormal posture

• Pinning ears during saddling

• Difficulty during collection or lateral gaits

• Changes in behavior

• Abnormal gait rhythm

• Muscular atrophy

• Interfering or consistently pulling shoes

• Difficulty flexing at the poll

• Shortened stride

• Unusual itching

• Asymmetrical or reduced perspiration

Horses are also exposed to a variety of situations that may cause subluxations, such as:

• Trauma - falls, slips, or being cast in a stall

• Performance - each discipline strains the spine in a different way

• Rider - a crooked seat while riding can lead to spine problems for the horse

• Shoes - poor hoof care or overgrown feet may result in spinal problems

• Saddle - poorly fitting saddles are a very common cause of back pain

• Transportation - long transportation times, trailer accidents, or traveling rough roads can affect the spine

• Birthing - difficult births can cause problems for the mare and foal

The Spectrum of Health

The above lists are just brief samples of the situations that can cause VSCs in a horse’s spine. That said, a horse does not need to have any outward signs of disease to benefit from chiropractic. To illustrate this, we need to think of health as a continuum or gradient that ranges from optimal health to disease (see image below). Stages of health can be labeled in order of increasing severity as general health promotion, deviation from normal, vertebral subluxation, dysfunction, signs and symptoms, advanced disease, and palliative care. 

On the disease end is the majority of medical care, while chiropractic care is weighted heavily at the health end. This makes sense because if a horse sustains major trauma it needs traditional medicine to provide urgent care. 

Notice where "signs and symptoms" appears on the health continuum. Several stages of disease have already happened prior to any detectable outward clue that health is less than optimal. If medical care, chiropractic care, or a combination of both is used to treat signs of disease, it is important to remember that stages of disease resolve in reverse of the order in which they appear. Once signs resolve, there are still subclinical aspects of disease present. Chiropractic is unique and powerful because it can have a major impact on resolving subclinical disease patterns. 

Full Health Potential

An example of using chiropractic to gain full health potential would be a dressage horse that initially receives chiropractic care to address a recent behavior change such as head tossing when asked to take a right canter lead. An animal chiropractor would do an initial exam, determine if there was need for traditional veterinary care, then perform adjustments to correct any vertebral subluxations found. If after two chiropractic exams the horse didn’t exhibit head tossing anymore, the chiropractor would likely set up a regular supportive care program aimed at correcting any problems still in the subclinical phase. 

If any disease can be stopped before advancing into an outward clinical phase then chiropractic is helping the horse achieve optimal health.

Discover the Power of Chiropractic, Part 1 of 3

A new series exploring the mechanics and benefits of equine chiropractic care

by Brooke Johnson, DVM

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a holistic health care system widely used in human medicine and quickly growing within the veterinary field. The word “chiropractic” is a combination of the Greek words for “hand” (cheiros) and “done by” (praktikos), meaning “done by hand.” The science and philosophy of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between spinal biomechanics and the nervous system. Restoring spinal motion will optimize nervous system function. Since the nervous system is critical for all body functions, a restriction to spinal movement will adversely affect coordination of movement and overall health.

Chiropractic is not intended to replace traditional veterinary care, but offers a complimentary therapy that is used to successfully treat many health and performance problems.

 

Focus on the Spine

The equine spine is a complex structure made of bone, ligament, cartilage, nerve and muscle. It has two very different, but very important, functions. The first is to protect the spinal cord that runs within the spine. The spinal cord and the many nerves emerging from it are necessary to keep the information highway of the body communicating openly between the brain and every part of the animal’s body. The second function of the spine is to facilitate movement. Individual vertebral joints have little mobility, but when acting as a whole the back and neck are quite flexible. Horses are phenomenal athletes, and the spine is the centerpiece of the biomechanical mechanism that takes propulsive forces generated in the hindquarters and translates the energy into forward movement. Knowing both of these functions, it is easy to see why a healthy spine allows a horse to be flexible, healthy and happy. Conversely, a spine that does not move properly will cause a horse to be stiff, sick, and not performing to its potential.

Vertebral Subluxation Complexes

Vertebral subluxation complex (VSC) is the term used by animal chiropractors to label a joint of the spine that exhibits a restricted range of movement. Simply put, the joint is “stuck.” Flexibility at that area of the spine is decreased and the body compensates by over-flexing a different part of the spine. Compensation uses extra energy and requires engagement of different muscles that are asked to do a job they are not intended to do. VSCs identified during a chiropractic exam are corrected by an adjustment. An adjustment is a quick, short, controlled thrust along a joint plane. These corrections are very specific, high speed, low amplitude motions that cause a stuck joint to become unstuck. The list of reasons VSCs develop is quite long and will be covered in an upcoming article.

What to Expect

Veterinarians or chiropractors who have taken extensive animal chiropractic post-graduate training are eligible to be members of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) or American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). Using a doctor certified by one of these organizations will ensure your animal is getting the very best treatment. 

A chiropractic exam begins by discussing the animal’s medical history and any current conditions the owner hopes to address through chiropractic. The doctor will begin to examine the animal and make a determination whether examination by the primary care veterinarian is necessary prior to chiropractic therapy. If the doctor feels it is appropriate to proceed with chiropractic care, then the entire musculoskeletal system will be palpated for soreness, muscle spasm, pain, swelling and muscle atrophy. The animal will be observed in motion to identify gait abnormalities. Then, the spine will be motion-palpated to identify VSCs. Each VSC identified will be treated by a chiropractic adjustment. Although particular attention will be given to the spine, other joints within the legs, jaw, or skull may also be adjusted. Lastly, aftercare instructions regarding exercise and follow-up appointments will be given. 

Will Your Horse Enjoy a Chiropractic Exam? 

Yes! Chiropractic exams and treatments should be very positive and enjoyable for both you and your animal. 

Upcoming articles in this series will explore chiropractic further. Topics to be covered include how to determine which horses will benefit from chiropractic care, what causes restriction of spinal movement, and the science of how an adjustment affects the nervous system.

Equine Osteopathy

A scientific approach to healing the whole horse

Article and photos by Karen Brown

Many techniques initially developed for humans eventually find their way into veterinary medicine. Among the modalities that have been adapted to the animal world is osteopathy. It was originally developed over 100 years ago as a means to detect and heal disease in the human body. The premise of osteopathy is that a living body is an inter-related entity with an inborn ability to maintain or return to optimum health provided that the structure, or musculo-skeletal system, is functioning within the boundaries of its natural balance. 

Virtually any discrepancy from normal function can be assessed in an osteopathic examination. The first rule of observation is that everything means something. 

Who Uses Osteopathy?

Olympic dressage riders and world champion cutters, ropers, and barrel racers are only a small segment of horse people who use osteopathy as a means to keep their horses in top physical condition. Indeed, these trainers and riders readily admit that regular osteopathic treatments have kept their horses winning at the top competitions in their sports. These horses are also competing longer and more frequently than their same-age counterparts. 

There are hundreds of symptoms that might indicate the need for an osteopath. Given the interconnection between the musculo-skeletal system and the rest of the body, it is quite common to have a lameness issue that is caused by a problem somewhere else in the body. Any type of persistent resistance or unwillingness to flex or bend is a sign that the horse could have a structural blockage. 

For example, a horse with a heavy parasite load will have a group of blocked vertebra in the thoracic spine. Another horse with an infection in any organ in the pelvic room will have a group of blocked vertebra in the lumbar spine. Horses with these kinds of visceral disorders will have difficulty moving freely, even when the disorder may not yet be detectable by clinical testing. Visceral disorders must be treated by a veterinarian; once they have been resolved, the osteopath manipulates any remaining structural or visceral imbalances. The horse then regains ultimate freedom of movement.

To read the rest of this article, visit our full digital edition by clicking here.

About the Author

Karen Brown is a freelance writer on all topics equine as well as a horse trainer and boarding facility owner in Bandera, TX. Her articles have been published in national and regional magazines over the past 11 years. Karen trains all breeds of horses, restarts problem horses, and provides instruction in natural horsemanship through lessons and group clinics. She may be reached at solitaireranch@indian-creek.net or 830-796-4764. 

Healthy, Natural Shine

Six natural ways to give your horse's coat a vibrant shine
by R. Matthews

You’ve seen them. You’ve admired them. You’ve wished your horse looked like one of them. Them being the slick, shiny horses you see paraded on TV in numerous horse shows, on the covers of glossy magazines, in dressage rings, and out in green-laden pastures under bright, sun-filled blue skies.

It isn't magic. You can get that gleaming look with minimal trouble. Here are six simple tips to get that super horse shine through natural, healthy means. Choose one or combine a few to give your horse the gleam that you know is in him.

Vegetable Oils
Most people know that vegetable oil is the number one way to bring out the shine in a horse. Half a cup of oil in your horse's daily feed will make that coat shine with the best of them. Black oil sunflower seeds, corn oil and rice bran oil are all as effective as vegetable oil. A word of warning: oil is high in fat. If your horse doesn’t need the extra calories or packs on unneeded weight, you might consider one of the other options.

Brushing
Brushing your horse is a great way to spend some quality time together while you bring out the natural oils in his coat. A good deep brushing that utilizes a curry comb (or its equivalent: a stiff-bristled brush and a soft-bristled brush) will bring up the hidden dirt, dry skin, and old hair. It will also stimulate and release the natural oils in your horse’s coat. This is a great way to relax with your horse after a long day.

Keep Him Covered
Sunlight bleaches; it is a fact of life. Your hair lightens in the summer, and so does your horse’s hair. When that Northwest sun is shining, consider keeping him in during the height of the day and turning him out in the late afternoon and evening. If this is not an option, try a lightweight blanket.

Winter weather can also take its toll on your horse, and a durable blanket can protect the fragile hair. When spring comes around, invest in a good shedding blade to remove extra hair and promote new growth.

Use Your Natural Oils
Another great option, especially if you are short on time, is to hand brush your horse. That's just what it sounds like: brush your hands over your horse's coat, smoothing the hair with your palms and fingers. This is a quick, efficient way to transfer the natural oils from your hands directly onto your horse’s coat.

Towel to Brush
This is another quick fix when short on time. It is also an easy, effective way to finish off a serious grooming session. Take a soft towel or rag and wipe down your horse. This will remove excess dirt and smooth out the hair. Do not wash the rag; it will start to collect the natural oils from your horse’s coat and bring out the shine.

Don’t Over-wash
If your horse’s coat is starting to look dull, even with all the grooming and extra care, you might take a look at how often you are washing him. A quick spray-down with the hose to cool him off on the hot days of summer won’t do any harm, but a deep-cleaning wash too often with shampoos will strip the natural oils from his coat and leave him looking dull.

Instead, consider giving him a bath with a little cider vinegar and a squirt of baby oil in a bucket half full of water. Don’t overdo the baby oil, though. It can clog the pores, blocking the release of natural oils. Sponge it on and squeegee it off. It will leave your horse silky and bright.

All it takes is a little time and attention to give your horse a natural healthy shine. None of these methods are expensive, and most are a great way to spend some quality time with your horse.

About the Author
R. Matthews is a freelance writer living in southern Idaho where she breeds, raises and sometimes shows American Quarter Horses. She has written for equestrian magazines such as EQUUS and enjoys mindless rambling on ranch life at her blog: http://forloveofahorse.wordpress.com.

A Place to Heal

One woman's passion for learning creates a sanctuary for horses with special needs
By Nicole Lanphear

In the realm of holistic horse care, there are veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, farriers and more. One Montana woman looked to combine the breadth of knowledge into one central location to better serve horses and horse owners that have special needs.

In Bozeman, Montana, a woman named Judy Smaaland offers a retreat for horses who need more supervision or attention than most boarding barns can offer. She works with a handful of alternative practitioners, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, homeopaths, massage practitioners, and natural hoof care farriers to form a central location to treat various needs.

Smaaland had horses off and on since she was a child, and five years ago got back into the horse world with a vengeance. She had become involved with natural healthcare for herself and her small animals, and began to see more and more health issues in horses that could benefit from a similar kind of care.

“I’m seeing a lot of horses come through with digestive, chiropractic issues, or general health challenges,” says Smaaland.

She saw a need in her community for a place where horses with special needs could get the kind of care that regular boarding facilities couldn't offer.

This summer, she converted her barn and pastures to accommodate rehabilitation and a surgical recovery center. Along with a local vet, she works with horses from stall confinement through the healing process in different pens, corrals and pastures suited to their needs.

Each horse is unique, and Smaaland tailors her routine to each boarder’s needs and feeding schedule. One of her current horses foundered in the past, so he is turned out on a strictly timed schedule with a grazing muzzle. Another horse is a former dressage mount whose eye was kicked out by another horse. Smaaland watches him closely and works to build his trust.

Providing Peace of Mind
A hands-on approach and intensive supervision provide the horses at Smaaland's stable with the care they need, but it isn't just the horses who benefit. Owners, too, appreciate the time and attention spent on care, offering peace of mind to those who cannot provide full care themselves.

Whether it is soaking abscesses or administering medication, “It is fun to see what can be done,” says Smaaland. “Within the confines of what can be done, a prognosis can change.”

Building a Network
“I love seeing horses get better,” Smaaland says. “Their healing capabilities are amazing, given the right tools. I’ve seen them come around so quickly.”

Smaaland’s larger goal is to provide her services on more of a consultation basis, rather than at her physical location. She wants to bring together a network of people who have the desire to continue learning and meeting the needs of their horses through natural options. She loves being a constant student of horse care and recommends that anyone interested in starting up a facility like hers bring together as many human resources as possible.

“Networking is wonderful,” she says. “Bringing together people of like mind. It greatly increases the services we can all provide.”

For more information on Smaaland’s ranch, visit www.fourcatranch.com.

Senior Horses' Wintertime Needs

Keep your equine seniors comfortable and healthy in the cold season
By Nicole Lanphear

As the seasons change, your horse’s needs change. For senior horses, accommodating these needs is even more important as the weather changes and their health is at stake. This month we once again turn to Hannah Evergreen, DVM, of Evergreen Holistic Veterinary Care (http://www.evergreenholisticvet.com/) in Monroe, Washington for advice.

Senior horses are less able to thermo-regulate their body temperatures than younger horses. Thus, as the days and nights get colder, shelter and other methods of keeping body temperature up become more vital for your senior horse.

Blankets and Shelter
While a 12'x12' sheltered area with coverings on at least two sides to block the wind is recommended for all horses in all seasons, senior horses need it most of all during the winter. Shivering requires a lot of energy, which can cause your senior horse to lose hard-earned weight. If you don't have a proper shelter for your horses yet, now is the time to create it, before the mud and wet ground make construction more difficult.

Horses traditionally gain warmth from the herd setting, so horses kept alone need special attention to blanketing and shelter. If you do keep your senior horse in a herd setting, make sure it's the proper herd for your horse; for example, if your horse is slightly arthritic, a herd of younger horses might push the older horse to its limit and cause injury.

Blanketing is a necessity that must be a consistent routine.

“Once a horse becomes reliant [on blanketing], the owner must keep using it because the horses acclimate to it,” Evergreen says. One solution is to use the blanket only in a specific temperature range, such as freezing or below. This way, the horse only acclimates to the blanket in that temperature range. However you choose to determine your blanketing range, keep it consistent so the horse is able to adapt and be comfortable.

“They can survive and do okay without their blanket,” Evergreen says, provided the horse hasn't previously been blanketed, but adds, “It sure is nice to be cozy.” Blanketing will keep horses from losing too much weight from shivering, and will help keep their coats clean.

Blanketing also helps horses that are more prone to rain rot because of an immune system weakness. Rain rot is common in horses who are not brushed or kept dry consistently. Dander and debris build up under the skin, causing this condition, so in the winter months it is important not to forget regular care and grooming. Older horses are also more prone to Cushing's, which causes excessive hair growth. Horses with Cushing's have more hair and thus a higher risk for rain rot.

If you do choose to blanket your horse in the winter, the most important task is to find a blanket that fits properly in order to avoid injury or losing the blanket. If you see excessive rubbing on the shoulder after blanketing, get a shoulder guard so the blanket is a pleasant experience for your horse.

Footing and Hoof Issues
If a horse is wearing shoes, the wintertime is a good time to remove them. It can relieve soreness from any ill-fitting shoes. Bedding is also important in the winter months. Dry footing can prevent thrush and other hoof issues. Any shelter will be warmer with dry bedding, whether it is straw or shavings.

Abscesses are also common in the winter, as are scratches around the pastern (pastern dermatitis). To keep your horses feet healthy, clean them all out regularly and strive to provide a mud-free area.

“Mud happens in this climate, but it doesn’t have to happen,” Evergreen says. Use gravel or other materials to prevent mud in areas where your horse has access.

Changing Nutritional Needs
Senior horses often have poor teeth that can lead to poor nutrition. There are ways to combat this, and senior horses don’t have to be skinny; it is a misconception that you don’t have to settle for. Many senior horses need softer diets including beet pulp or hay cubes, but the combination of proper nutrition and proper dental care can keep most seniors at a healthy weight throughout the year.

In the wintertime, pay special attention to your horses' weight and realize they are losing pasture supplements from grazing. Keeping them warm will help them keep their weight, and your vet can help you with supplementation needs.

Not all feeds have equal benefits when it comes to weight gain. “People think extra grain will keep them warm,” Evergreen says. “But extra fiber will keep them warm. Beet pulp, extra hay, and extra foliage will keep them warm, rather than carbs.”

As you bundle your own coat against the Pacific Northwest rain and wind, think about your horse and his needs. Think also of your senior horse and the different needs that change during the winter. Your healthy, happy horse will be your true reward.

Equine Wellness on Hiatus

Our Equine Wellness column is on hiatus this month as columnist Nicole Lanphear prepares for the celebration of her marriage. Please join us next month for a look at the caring for older equine companions through the winter months.

Click here for last month's article.

Stretching Pays Off

Do your homework and do the work to get the most out of stretching
by Nicole Lanphear

One of the most important aspects of your horse’s training is his overall health. A huge part of this is the health of his muscles and joints. When used properly, stretches can help ensure flexibility and prevent injury. Stretching improves blood circulation, elongates muscles and helps the horse relax.

Before you start a regular routine of stretching, passively test your horses’ body through slow, relaxed stretches to see if he responds with any pain or compensation. Work on level ground when your horse is relaxed. If your horse backs off, stop stretching. The goal is to improve mobility, but if it is painful, it will be counterproductive.

While horses are much stronger than humans, it doesn’t take a body builder to stretch out a horse. The amount of time spent doing a stretch is more effective than a hard grip or overextension. At the same time, this work can be beneficial to you! Remember last month when we talked about play time? Put on some music and make the stretching exercises a relaxing game for yourself and the horse. If you do other kinds of stretching for yourself, such as yoga, do that first so you are limber and relaxed when you begin your horse's stretching session. Plan on devoting at least five minutes a day to stretching your horse. It isn't a lot, and can save you time later by giving you a horse less prone to illness and injury.
Insert photo Horse1, credit: Lars Sundström

Stretches to Try
Some basic stretches include using a carrot or treat and placing it next to the girth area, bringing the horse’s nose back toward the treat and holding for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Hold a carrot down between the horse’s front legs, bringing his nose down to his fetlocks. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. For a more complete set of stretches, talk with your veterinarian and ask him or her specifically how long to hold each stretch for each muscle. There are also plenty of books on equine stretching available. See the sources noted below.

Not all stretching takes place on the ground – transitions in a straight line and a light trot elongate many different muscles. Learning a little bit of basic dressage can help with under saddle stretching. Also, the best time for ground stretching is after a 15 minute warm-up of going through all the gaits.

Concerns
Overstretching is a concern that should not be taken lightly. Many times a stretch can cause hypertension in the spine or flex the spine but not the muscles. Be aware of your horse’s reaction and don’t put all your muscle and might into stretching. If, despite your care, your horse seems to have some soreness after stretching, talk to your vet or other equine health specialist about how best to care for the injury and when to return to your stretching program.

Be calm, steady and diligent in your stretching routine. If you take your time and build your horse's flexibility gradually, the benefits can be enormous.

Sources:
Pros and Cons of Equine Stretching by Michael Baxter
Stretching Exercises for your Horse by Sue M. Copeland
Stretching out the Kinks by Stephanie L. Church

Schedule in Some Play Time

Horse around for better health
By Nicole Lanphear

Bring new meaning to the phrase “horsing around” and connect with your horse on a whole new level. Not by riding, training, conditioning or working. By playing.

The physical and emotional benefits of playing are the same for all species. It is easy to see dogs and cats frolic all the time. As adult humans, we sometimes forget the importance of playing. For our domesticated horses, it is especially important.

Lisa Ross-Williams of If Your Horse Could Talk and EquiSport Toys and Tools says horses can forget to play, especially when they are stuck in a stall for too long. As innately curious, active creatures, horses are built for constant movement and exploration. In wild herds or any herd setting, horses play games of hierarchy that eventually teach young males how to become the dominant stallion.

Ross-Williams encourages playing with your horse from birth. The benefits are not just physical, but target the mind, body and soul.

Work and Play
Including playtime in your typical routine with your horse is not hard. Ross-Williams suggests turning music on and making your groundwork exercises a game. Teaching your horse to back up? Relax your own body, dance a little and try to get the horse to back in step with the music’s beat.

Utilize tools around you–fill an empty milk jug with pebbles so that it rattles and teach your horse to fetch it back to you. Use cones to practice serpentines or backing around an obstacle. Using props to target your horse’s attention will help the horse respond better.

“Start young,” Ross-Williams says. “But even older horses can learn how to play again.”

The Play Pen
For those days you don’t have the time for in-hand work, create an environment suitable for your horse to play in. Place safe toys in a pasture or paddock so your horse can create his own games. Some suggestions are barrels, which horses love to roll around, or cones, which horses can pick up and toss around.
“It is amazing the games they come up with on their own,” Ross-Williams says. Horses are intelligent and the exercise for their minds will keep them from becoming bored, listless animals.

Toys must be durable and safe, but don’t have to be expensive. There are many lines of horse-specific toys, but even some dog toys are suitable to entertain your horse. Other options include plastic cones, milk jugs and old plastic garbage cans.

“Use your imagination and take a look around the house,” Ross-Williams suggests.

Buckets without handles are popular among her horses, and she has one horse that loves to stick his head in an old garbage can and play around.

Goal: Have Fun
The main purpose of playing is for everyone involved to have fun. Spending more time with your horse will draw the two of you closer, and playing games together will help build a stronger bond. Aside from the physical exercise and mental challenge, think of the funny stories and memories you can share.

Do your horse the favor and make time for play. After all, all work and no play make ol’ Blaze a dull, unhappy horse. Who knows–if you let yourself get caught in the games, you might even have a little fun too.