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Common Health Issues in The Older Horse
As our understanding of horse care improves and advances in veterinary medicine continue to be made, the population of geriatric equids is growing. We are often seeing twenty-something horses successfully competing in the show ring and many horses are living well into their twenties or even thirties. With age come some particular medical issues that owners of geriatric horses should be aware of.
One common disorder more prevalent in older horses is pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as ”equine Cushings.” PPID is caused by a dysregulation of cortisol production secondary to a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. Although horses as young as 7 years old can be affected, it is much more prevalent in horses in their late teens and older. Incidence of PPID has been reported to be as high as 14% in horses older than 15 years and appears to increase with age. Owner-reported coat changes consistent with PPID, including longer hair, incomplete shedding, and needing to body clip in warm weather, have been reported to be as high as 30% in horses older than 20 years. Other signs may include polydipsia (increased water consumption), polyuria (increased urination), and increased wound healing time. The condition is diagnosed by a veterinarian through blood tests and can be managed with oral medications.
Although horse owners worry about colic in horses of any age, certain types of colic can be more prevalent in older horses. Strangulating lipomas, benign fatty tumors in the abdomen, can wrap around intestine (usually the small intestine) and cause a complete obstruction and compromised intestine. The risk of strangulating lipomas tends to increase with age. The condition often requires surgical intervention in order to remove the strangulating lipoma and resect severely affected bowel if necessary. Taking a horse to surgery always comes with risks, but generally older healthy horses do just as well under anesthesia as younger horses. We regularly see horses in their twenties go to colic surgery and do very well post-operatively, and the prognosis is much more dependent on the horse’s stability, clinical findings and the type of lesion than on age.
Regular dental care in geriatric horses is a must. As horses get older and wear their teeth down near the end of the roots, they can develop dental issues that will lead to secondary health problems. It is generally recommended that horses in their late teens or older have a dental exam every six months to ensure that they are not developing serious dental conditions. When a horse cannot chew its food properly, he or she is more prone to getting esophageal obstructions (“choke”), large colon impactions, and weight loss if they are dropping food. If you and your veterinarian are aware of dental issues, they can be dealt with quickly and appropriate management and diet changes can be made to avoid serious health problems.
The most common respiratory disease in older horses is recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as “heaves”. RAO can be seen in younger horses and is caused by inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. The term “heaves” is related to the increased abdominal effort used by horses with this condition to breath. They may develop a “heave line” along the abdomen where the respiratory muscles are very prominent. The condition can be treated quite successfully in many cases with simple changes in management, including 24-hour turnout and limiting the amount of dust and allergens in the horse’s environment. Other medications including bronchodilators or steroids can also be used in more severe cases.
Lameness in older horses is usually caused by degenerative processes, which can lead to joint disease or other conditions. Maintaining older horses in regular light exercise or at least on pasture turnout is important in keeping them as limber and pain-free as possible. Adding supportive joint supplements (glucosamine and chondroitin) to the diet can also be beneficial. When necessary, long-term NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) treatment is very effective.
Just like in humans and other species, the risk of certain types of neoplasia (cancer) increases with age in horses. The most common cancer in older horses is squamous cell carcinoma, which is usually found in and around the eye and on the external genitalia. Areas of lightly pigmented skin are the most likely to be affected. The cancer can spread through lymph nodes and the sooner it is identified and treated the better the prognosis. Melanomas are also very common in older horses, particularly gray horses (the vast majority of older gray horses have melanomas somewhere on their bodies). Melanomas are usually benign, but can cause problems depending on their location, especially if they obstruct normal urination or defecation. Keeping track of where melanomas are developing and how fast they are growing is important so that medical or surgical intervention can be performed before they cause serious secondary effects.
As our horses grow older they are more likely to develop certain health issues. However, with some knowledge about what to look for and regular veterinary care, we can keep them healthy and happy for years to come. If you have any questions or comments regarding geriatric horse care speak with your veterinarian or any of the veterinarians at NEEMSC.
A. Rachel Roemer, DVM
Jacqueline Bartol, DVM, DACVIM
Resources
M.R. Paradis. The Geriatric Horse. In Current Therapy in Equine Medicine. 6th Ed. Editors: N.E. Robinson and K.A. Sprayberry. Elsevier 2009.
Equine Dentistry 101
Equine dentistry is a veterinary medical procedure that is part science, part art form. Consisting of three parts: complete oral examination, individually tailored sedation, and balancing of the arcades, the goal of an equine dental visit is to balance a patient’s mouth to allow for optimal mastication (chewing), comfort and performance.
Why is balancing of the arcades (rows of teeth) necessary in horses? The answer is that horses’ have a tooth development pattern called hypsodonty, which means their teeth are constantly erupting below the gumline. Normal wear can cause uneven and often sharp edges that must be periodically balanced by a veterinarian.
A complete oral examination is the first step in an equine dental visit. A speculum should be used to open the mouth fully so all structures within the mouth can be fully viewed. Following the oral exam the treatment plan should be developed and the patient prepared for balancing.
All patients should be properly sedated prior to balancing of their arcades. Sedation allows for a smoother and safer procedure for human and horse alike. Many different medications are utilized and your horse’s veterinarian will often use them in various combinations tailored to the individual patient and the work to be performed. It is important that a health exam is performed prior to sedation.
Once the patient is relaxed and settled, the balancing can begin. Balancing refers to making all four arcades properly aligned. My experience has lead me to recommend that the majority of balancing be performed with power assisted tools, and in my cases with the Powerfloat. The Powerfloat’s grinding wheel removes sharp edges and can correct more severe abnormalities that may be present. When done properly powerbalancing is safer, more efficient and effective than hand tools. Powerbalancing is always performed with a full view of the mouth and allows the veterinarian to work on each tooth individually as opposed to part of an arcade.
It is important to note that every patient is an individual and should be treated as such by a veterinarian. Inherently some patients have severe abnormalities that will never be corrected 100%, but it is the goal of the equine dentist to balance each patient’s mouth as best as possible.
I recommend that young (1-5 years) and geriatric (over 25 years) patients be examined every six months. From 5-25 years patients should be examined on average every nine months. A veterinarian should be called out for an exam sooner if problems such as reluctance to eat, poor riding performance, or foul odors or discharges from the mouth or nose are noted as these may indicate more severe oral issues.
Proper and routine dental care performed by a licensed veterinarian is crucial to keeping every horse happy and healthy.
Michael Marshall, DVM
Trafalgar Square Books
Trafalgar Square Books is pleased to announce it has been named the exclusive North American distributor for the highly respected equestrian filmmaker Pferdia TV. "TV" is an abbreviation for Thomas Vogel, the founder of the company. Based in Germany, Thomas Vogel began his equestrian-related career as an event rider before moving to the stable of Hans Joachim Köhler, the famous horseman and founder of the Verden riding horse auctions. There, Thomas completed his apprenticeship as a rider and assisted in department of auction management.
In 1989, Thomas and his wife Inge started Pferdia TV. Inge is from a family known the world over as breeders of fine horses. At Pferdia TV she manages new projects and the publishing side of the business, while Thomas is the man behind the camera and at the cutting table. Thomas is a horseman through-and-through, as his high-quality films clearly demonstrate. His eye for horses create films that leave a lasting impact and set themselves apart, deftly showcasing his inventiveness, experience, and excellent technical skills. He has created films with many internationally recognized horse people, including top riders and trainers Philippe Karl, Dr. Reiner and Ingrid Klimke, Linda Tellington-Jones, Anja Beran, Peggy Cummings, Richard Hinrichs, among many others. All Pferdia TV films in English are now readily available from Trafalgar Square Books. For a complete list of titles, visit Pferdia DVD List , to see all the books and DVDs available visit Trafalgar Square’s Horse and Rider Books Web site at www.horseandriderbooks.com. For information on carrying these fine films for resale, contact Kim Cook at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
AS USEF NSAID RULES CHANGE, IT’S TIME TO GO ORGANIC
HEALTHY HORSE TIP
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may help mask lameness while reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, but they can also be very harmful to the equine, whether pet or athlete.
NSAIDs can contribute to GI ulcers, diarrhea from colitis and colic, which all may trigger bouts of laminitis. Even short term NSAID use has the potential for renal (kidney) and liver toxicity, and may decrease a horse’s health and performance.
Research has shown that NSAIDs may also slow down the healing process of soft tissues. This means that the patient using NSAIDs may look normal and not have pain evident, but the tissue is weaker longer and at a higher risk for re-injury during the extended healing period.
The USEF now requires an “NSAID Disclosure form” to be filed with the Steward/Technical Delegate if more than one NSAID is used during a competition or in the five days preceding a USEF competition. The use of Bute and Banamine together is currently prohibited. Starting December 1, 2011, the presence of only one NSAID will be allowed! The seven NSAIDs currently allowed with quantitative restrictions are Bute, Banamine, Naproxen, Ketofen, Arquel, Equioxx, and topical Surpass.
There are other options available for use to treat inflammation and pain. Many of the natural products are very effective while being much safer than prescription NSAIDs. Some of these may be herbal, botanical, nutritional, and/or homeopathic blends. Keep in mind not all “natural” products are safe or effective and some of them will test positive on drug screens.
KAM Animal Services offers FRE Choice Liquid as a safe effective NSAID alternative. FRE Liquid has been used in show and race horses for years with great success and is veterinarian tested and endorsed. FRE Liquid will not test positive on a drug screen (blood or urine). It is safe to use in combination with any and all other NSAIDs and any medications your horse may be receiving.
This tip was brought to you by Dr. John Hanover and KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place every month. Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for their next webinar. If you attend when they are live they are free. If you want to be able to listen to them again or download them the annual fee is $89 and includes all the webinars. These webinars will conclude with a question and answer session, so be ready with your nutrition questions.
Riding Different Horses Tests Seat Skills
By Nancy Wesolek-Sterrett
Dressage Department Head, Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre
The majority of new students on campus each quarter have logged countless hours in the saddle. Successful on a horse or two or three back home, they are good riders who arrive confident in their ability and eager to make riding their career. The first few weeks can be difficult as the school horses challenge their existing skills and teach them several new ones.
Every horse tests a rider's skills in different ways. Our school horses are an eclectic assortment of sizes, shapes, temperaments, gaits,and training levels. Switching among these four-footed teachers tests a student's ability to apply their aids both correctly and consistently.
The riding tree we teach here takes students through sixlevels on their way to developing an independent seat: 1) relaxation, 2) balance, 3) following the horse's motion, 4) application of the aids, 5) co-ordination of the aids, and 6) influencing the horse. As riders progress, they often find that the skills they mastered at, say, the trot, still needwork at the canter. Or the skills mastered on a particular horse need more work when they ride a completely different type of horse.
Let me give you an example. One new student obviously had a nice seat. She knew how to relax, open her hips and allow them to swing with the horse's motion at the walk and trot. She may have mastered these skills on a calm, relaxed horse back home. Now she was mounted on a sensitive Thoroughbred mare with a tendency to speed up at the trot until she broke into a canter.
As the mare sped up, the girl lost her relaxation. Her body stiffened, her hip joints locked up, she tipped forward and lost her balance.When her hips locked, she was unable to follow the horse's motion. The mare's tension increased when the rider got behind the motion. Fear of the mare's speed knocked three riding basics out from under this rider. As a result, shelost her seat, her most important influencing aid.
The situation was not unsafe, so I decided to talk the rider through it. First, I asked her to sit back, consider her plumb line and rebalance over her horse. To help her relax her hips and get them moving again, I asked her to exaggerate her hip motion at the rising trot so she could start following the mare's motion and not fall behind it (which only makes the horse run faster).If the mare ran through the trot into the canter, I asked her to sit down but keep that swinging hip motion and just ride canter. I kept the rhythm for her by saying, "Swing, swing, swing," in time with the mare's canter strides. Then I helped her slow the horse into a better rhythm by slowing my repetition of "swing."
When a horse runs through the trot into the canter, therider needs to remember that the horse is only cantering. Rather than panicking because she feels out of control, the rider just needs to ride the canter untilshe is following the horse's motion. Then she can start to apply her seat, leg,and rein aids to influence the horse to return to the trot.
If the horse is in motion but the rider is not, the rider is likely to fall off. If the rider is not 'with'the motion then she is opposing the motion. If a horse takes off faster than the rider would like, the rider has to take off faster, too, in order to maintain control with her seat. Otherwise, the rider loses relaxation, rhythm, balance, and, with them, the ability to influence the horse with the seat.
When a horse gets quick with me, I mentally tell myself, "Iasked for that." That allows my body to stay relaxed and automatically increase its swing into the extended trot or lengthened canter the horse offered. Since my seat continues following the horse's motion, I can still influence the horse with it. Now I can reverse the thought and say to myself, "Now I want to transition from the lengthened canter to a collected canter." And I am back incontrol of the situation. Riders need to prepare themselves mentally for these situations so that they do not allow any thought that conveys, "Something's going wrong." That kind of thinking tightens their muscles, throws their body into a defensive posture, opposes the horse's motion, and makes the situation worse. It is better to ride offensively rather than defensively.
Another common seat issue that riders encounter as they change horses is the tendency to come off their inside seat bone when they apply their inside leg. Many novice riders grip to some degree with their inner thigh muscles. This pulls their leg up and pushes the seat bone off the saddle ever so slightly. They need to go back to the relaxation level of the riding tree to fix this.
To stay seated equally on both seat bones, riders must thinkof using their hamstrings to lengthen the leg and stretch out the hip flexor. Before a rider puts her leg against the horse's barrel, she should think ofrelaxing all of the joints and muscles as though she were stretching her leg under the curve of the horse's barrel. Any tension in the hips, knees or ankleswill prevent this lengthening. Gripping with the inner thigh muscles will pull the leg up.
Obviously, the size and shape of each individual horse and the length of the rider's legs will affect how easily a rider can 'wrap her leg' around a given horse's barrel. As riders sit on horses with various anatomical shapes, I ask them to try lifting their leg away from the horse's side from their hip. Then I ask them to roll their ankles and knees inward from their hip's ball and socket joint, grip the saddle tightly, then relax without allowing their knees and toes to roll back out. This helps them begin to isolate the outer thigh muscles that help them wrap their legs around the horse from the inner thigh muscles that will push their legs up if they grip with them.
Another challenge many riders face as they change horses is that they do not have a good sense of when they are 'centered' in the saddle. They sit to the left or right of center and that feels perfectly normal to them. This happens because we all have a strong and a weak side to our bodies. Whenwe sit on a horse, the stronger side tends to grip and draw up, pushing us overto our weaker side, which stretches and lengthens. It can also happen when a horse is crooked and, if that is the only horse the person rides, they will carry that position over to other horses because it feels 'centered' to them.
Unless an instructor sees this and points it out, the rider may be completely unaware of this off center position. Sometimes I have to pull a rider over physically to center her on her horse. This, of course, feels 'wrong' to her. However, she needs to ride through that awkwardness until being correctly centered over her horse feels normal to her. Riding multiple horses helps riders develop a proper feel for being centered on a horse.
Each horse tests a rider's skills in different ways. Working with an instructor can help them strengthen their riding skills in a safe environment. My job as an instructor is to match horses and riders in ways thatfirst build skills and confidence. Then, without over mounting or over facingriders, I mix things up so that they progress to horses and situations that are more challenging. Whenever a riding problem arises, I always refer back to the riding tree and take the rider back to the level where the problem originates. As riders work through problems on different horses, they begin developing a truly independent seat and take their riding to the next level.
___________________________
© 2011 Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre. Nancy Wesolek-Sterrett has earned numerous United States Dressage Federation horse awards including Bronze and Silver Medals on horses she has trained. She competes her horses at Training through FEI levels. As a Certified Riding Instructor she brings over 20 years of experience to her position as Head of the Dressage Department at Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre (147 Saddle Lane, Waverly, WV 26184; 800-679-2603; www.meredithmanor.edu), an ACCET accredited equestrian educational institution.
Century Mills Stable IEA Results 2/19/11
2/19/11 Results!
Jacy Anzalone, 3rd Varsity Intermediate Fences
Brenna Chandler, 1st JV Novice Flat, 3rd JV Novice Fences
Emma Farina, 1st JV Novice Fences, 3rd JV Novice Flat
Lisa Sankey, 1st JV Beg WTC
Mary Ellen Osler, 3rd JV Beg WTC
Veronica Green-Gott, 1st JV Beg WT
Serena Mirchandani, 2nd JV Beg WT
Middle School Team Champions!
Jessica Lifschultz, 1st Future Novice Fences, 2nd Future Novice Flat
Miranda Tollefston, 3rd Future Beg WTC
Michela Farina, 1st Future Beg WTC, 1st Future Beg WT
Congrats to all our 2011 qualifiers so far!
High School Team, Middle School Team
Individuals: Bre, Andrea, Jacy, Emma, Veronica, Megan, Michela, Katie, Jess, Miranda and Sam!