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Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1)

EHV-1 Outbreak

What is EHV-1?

  • Equine Herpes Virus is one of the most common respiratory diseases affecting horses. There are at least four equine herpes viruses.
  • EHV1 and EHV4 are the two herpes viruses that commonly cause respiratory disease.
  • EVH1 can also cause neurologic disease.
  • EHV-1 is commonly found in horse populations worldwide and was previously referred to as the equine abortion virus. Although EHV-1 is well known for causing reproductive disease, it is also known to cause respiratory and neurological disease.
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How much benefit can carrots provide in the case of suspected equine vitamin A deficiency?

Years ago, chopped carrots might have made up a significant portion of a work horse’s diet. In Europe, root vegetables are more likely to be fed chopped or dried to compliment a horse’s diet. However, carrots are 90% water which in today’s world makes them better suited as treats than a major feed source for most US horse owners.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver for three to six months. The fact that it …

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Common Lamenesses in Horses

While some breeds and types of horses are more prone to lameness than others, almost every horse has or will have been lame at some point in its life. This article discusses three common types of lameness that affect all kinds of horses: proximal suspensory desmitis, tarsitis and patellar fixation.

Proximal Suspensory Desmitis

The suspensory ligament is an important supporting structure which lies on the flexor surface of the cannon region of the fore and hindlimb. It originates from the …

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Determining the Age of Horses by Their Teeth

A horse’s age determines many factors in its life, including diet, schedule and training. But without adequate records, determining the age of your horse can be difficult. This article discusses the practice of aging horses by their teeth and the four main ways you can visually determine the horse’s age.

 

The art of determining the age of horses by inspection of the teeth is an old one. It can be developed to a considerable degree of accuracy in determining …

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Basic Dental Care For Horses

Dental checkups are essential for horses. As a horse becomes older, the shape and angle of its teeth begin to change and some problems may occur. Knowing what problem signs to look for will help prevent further dental problems. This article explains what an owner and an equine dentist should look for when examining a horse’s teeth, based on the age of the horse.

When was the last time you had your horse’s teeth checked? If you’re like most horse …

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Grains for Horses and Their Characteristics

Today grain makes up a significant portion of horses’ diets. The most commonly fed grains are oats, barley, and corn. This article discusses each of these.

The concentrate portion of the ration contains grains that are higher in energy and lower in fiber than roughages. Many grains are fed to horses. The most common are oats, barley, and corn. Wheat and milo are other grains fed to horses.

Oats

Oats

Oats are the most popular and safest grain to feed to …

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Nutrients and Common Feed Sources for Horses

Scopes of Grain

 

Feeding the horse is not difficult, but to do it properly, it takes knowledge and consistent attention. Nutritionists and owners must constantly evaluate their feeding program to ensure that their horses are receiving proper nutrition.

Nutrients

A nutrient is defined as any feed constituent that is necessary to support life. The following is a list of functions that nutrients perform in the horse’s body:

  • source of energy
  • component of body structure
  • involved in or enhance chemical reactions in the
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Common Feeds Fed to Horses

Hay and grain

Common feeds fed to horses are classified into three categories:

Roughages

Roughages are high in fiber and low in energy.
Roughages include pasture, hay, and silage.

Concentrates

Concentrates are low in fiber and high in energy.
Concentrates include grains and grain by-products.

Supplements

Supplements are used to balance rations to make up for deficiencies in protein, minerals, and vitamins.
Protein supplements are of plant or animal origin, whereas minerals are organic or inorganic. Most vitamins can be synthesized by the
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Factors that Affect Hay Quality

Hay is the most common roughage fed to horses in confinement. The goal of a horse owner is to purchase and feed high quality hay. A good understanding of the factors that affect hay production will help you select high quality hay.

Factors that Affect Hay Quality: 

1. Growing Conditions

Legumes are higher in protein, energy, calcium, and vitamin A than grass hay. Clovers are legumes and may not be as green in color as alfalfa. Red clover can …

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Hays for Horses and Their Characteristics

There are many different choices when it comes to types of hay for horses. Each type of hay has certain characteristics that you should be familiar with.

Timothy Hay

Timothy hay is one of the most popular hays fed to horses. It can be quite expensive, depending on whether it has to be shipped long distances. Timothy must be harvested in the pre- or early-bloom stage to ensure a high nutrient content. The first cutting usually has a higher weed

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