In some cases, veterinarians need to remove diseased cheek teeth via screw extraction and repulsion through the cheek. | Courtesy Dr. Edward Earley/Cornell UniversityWhen veterinarians need to remove diseased cheek teeth, they typically use standard oral extraction because it is the least invasive technique. However, depending on the tooths condition, the veterinarian can utilize other methods, such as transbuccal screw extraction (removing the tooth using instruments passed through the horses cheek) and repulsion (hammering out/loosening the tooth from the root surface so it can be pushed or pulled out of the socket).Cheek Tooth Repulsion in HorsesDue to the unique anatomy of an individual horses head, extractions can sometimes be challenging and potentially cause intra- and/or postoperative complications. In our study, we wanted to report on the outcomes and complication rates of horses that had had cheek tooth extraction attempted via oral methods, but where this had failed, they then required dental repulsion, said Safia Barakzai, BVSc, MSc, Dipl. ECVS, DESTS, FRCVS, of Equine Surgical Referral Ltd., in Brighton, U.K.When you repulse a tooth into the mouth, you create a fistula (surgical passage) between either the sinus and the oral cavity (for the back three to four maxillary teeth) or the skin and the oral cavity (for the front three to four maxillary cheek teeth and mandibular teeth), she said. This fistula then needs to heal closed, or you can get a continual passage of food material, saliva, etc., into the sinuses or skin incision, which can cause infection.Studying Repulsion Pins for Horse Cheek Tooth ExtractionContrary to traditional repulsion punches, which are 8-10 mm wide, the researchers used purpose-made narrow-diameter repulsion pins (3 mm or 5 mm) on the 20 cases in their study. Veterinarians can use these narrow pins because the tooth has been preloosened by the failed oral extraction attempt. Barakzai and her co-author found that a thinner passage created with a narrow-diameter repulsion pin healed/closed significantly faster than a larger passage made with a traditional, wider-repulsion punch.Previously published complication rates for equine dental repulsion using traditional wide-repulsion punches are high (up to 80%), but repulsion methods have changed significantly over the last 20 years, Barakzai said, reducing intra- and postoperative complication rates.The 25% combined intra- and postoperative rate in our study is equivalent to the complication rates reported after transbuccal screw extraction, she explained, which is another commonly used technique where the veterinarian introduces instruments and drills via a narrow metal trocar placed through the horses cheek. The practitioner then inserts a screw into the diseased tooth and pushes it out into the mouth using a hammer.Barakzai explained that transbuccal screw extraction is a useful technique, but the veterinarian needs expensive equipment and significant expertise for an effective outcome. Dental repulsion, by contrast, requires much cheaper equipment, but not 100% of teeth can be removed using this method. We performed most of our repulsions in standing sedated horses with nerve blocks in place.Sometimes (transbuccal screw extraction) is unsuccessful, and the tooth must still be repulsed, she said.Tips for Success With Repulsion Pin ExtractionsGood-quality radiographs and a three-dimensional knowledge of head/dental anatomy are imperative for success, Barakzai said. We also would advise using a small sinus flap rather than a trephine (skull) hole for the cheek teeth located in the back portion of the upper jaw to avoid damage to the infra-orbital canal, she said, a passage which contains a vital nerve. (This damage) could occur if the surgeon does not have good visualization of where the pin is positioned in the sinus.Take-Home MessageWhile the researchers acknowledge the study had some limitations due to the retrospective design and small case numbers included, they said they believe that in the right hands, tooth repulsion using narrow-diameter pins can be a useful method for completing complex extractions when traditional oral extraction has failed.The study, Equine cheek tooth repulsion using small diameter repulsion pins: 20 cases, appeared in Equine Veterinary Journal in June 2024.

How veterinarians can use positive reinforcement for safer, lower-stress health procedures and handlingBy focusing on positive training tools such as food treats and wither scratches, veterinarians can encourage horses to see health interventions as less threatening. And that, in turn, creates an environment thats not only safer for handlers and horses but also conducive to more efficient, more thorough care. | Getty ImagesEquine veterinarians are at risk of serious injury from the gnashing teeth, swinging heads, and flying limbs of stressed-out patients. Historically, practitioners, their assistants, and other handlers have used restraint methodsropes, chain lead shanks, hobbles, and twitches, to name a fewand have sometimes resorted to shouting as they themselves got more stressed and feared their safety.But theres a far better approach, says Camie Heleski, PhD, senior lecturer at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington. By focusing on positive training tools such as food treats and wither scratches, veterinarians can encourage horses to see health interventions as less threatening. And that, in turn, creates an environment thats not only safer for handlers and horses but also conducive to more efficient, more thorough care.I find myself saying, Why have we not done this for decades? Heleski says.With proper training, veterinarians can even get horses to cooperate calmly through positive reinforcement in record time, says Sue McDonnell, PhD, head of the Havemeyer Equine Behavior Lab at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square.If you know the concept, this works so well and so fast compared to what naysayers think, she says.To better understand how positive reinforcement works and how to apply it, weve gone to the worlds experts to show why positive reinforcement outshines management with more traditional restraint techniques and how its a win-win situation for horses and humans alike.Good for the Vet, Good for the HorseForcing horses to hold still for veterinary care is a lot of work, especially when youre talking about 1,100-pound animals armed with teeth and hooves. But these animals also have relatively high cognitive abilityand by harnessing that, veterinarians are choosing the smarter, safer, more welfare-friendly route, says Gemma Pearson, BVMS, Cert. AVP (EM), MScR, CCAB, PhD, MRCVS, director of equine behavior at The Horse Trust and lecturer at The University of Edinburghs Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, in Scotland.I think where we often go wrong is when we try to restrain horses, to stop them from doing what we dont want them to do, Pearson says. I try to look at it the other way around. I train them to do something that I want them to do.Using positive reinforcement to teach horses to hold their heads still, for example, or keep their feet on the ground can change horses perception of veterinary care, she says. Its akin to giving prizes to children at the end of a dental visit, she says.Meanwhile, positive reinforcement helps keep horses from acting out in dangerousbut totally naturalways. We need to recognize that these are normal stress responses for these species, she says. So by using positive reinforcement, we can actually prevent that horse from becoming stressed.That said, there are certain situations in which veterinarians should reach for restraint devicesas well discuss. But our sources say such cases should remain the exception.Dont get me wrong, says Heleski. Im not 100% against chains or twitches in veterinary care. But that shouldnt be our go-to.Positive Associations: Food and ScratchingPositive reinforcement is the scientific term for rewarding specific behavior by adding (hence positive versus negative) something horses enjoy. Thats generally either food or a scratch, especially on the withersan act thats been proven to reduce horses heart rates by up to 10%.By contrast, negative reinforcement is the term for rewarding behavior by removing something horses would rather avoid, such as pressure. Despite how it might sound, negative reinforcement is not punishment or the addition of a negative experience, our sources say. It just means, for example, the veterinarian or handler releases his or her pull on the halter when the horse takes a step forward.While both positive and negative reinforcement can be welfare-friendly training tools, positive reinforcement might have a stronger effect, says Heleski. Her teams study results have suggested horses trained with positive reinforcement remember lessons longerperhaps because of the moderated good-feeling dopamine spikes in the brain they get from food and scratches.For this reason, starting out young horses with positive reinforcement during veterinary procedures or using this method to improve the horse-vet relationship in mature horses can create a lasting positive association with veterinarians, Pearson says.McDonnell agrees. Well-timed positive reinforcement is a game-changer for keeping horses positively interested in veterinary staff and procedures, she says.By contrast, restraining horses forcefully is neither positive nor negative reinforcement; its simply forced control, says Pearson.And punishing horsesfor example, by raising a hand or yelling at themonly increases everyones stress levels, adds Heleski. Such rough-and-tumble veterinary management techniques are gradually becoming part of the past, she says.Rewarding Appropriate BehaviorEffective use of positive reinforcement involves recognizing which specific behavior veterinarians want to see in their equine patients and then rewarding that behavior immediately, says Pearson.That good timing can even undo the accidental training veterinarians might have done with their patients in the past. A lot of these horses wont even let the vet into the stall with them, because theyve learned that the only way to prevent things from happening to themeven if its just in the momentis to be aggressive toward people, she says.Pearson says she breaks down her goals into small steps. For a jugular vein puncture, for example, she trains the horse to stand still while the veterinarian approaches, then puts her hand on the shoulder, then the neck, then the vein, then while the vet puts the syringe on the neck, then the vein, etc. For each of these steps, she gives positive reinforcement within a second of the wanted behavior.In difficult casesfor example, with horses that react aggressivelyshe starts with negative reinforcement. Her favorite negative reinforcement in such cases? The simple removal of herself. As soon as the horse starts to relax, I step away, or the hand goes away, and I simultaneously say, Yes! and (provide) some feed, she says. And that can make a massive difference, because all of a sudden the horse thinks youre much more predictable and controllable, so she feels much calmer. And then you can get closer to the horse and, ultimately, do what you need to do with her.Positive reinforcement when retraining horses with a long history of problems with veterinarians is a sure success, says McDonnell. It always helps, she says.Counterconditioning With Food, Scratches, and LollipopsRELATED CONTENT | Incorporating Equine Learning Principles Into Veterinary PracticeSimilar to positive reinforcement, counterconditioning is a useful tool that helps horses create positive associations with veterinary care, our sources say. In this case, though, the animals receive the treat at the same time as something they might not want, such as an ultrasound exam.With positive reinforcement, youre marking specific behavior and rewarding it, whereas with counterconditioning youre changing the horses perception or emotional state, Pearson says. Its independent of how the horse actually behaves. But because the horses emotional state changes, the horses behavior changes.A good example is reproductive exams, she says. For initial exams, mares might be better off with an antispasmodic drug, or even sedation, so they dont associate exams with pain. But before we do that, well try just giving them a bucket of feed while we do the exam, she says. And its amazing how many of themif youre just slow and gentlewill settle on that. Over time, they start to associate the vet with a bucket of feed, so theyre just nice and calm and relaxed.Counterconditioning is also useful with diagnostic imaging and nerve blocking, she adds. Lets say were going to X ray the horses hock, she says. As soon as the X ray plate goes toward the horses hock, we start to trickle-feed them. Then we take the plate away, and the feed stops. Then you bring it toward the hock again, and the feed starts again. By the third time the horse is usually like, Right, here comes the feed, and they settle and you can get the equipment around them.For ultrasound, Pearson says she often gives horses a molasses licklike a lollipop for horses. The horses focus on and enjoy the lollipop while she conducts the exam.Heleski, meanwhile, ensures her horses enjoy treats during veterinary procedures and even as shes managing health issues around the barn. Lets say Im soaking a foot with an abscess, she says. Why not let my horse eat alfalfa hay out of his hay bag? Ive just made everybodys life so much easier.Pearson agrees. It just makes it a more positive experience for the horse and makes everyones job nice and easy, she says.Learning Good Positive Reinforcement SkillsTheres more to good positive reinforcement training than just having a bag of treats available, our sources say. Timing is very important in both negative and positive reinforcement, so the improper use of treats could lead to rewarding the wrong behaviorsand making things worse.Willy nilly treats can result in wiggly patients asking and nudging for reinforcement, McDonnell says. It isnt rocket science, but it is a science and a skill to watch for and (to learn to) mark the behavior you want with the reinforcement.While good timing is important, the biggest mistakes veterinarians make is in aiming for steps that are too big and not taking horses level of arousalor alertness in the momentinto consideration, says Pearson. If you take the example of a needle-shy horse, your ultimate goal is for the horse to stand calmly while you raise the vein and insert the needle into the jugular and, then, either give the drug or remove a blood sample, she says. So there are lots of different components to that. A lot of people start off trying to raise the vein, but I start off by just putting my hand on the horses withers. The horse is often already way beyond his threshold there. The more tiny steps you can find in between, again, the faster your training will go.McDonnell keeps treat pouches on each stall door and makes sure the centers team, including vet techs and assistants, understand procedures related to positive reinforcement. Veterinarians wishing to learn these skills can follow her short course on equine behavior modification at New Bolton Center, she says. They can also find downloadable papers on the Havemeyer Equine Behavior Research Labs official website.She recommends veterinary personnel learn discernment in their management of equine patients. Focus on what you want, and not on any mistakes the horse makes as he learns, she says.The hardest part for people wanting to use all positive reinforcement is giving up the need to react to anything undesirable, and remaining quiet and just delivering the primary and conditioned positive reinforcement to mark the behavior, or the increment in behavior, that you want, McDonnell says. Just dont forget that undesirable things may happen as the horse is learning what you wantin other words, whats getting the reinforcement.The Right Treat MattersIts easy to think of apples and carrots when talking about positive reinforcementbut in many cases such a high-value reward can be counterproductive, says Pearson.Every time you use those, you get these spikes in dopamine in the brain, she says. And for some horses their arousal level gets too high, and then they get frustrated quite easily.Sport horses and those fed concentrates can usually be trained with their regular feed, she says. But those at pasture are often better off with a ration balancer or chaff or chopped hay.Some veterinarians prefer scratching over food, says McDonnell. Scratching at the withers in the pattern of mutual grooming is often as effective as food, she says. And its less likely to lead to the mistake of accidentally reinforcing wiggliness.Changing Everything in a Matter of MinutesPatience and time are what people often preach, which gives the impression of taking forever, McDonnell says. But really when your skills are good, it is scary how fast horses learn to do all sorts of things for positive reinforcement.You can retrain 90% of needle-shy horses within 30 seconds to a minute, Pearson adds.For others, it might take five to 10 minutes, she says. But those are often the ones that people were spending 20 minutes or half an hour trying to get into the right position (with restraint). So, yeah, for the vast majority of horses, incorporating positive reinforcement is actually faster than the usual methods. And the more you do things, the faster you get at them.Thats true even for the old dogs learning new tricks with a heavy weight of emotional baggage from past veterinary experience, adds Heleski. You can absolutely retrain those horses, she says. But depending on the level of bad stuff theyve experienced, it might take longer.Take-Home MessagePractitioners take risks when working with equine patients that get frightened or stressed or have had negative experiences with veterinary interventions. Bringing positive reinforcement into the clinic can change a horses attitude, behavior, and association with the people who provide procedures and treatments that help ensure his good health.

One horse in Kitsap County, Washington, recently tested positive for coronavirus. The horse is under voluntary quarantine, and three additional horses are exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine CoronavirusEquine coronavirus (ECoV) is a highly infectious pathogen that impacts the enteric, or intestinal, system of horses, causing fever, lethargy, anorexia, and in more severe cases, colitis and endotoxemia.Historically thought to only occur in foals, ECoV has been increasingly reported in adult horses. It is transmitted between horses through exposure to contaminated fecal material, and it is most commonly diagnosed in the winter.ECoV has a short incubation period between 48 and 72 hours. Clinical signs generally last for up to one week, but horses can shed the virus in their feces for up to 21 days.

Ocala, FL The first Hunter Derby Friday of the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series showcased nearly 70 horse-and-rider combinations in three highly competitive classes: the $20,000 Golden Ocala36-39 Hunter Derby, the $15,000UF Veterinary HospitalUSHJA National 3 Open Hunter Derby and the $15,000 USHJA National 3 Jr/Am Hunter Derby. Canadian course designer Meghan Rawlins crafted elegant, flowing tracks that set the stage for top scores[...]Read MoreThe post Plot Twist: Hunter Holloway and Story Hour Win the $20,000 Golden Ocala 36-39 Hunter Derby appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

The third of SPILLERS four free winter nutrition webinars will be on the subject of caring for the senior horse.The webinar, which will take place on Thursday 16 January, will be led by Professor Pat Harris, one of the worlds leading authorities on equine nutrition, and Sarah Nelson, SPILLERS nutritionist and product manager.Pat is the director of science for Mars Horsecare and the head of the WALTHAM Equine Studies Group. Her work has focused on senior horse nutrition, obesity, laminitis and digestive health, and she has published over 500 scientific papers.Sarah oversees the technical management of all Mars Horsecare feeds, including recipe formulation and works closely with leading scientists to ensure SPILLERS products are backed by the latest research and meet the highest standards of equine nutrition.During the webinar, Pat and Sarah will discuss the latest research in senior horse care and offer practical advice, feeding guidance and management solutions.Raft of experienceWhether youre facing specific challenges or simply want to improve your understanding of senior horse care, Pat and Sarahs advice and practical tips will leave you feeling confident and empowered, saidClaire Dyett, marketing manager at Mars Horsecare, home of theSPILLERSbrand.What makes Pat truly remarkable, is her personal connection to senior horses. Over the past decade, she has spent much of her free time caring for ageing horses, gaining hands-on experience that complements her scientific expertise.Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) members who attend this webinar will receive five CPD points for their professional development. All attendees will have the opportunity to undertake a quiz and will receive a certificate upon completion of the webinars.The fourth and final webinar of the series which is entitledSpring into action: Effective strategies to help your horse shed the pounds,will take place on Thursday27 February.Isabel Harker, SPILLERS nutrition advisor and Nicky Jarvis, head of veterinary and care at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, will lead the discussion.Last years series of SPILLERS webinars proved popular with 83% of respondents rating the nutritionists knowledge of the topic as excellent and nearly all saying they would recommend the webinar they attended to a friend.To register for the webinar click here.Main image (c) SPILLERS.Related contentSPILLERS announce free nutrition webinars this winterHay vs haylage: how to choose which to feed your horse10 crucial feeding rules for a healthy horseFeed 80% of forage during the day to reduce ulcer risk, says vetThe post SPILLERS to host free nutrition webinar on caring for the senior horse appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Trailer's Tire Size Identify correct tire size in owners manual or tire information placard. Examples include 205/75R15, 225/75R15. Radial vs. Bias-Ply Tires Radial tires offer longer tread life and better heat dissipation. Bias-ply tires are more economical but generate more heat. Speed Rating Ensure tires can handle speeds several mph above planned driving. Most trailer tires rated for 65 mph or higher. Load Range and Capacity Check GVWR and divide by number of tires for load capacity. Choose high load range for heavy-duty trailers (E or F). Regular Maintenance Keep tire pressure at recommended levels, inspect for damages, protect from UV rays and moisture. Additional Considerations Ensure adequate tread depth, follow recommended PSI for inflation. How to Choose the Right Tyres for Your Rice Trailer: A Comprehensive Guide When it comes to selecting the right tyres for your Rice trailer, several critical factors need to be considered to ensure safety, efficiency, and the longevity of your tyres. Heres a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision. Determine Your Trailers Tire Size The first and most crucial step is to identify the correct tire size for your Rice trailer. This information can usually be found in the owners manual or on the tire information placard on the trailer. Common tire sizes for trailers include 205/75R15, 225/75R15, 235/80R16, and 235/85R16. For example, if you are looking at a 2024 Rice Trailers 7x20+4 Promax Industrial 21K equipment trailer, it might come equipped with 235/75R17.5 radial tires, as specified in the vehicle details. Choose Between Radial and Bias-Ply Tires Trailer tires come in two main types: radial and bias-ply. Heres what you need to know about each: Radial Tires - Radial tires have cords that run perpendicular to the sidewall, making them more flexible. - They offer longer tread life, better heat dissipation, reduced rolling resistance, and improved road contact. - Radial tires are generally safer, more fuel-efficient, and provide a smoother ride for your cargo. Bias-Ply Tires - Bias-ply tires have cords placed diagonally, resulting in a stiffer sidewall. - While they are more economical, they do not last as long as radial tires and can generate more heat, which can be detrimental on long trips or with heavy loads. Given the advantages, radial tires are highly recommended for trailers due to their durability and stability. Consider the Speed Rating Every tire has a maximum speed rating that you must adhere to for safety reasons. Most specialty trailer tires are rated for 65 mph, but some can handle higher speeds. Ensure that the tires you choose can handle speeds several miles per hour above what you plan to drive. For instance, the Carlisle Radial Trail HD tires come with speed ratings of 75 mph or 81 mph, depending on the size. Load Range and Capacity Your trailers weight, including the cargo and supplies, is crucial in determining the right load range for your tires. Heres how to calculate it: Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer from the owners manual. Divide the GVWR by the number of tires on your trailer to find the minimum required load capacity per tire. Tires are rated with load ranges indicated by letters C through F, with F being the highest load capacity. For heavy-duty trailers like the Rice Trailers 7x20+4 Promax Industrial 21K, which has a GVWR of 21,000 lbs, you would need tires with a high load range, such as E or F. Regular Maintenance Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your trailer tires and ensuring safe towing. Here are some essential tips: Check Tire Pressure - Always keep the tire pressure at the recommended levels. Under- or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, reduced performance, and increased risk of a blowout. Inspect Tires - Before each use, inspect the tires for any signs of damage, tread wear, or dry rot. Protecting your tires from UV rays and moisture when not in use can prevent dry rot. Storage - When storing your trailer, cover the tires to protect them from UV rays and moisture. Parking on plywood boards can help minimize moisture damage and prevent flat spots on the tread area. Additional Considerations Tread Depth - Ensure the tires have adequate tread depth. This is crucial for maintaining traction and safety, especially in varying weather conditions. PSI and Inflation - The load capacity of a tire is directly related to its air inflation level. Always follow the recommended PSI to ensure the tire can handle the weight it is rated for. Conclusion Choosing the right tyres for your Rice trailer involves careful consideration of several factors, including tire size, type (radial vs. bias-ply), speed rating, load range, and regular maintenance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe, efficient, and smooth towing, while also extending the life of your tyres. Know your trailer's specifications: Check the owners manual or the tire information placard for the correct tire size. Opt for radial tires: They offer better durability, heat dissipation, and fuel efficiency. Match the speed rating: Ensure the tires can handle the speeds you plan to drive. Select the right load range: Calculate your trailers GVWR and choose tires with a load range that exceeds this weight. Maintain your tyres: Regularly check tire pressure, inspect for damage, and store them properly when not in use. By adhering to these steps, you can make an informed decision that enhances the safety and performance of your Rice trailer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stable View (@stableviewaiken) If you missed out on this weeks closing date for the Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. January 18-19, never fear! Late entries are...

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing) We may be a few days into a new year, but were still loving the 2024 recaps everyone has been sharing! What was...

In this excerpt from his book Neuroathletics for Riders, Olympic coach Marc Nlke explains the common causes of the brains failure to produce the output (performance) we want in the saddle. Survival The brains most...

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicola Wilson (@nicolawilsonequestrian) Congratulations to British European Champion Nicola Wilson, who was awarded an MBE designation (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from the...