Badminton Horse Trials is saddened to learn of the passing of Geoffrey Lane. Geoffrey was known to many at Badminton, having joined the Veterinary Commission in 1981 alongside Frank Mahon. Then, he and Frank together presided over veterinary matters until 1991. In 1992 Geoffrey was joined by Lawrence Gerring and they worked together until 1996. In 1997, the role was re-named Veterinary Delegate and Paul Farrington was his co-delegate until Geoffrey retired in 2012.Throughout his tenure, Geoffrey was much respected by owners, riders and his veterinary peers but most of all, by Badminton Horse Trials, who were incredibly lucky to have a person of his stature in position for 32 years.Geoffrey has remained a good friend to Badminton since his retirement and we all much looked forward to seeing him at the annual pre-event veterinary meeting when his counsel continued to be sought by all. Badminton week will not seem the same without him.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Chicken Nugget! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Houston Humane SocietyAdoptable Horse: Chicken Nugget, a 20-year-old, 15.0hh American Quarter Horse mareOrganization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, TexasGet to Know Adoptable Horse Chicken NuggetChicken Nugget is a spirited 20-year-old sorrel mare with a coat that gleams like burnished copper in the sunlight. Despite her unusual name, she carries herself with the dignity of a horse who has seen two decades of life and accumulated wisdom along the way.At 20, Chicken Nugget has moved past her fiery youth but retains her alert intelligence and gentle curiosity. She does have a pre-existing stifle injury that keeps her from being ridden. With a kind and calm temperament, she would be the perfect companion.Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Chicken Nugget!Photo courtesy Houston Humane SocietyASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Chicken Nugget appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A diastema is an abnormal space between teeth caused by orthodontic misalignment. | Courtesy KEVDSA regularly scheduled veterinary oral examination is the foundation for good oral hygiene. Veterinarians emphasize preventive routine oral care through all life stages, from the juvenile to the geriatric patient. The basis of general dentistry in horses is to encourage the teeth to wear down evenly and thereby wear away slowly. Our goal is to preserve and promote functional dentition for as long as possible. The maintenance of good oral health and comfort fosters increased overall value, allowing our patients to lead long, useful, and well-cared for lives.A routine, lightly sedated oral examination is at the core of modern general dentistry. We recommend every horse have an oral consultation performed at least once a year. Occasionally, more frequent examination and care is recommended. During every visit veterinarians perform a thorough oral and dental evaluation to assess external structures and head symmetry, dental occlusion, oral soft tissues, and endodontic (soft tissue inside the tooth) and periodontal (structures that support the tooth) health.Following each veterinary oral exam, sharp points and dental overgrowths are carefully reduced only if necessary. The significance of any identified pathology is reviewed, and further diagnostic and treatment options are discussed. Dental X rays might be recommended to get a more complete oral health picture. At every appointment, patient comfort and owner education are a priority.Periodontal Disease in HorsesGum disease, known by veterinary dentists as periodontitis, is a very painful condition in horses. Researchers have suggested that up to 40% of horses are affected. What starts as inflammation of the gums around affected teeth, if left unmanaged, spreads beneath the gum line and leads to infection of the bone that holds the teeth in place. Advanced cases of periodontal disease result in bone loss and mobile teeth, with potential infection of the sinuses or jaw bone and an end result of tooth loss.In horses, gum disease is usually an orthodontic issue caused by teeth that are misplaced. Orthodontic misalignment results in abnormal spaces between teeth, which veterinary dentists refer to as diastema. Food entrapment in these spaces initiates the gum inflammation and, later, periodontal disease. If identified early, the inflammation can be halted or sometimes reversed. When unmanaged or diagnosed in later stages, permanent soft tissue and bone loss might have already occurred.Our goal is always to increase oral comfort and halt or reverse disease progression when possible. We use a variety of periodontic management options available and treat each case individually, taking into consideration the patients age, breed, history, and stage of periodontal disease.Teeth Extractions in HorsesSome basic extractions can reasonably be performed in the field such as wolf teeth, retained caps, or loose teeth with more than 3 millimeters of mobility. However, most other extractions are completed at the clinic for the safety and comfort of the patient and to deliver the necessary resources for success.We perform most all extractions in the standing horse with good head support, deep sedation, and regional and local nerve blocks to provide a comfortable and pain-free patient experience. Preoperative bloodwork, which might include a complete blood count and chemistry profile, is usually performed prior to the procedure to ensure the patient does not have underlying health concerns.Extractions are indicated mostly due to crown fractures, tooth root infection or resorption, or the presence of advanced periodontal disease. For diseased incisors, simple oral extraction can sometimes be performed. For diseased canine teeth, which have a long, curved root fixed into the jaw, a surgical approach requiring a flap and bone removal is typically necessary.Simple intraoral extraction is always the preferred method of cheek tooth extraction and is the technique we first apply when applicable. Simple extraction carries the least risk of complication but is only possible when there is sufficient crown stable enough to withstand the force of extraction forceps.For complicated extractions, when simple extraction is not possible, we can perform advanced standing surgical techniques. We transition to surgical extraction techniques most frequently to extract decayed teeth with brittle crowns or crowns that have previously fractured or to remove malformed teeth, or when the socket is not wide enough for simple extraction of the tooth. In some cases, the use of multiple techniques is necessary. Pre- and postoperative X rays are routinely performed as part of an extraction.

Horses with metabolic problems such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) might be at increased risk for joint disease. Obesity associated with these conditions can place added strain on joints, potentially contributing to discomfort or reduced mobility. In this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt, Howland Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of American Regent Animal Health explains the connection between equine metabolic problems and hind-limb lameness.This podcast is an excerpt of ourAsk TheHorse Live Q&A, Understanding Hind-Limb Lamenesses in Horses. Listen to thefull recording here.About the Expert: Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMPHowland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horsemans Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.

Ocala, FL World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) is celebrating the season with two exciting community events this October, both free and open to the public. On Saturday, October 25 WEC will bring back the signature Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest. In its third year, this popular free event is a chance to dress your pup in their Halloween best and compete for cash[...]Read MoreThe post Celebrate Fall at World Equestrian Center Ocala with Two Spooktacular Free Events appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

On August 1, a 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare at a boarding facility in Alger County, Michigan, tested positive for the respiratory form of equine herpesvirus. The mare developed clinical signs on July 24, including fever, inappetence, and lethargy. She is now quarantined.Three additional cases are suspected, and 13 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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

Everyone knows horses dont thrive on their ownthey flourish because of a devoted network of people who give them expert care, steady support and daily attention. Behind every polished performance, healthy stride, or peaceful trail ride is a team of caretakers, including fellow equestrians, who make it all possible. Thats why Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to introduce Share the Carea new program that celebrates the unsung heroes in all horses lives.Share the Care invites horse owners to tell the world about the individuals who go above and beyond to support their horses well-being. From the farriers who keep hooves healthy, to the grooms who ensure every detail is perfect, to the trainers who build confidence and skills, to the barn managers who direct daily operations, and the veterinarians who provide critical carethis program is about honoring them all.These caregivers may not always be in the spotlight, but they are essential to every horses health and happiness. We believe its time to recognize and share their stories.Horses are a significant part of our lives and contribute greatly to our health and well-being, says Joseph Lyman, DVM, Director, Professional Services Veterinarians, Boehringer Ingelheim. Share the Care gives us the opportunity to recognize the many people who contribute to their daily care and overall health.How Share the Care WorksParticipation in Share the Care is simple. Via a landing page, horse owners can submit a story, short tribute, or even a quick shout-out to the people who make a difference in their horses lives. Whether its a longtime friend whos been supporting your journey, a parent whos been along the trail or any one of the many professionals who contribute to a horses carewe want to hear about them all.Throughout the year, well be sharing selected stories across our platforms and sending special surprise and delight packages to shine a light on these incredible caregivers. Its our way of saying thank youand showing what great care looks like.Join Us in Sharing the CareWhether your horse is a top-level athlete or a beloved backyard companion, someone has helped you along the way. Take a moment to celebrate those people, share your gratitude, and help us build a culture that values the hands, hearts, and hard work behind every horse. Because caring for horses is never a solo actand the people behind the scenes deserve to be seen. To nominate a special caregiver, visit the Share the Care page.

A record number of 184 riders joined this years KSS Ride to raise funds for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).Participants enjoyed a scenic eight-mile route through the Bilsington Priory Estate near Ashford, on Sunday 13 July, raising more than 12,000 to support the charitys life-saving work.There were optional canter strips and as it washacking, the mileage completed in this sponsored ride counted towards a riders#Hack1000Miles tally.Making a differenceWere thrilled with this years turnout, said Lauren Simmons, head of events at KSS.Every rider, supporter and volunteer made a real difference, helping us continue to deliver lifesaving critical care to those who need it most.Were incredibly grateful for the generosity and community spirit shown.Funded through supportersIt costs KSS 56,000 a day to operate its life-saving service 24/7 and it is largely funded through the generosity of its supporters.Funds raised from the KSS ride will allow theAir Ambulancecharity to continue to provide lifesaving emergency services across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.In 2023-24 they attended over 3,300 incidents.All finishers received a special rosette and those riders who raised over 50 in sponsorship were presented with a KSS Ride saddle tag.Raising 50 could pay for a set of defibrillator pads to help resuscitate someone experiencing cardiac arrest.150 could buy a vacuum splint to stabilise a damaged limb.KSS would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including Bilsington Priory Estate, St John Ambulance, Saracen Feeds, GW Highways, ARW Photography, Faversham Ices, and the many volunteers and local businesses who made the day possible.For details of other KSS fundraising events visit thecharitys events page.Image KSS.Further readingOlympian and dressage star Becky Moody is the first top name announced for Your Horse Live 2025Buy tickets8 reasons to be a VIP ticket holder at Your Horse LiveLatest show announcementsThe post Record turnout for Air Ambulance charity ride appeared first on Your Horse.

Prevention is the best cure when it comes to Lyme disease in horses.Table of ContentsToggleClinical Signs of Lyme Disease in HorsesDiagnosing LymeTreatmentProtecting Horses from ExposureRemoving a TickTalk about opportunistic: The tiny tick is highly adaptable and focused on survival.Although often wrongly identified as insects, ticks are actually eight-legged parasitic arachnids, making them relatives of the spider.Unfortunately, ticks can transmit a variety of harmful pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the infective organism that causes Lyme disease in humans, dogs, and horses.Shaped like tiny corkscrews known as spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria can colonize in the bloodstream, brain, joints, organs, and central nervous system. Photo by Christoph Burgstedt/Adobe StockThe disease takes its name from Lyme, Ct., where it was first identified in the U.S. in the mid-1970s.Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis (the eastern black-legged tick), found in the north and eastern part of the U.S., and Ixodes pacificus (the western black-legged tick), found in the Pacific Coast states of the western U.S. Both are also referred to as deer ticks, as deer are common hosts.In the northern and eastern U.S., Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, the eastern black-legged tick. Photo by Mushy/Adobe StockTicks have four life stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. From larvae stage onward, blood meals are needed to survive.It is through feeding that ticks become infected with disease-causing pathogens. For example, the black-legged tick can become a carrier of B. burgdorferi after feeding on a white-footed mouse, which is known to carry the bacterium. If that tick then feeds on a horse, human or dog, it can transmit B. burgdorferi.Shaped like tiny corkscrews known as spirochetes, this bacterium can colonize in the bloodstream, brain, joints, organs, and central nervous system.At Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, N.Y., Thomas J. Divers, DVM, has devoted years of research to studying bacterial tick-borne infections in horses.Divers notes that the rise in tick numbers and their expanding geographic range has no doubt increased the exposure of humans, horses and dogs to B. burgdorferi.Clinical Signs of Lyme Disease in HorsesLyme disease is the most common of several tick-borne diseases affecting horses. Diagnosing Lyme, however, is not straightforward, and can in fact be extremely challenging.In humans, Lyme disease can affect the entire body with an array of troubling symptoms, often causing misdiagnosis. A similar problem is found in the equine world, as the clinical signs of equine Lyme disease can mimic other diseases.Another difficulty with diagnosing Lyme in horses is that the clinical signs arent consistent. These signs may include: Nodular skin disease at the tick bite site Neurologic disease affecting the spinal cord, brainstem or brain Uveitis (inflammation within the eye) Overall tenderness/sensitivity Vague lameness Neck and back stiffness with pain Muscle atrophy Behavioral changes Weight loss Ataxia (lack of voluntary coordination)Adding to the challenge of diagnosis is that clinical signs may not appear for weeksif not much laterand the horse may only exhibit random signs.Diagnosing LymeIn areas of the U.S. where B. burgdorferi exposure is common, 20 to 50 percent of adult horses have likely been exposed.The infection rate in horses is high, but clinical disease following infection appears to be very low in horses, says Divers.Exposure does not prove Lyme infection, so if your horse is exhibiting clinical signs related to the disease, your veterinarian should conduct a thorough exam to rule out any other causes.If your veterinarian suspects Lyme, blood is drawn for serologic testing to determine if the horses immune system has produced antibodies to B. burgdorferi.Having a high antibody suggests the horse has been exposed to the bacteria, but doesnt necessarily confirm the horse has Lyme disease, since numerous equine diseases share similar clinical signs.Its important to remember that most horses exposed to the bacteria and having a positive antibody test show no signs of Lyme disease, says Divers. If the antibody remains high without a drop in titer after several months, this suggests chronic infection, but most horses with this laboratory finding appear completely normal.I still believe clinical Lyme disease is much less common in horses than humans, he adds. There might be a slight increase in confirmed equine Lyme cases, but some of this is likely due to increased diagnostics, rather than a true increase in the disease.TreatmentVeterinarians admit that there is no ideal treatment protocol for equine Lyme disease.Drug protocol and the duration of treatment should be determined by the attending veterinarian based on where the infection is in the horses body.Divers emphasizes that it isnt appropriate to use antibiotics to treat a horse that is antibody positive but doesnt have a confirmed Lyme diagnosis, as this can contribute to widespread antimicrobial resistance.Drugs in the tetracycline family, including doxycycline and minocycline, have been used to treat the disease. For a horse that truly has Lyme disease, a course of antibiotics may result in improvement of clinical signs within a few days. However, completely eliminating the B. burgdorferi organisms likely requires long-term treatment of weeks to months.Divers generally recommends rechecking the antibody levels after six weeks. If no decline in titer is visible, the veterinarian should reassess the treatment protocol.Recovery from neurologic disease and uveitis is difficult, cautions Divers, adding that prognosis is guarded in horses with such clinical signs from Lyme disease.Protecting Horses from ExposureNo vaccines for Lyme disease are currently labeled for use in horses, although a vaccine is available for dogs. Some horse owners in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent have tried using these canine vaccines, but veterinarians may be hesitant to recommend such off-label use.The best way to protect horses from possible infection is by limiting their exposure to ticks, which typically occurs when horses are turned out in or ridden through wooded areas.The best way to protect horses from possible infection is by limiting their exposure to ticks, which typically occurs when horses are turned out in or ridden through wooded areas. Photo by Bednarek/Adobe StockWhen not on a host, ticks prefer shaded, sheltered areas with vegetation. If its not possible to keep horses out of wooded areas completely, maintain a 10-foot mowed boundary strip between wooded areas and open pasture. Keep that strip mowed very short, since ticks usually avoid open, sunny areas with little cover.You should also protect your horse by: Keeping pastures well mowed; dont let them get overgrown Removing weeds/leaf litter around barns, fence lines and under trees Practicing rodent control in and around barn Applying repellent products specifically labeled for use against ticks and, ideally, approved for use on horses Checking horses thoroughly after any exposure to areas that may harbor ticksControlling rodent populations in and around your barn will help with protect your horse from potential Lyme disease. Photo by Holly CaccamiseUnless you see a tick moving on a light-colored horse, you arent usually aware of their presence without careful observation. Check closely in thin-skinned areas of the horses body, including the chest, neck, flank, under the mane and tail, inside ears, and under the belly.Check closely for ticks in thin-skinned areas of the horses body, including the chest, neck, flank, under the mane and tail, inside ears, and under the belly. Photo by Valeriia/Adobe StockIts often said that a tick must be attached for 24 hours before the Lyme disease organism can be transmitted, but this is not black and white. The best protection plan to is keep ticks off horses as much as possible.Even if they dont transmit disease, the ticks can cause inflammation, swelling and itching at the bite site.After removing a tick, clean the site thoroughly with an antiseptic made for equine use, then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.Removing a TickIgnore colloquial advice about smothering attached ticks with petroleum jelly or burning them with a match. Such tactics can backfire and make the tick release more saliva, increasing the odds of disease transmission. If you find a tick on your horse, dog, or yourself, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to remove it. Hold the tweezers as close to the skin as possible and grasp the tick by its mouthparts. Pull back with steady, even pressure. Dont twist or squeeze the ticks body, as this can release infectious organisms.After removal, drown the tick in a dish of soapy water or flush it.Or, to confirm the species, save the dead tick and use a free online identification option, such as offered by the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania. (ticklab.org/tick-identification; ticklab.org/identify-my-tick)This article about Lyme disease in horses appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Lyme Disease in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.