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Dental Health for Dogs and Cats

Dental Health for Dogs and Cats

Mar 18, 2024 | Dentals

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey there, pawsome pet parents! Whinny the clinic mouse here, your furry friend’s favorite informant from Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic where we just finished moving into the new Companion Animal Clinic addition! Today, I’m squeaking into the limelight to chat about a topic that might not be as glamorous as chasing feathers or curling up in a sunbeam, but is crucial for your four-legged buddies: dental health!

The Whole Tooth and Nothing but the Tooth: Why Dental Health Matters

You see, dental health isn’t just about preventing bad breath (although we’d all appreciate it if Fido’s kisses were a bit more pleasant, wouldn’t we?). It’s about maintaining the overall health and happiness of your furry pals. Just like you schedule regular check-ups with your own dentist, our pets need some dental TLC too!

Dental issues in dogs and cats can spiral into more serious problems, affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Imagine that! Something as small as a toothache could lead to bigger health concerns. But before we talk about keeping those chompers chomping, let’s learn a bit more about them.

Dog Dentition

Companion Animal Clinic at Springhill Equine

Dogs, with their diverse shapes and sizes, have an equally diverse set of teeth to match. Puppies start off with a set of 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, which eventually give way to 42 permanent teeth as they mature. The canine dental formula for adult dogs is usually represented as I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3, indicating the number and types of teeth in one half of the mouth. Let me break it down for you:

Incisors (I): These are the tiny front teeth designed for grasping and nibbling. Dogs typically have three pairs on the top and three on the bottom.

Canines (C): Known as the “fangs,” canines are designed for tearing and holding onto objects. Dogs have one pair on the top and one on the bottom.

Premolars (P): These more flat-topped teeth are situated behind the canines and are essential for shearing and grinding. Dogs have four premolars on the top and four on the bottom.

Molars (M): Positioned at the back of the mouth, molars are the heavy-duty grinders responsible for breaking down tough food. Dogs generally have two or three molars on the top and three on the bottom.

Dogs are classified as diphyodonts, meaning they go through two sets of teeth in their lifetime–just like horses and most other mammals. Their sharp canines and robust molars serve them well in their varied roles, from hunting and chewing to gnawing on your favorite shoe.

Feline Dentition

Companion Animal Clinic at Springhill Equine

Now, let’s turn our attention to our feline friends, whose teeth are a symphony of sleek efficiency. Cats, like dogs, are also diphyodonts, starting life with 26 deciduous teeth and transitioning to 30 permanent teeth. The feline dental formula is usually represented as I3/3 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1, showcasing their unique dental structure:

Incisors (I): Front and center, incisors help cats grip and nibble. They have three pairs on the top and three on the bottom.

Canines (C): Cat canines are formidable, designed for piercing and tearing into prey. They have one pair on the top and one on the bottom.

Premolars (P): Cats have fewer premolars compared to dogs, with three on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth are efficient at slicing and shearing.

Molars (M): Molars in cats are fewer in number but still play a crucial role in grinding food. Cats typically have one molar on the top and one on the bottom.

Felines, being obligate carnivores, have specialized teeth adapted for their meat-centric diet. Their razor-sharp canines and slicing premolars are a testament to their hunting prowess in the wild, but they do a good job with kibble and wet food as well!

Maintaining the health of each tooth is essential for your pet’s overall well-being. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, ensures their teeth stay in top condition, allowing them to chew comfortably and avoid dental issues that could impact their overall health.

Why Dental X-rays are the Cat’s Meow

Companion Animal Clinic at Springhill Equine

Now, let’s talk about dental X-rays. These are like superhero goggles for our veterinarians, allowing them to see what’s happening beneath the surface. In dogs and cats, most dental diseases lurk below the gumline, and without X-rays, it’s like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle without all the pieces.

We want to catch dental issues early on, before they turn into major concerns. Dental X-rays help us do just that, ensuring we get the full picture of your pet’s dental health. It’s like having a treasure map for your pet’s mouth – X marks the spot where we need to focus our attention!

Now, let’s get real for a minute. Addressing dental care early is like catching a snowflake before it turns into a snowball. Trust me, I know a thing or two about snowballing dental problems! By taking action early on, you save your pet from the discomfort of toothaches and yourself from hefty vet bills down the line.

Imagine this: your pet’s teeth are like little soldiers defending their kingdom. If you arm them with regular dental care, you’re setting up a fortress against dental diseases. So, why wait until those little soldiers are waving the white flag? Start early, stay ahead, and keep those pearly whites shining bright! Dogs and cats can be super stoic about oral pain and discomfort, so don’t trust the fact that they’re still eating and playing and assume they have no dental issues.

To Brush or Not to Brush

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Whinny, how do I keep my pet’s teeth in tip-top shape at home? Well, my pals, the answer is simple – the toothbrush tango! Yes, brushing your pet’s teeth is a great way to maintain their dental health. Regular brushing won’t remove tartar and plaque buildup that is already there, you need a veterinarian to perform an anesthetic dental evaluation and cleaning for that, but it can delay the formation of more tartar. It may sound daunting if you’ve never thought about sharing a nighttime routine step with your dog or cat, but if you start slow and introduce the concept gradually, your furry friend will jump on the bandwagon to a healthy smile with you!

But hold your horses! Before you grab any ol’ toothpaste, make sure it’s pet-specific. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful to our pets, and we don’t want to turn a dental health routine into a dental disaster. Choose a toothpaste designed for dogs or cats, and your pet will thank you with a gleaming grin!

How about all of those commercials you see on TV and products in pet stores that advertise dental health benefits with no work? Well, just like most “As-Seen-On-TV” products, these are generally really not worth it. There is a way to find the best options though, and that is to look for the official VOHC Seal. VOHC stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council. The Mission of the Veterinary Oral Health Council is to review products for the VOHC’s standards for effective plaque and tartar control in animals when used as directed. They review submitted data to ensure it meets the clinical requirements to receive the Seal of Acceptance. When a product demonstrates dental efficacy, the VOHC Seal of Acceptance is awarded. The Seal can be for slowing progression of plaque, calculus, or both.

 If you don’t want to spend your Saturday hunting for this seal in the pet store, you can visit https://vohc.org/accepted-products/ to see all the options available for both dogs and cats.

Conclusion

Alright, my pet-loving companions, it’s time to wrap up our toothful tale. Remember, dental health is no small matter – it’s the key to unlocking a world of well-being for your four-legged pals. From anesthetic dental cleanings to dental X-rays, we’ve covered the whole shebang. So, take a moment to appreciate those pearly whites and consider scheduling a dental check-up for your pet at Springhill Equine’s Companion Animal Clinic. Together, we’ll keep those chompers in top-notch condition, ensuring your furry friends live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. Have you been over to my YouTube Channel? It’s loaded with great veterinary content! Don’t miss out on this great free resource for trustworthy information from our favorite animal docs! You can click the link to check it out right after you scroll down to the big purple box and subscribe to my blog. Good human, you can do it!

Whinny’s Wisdoms is the official blog of Whinny the Clinic Mouse at Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. If you liked this blog, please subscribe below, and share it with your friends on social media! For more information, please call us at (352) 472-1620, visit our website at SpringhillEquine.com, or follow us on Facebook!

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Granulosa Cell Tumors in Mares

Granulosa Cell Tumors in Mares

Mar 11, 2024 | Granulosa Cell Tumors, Mares

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Spring is a-peeping around the corner, days grow longer, and the mares in the barn…well, they can get a little…interesting. Now, I, Whinny, am a field mouse of refined tastes (cheese, anyone?), and I appreciate a good mare’s temperament as much as the next critter. But sometimes, their behavior takes a turn for the puzzling. Is it just springtime shenanigans, or something more concerning?

We all know hormones are powerful little messengers in the body, like tiny knights delivering chemical decrees. But when there’s a surplus, well, chaos can ensue! In mares, one culprit behind this hormonal havoc is a sneaky villain called a granulosa cell tumor (GCT). Now, this might sound scary, but listen close – these tumors are usually benign, meaning they don’t spread like wildfire. However, they’re like mischievous imps, messing with the delicate hormonal balance and causing a whole host of problems.

Imagine a mare’s ovary. Normally, it’s a well-oiled machine, producing just the right balance of hormones for a smooth operation. But a GCT is like a rogue factory, churning out excess hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This throws everything out of whack, leading to a symphony of unwanted behaviors.

One telltale sign is a sudden shift in personality. A sweet-natured mare might morph into a grumpy Gus, exhibiting aggression and even acting stallion-like, with mounting and dominance displays (not cool, dude!). This is all thanks to the testosterone overload, turning our gentle friend into a temporary testosterone-fueled whirlwind.

Another red flag is a disruption in the mare’s reproductive cycle. Normally, mares experience regular estrous cycles, which is like their own internal calendar for breeding. But with a GCT, things can go awry. Persistent anestrus can occur, meaning the cycle disappears altogether, putting breeding plans on hold. On the flip side, some mares might experience continuous estrus, essentially being “in season” all the time. This can be frustrating for both the mare and her handler, as she might exhibit classic estrous behaviors like squealing and frequent urination.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Now, before you panic if your mare seems a little off-kilter, here’s the good news: GCTs are detectable! My doctors have a toolbox of tricks to diagnose the problem. One method is rectal palpation, or a transrectal ultrasound. Think of it like a high-tech peek inside, allowing my docs to feel for an enlarged ovary, a signature symptom of a GCT. An ultrasound will show a very large ovary with tons of tiny follicles. The appearance is often described as a honeycomb. But that’s not all! They can also use blood tests to measure levels of equine inhibin, anti-Müllerian hormone, and testosterone to see if they’re out of balance.

Of course, sometimes mares can be grumpy for reasons unrelated to GCTs. Maybe she has a sore tooth or an ache in her leg that’s making her cranky (ouch!). So, a general checkup is crucial to rule out other potential causes of behavioral issues.

But let’s say the diagnosis confirms a GCT. Fear not! Treatment is available, and the most common option is surgery. Here’s the cool part: this surgery can often be done with the mare standing! Vets use a laparoscopic approach, which sounds fancy but basically means they make a tiny incision in the flank and use a special camera to remove the tumor. Minimally invasive and efficient – that’s what I call a win-win!

GCTs might be a challenge, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, mares can get back to their normal, well-behaved selves. The key is to be observant and consult your vet if anything seems amiss. After all, a happy and healthy mare makes for a happy barn, and that’s something every field mouse can appreciate!

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. Have you subscribed to my blog? Don’t rely on Facebook to let you know when the new installment comes out each week! Just scroll down to the big purple box below, enter your email address, and I’ll send you my blog a day or two before it goes out on social media. Double win!

Whinny’s Wisdoms is the official blog of Whinny the Clinic Mouse at Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. If you liked this blog, please subscribe below, and share it with your friends on social media! For more information, please call us at (352) 472-1620, visit our website at SpringhillEquine.com, or follow us on Facebook!

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Negative Plantar Angles and Why They Matter

Negative Plantar Angles and Why They Matter

Mar 4, 2024 | Feet, Hoof Care

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey everyone, Whinny here! More and more nowadays, horse owners are aware of how important the angles of a horse’s hoof are to his performance and the prevention of lameness. That’s a really good thing, because horses are soooo sensitive to tiny changes in the angles of their feet! If you want your horse to feel his best, compete successfully, or just stay sound for as long as possible, talking with your vet and farrier about your horse’s feet is a great place to start. You may have heard the terms “palmar or plantar angles”. These angles refer to the orientation of the coffin bone within the hoof. Palmar is the term for the front feet and plantar refers to the hind feet. Today, we’re mostly going to talk about the plantar, or hind foot angle.

What is a Negative Plantar Angle?

The planter angle is the angle the bottom of the coffin bone makes with the ground. In a healthy hind foot, we expect it to be about 2-4 degrees positive, meaning that the heel, or back end, of the coffin bone is a little higher than the toe, or front end. The exact angle depends a bit on the horse’s individual conformation. If a horse has a negative plantar angle, it means the coffin bone is “tipping up” with the front of the bone higher than the back of the bone, opposite of the way it should be. Some horses are conformationally predisposed to developing this abnormal hoof form, for example, horses with a very straight hock angles, but trimming and shoeing play a huge part in correcting or worsening the issue.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

An x-ray of a normal hoof with a positive plantar angle

Why are Plantar Angles a Big Deal?

Think of it as if you had to wear shoes where the toe was wedged up higher than the heel. And you could never take those shoes off. Your back and legs would probably get sore. And what if you’re also asked to be an athlete – running, jumping, trail walking – even worse, right? You might develop some problems with your joints or lower back from your abnormal foot position and I bet your body would develop some other issues from trying to compensate. It’s the same for horses. Those negative angles put abnormal stresses on your horse’s joints and back. Scientific studies have shown negative plantar angles to be linked to pain in the gluteal muscles, proximal suspensory ligaments, stifles, hocks, and sacroiliac joints. All super important structures with a massive influence on your horse’s comfort. These issues can range from a subtle effect on performance to significant lameness.

Negative plantar angles are one of the most common hind end issues vets and farriers see. Horses that aren’t yet overtly lame may show signs like resistance during training, difficulty picking up canter leads, stumbling a little behind, dragging the hind toes, problems holding a leg up for the farrier, or lack of freedom in their hind limb swing. More severe cases can develop chronic pain and obvious lameness.

So How Can I Tell if My Horse Has Negative Plantar Angles?

Radiographs

First off, radiographs (x-rays) are the best way to know for sure. My doc will take a lateral radiograph (an image taken from the side of the horse) and measure the exact angles. This is the best way to know exactly where the coffin bone sits within the hoof capsule. She can also measure your horse’s sole depth, toe length, hoof-pastern axis, the breakover of the foot, and more. These are all really useful things to help your farrier optimize your horse’s trim. My doc can show the x-rays to your farrier, and they can come up with a trimming or shoeing plan together.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

This horse has a significantly negative plantar angle of -5.5 degrees.

While radiographs are the gold standard, the rest of the strategies I’m going to list are good indicators of the problem based on external markers. They don’t give you an exact measurement or diagnosis, but they’re great tools for monitoring your horse’s feet at home.

The Shape of the Hoof

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Bull-nosed appearance to the hoof.

If you pay close attention to the external shape of a horse’s hind feet, there are clues that the horse may have negative plantar angles. A bull-nosed, or bowed, appearance to the front of the hoof (the dorsal hoof wall) is typical of a severely negative angle. This is because the hoof wall follows the tip of the coffin bone, which is in essence tipping upwards and pushing outwards. Since a negative plantar angle overloads the back of the foot, the heel bulbs may also appear to be flattened.

Another sign is underneath the hoof, on his sole. In a foot with negative angles, the apex, or tip, of the frog is often deeply set in a depression in the sole. A normal hoof will have the tip of the frog positioned at about the same level as the surrounding sole, rather than sitting in a well.

A normal hoof. Notice how the apex of the frog is not deeply set in a depression.

Sometimes horses with negative plantar angles will have a squared off appearance to the hind toes, caused by dragging the feet. This can also be caused by sore hocks or other causes of lameness. Negative plantar angles can sometimes be the root cause, but not in every case. Either way, if the horse has squared off hind toes, my doc should check him out.

A steep coronary band angle is a very strong indicator of a negative plantar angle – we’ll talk about how to measure the coronary band angle shortly.

Stance

A normal horse should stand squarely, with both the front and hind cannon bones vertical, or perpendicular to the ground. When the hind hooves are out of balance, poor posture often results. Horses with negative plantar angles are frequently uncomfortable standing squarely. They may stand with their hind limbs camped under themselves, because the high toe and low heel makes it uncomfortable for them to stand with their cannon bones vertical. When the lower leg is placed vertical (as it should be in a normal horse), the hoof-pastern axis is often out of alignment, causing the horse discomfort. He will try to bring his lower limbs forward to straighten his hoof-pastern axis, but unfortunately over time this abnormal posture causes soreness in the stifles, hocks, hamstrings, and sacroiliac areas.

Stand your horse perfectly square with his cannon bones vertical

A normal, square, stance with the cannon bones perpendicular to the ground

Watch your horse to see how he tends to stand. Any horse can stand in an abnormal position for a moment, but if he consistently tends to stand with his hind limbs underneath himself, it warrants an evaluation of his feet and musculoskeletal comfort.

A camped-under stance

Measurements

And now for a great way for you to estimate your horse’s plantar angles at home! We’re going to look at the angle of the coronary band. A steep coronary band angle indicates low or negative angles. Remember, it’s not a substitute for x-rays, but is a good external sign of what the plantar angles are doing internally.

Stand your horse perfectly square with his cannon bones vertical

Basically, we’re going to be drawing an imaginary line through the angle of the coronary band and continuing it forward to see where it bisects the front limb. You’ll need some sort of long, thin tool – a longe whip can work, or a thin piece of wood like a long ruler or even a broom handle. If you’re handy with computers, you can also do your measurement by digitally adding a line to a photo of your horse later.

Match the angle of the coronary band

Stand your horse perfectly square with his cannon bones vertical[/caption] It’s critical that your horse stands square with his cannon bones vertical to the ground to get an accurate measurement. It may be helpful to have a set of crossties or someone to hold your horse. You’ll also want him standing on even ground. Take the tool that you’re using and line it up with the coronary band on the outside of his hoof. Raise or lower the end of your tool to match the angle to the angle of the coronary band. Now look at the forelimb on the same side – where does your tool hit that leg? In a normal horse, the line will bisect the forelimb no higher than his knee (carpus). If it’s between the knee and the elbow, there is concern that he has low or negative plantar angles. If it’s at the elbow or above, there’s a strong chance he has negative plantar angles!

This line bisects at the level of the front knee, which is normal

These are great tools for monitoring your horse’s hoof condition at home and protecting his long-term soundness. If you have any concerns, my docs will be happy to help!

Until next week!

~Whinny

P.S. There are videos on how to check hoof angles over on my YouTube Channel. If you want to dive deeper into hoof angles, this is a great way to do it!

Whinny’s Wisdoms is the official blog of Whinny the Clinic Mouse at Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. If you liked this blog, please subscribe below, and share it with your friends on social media! For more information, please call us at (352) 472-1620, visit our website at SpringhillEquine.com, or follow us on Facebook!

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Microchipping: Protecting Your Horse, Dog, and Cat Family

Microchipping: Protecting Your Horse, Dog, and Cat Family

Feb 26, 2024 | Microchips

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey everybody, Whinny here! As pet owners, we all share a profound bond with our four-legged companions (yes, mice can have companions, too!). They’re not just pets; they are beloved members of our families, providing us with unconditional love and unwavering loyalty. However, as responsible caretakers, it is our duty to ensure their safety and well-being. One essential step towards protecting our pets is microchipping. In this blog, we will explore the significance of microchipping for horses, dogs, and cats and how it can be a lifesaving measure in times of distress.

Peace of Mind

Losing a pet is every pet owner’s nightmare. The thought of our precious horse, dog, or cat wandering away and getting lost is heart-wrenching. Microchipping provides invaluable peace of mind, knowing that if the worst were to happen, there is a high chance of reuniting with our beloved companion. Unlike collars and tags that can break or fall off, a microchip is a permanent and tamper-proof identification method.

Efficient Identification

Collars with ID tags are a helpful identification tool, but they might not be foolproof. Microchipping, on the other hand, offers a reliable way to identify our pets beyond any doubt. Each microchip contains a unique identification number linked to the pet owner’s contact information in a secure database. If a lost horse, dog, or cat is found and scanned at a shelter or veterinary clinic, the microchip will reveal the owner’s details, leading to a swift reunion.

Safer Travel

Traveling with our pets can be a joyous experience, but it also comes with certain risks. Whether it’s a road trip, a visit to the park, or even an international journey, accidents can happen. Microchipping becomes particularly essential when traveling with horses, as they are often transported long distances. In case of an unforeseen escape or accident during travel, a microchip ensures that your horse, dog, or cat can be traced back to you, regardless of the location.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Preventing Pet Theft

Sadly, pet theft is a reality we must acknowledge. Cats and dogs, in particular, are targets of theft due to their high demand. Microchipping acts as a powerful deterrent, as stolen pets can be easily identified, making them less attractive to potential thieves. Moreover, if a stolen pet is brought to a shelter or veterinarian, the microchip will reveal their true owner, helping to prevent heartbreak and anguish for both the pet and the rightful family.

Medical Assistance

In emergencies, our pets cannot communicate their medical history or pre-existing conditions. Microchipping includes medical information, making it easier for veterinarians to provide necessary treatment promptly. Additionally, it aids in reuniting lost pets with medical needs with their owners, ensuring they receive appropriate care without delay.

Microchips for FEI and USEF Horse Competitions

Microchipping has become a vital aspect of horse identification and safety in FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) and USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) horse competitions to provide a unique identification number that is linked to the horse’s official records. This identification method ensures accurate tracking of horses throughout their competitive careers, reducing the risk of identity disputes and enhancing overall competition integrity.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

For FEI competitions, microchipping is mandatory for all participating horses. The unique identification number is recorded in each horse’s passport, which contains essential information such as ownership details, veterinary records, and vaccination history. This system ensures that the correct horse is entered into each event and helps to prevent fraudulent practices. 

Similarly, USEF requires microchipping for all horses competing in licensed competitions. The microchipped identification number is linked to the horse’s USEF records, facilitating accurate tracking of results, ownership transfers, and age verification.

Conclusion

Microchipping is a simple yet powerful tool that strengthens the bond between humans and their cherished animals. The process is safe, minimally invasive, and brings numerous benefits that far outweigh any temporary discomfort. By getting our horses, dogs, and cats microchipped, we demonstrate our commitment to being responsible pet owners and safeguarding our furry family members.

Remember, the decision to microchip is an investment in your pet’s safety and well-being, and it may one day be the key to their safe return. Let’s ensure that our furry friends always find their way back into our loving arms, no matter where they wander.

You can call the humans here at Springhill Equine any time and add a microchip to your next appointment. The number is 352-472-1620.

Until next week!

~Whinny

P.S. Have you been checking out the videos over on my YouTube Channel? It’s a fantastic free resource, and my humans make new videos all the time! You can learn all kinds of stuff and get some entertainment at the same time. Don’t miss out!

Whinny’s Wisdoms is the official blog of Whinny the Clinic Mouse at Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. If you liked this blog, please subscribe below, and share it with your friends on social media! For more information, please call us at (352) 472-1620, visit our website at SpringhillEquine.com, or follow us on Facebook!

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Top 10 Hazards in Your Barn

Top 10 Hazards in Your Barn

Feb 20, 2024 | Barns

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey everybody, it’s your ever-observant barn mouse Whinny here! We all know how accident-prone horses can be (unlike cats and mice, which Tony used to assure me are far superior species in that regard). Therefore, it’s important to be on the lookout for potential hazards that may lurk within and around the barn. Let’s take a look at the top 10 common hazards in most barns, and find some ways to create a safer environment for your horse.

  1. Non-Breakaway Halters

Non-breakaway halters, often made of nylon, might seem sturdy, but they pose a significant risk if your horses get caught in a situation which can cause them to get stuck in the halter, leading to injuries or worse. Opt for breakaway halters that release under pressure, ensuring your horse’s safety in unforeseen circumstances. Most of the time the breakaway piece is an area of the halter that is leather that easily breaks under excess pressure. This is especially critical when hauling in a trailer.

  1. Cobwebs

   Cobwebs may add a spooky charm to a barn, but they can compromise your horse’s respiratory health, as well as pose a fire hazard. Regularly check and clean your barn to prevent the buildup of cobwebs to lower your risk.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

  1. Clutter

   A cluttered barn is a hazard zone waiting to happen. Aisleways with pitchforks, shovels and equipment can become dangerous, especially if a horse spooks and hits, kicks or becomes tangled amongst it. Take the time to organize and declutter the barn space, creating a safer and more efficient environment for everyone.

  1. Too Many Extension Cords

   Electrical mishaps are a real concern in barns with excessive extension cords. Invest in proper wiring and limit the use of extension cords. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fire hazards in the barn.

  1. Water Bucket Clips

   Double-ended snaps and where the handle hooks to the water bucket are a common cause of eyelid lacerations. Horses love to rub and itch on these buckets and accidentally get caught and pull back and hurt themself in the process. Any easy fix to this problem is to make sure all double-ended snaps are facing the wall and wrapping bucket hooks with electrical tape.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

  1. Feed Storage

   Proper horse feed storage is important for maintaining the nutritional quality and safety of your horse’s diet. Storing feed in a cool, dry place is essential to prevent mold growth and the development of mycotoxins, which can be harmful to horses. Store feed in clean containers with well-sealed lids to prevent rodent and insect contamination. Additionally, storing feed off the ground and away from direct sunlight helps preserve its nutritional value.

  1. Fencing (Barbed wire and Lack of Top Boards)

   Barbed wire is not easily seen by horses and poses a severe threat to their safety. The sharp, pointed edges can cause significant injuries, from cuts and scrapes to massive lacerations. Similarly, wire fencing without a top board can let a horse accidentally run into or get caught up in the fencing. It’s crucial to utilize alternatives like smooth, visible fencing options that prioritize both containment and the well-being of our equine companions. Electricity is always a good accessory to quality fencing!       

  1. Nails in Boards

   Regularly inspecting fencing and stalls for loose nails is a paramount aspect of equine care, crucial for preventing potential lacerations and injuries. This simple yet essential practice not only safeguards the physical well-being of our equine companions but also contributes to fostering a secure and comfortable environment within the barn where your horse feels safe, rather than stressed about being around things that hurt.

  1. Blanket Clips

   Although we are lucky here in Florida and only need blankets occasionally, we need to be mindful when clipping blankets that they are clipped towards the horse. As we have mentioned previously, as wonderful as horses are, they are accident-prone and can get themselves in precarious situations unless we are vigilant. Occasionally when clips are outward, they will snap closed on other objects, like haynets, bucket handles or stall doors. This is followed by a moment of panic, which often has an injury on its heels. Why can’t horses be more like mice?

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

  1. Pest Control

   Pests such as flies, rodents, and insects not only irritate horses but can also pose health risks and compromise the cleanliness of the environment. Implementing a comprehensive pest control program involves regular cleaning of manure, proper waste disposal, and the use of insecticides or traps strategically placed to target specific pests. Be mindful that some physical and edible traps can pose risks to cats and dogs on the property. This is going to sound weird coming from a barn mouse, but bear with me: An environmentally friendly rodent eliminator and deterrent are spayed and neutered cats!  Cats are natural predators, particularly adept at controlling rodent populations that might otherwise pose a threat to the barn’s hygiene and the well-being of horses. By spaying and neutering the cats, their focus remains on pest control rather than breeding, fostering a stable and efficient population.

Creating a safe environment in your barn requires diligence and attention to detail. By addressing these top 10 hazards, you’re not only safeguarding your horse but also fostering a space where everyone can thrive. Regular maintenance and proactive measures are the keys to ensuring a secure and happy haven for you and your horses.

Until next week!

~Whinny

P.S. Have you subscribed to my blog? You can do that by scrolling down to the big purple box just below and entering your email address. I’ll email you my blog every week, and then you won’t miss an episode! It’s that easy!

Whinny’s Wisdoms is the official blog of Whinny the Clinic Mouse at Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. If you liked this blog, please subscribe below, and share it with your friends on social media! For more information, please call us at (352) 472-1620, visit our website at SpringhillEquine.com, or follow us on Facebook!

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