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Doggy Dental Care

Doggy Dental Care

Dec 10, 2023 | Dentals, Dogs

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Say “Cheese!’ dear readers! It’s your favorite Clinic mouse, Whinny, here to dive deep into the world of canine dental health–don’t worry, we’ll talk about all the teeth, not just the canines! You see, dogs rely on their teeth for many things, from chomping on their favorite chew toys to flashing those pearly whites in a friendly grin. Just as in humans, horses, mice, and all the other critters of the world, doggie dental disease can lead to damage to other organs across the body. This is really an area we want to focus on with prevention and early management!

The Importance of Healthy Dog Teeth

Just like us mice need our teeth for nibbling on tasty morsels, dogs depend on their teeth for a multitude of tasks. Healthy teeth are crucial for: 

  1. Chewing: Properly chewed food aids digestion and overall health.
  1. Play: Dogs love gnawing on toys, and strong teeth are essential for their enjoyment. This is a double edged…bone, though. Anything you give your dog to chew on should be soft enough to have an indent on it from your thumb nail. If not, you are risking a broken tooth!
  1. Communication: Dogs express themselves through their mouths, and a healthy smile goes a long way in making friends. Plus, cuddles are way better with a dog with nice smelling breath. Dental problems, even minor ones, are major contributors to very bad breath.
  1. Well-being: Dental issues can lead to pain and discomfort, affecting a dog’s overall quality of life. Dental disease can also cause a whole lot of issues elsewhere in the body. Things like plaque and tartar are hotbeds of bacteria. Those bacteria travel from the gums into the bloodstream, and then all over the body.

Whinny’s Wisdom: Any amount of teeth brushing you can do for your dog at home helps! Make sure to get a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start slow and work your way up to brushing daily.

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Anesthetic Dental Procedures with Full Mouth Radiographs

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show – anesthetic dental procedures with full mouth radiographs. At our clinic, we understand that these procedures may seem a bit pricey, but they are a game-changer when it comes to your pet’s oral health. Let me break it down for you:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment: Full mouth radiographs, or X-rays, provide an in-depth view of your dog’s teeth and gums. This allows us to identify hidden problems that may not be apparent during a routine examination. Dogs love to have troubles with their tooth roots that don’t show up on a simple oral exam. Think of it as finding that secret cheese stash behind the wall!
  1. Precise Treatment: With a clear understanding of the dental issues, our veterinarians can tailor treatments to address specific problems. These treatments will start with a cleaning and can include many of the same treatments you humans get. There may be extractions, fillings, adjustments, or repairs done. There may also be topical therapies, or even special treats recommended to help manage the bacteria that cause dental disease.
  1. Pain Management: Dental problems can be painful, and our furry friends often suffer in silence. Remember, just because your pet is eating doesn’t mean their teeth don’t hurt! Anesthetic dental procedures allow us to address these issues, relieving pain and discomfort, and enhancing your dog’s overall well-being.
  1. Long-term Savings: By addressing dental problems early, you can avoid more costly and invasive procedures down the road. Preventing major issues is like saving your favorite cheese for a special occasion.
  2. Improved Quality of Life: Healthy teeth and gums mean a happier, healthier pup. They can eat, play, and communicate more comfortably, leading to a better life for both you and your four-legged companion.

Value Beyond the Price Tag

Whinny’s Wisdom: Don’t get swindled by anyone trying to sell you “anesthesia-free” dentals! These procedures are not done by licensed veterinarians and are at best useless and at worst painful and potentially damaging to your pet.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Yes, anesthetic dental procedures with full mouth radiographs may come with a price, but the value they provide is immeasurable. They go beyond a one-time expense, offering long-term benefits for your dog’s health and happiness. Plus, let’s not forget that our clinic is committed to providing top-notch care, and our services are worth every penny.

In a nutshell, it’s not just about the cost; it’s about investing in your dog’s well-being and providing them with the best possible dental care. After all, we want your pet to enjoy a lifetime of smiles, tail wags, and carefree chew sessions. So, be sure to unleash the potential of your dog’s healthy teeth, and choose the path that ensures a lifetime of smiles and cheese-filled grins.

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. Are you subscribed to my blog? Don’t rely on Facebook to show you a link each week! Scroll down to the big purple box and put your info in there, and my blog will get emailed to you every week, and a day or two before Facebook gets it! I promise I won’t send you anything besides my blog, no junk mail. Just scroll down a bit further… good human, you can do it!

P.P.S. (Yes, it’s a two-fer! Get it?!) Are you looking for a stocking stuffer for your favorite horse person? The Adventures of the Horse Doctor’s Husband series (3 books so far) is a great gift idea! And if you have a young person in your life who’s thinking about becoming an equine vet, you can support them with our wonderful handbook called How to Become an Equine Veterinarian: A Guide for Teens. It’s age appropriate for 12-25, and covers everything they need to do through middle school, high school, and college to become a great candidate for vet school. And as my humans say all the time around here, the world needs more equine vets! You can find book details and links to purchase over on the Books Page of my website, or just click on the image below. After you subscribe, of course!

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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Preventing Winter Colic in Horses

Preventing Winter Colic in Horses

Dec 4, 2023 | Colic

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey everybody, Whinny here! It’s autumn in Florida and after a brutally hot summer, I’m loving the cool weather! While Florida’s autumn has more to do with the changing of license plates colors than it does with leaves, there are still some seasonal effects you’ll notice around your farm. Shorter fall days are already upon us, and with them will come fluffy horses, slower growing grass, and hay season. You know how sensitive horses are, and so you’ll want to help your horse through the seasonal transition to reduce the chance of colic.

Go Slow

Changes involving a horse’s GI tract must be done very sloooooowwwwly. Their bellies are delicate systems and making feed changes quickly is certain to throw them off balance. You’ll want to start slowly introducing hay long before the last of the grass is eaten. Even if you have already been feeding hay, increasing the amount to compensate for less grass must also be done very gradually.

If your horse has only been eating pasture, begin by adding 5-7 pounds of hay per feeding. Coastal hay especially should be started slowly. Throwing a bunch of hay at a GI tract that’s been used to green grass is a recipe for an unscheduled visit from my Springhill vets. Add an additional 2-3 pounds of hay every 4-5 days until you’re at the full amount. Absolutely DO NOT put a roll of coastal hay out and let your horse gorge on it when he hasn’t been acclimatized to it. There is no better recipe for a type of colic called an ileal impaction.

You’ll also want to plan ahead to make sure you find a good source of QUALITY hay. My vets see a lot of colics caused by feeding poor quality hay. Let me tell you, one emergency visit to treat a colic is a lot more expensive than feeding a better-quality hay to start with.

Pro Tip: always put your hay in a slow-feed net! You can put it in two nets to slow down your very committed eaters. And putting it up off the ground will help keep it dry and minimize waste.

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Add Some Legumes

Since your horse will be consuming more dry feed, like hay, as autumn progresses, there is more risk of an impaction colic. Coastal hay is an especially common cause, and if your horse eats this type of hay, you should plan on supplementing him with another type of hay to reduce the risk. This helps to “dilute out” the potential bad effects of the coastal. Legume hays, like alfalfa and peanut, are salty, which helps remind your horse to drink. They also have a laxative effect on the GI tract. Both hays bring water into the gut, which helps prevent impactions.

Whinny Wisdom: Small amounts of legumes like alfalfa do wonders and can dramatically reduce the colic risk. Take care that your horse doesn’t become overweight on legume hays though – they are calorie dense! A half a flake a day will keep the colic away.

Get Water into your Horse

If your horse is well hydrated, he is at less risk for an impaction colic. An average sized horse should drink approximately 10 gallons of water a day. Regularly clean out your horse’s buckets and troughs and make sure to change the water in the buckets before refilling. (I’ve seen horses poop in their buckets, haven’t you?) Keep an eye on his manure. Does it look moist and slightly shiny, or is it dry and crumbly-looking, or packed into hard fecal balls? That dry, crumbly manure can easily form an impaction.

Get your horse used to eating soaked feed. Adding water to your horse’s grain to make it into a soup can get extra water into their system. You can even wet down his hay to increase its water content. Water consumption is especially important when the weather changes or you get a new shipment of hay. Some horses will need some time to get used to the soupy consistency of soaked feed, so introduce it ahead of time. Some horses will drink flavored water. A great way to encourage drinking is to put a few handfuls of your horse’s favorite grain into a bucket of water to make a “sweet tea”. Other horses are partial to water flavored with apple juice or Gatorade. Of course, you should continue to offer plain water as well.

We often talk about electrolytes in the summer to help replenish what is lost in sweat, but in autumn and winter, adding loose salt or electrolytes to your horse’s diet can also help to stimulate thirst and encourage water consumption.

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Other Stuff to Avoid Colic

Provide your horse as much turnout as possible. Horses evolved to be moving around constantly. Horses that are stalled with limited turnout have an increased risk of colic. Moving around the pasture promotes gastrointestinal motility, which promotes the normal transit of food through the gut.

Make sure your horse’s dental exam is up to date. Feed that isn’t adequately chewed is harder to digest, resulting in yet another risk factor for impaction colic. The dental float should be performed once a year, so call Springhill if your horse is due!

These tips apply at any time of the year to help reduce the chance that your horse will colic, but during times of weather change it’s especially important to plan ahead. Go source your good quality hay, make a feeding plan, and feel prepared for hay season. It’s always best to be a few steps ahead when it comes to your horses!

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. Are you looking for a stocking stuffer for your favorite horse person? The Adventures of the Horse Doctor’s Husband series (3 books so far) is a great gift idea! And if you have a young person in your life who’s thinking about becoming an equine vet, you can support them with our wonderful handbook called How to Become an Equine Veterinarian: A Guide for Teens. It’s age appropriate for 12-25, and covers everything they need to do through middle school, high school, and college to become a great candidate for vet school. And as my humans say all the time around here, the world needs more equine vets! You can find book details and links to purchase over on the Books Page of my website.

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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Mare Reproduction Process

Mare Reproduction Process

Nov 27, 2023 | Breeding

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey everybody, Whinny here! It’s almost December, so it’s time to start thinking about breeding mares. The best plan is to avoid breeding altogether and buy a horse that’s grown up, trained, and ready to go. But for those of you who like to do things the hard, painful, expensive way (with no guaranteed outcome!), let’s get into the weeds.

The cycle of reproduction in mares is a complex process, but having an understanding of this process allows us to manipulate a mare’s reproductive cycle to increase our chances for successful breeding. In this post, we will explore the key stages of mare reproduction.

Stage 1: Estrous Cycle

The estrous cycle, also known as the “heat” cycle, is a crucial stage in mare reproduction. Unlike mice and humans, horses are seasonal breeders, and their estrous cycle is dependent on the length of daylight. Typically, the cycle occurs during the spring and summer months when the days are longer.

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The estrous cycle lasts approximately 21 days, during which mares experience various behavioral and physical changes. These changes are regulated by hormonal fluctuations. As a mare enters her heat cycle, she may become more receptive to a stallion’s advances, displaying signs such as frequent urination, vocalizations, and a more relaxed stance of the tail.

Paws! Stage 1.5: Anestrous and Transitional Mares

In contrast to the estrous cycle, mares also go through periods of reproductive inactivity called anestrous. Anestrous is the phase when mares experience a temporary cessation of their estrous cycles and show no signs of heat. This usually occurs during the colder months of the year, particularly in late fall and winter when daylight hours decrease. The reduced exposure to daylight triggers hormonal changes that suppress the estrous cycle, allowing mares to conserve energy and prepare for the challenges of winter.

Additionally, mares undergo a transitional phase before entering full anestrous or during the transition from anestrous to the onset of the breeding season. This period is known as the transitional phase, or transitional estrous. During this time, mares may exhibit irregular heat cycles and display mixed behavioral and physical characteristics of both estrous and anestrous. This can make it difficult to determine the mare’s actual reproductive status and is one of the greatest challenges when breeding mares.

Stage 2: Ovulation

During the estrous cycle, the mare releases an egg from her ovaries through a process called ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs around the end of the estrous phase, approximately 24 to 48 hours before the cycle ends. If a successful mating occurs during this window, there is a higher chance of conception.

Stage 3: Fertilization

Fertilization is the process of the mare’s egg being successfully fertilized by the stallion’s sperm. The sperm can survive within the mare’s reproductive tract for several days, increasing the likelihood of fertilization if mating happens close to ovulation.

Stage 4: Pregnancy

Pregnancy is confirmed with an ultrasound at 14 days after ovulation. Horse gestation lasts approximately 11 months, although it can vary slightly depending on individual factors. During this time, the developing embryo implants itself in the mare’s uterus, where it receives nourishment and protection throughout the gestation period.

Stage 5: Parturition (Foaling)

Parturition, or foaling, in a mare unfolds in distinct stages, each essential for a successful and healthy delivery. The first stage is marked by behavioral changes, such as restlessness, pawing, and repeated lying down and getting up. This is accompanied by the relaxation of the muscles in the mare’s hindquarters.

The second stage involves the actual birthing process, where the foal is expelled from the uterus. The mare may lie down and get up repeatedly, and the amniotic sac containing the foal usually ruptures. The foal’s front feet and nose appear first, followed by its shoulders and body. The mare actively participates in this process by contracting her abdominal muscles.

The third stage involves the expulsion of the placenta, which is critical for the mare’s health. This process usually occurs within a few hours after foaling. Monitoring and assistance during these stages are crucial to ensure the well-being of both the mare and the newborn foal.

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

The Rest of the Story

These five stages are what happens when everything goes right. As you may know, if you’ve been a horse person for more than a few weeks, it’s unlikely that everything is going to go right with breeding. There are a variety of problems that can happen at every stage of pregnancy, and many of them stop the process. And it’s not uncommon for a mare to be bred repeatedly and still not get pregnant (just like people. Mice don’t have that problem).

There are a lot of factors that make a mare a good or bad candidate for breeding. One of the biggest ones is age. I know you humans can get confused about how old your horse is, and how that translates to human years. Let me give you a rule of thumb chart to go by:

Horse  Human (equivalent age)

  3            15
  6            25
  10          35
  15          45
  20          55
  25          65
  30          75
  35          85

Horses are just like people: they are really fertile when they’re young (think 4-7), and once they get past a certain age (think 10), everything becomes high risk and high difficulty (and highly not recommended).

Our team of expert veterinarians can do a lot of things to help you set your mare up for a successful breeding. There are no guarantees in reproduction, but if you do all the things, your odds of success are greatly improved. It’s no different than anything else in life, really. The first step is talking to my docs and making a plan in December so that all the pieces can be put in the right place at the right time. You can do that with a simple call or text to the Clinic at 352-472-1620. And make sure you bring me a little bit of cheese when you come in for your pre-breeding exam!

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. If you’re serious about breeding your mare, you’ll want to listen to all the comprehensive breeding episodes of Straight from the Horse Doctor’s Mouth, which is the podcast my docs produce. It’s loaded with great information that you won’t want to miss out on. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts, or just check them out over on the Podcast Page of my website.

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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Understanding and Managing Dog Ear Infections

Understanding and Managing Dog Ear Infections

Nov 20, 2023 | Ears, Infections

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Greetings, dear readers! Whinny here, your trusty guide through the curious world of dog ear infections. Today, we’re going to delve into the fascinating realm of these “ear-resistible” troubles that our furry friends, like Fido and Fluffy, sometimes encounter. So, grab your metaphorical magnifying glasses, and let’s explore the intricacies of ear infections in our four-legged pals.

The Anatomy of a Dog’s Ear

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

First off, let me introduce you to the ear-tastic design of our canine companions’ auditory apparatus. Unlike your straightforward (aka boring) human ears, a dog’s ear canal takes on a peculiar “J” shape, with both vertical and horizontal segments. It’s like a doggy labyrinth in there! This unique architecture presents a challenge for debris, as it must defy gravity to exit. Instead of a straightforward exit strategy, it’s an uphill battle.

Accumulation and Infection

Now, here’s where the plot thickens. Accumulation in the ear canal is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for bacteria and fungi. Earwax, skin oil, dirt, and other debris, when left to their own devices, create a petri dish for microorganisms to thrive. These tiny troublemakers typically coexist with a dog’s ear but under control. However, when excess moisture and debris are on the menu, they go from being polite dinner guests to party crashers, leading to a full-blown ear infection. Most often ear infections are multi-species, with both fungus and bacteria causing issues.

So, what contributes to this ear-wax-gone-wild scenario, you ask? Well, here are the culprits:

  1. Congenital or Breed Predisposition: Some dogs are more predisposed to ear infections due to their breed’s ear shape or good old genetics. It’s like having a mouse-sized doorway in a mouse hole; it just doesn’t work.
  1. Water Woes: Leaving water in the ear after a bath or a swim creates the ideal environment for microbial growth. It’s a bit like us mice diving headfirst into a river – not our favorite activity.
  1. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain diseases can lead to abnormal earwax buildup, as if we mice had a never-ending stash of cheese. It’s not a good thing.
  1. Skin Allergies: Dogs with skin allergies, akin to us mice with a sudden cheese allergy, are especially prone to ear infections. The earwax moisture is a welcome mat for bacteria and yeast.

Managing and Treating Ear Infections

Fear not, dear pet owners! Ear infections are typically manageable and can be cleared up with the right treatment. However, like a wedge of cheese, you mustn’t cut it too soon; follow your veterinarian’s guidance for treatment once a diagnosis is made. Stopping treatment prematurely can leave the infection lingering like a cheesy aftertaste. Most often, we will take a sample swab of both ears and examine them under the microscope after a special staining procedure to identify the type of infection. We can then use this same test to check our work after a course of treatment.

If the infection keeps showing up like a mouse at a cheese convention, further testing may be required. Allergies are often the sneakiest suspects behind recurring ear problems. They can be environmental or food-related and often sneak in like a mouse in the night. Hormone imbalances can also be accomplices in this ear mystery.

Preventing Ear Infections

Prevention is the key to a harmonious life with your furry friend. Here are some tips to keep ear infections at bay: 

  1. Regular Cleaning: Gently clean your pet’s ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner to whisk away excess wax and debris. No need to dig for buried treasure; a gentle touch will do.

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Whinny Wisdom: To achieve clean ears without fear, here’s the best plan: soak two cotton balls with the ear cleaner, then put the bottle away. Gently push one cotton ball into each ear canal–don’t worry, they won’t get stuck—and cover the canal with your dog’s ear flaps. Gently massage at the base until you hear a nice squishy sound. If tolerated, massage for about 30 seconds, then stand back! Your dog will shake out both cotton balls on their own, bringing lots of debris with it. Then, you can use clean cotton balls or gauze to wipe away the shaken loose debris.

  1. Drying Ears: After baths or swims, ensure your pet’s ears are bone dry. No puddles or soggy surprises allowed!
  1. Allergy Management: If your pet has allergies, work closely with your veterinarian to navigate them like a mouse through a maze. Allergies often lead to skin problems, including ear infections. I’ve got another blog covering all things allergy: Allergy Blog
  1. Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to catch potential ear capers early and nip them in the bud.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ear infections are like that rogue mouse in the pantry—unwanted, but manageable. Understanding the unique ear anatomy and potential causes of ear infections in dogs is the first step in keeping Fido’s, Fluffy’s, and everyone else’s ears in top-notch shape. By taking steps to manage allergies, maintain clean ears, and seek prompt veterinary care when needed, you’ll provide your pets with the best possible ear health and overall well-being.

So, there you have it, folks, a mouse’s perspective on dog ear infections. For the record, cat ear infections work about the same way and most of this will apply to our feline friends as wellKeep your ears perked and tails wagging, and remember that knowledge is your best weapon against these ear-enemies.

Until next time, cheese enthusiasts!

~Whinny

P.S. If you’re looking for some stocking stuffer ideas for a horse-crazy teen in your life, we have the perfect book! The world needs more equine vets, and we need your help to get them prepared for the difficult task of getting into vet school. This book is for young people age 12 to adult. Click Here to learn more!

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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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Clostridial Diseases in Horses: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment

Clostridial Diseases in Horses: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment

Nov 13, 2023 | Botulism, Clostridial Diseases, Tetanus

Whinny’s Wisdoms

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Hey everybody, Whinny here! This week I’m talking about a tiny little microscopic thing that can have a huge impact on our equine friends. Clostridial diseases are a group of potentially life-threatening bacterial infections that can affect horses. While these conditions can be rare, they can be extremely dangerous when they do occur. We’ll delve into the world of clostridial diseases in horses, including their causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

Understanding Clostridial Diseases

Clostridial diseases are caused by a group of bacteria known as Clostridia. These bacteria are commonly found in the environment and in the gastrointestinal tracts of horses, making them a constant risk. When conditions are favorable for their growth, Clostridia can produce deadly toxins, leading to various diseases in horses.

Common Clostridial Diseases in Horses

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  1. **Tetanus**: Clostridium tetani is perhaps the most well-known clostridial disease in horses. It occurs when the bacterium Clostridium tetani enters the body through wounds or injuries. Tetanus is characterized by muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and spasms. Vaccination against tetanus is a crucial preventive measure, especially since horses are more sensitive than other species to tetanus. It is important to vaccinate horses every 6 months against tetanus.
  1. **Botulism**: Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum and can result from the ingestion of contaminated feed or forage. Large round bales and compacted hay cubes or hay bales have a higher risk of becoming contaminated. Horses with botulism experience muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty eating or drinking. Immediate veterinary care is essential.
  1. **Malignant Edema/Gas Gangrene**: Clostridial myositis is a serious condition also known as malignant edema or gas gangrene. It can occur when Clostridia bacteria are introduced into the muscle, often due to improper intramuscular injection with Banamine (flunixin meglumine). It results in painful swelling, lameness, and systemic illness.

Prevention

Preventing clostridial diseases in horses primarily involves vaccination, good management practices, and safe injection techniques:

  1. **Vaccination**: Ensure your horse is up to date with vaccinations for tetanus, botulism, and other relevant clostridial diseases. Consult your veterinarian for the best vaccination schedule.
  1. **Wound Care**: Properly clean and care for any wounds or injuries to minimize the risk of bacterial entry. Maintain a clean environment.
  1. **Feed and Forage Hygiene**: Pay close attention to the quality and storage of feed and forage to prevent botulism. Avoid feeding spoiled or contaminated forage.
  1. **Injection Safety**: Ensure proper injection technique, site sanitation, and needle hygiene to prevent the introduction of Clostridia into muscle tissue. Known how medications are suppiosed to be administered and which medications should be given by a trained professional.

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Treatment

If you suspect your horse may have a clostridial disease, immediate veterinary intervention is crucial. Treatment often involves aggressive supportive care, including antibiotics and wound management in the case of tetanus or clostridial myositis. Severely affected horses may require hospitalization.

Conclusion

Clostridial diseases in horses are rare but dangerous. Prevention through vaccination, good management practices, and safe injection techniques is essential. Being informed about the potential risks and early recognition of symptoms can help protect your horse from these life-threatening conditions. Always consult with your equine veterinarian for guidance on vaccination schedules and other preventive measures to keep your horse healthy and safe.

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. Did you know that the podcast my docs created, called Straight from the Horse Doctor’s Mouth, is the #1 equine podcast in the world? It’s true! Depending on the day, it’s somewhere in the Top 5 Pets and Animals podcasts on Apple Podcasts, and has been #1 many times. That means it’s beating out all those dog and cat shows! You horse people definitely love this podcast, and I just wanted to say thanks for listening on behalf of the humans here at the Clinic. If you haven’t discovered it yet, you can check it out over on the Podcast Page of my website.

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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