Horse Health

Make equine emergencies easier to handle with the three P's: Plan, Prepare and Prevent!

It’s not something any horse owner wants to think about, but disaster planning takes forethought for horses due to their size and transportation needs. Catastrophes can happen anywhere and can take different forms — from the most common barn fires to hurricanes, floods and wildfires. During any emergency, the time you may have to evacuate will be limited. It is vital for all horse owners to plan, prepare and prevent.
Barn Fires - Unfortunately, barn fires happen with some regularity and are the leading disaster for horse owners. Barn fires spread swiftly, leaving little time to forge an escape. Following are tips for horse owners:

Plan

1. Develop an evacuation plan and make sure all employees and horse handlers are familiar with it. An important part of fire prevention is working with your local fire department. Offer the local fire department a tour of your facility or property and ask fire fighters for suggestions or improvements for fire protection.
2. Install a properly pressurized sprinkler system.
3. Install a fire detection system that can be heard from inside the house or one that directly connects to 911 emergency operators.
4. Add lightning rods to the barn.
5. If you live in a wildlife area make sure you have a 50-foot firebreak (a strip of plowed or cleared land to stop a fire from spreading) around the barn.
6. Be aware that horses tend to run back into burning barns out of fear and confusion, as it is their safe zone.
7. Familiarize your horse with emergency procedures and try to desensitize him to flashing lights.

Be prepared for any cut or wound on your horse by downloading AQHA's FREE Horse Wound Care report. In this report, you'll learn the essential components of a first-aid kit, how to care for your horse's wound, when to call the vet and much more.

Prepare

1. Keep aisles, stall doors and barn doors free of debris and equipment.
2. Mount fire extinguishers at each entrance and around the stable.
3. Prepare a basic first-aid kit that is portable and easily accessible.
4. Make arrangements with a friend or another horse owner to stable your horses if needed.
5. Make sure that the horses’ halters and lead ropes are easily accessible, preferably hanging on each horses’ stall.

Prevent

1. Prohibit smoking in or around the barn. A discarded cigarette can ignite hay in seconds.
2. Inspect electrical systems regularly.
3. Keep the barn clean and free of dust, cobwebs, trash, oily tack or hoof cleaning rags, and soiled paper towels.
4. Do not store bedding materials or hay in the horse barn.

After a fire, be sure to have all horses checked by a veterinarian. Do not assume that just because the horse looks OK after a fire, that no damage has been done. Smoke inhalation can cause serious lung damage and respiratory complications. Horses are prone to stress and may experience colic after a fire.

Hurricanes, Floods and Wildfires

An imminent hurricane, flood or wildfire creates two major upheavals for horse owners: mandated evacuation and immediate post-disaster property damage to barns, as well as power loss and unsafe road conditions prohibiting travel for food and/or medical supplies. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure to create detailed evacuation plans and design escape routes for yourself and your horses. Discuss your escape plans with your veterinarian.
2. Leave 48 hours before the storm or fire arrives so you and your trailered horse are not stuck in traffic.
3. Be aware that horse trailers get thrown around in high winds. It is recommended not to trailer a horse after winds reach tropical storm force (40 mph).

Preparation for All Scenarios

Maintain horses’ encephalitis vaccinations every 6 months.

Always have proper animal identification that’s updated and easily accessible, including:
Pictures
Brands or tattoos
Microchip ID
Fetlock ID bands

Create an emergency barn kit that includes:
Waterproof trunk
Thermometer
Bandages, scissors and gauze
Ointment
Radio, flashlight and extra batteries
Poultice
Electrolytes
Flyspray (look for Farnam’s selection of fly sprays)
Halter and shank
Iodine, Furicin, peroxide and petroleum jelly
Two-week supply of prescription medications
Supply of dewormers (look for Farnam’s effective dewormer selection)
Keep a one-week supply of water and feed on hand in the event of post-disaster inaccessibility.

Photo: Learn how to protect your horses and your barn. Journal photo.

June 14, 2012 - The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) today called for a ban on the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses. These devices and packages are implicated in the practice of soring, which is the abusive act of intentionally inflicting pain to accentuate a horse’s gait.
"Soring has been an illegal act for more than 40 years. Nevertheless, increasingly shrewd and more difficult to detect—yet equally painful—methods of soring continue to plague the Walking Horse Industry," said Dr. René A. Carlson, President of the AVMA. "America's veterinarians are asking USDA-APHIS to prohibit the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and showing of Walking Horses, because they appear to be facilitating soring," Dr. Carlson added.

"The soring of Tennessee Walking Horses is an extremely abusive practice and it must end," said AAEP President Dr. John Mitchell. "We urge a modification to the Horse Protection Act so that all action devices and performance packages are banned."

Following is the veterinary groups' joint statement:

AVMA and AAEP Position on the Use of Action Devices and Performance Packages for Tennessee Walking Horses

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners support a ban on the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses.

Action devices used in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses include chains, ankle rings, collars, rollers, and bracelets of wood or aluminum beads. When used in conjunction with chemical irritants on the pastern of the horse’s foot, the motion of the action device creates a painful response, resulting in a more exaggerated gait. Foreign substances are being detected on the pastern area during pre-show inspections at an alarmingly high rate, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. While there is little scientific evidence to indicate that the use of action devices below a certain weight are detrimental to the health and welfare of the horse, banning action devices from use in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses reduces the motivation to apply a chemical irritant to the pastern.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the national governing body for equestrian sport in the United States, disallows action devices in the show ring for all recognized national breed affiliates. The AVMA and the AAEP commend the USEF for this rule and urge the USDA-APHIS to adopt similar restrictions for Tennessee Walking Horses.

Performance packages (also called stacks or pads), made of plastic, leather, wood, rubber and combinations of these materials, are attached below the sole of the horse’s natural hoof and have a metal band that runs around the hoof wall to maintain them in place. Performance packages add weight to the horse’s foot, causing it to strike with more force and at an abnormal angle to the ground. They also facilitate the concealment of items that apply pressure to the sole of the horse’s hoof. Pressure from these hidden items produces pain in the hoof so that the horse lifts its feet faster and higher in an exaggerated gait.

Because the inhumane practice of soring Tennessee Walking Horses has continued 40 years after passage of the Horse Protection Act, and because the industry has been unable to make substantial progress in eliminating this abusive practice, the AVMA and the AAEP believe a ban on action devices and performance packages is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the horse.  -end of statement-

Both the AVMA and the AAEP are committed to ending soring and assisting in the return of the walking horse’s gait to its natural beauty. In 2008, the AAEP released its white paper, “Veterinary Recommendations for Ending the Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses,” which suggested several radical changes to the current structure of the industry. This paper can be found at www.aaep.org/equine_welfare.htm. The AVMA's "Soring in Horses" webpage contains extensive material on soring, including an educational video, backgrounder, factsheet, a link to the AAEP white paper, information about the Horse Protection Act from USDA-APHIS, and links to related articles in the news. Additional resources can be found at www.avma.org.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Sharon Granskog of the AVMA at sgranskog@avma.org or (847) 280-1273, or Sally Baker of the AAEP at sbaker@aaep.org or (859) 233-0147.

Horse owners know that they should vaccinate their horses on a regular basis, but understanding vaccine mechanisms and why they work may not always be clear. Vaccines are carefully developed and tested to ensure their efficacy and safety. The best resource for understanding different types of vaccines is your veterinarian.
All vaccines are created to help prevent disease and contain antigens, which are derived from the disease organism. A few examples of antigens are viruses and bacteria. When administered to horses, the specific vaccine helps stimulate an immune response against that particular disease.

Vaccines may also contain an ingredient called an adjuvant, which is simply a substance that aids the antigen in stimulating an immune response. Adjuvants enhance the antigen presentation to the immune system and act as an additional foreign substance to help trigger a strong immune response.

So why do we need adjuvants if vaccine antigens already stimulate the horse’s immune system? Often, the antigens contained in vaccines are inactivated (killed) organisms. The organism is inactivated prior to being placed in the vaccine in order to prevent causing disease. Because inactivated infectious agents are not able to reproduce themselves as a regular organism would, the immune response they generate may not be strong enough to help fend off infection when the horse is exposed to the disease agent.

In the case of WEST NILE INNOVATOR® from Pfizer Animal Health, the vaccine contains the MetaStim® adjuvant system in addition to inactivated West Nile virus. The MetaStim adjuvant is formulated into tiny droplets, which contain antigens both on the outside and the inside of the droplet. When injected as part of the vaccine, the antigens dispersed in the adjuvant help stimulate the horse’s immune system to develop antibodies against West Nile virus that aid in the prevention of the disease. This is called a humoral immune response.

All horse owners want the best protection for their American Quarter Horses. Work with your veterinarian to determine the most effective protocol for your horses, based on each horse’s activities and risk of exposure to other horses. With a sound vaccination schedule, you can help keep your horses healthy for a successful summer season.

Photo: Regular vaccinations are vital to keeping your horses healthy. Journal photo.

Lexington, KY - The recent ABC Nightline segment on the abuse of Tennessee Walking Horses demonstrates once again why the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) was established and why NWHA continues to play a vital role in the TWH industry. 
We are committed to stop soring and abuse of our great horses. Abusive practices such as those highlighted on the Nightline segment are not tolerated in our organization.  We fight daily to ensure that horses are treated kindly and with great respect.  NWHA is the answer to this horrible tradition.

Since 1998, the National Walking Horse Association has been promoting the general welfare of and serving as an advocate for the Walking Horse against abusive and inhumane treatment.  As a USDA certified HIO, NWHA has adopted and enforced the highest level of penalties for HPA violators, adopted "no tolerance" for soring practices, and has a mandatory requirement that all DQP's, Judges, and Board of Directors members have no violations of the HPA.

The NWHA's mission is to:
• To promote the general welfare of the Walking Horse.
• To serve as an advocate for the Walking Horse against abusive and inhumane treatment.
• To provide an equitable affiliation program for Walking Horses to be exhibited, judged, and showcased in full compliance with the Horse Protection Act.
• To increase public awareness of the natural abilities of the Walking Horse.
• To generate growth of the National Walking Horse Association via the marketing, promotion, advertising, and publicity of the natural Walking Horse.
• To increase the proficiency of the National Walking Horse Association members in all matters of horsemanship.
• To serve as a communication hub for the Walking Horse Industry and other equine interest groups.
• To carry out the purposes as set forth in the Corporation's Restated Articles of Incorporation.
• To engage in any and all other lawful business allowed accomplishing the above purposes.

The National Walking Horse Association strives to increase public awareness of the natural abilities of the flat shod Walking Horse and provide an equitable affiliation program at which they may be exhibited, judged, and showcased in full compliance with the HPA.  Soon after its founding, NWHA prohibited pads, chains, and other action devices from the Association's competitions.  Since that time, NWHA has worked diligently to promote the flat shod walking horse in all disciplines; from the show horse to Dressage, Reining, timed events, and trail horse programs.  To learn more about NWHA and our National Grand Championship Show, being held this year in Wilmington, Ohio, October 1st thru the 6th, please visit our website at www.nwha.com.

Note:  If you have not yet viewed the Nightline Segment, here is the link to it:  http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/tennessee-walking-horses-abused/story?id=16360835.    Please be warned that this video is graphic and difficult to watch.

The FEI Tribunal has today issued its decisions in the cases of the two Saudi Arabian athletes, Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid and Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly, whose horses tested positive for Controlled Medication substances. The Tribunal has imposed suspensions of eight months on both riders.
The horses, Vanhoeve (Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid) and Lobster 43 (Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly), tested positive to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone (a metabolite of Phenylbutazone) at two separate events.

Vanhoeve was sampled at the Riyadh CSI3*-W in Saudi Arabia (30 November-3 December 2011), and the positive finding was notified to the athlete on 2 February 2012. Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid voluntarily suspended himself without prejudice on 24 February.

An adverse analytical finding for the horse Lobster 43 resulted from testing at the CSI3*-W at Al Ain in the UAE (9-11 February 2012). The case was notified to Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly on 24 February 2012, and the athlete also put himself on a voluntary suspension, commencing on 28 February.

Controlled Medication substances are those that are prohibited in competition, but are permitted for treatment use outside competition. The Rules provide that the suspension period for Controlled Medication substances can be anywhere between a warning and two years.

The final hearing before the FEI Tribunal for both cases took place at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) last month. Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid (Vanhoeve) appeared before the Tribunal on 18 April, and Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly (Lobster 43) the following day, 19 April. The panel for both hearings was composed of the FEI Tribunal Chair, Professor Dr Jens Adolphsen (GER), Pierre Ketterer (FRA) and Randi Haukebø (NOR).

In its Final Decision on the Vanhoeve case, which was issued to the KSA National Federation today (23 May), the Tribunal found that the Person Responsible (PR), Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid, failed to prove that ingestion by means of exposure to a contaminated stable environment was the likely source of the Prohibited Substances found in the horse’s system.

While it acknowledged the importance of the Olympic Games, which had been stressed by both the PR and Counsel for the PR during the hearing, the Tribunal stated that considering the upcoming Games while determining the length of suspension would not provide a level playing field in a sports calendar that offers major events almost every year, and that rules have to be applied consistently throughout the four-year Olympic cycle.

The Tribunal imposed an eight-month suspension, effective immediately and backdated to 24 February 2012, the day the PR accepted a period of Voluntary Provisional Suspension. In addition, the Tribunal imposed a fine of CHF 1,000 and costs of CHF 3,000.

In its Final Decision on the Lobster 43 case, which was also notified to the KSA National Federation today, the Tribunal found that the PR, Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly, failed to establish how the Prohibited Substances entered the horse’s system. The Tribunal rejected the PR’s theories on ingestion in a contaminated environment. The Tribunal also ruled that as Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone are not Threshold Substances, any quantity of those substances is considered a positive.

The Tribunal imposed a suspension of eight months, effective immediately and credited from the time of sample collection on 10 February 2012, based on Mr Sharbatly’s timely acceptance of the rule violations. The Tribunal also imposed a fine of CHF 1,000 and costs of CHF 3,000.

The Persons Responsible have 30 days from the date of notification (23 May 2012) to appeal the findings to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (SUI).

The Final Decisions in the two cases can be read in full here: Vanhoeve; Lobster 43.

Veterinary issues were the focal point for the afternoon session at the inaugural FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne (SUI) today, which was attended by over 180 delegates from National Federations, the veterinary community, the International Jumping Riders Club and members of the media.
The Forum covered four central themes, delivered by a nine-strong panel headed by John McEwen, Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee. The key issues covered were:

• Changes to the 2013 FEI Veterinary Regulations
• Blood during competition
• International movement of horses
• Cloning and Progeny of clones

Changes to 2013 Veterinary Regulations
“This is a significant year, when we have the opportunity to undertake a major review of the FEI Veterinary Regulations,” FEI Veterinary Director Graeme Cooke said. “Today, we are looking forward to listening to those who use the Regulations in order to make relevant changes. We will be taking the results of the findings from today’s discussions into tomorrow’s Veterinary Committee meeting and onwards for further dialogue before our General Assembly.”

As well as re-formatting the 2013 Veterinary Regulations to make them more user-friendly, and reviewing medication forms to reduce the administrative burden, the FEI is seeking improved clarity on roles and responsibilities of all persons covered by the Regulations, and biosecurity of FEI horses and FEI events.

The FEI’s plan to establish a confidential acute injuries database based on the IOC model to provide valuable feedback on injuries was welcomed.

Blood During Competition
John McEwen, Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee, addressed the topic of blood during competition, stating that the Veterinary Committee has agreed that the General Regulations cover the issue under the rules on welfare and did not propose any change.  “No special regulation is required within the Veterinary Regulations as this is well covered in the General Regulations”, he said.

Requests from the floor to harmonise the regulations further across the disciplines, and to clearly explain the fitness to compete concept, were heard and will be discussed further in the Veterinary Committee meeting after the Sports Forum.

“Welfare is paramount”, John McEwen said. “No horse will be allowed to compete if there is a welfare risk. The principles are the same, but the implementation has to take into account the differences within the disciplines.”

International Movement of Horses
Graeme Cooke looked at the issue of international movement of elite horses.  “The landmark FEI and OIE Joint Regional Conference on International Movement of Horses in South America held last October in Guadalajara brought together key stakeholders to address the transportation and quarantine issues at regional and global level as equestrian sport and competition sees massive growth around the world,” he said.

“We are now working closely with the OIE on creating a recognised standard for elite, high performance and high health status horses to help increase international movement of horses for competition.”

The FEI Veterinary Committee highlighted that this would require clear guidelines for infectious disease control, including the need to move quickly on updating influenza vaccines in line with the current risks, protocols in case of disease outbreak and an approach to reducing the risk of disease to horses at all times.

Graeme Cooke stressed the need for the FEI and OIE to agree a standard for global transportation and quarantine, which would ultimately be respected by government officials worldwide.

Horse Passports & Micro-chipping
The FEI Veterinary Committee is considering the feasibility of introducing horse passports for all horses competing in FEI events nationally and internationally, and as more horses would require passports costs would be reviewed. In addition, the FEI Veterinary Committee is looking into the long term introduction of micro chipping.

Cloning & Progeny
Victoria Unt, FEI Veterinary Advisor, presented the FEI’s current position on cloning, progeny of clones and associated horse welfare issues. The FEI Veterinary Committee, together with the FEI Bureau, will review the comments made during the session on cloning and progeny and continue to monitor cloning developments.

John McEwen and Graeme Cooke also gave an update on the work of the FEI thermography team, confirming that it had been very active over the last year and will continue with its current approach. The IJRC also highlighted its full support of thermography testing.

Summing up two days of intensive debate and discussion, FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said: “These have been very important days for the FEI with the creation of the Sports Forum. We have had very constructive, high level discussions and we are looking forward to receiving your feedback.”

FEI Sports Forum - Veterinary session panellists
John McEwen, Chair Veterinary Committee (& FEI Sports Forum Veterinary session Chair)
Professor Yves Rosser, Member FEI Committee
Jennifer (Jenny) Hall, Member FEI Committee
Ray Randall, Member FEI Committee
Sergio Salinas, Member FEI Committee
Philippe Benoit, Member FEI Committee
Stephen Schumacher, Member FEI Committee
Graeme Cooke, FEI Veterinary Director
Moderator: Richard Nicholl

Photo caption: The veterinary session panellists at the inaugural FEI Sports Forum, which began on 30 April in Lausanne (SUI). © Edouard Curchod/FEI.