Equine Health and Care

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Questions and Answers

What are the normal values for a horse's temperature, pulse, and respiration?

T 98-101, P 30-40 bpm, R 8-15 rpm (correct)

T 100-103, P 35-50 bpm, R 10-14 rpm

T 99-102, P 25-35 bpm, R 5-10 rpm

T 96-100, P 20-30 bpm, R 12-18 rpm

Which of the following is the best way to assess a horse's hydration status?

Listening to gut sounds

Evaluating capillary refill time (correct)

Observing skin elasticity

Checking urine color

Where is the best place to take a horse's pulse?

At the jugular vein

At the digital vessels near the fetlock (correct)

At the shoulder joint

At the tail vein

What is the main aim of equine dental care?

To ensure teeth do not cause discomfort Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended interval for trimming a horse's hoof?

Every 6-8 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is considered an infectious disease?

Conjunctivitis Signup and view all the answers

What is poll evil or fistula caused by?

Bacterial infection from brucella species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a non-infectious disease in horses?

SCID Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of hand mating in horses?

It can cause injury to breeders or horses. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of mating allows the donor mare to continue racing while producing more foals?

Embryo transfer Signup and view all the answers

How is pregnancy in horses typically confirmed?

Through ultrasound or palpation. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of parturition involves ensuring the foal is not in dysotica?

Assisting in foal delivery. Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored for newborn foal care after birth?

Handling and ensuring they pass meconium. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of Strangles caused by Streptococcus equi bacteria?

Cough Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is typically associated with the vector Mayflies?

Potomac Horse Fever Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity is exemplified by a foal receiving its first milk colostrum?

Passive immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is known to have no vaccine available?

Equine Infectious Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Equine Monocytic ehrlichiosis?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk associated with Equine Viral Arteritis?

Reproductive system complications Signup and view all the answers

Which test is used to determine infection in Equine Infectious Anemia?

Coggins test Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the immune system?

Defending against disease organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary symptom caused by S. equinus in horses?

Diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the life cycle of Ascarids?

Direct life cycle with consumption of eggs Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of tapeworm infestation in horses?

Nutrient loss Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is least likely associated with Cyathostomes?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

How do bots primarily affect horses?

By burrowing in the stomach mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What common symptom relates to the presence of larval Ascarids in a horse's digestive system?

Blockage internally Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about tapeworms is incorrect?

They cause diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the life cycle of internal parasites like bots?

They have a direct life cycle that includes environmental triggers. Signup and view all the answers

What disease commonly affects quarter horses and draft breeds due to glucose storage defects?

Polysaccharide storage Myopathy Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when managing genetic diseases in horses?

Breeding with carriers or infected individuals Signup and view all the answers

What are the key components of the principle of heritability in relation to phenotype?

Phenotype = Genotype + Environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the corpus luteum in equine reproductive health?

To secrete hormones and support pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the estrous cycle does the egg release occur?

Ovulation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating follicles in the ovaries?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Caslicks procedure in mares?

To suture the vulva for closure Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the impact of environmental factors on a horse's estrous cycle?

They can enhance cycling during sunny weather Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Normal Horse Health

Normal vital signs: Temperature: 98-101 degrees Fahrenheit, Pulse: 30-40 beats per minute, Respiration: 8-15 breaths per minute.
Alertness: A healthy horse will be alert to its surroundings.
Assessing circulation and hydration: Capillary refill time should be under 2 seconds.
Pulse locations: Digital vessels near fetlock, jaw, and heart.

Equine Dental Care

Purpose: Prevent dental problems through floating (filing down teeth).

Hoof Care

Frequency: Trim every 6-8 weeks.
Tools:
- Hoof pick: removes debris.
- Rasp: files down hoof wall.
- Hoof knife: works away sole.
- Nippers: trim wall and horse shoe nails.

Common Equine Conditions

Eye Infections:
- Conjunctivitis: Infection of the lining of the eye.
- Corneal ulcer: Disruption of the cornea due to trauma or infection.
- Recurrent uveitis (Moon blindness): Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.
Poll Evil/Fistula: Caused by Brucella species, potentially transmissible to humans.
Abscesses: Form under the skin, caused by foreign matter.
Girth galls: Irritation or hair loss due to friction and obesity.

Infectious vs. Non-Infectious Diseases

Non-infectious diseases:
- Hereditary diseases:
  - Lethal white foal syndrome (WW genotype).
  - HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis).
  - SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency).
- Nutritional diseases: Examples include colic.
- Environmental diseases: Examples include heaves (equine asthma).
Infectious diseases:
- Strangles (Streptococcus equi):
  - Highly contagious respiratory disease.
  - Bacteria can remain airborne for long periods.
  - Symptoms: Fever, cough, nasal discharge.
  - Treatment: Intramuscular or intranasal antibiotics.
- Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA):
  - Caused by a retrovirus, similar to HIV.
  - Transmitted through shared needles, biting insects, or contaminated equipment.
  - Symptoms: Anemia, fever, edema.
  - Diagnosis: Coggins test.
  - Management: Euthanasia or donation for research.
- Potomac Horse Fever (Equine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis):
  - Common in the Potomac River region, Maryland.
  - Transmitted by mayflies.
  - Affects small and large intestines and digestive system.
  - Symptoms: Fever, diarrhea, edema.
- Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA):
  - Transmitted through sexual contact and infected stallions.
  - Affects reproductive system and respiratory system.
  - Symptoms: Fever, depression, nasal discharge.
  - Management: Clean and test stallions prior to breeding.

Basics of the Immune System

Function: Defends the body against disease organisms and recognizes foreign substances.
Cells: Involves complex cells.

Active vs. Passive Immunity

Active immunity: The body actively produces antibodies to respond to antigens.
Passive immunity: Antibodies are transferred from one individual to another (e.g., colostrum).

Equine Parasites

Small strongyles ("Cyathostomes"):
- Live in digestive tract and cause damage to the mucosa.
- Form cysts and burrow into intestines.
- Produce eggs and live a direct life cycle.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, colic, edema, lethargy.
Ascarids ("Parascaris equorum"):
- Affect young horses.
- Eggs ingested through water, nutrients, soil, and pasture.
- Larvae penetrate the intestinal wall, travel to the liver, and then to the lungs.
- Coughed up and re-consumed.
- Mature adults live in the small intestines.
- Direct life cycle.
- Symptoms: Blockage internally, weight loss, nasal discharge, anemia.
Bots (Internal and External):
- Lay eggs on horses.
- Horses lick eggs, ingesting larvae.
- Larvae burrow into the mucosa of the stomach.
- Bot larvae detach and exit in feces.
- Adult botflies lay eggs. Direct life cycle.
- Symptoms: Temperature, constipation and/or diarrhea, poor condition, lack of energy, loss of appetite.
Tapeworms:
- Horses consume mites.
- Mites develop into tapeworms.
- Tapeworms rob the horse of nutrients. Direct life cycle.
- Symptoms: Nutrient loss, weight loss.

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM)

Common in Quarter Horses and draft breeds.
Defects in glucose storage.

Management Strategies for Genetic Diseases

Avoid breeding with known carriers or affected individuals.

Principles of Heritability

Phenotype = Genotype + Environment.

Genomics

The study of DNA as a whole.
Understanding the complete DNA sequence code.
Twilight, a thoroughbred, was the first horse to have its DNA sequenced.

Mare Anatomy and Reproduction

Ovaries: Where eggs develop.
Corpus luteum: Structure in the ovaries that produces hormones and supports pregnancy.
Estrous cycle: The cycle of changes in the ovaries in response to reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone).
- Stages:
  - Proestrus: Preparation for estrus.
  - Estrus (Heat): The period of receptivity to mating.
  - Ovulation: Release of the egg.
  - Luteal phase: Corpus luteum development.
Caslick's procedure: Suturing the vulva to prevent contamination.

Methods of Mating Horses

Live cover: Natural mating.
- Advantages: Direct contact, natural hormones.
- Disadvantages: Injuries to mare or stallion, difficulty determining time of conception.
Hand mating: Controlled mating.
- Advantages: Controlled breeding, potential for semen collection.
- Disadvantages: Difficult to determine optimal time for mating, injuries.
Artificial insemination (AI): Inserting semen into the mare.
- Advantages: Precise control of breeding, potential for genetic diversity.
- Disadvantages: Technical expertise required, some breed restrictions.
Embryo transfer: Transferring an embryo from one mare to another.
- Advantages: Allows multiple pregnancies from a valuable mare, can utilize mares for racing and other activities.
- Disadvantages: Expense, technical expertise required.

Conception and Pregnancy

Conception: The embryo implants in the uterus between 16-17 days.
Pregnancy Confirmation: Ultrasounds and palpation.
Trimesters: Periods of fetal growth and development.
Parturition (giving birth):
- Water breaks.
- Delivery of the foal.
- Placenta passes through.

Newborn Foal Care

Ensure foal's health.
Standing, nursing, handling, and passing meconium.
Provide colostrum (first milk).

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Description

Explore the essential aspects of equine health including vital signs, dental care, and hoof management. This quiz covers important conditions horses can face, focusing on prevention and maintenance of their overall wellbeing. Test your knowledge on keeping your horse healthy and understanding common equine issues.