Livestock production: Don’t underestimate botulism in horses

It takes less of the botulism toxin to kill a big horse than it does to kill a small mouse. Horses are extremely sensitive to botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. As a matter of fact, it takes more of this toxin to kill a mouse…

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Livestock production: What you should know about colic in horses

Question: What is colic? How does it develop and what can I do to prevent my horse from getting it? Colic refers to pain in the abdomen, usually caused by digestive tract problems. Colic from gastro-intestinal causes may be classified into 3 groups: Intestinal dysfunctions. Intestinal accidents. Enteritis/colitis or ulcerations.…

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Livestock production: Beware of thumps in horses

Unseasonably hot weather can mean a greater number of thumps cases in endurance horses. Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter or thumps is one of the most common metabolic conditions in equine endurance rides. It is seen more commonly in hot, humid conditions, and an unbalanced diet with the incorrect salt and electrolyte…

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Livestock production: What is strangles in your horses and how to treat it?

Sometimes horses become depressed and feverish. They develop swollen glands around the head that start oozing yellow liquid. This condition is called strangles. Strangles is one of the most important diseases in horses worldwide. It spreads easily from one horse to another and is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi.…

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Livestock production: Dealing with worms in your horses

Worms can cause extensive damage, without you even realising your horse is infected with these parasites. Many horses may appear healthy despite having significant internal damage due to worms. Worms rob the horse of nutrients and cause irritation of the gut and loss of condition. They may lead to debilitation,…

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Livestock production: Treating tendon injuries in horses

Question: How do I deal with my horse’s tendon injury? Tendon injuries are a serious condition in athletic horses. Here are some tips for treating these injuries. Sudden (acute) injury with swelling (inflammation) of the tendons and ligaments of the legs are common horse injuries, especially in animals that compete…

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Livestock production: Being on top of a horse emergency

Question: I need an action plan for dealing with emergencies with my horses. Can you help? Having an action plan for emergencies helps to avoid blind panic. Everyone involved with horse care should be familiar with the relevant steps. Emergencies such as wounds, colic and foaling problems can happen at…

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Livestock production: How to feed your horse

Question: I recently bought a horse and would like some advice on how to feed it correctly. Can you help, please? Correct nutrition is the foundation of a happy, healthy horse that performs to the best of his ability. When feeding horses our aim, first and foremost, is to maintain…

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