Ask the Vet - Saddle fit, Colic research, Rain rot, and more! - August 2016

[@Ben_the_farrier]

My horse, when the saddle didn't fit, was a horrible ride. She was backing up when I wanted her to stop, she would be running off regularly and was hard to stop. When I changed the saddle she was perfect to ride. I nearly turned down the saddle because I struggled to stay in it but I​ decided to get it and know she is happy and I can ride in the saddle fine.

[@happyappy9695]

#AskTheVetVideo Do polo wraps actually support the leg tendons of the horse? Some people say they do, however others will say polo wraps provide no support at all.

[@Persi4630]

#askthevetvideo Going off of the Rain rot question and skin issues, What are some steps that one could take in order to prevent reinfection or if a horse were to share a saddle pad/ saddle etc. We know that the bacteria isn't florescent, so how would we know if we washed or cleaned something well enough so that it won't come back or spread to another horse? What about natural fiber brushes? IThis could also apply to donated equipment)

[@caterinakim3663]

#askthevetvideo I know that there is a lot of controversy in the equine community that goes along with this question, but I wanted to hear a professional veterinarian's answer. Are bits/hackamores/crops/dressage whips/lunging whips harmful to horses physically and emotionally when they are used in a CORRECT way? I know a lot of things that are fine when used in one way, can be harmful in another, but how about when they are used in the CORRECT way?

[@thatkidsam7544]

that is a good question, i know that using all of those things is a personal choice, but I recommend that you should not use a crop, and if you do, I would use it for direction, not for a boost at speed because horses skin is actually not super thick, it is only about 2 millimeters thick, so think about were 2 millimeter thick pants and then someone slapping you with a crop, it would hurt, and horses do have a slight better pain tolerance because they are such large animals. I think all whips are fine if you do not threaten them with the particular whip, only for directing or encouragement. i hope this helped!

[@caterinakim3663]

Yeah, I like what you're saying. I think sometimes a lot of riders just grow up with trainers that teach them to use crops for speed (and also use their legs, and voice cues too), but when it is used in an excessive amount it is of course harmful. Sometimes people just hold crops while they ride as a warning/threat, but not to actually use. I find that fear to be pretty sad too, though. Thanks again for sharing your views on directional uses for crops and whips. I agree that they should be an extension of your arm, not for the use of instilling fear.

[@SUrton]

I would like more information on the latest treatments for arthritis. I have a 23 year old Arabian mare who has arthritic hocks. She had her joints injected one time last fall. This did seem to help her until the spring. This summer she was put on an oral medication, Previcox (used to treat arthritic dogs). At this time I am not sure if this is helping her, since she has only been on it for a short time. She is on daily turnout and does get a daily dose of SmartPak joint supplement (split AM and PM). I have read that glucosamine chondroitin is not absorbed in the horse's gut and is not effective? I have also read about some treatments that seem to be questionable regarding the restults. So, what are the best and most effective treatments being used today to treat arthritis?

[@greaterbeastxellas]

#AskTheVetVideo What are the symptoms for horses with EPM? Is it able to be cured? And is it possible to continue to put a horse that has had EPM back into work?

[@gryhound22]

#AskTheVetVideo A filly was born at our farm didn’t have access to her mother’s colostrum for the first 12 or so hours after she was born. The filly’s immune system seemed to be compromised and she developed strangles at around 8 weeks. I was wondering: How common is it for a foal to develop strangles? Does this mean that the mother is a carrier? The vet prescribed a mix of antibiotics to treat the strangles. Could ingesting this amount of antibiotics for an extended period of time affect the filly’s development and/or stunt her growth?

[@isabellasuperlano3890]

#askthevetvideo I have a 12 yr old off the track thoroughbred and he has minor arthritis in his hock/hind end. When he is standing for too long, like in a stall, his hind legs become really stiff. What are some suggestions on ways to keep him from becoming too stiff?

[@gracegochnauer7395]

#askthevetvideo My horses love salt and we have a block hanging. Is there a limit to how much salt a horse should have, and will you ever need to remove the block, or will the horse know when enough is enough?

[@thatkidsam7544]

I am looking into getting a new horse, I've heard a lot about sickness and other potential threats with owning a horse, of course, cost and financial issues, but what are some of the most common sickness horses can get, and are they easy to treat, or would i need to consult a vet. And how could I help prevent these from coming up, and also if I could use any type of grain or over the counter medicines?

[@kellymelvin8461]

#askthevetvideo My horse has allergies and the vet said that he will be ok unless he starts to itch himself and cause self harm. I am wondering if there is anything I can do to relive his itching since he is not causing self harm but is still pretty itchy. Thank you!

[@CatKellyEventing]

#AskTheVetVideo I have a old Welsh Pony who is 30 years old. What is a good exercise to keep him fit?

[@livhargreaves6866]

Good

[@MindlasMind101]

#askthevetvideo What are your opinions with really dry and really mushy hoofs. what should you put on and in dry hoofs to help them moisturize and what could help mushy hoofs in the winter time when the snow makes the ground wet.

[@feliciamichalik9322]

MV Equestrian I bought a hardened with bacteria killer as well

[@dev890k.8]

#askthevetvideo What is separation anxiety in horse like? Are trainers horse was freaking out I know it couldn't have been from the other horses because another horse was right there. Could changes in routine cause this?

[@mkschriber]

#askthevet There is a horse at the barn I work at that has a swollen bulge on the bottom of his neck behind his jaw, I was curious and was told it was something with his lymph nods. What is this and why do you think its swollen like this?

[@feliciamichalik9322]

mkschriber strangles ,contagious

[@meghandouble840]

#askthevetvideo what do you think everyone should know before owning a horse, medically that is.

[@acifaratta7137]

#askthevetvideo I have been riding a 15 year old welsh pony cross and the pony is always crazy throwing off anybody who gets on him. Do you have any ideas on how to make the pony calmer?

[@feliciamichalik9322]

MeTheEquestrian he s mean now ,you gonna have to start all your way from beginning, make him move his feet

[@hrsgrl16]

#askthevetvideo I work at a vet school and see lots of horses suffering from boredom during long stall rest periods. these horses are hand walked/grazed daily, but still spend a majority of their time alone in a concrete walled stall, unable to see other horses unless they pass by their door. i know every horse is different, but are there some things I can try to help alleviate boredom while not straining or further damaging anything that's healing?

[@bmc06239]

Try a TV in a safe place in the stall...stops weaving.

[@gracegochnauer7395]

#askthevetvideo I recently had a mini horse who got a hoof abscess. What causes hoof abscesses and how can they be prevented?

[@feliciamichalik9322]

Grace Gochnauer dry stalls and feet cleaned everyday and I spray vinegar to kill germs ,and I get tuff huff makes huffy hard

[@rebekahstelmach8080]

#askthevetvideo I have recently started to work with a very hard keeping thoroughbred who's ribs are noticeably visible and isn't putting much weight on. she's very petite and I really want to help her out any suggestions?

[@jacqueline_8443]

#askthevetvideo. hy is my horse's hair falling out

[@y.alternative_chucky3981]

#askthevetvideo i have a 23 year old arab he cant go faster then a walk what can i do to help him be more comfortable I can't afford the expensive shots and i feel like im failing him plz help

[@jacqueline_8443]

#askthevetvideo I'm a new Rider on a 14 year old horse and he is just not listening to me and I need your help

[@suttonm7102]

I had a similar problem when I started and for me it was ant the horse but me, I simply just was not confident enough and that will come the more and more you ride, just force on being comfortable on the horse and you also need to make your horse know your the boss

[@feliciamichalik9322]

Horsegirl 108 I wouldn't ride till his ground work is good enough

[@jacqueline_8443]

Felicia Michalik do you want to be in my contest

[@aydenw4552]

YES YES YES 😩😩😩