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NEWS

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com and please ‘like’ us on our FACEBOOK page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Equine

November 2012

Contact us:

CALDEW

VETERINARY HOSPITAL Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7JF Tel: 01228 710208 vets@paragonvet.com

TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, CA11 0HT Tel: 01768 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com

LONDON ROAD SURGERY 87 London Road Carlisle CA1 2LG Tel: 01228 591005

Th e diagnosis of a wobbler is not something that should be rushed into. An owner may notice their horse has developed a weakness and may or may not relate this to an accident. Th e problem is brought about by compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Th is may develop because of the anatomy of that particular horse or may result from an accident or infl ammation from joint degeneration or infection. Diagnosis can be diffi cult, especially in subtle cases, so examination must be thorough. A horse with two or more lame limbs may give rise to suspicion that it is a wobbler, but the examination should identify specifi c limb issues. As the nerve supply to the fore limb is buried deeper in the spinal cord than the supply to the hind limbs, in aff ected horses the hind legs tend to show more weakness. If the condition is suspected following examination, head and neck x-rays producing high quality images are required. Digital x-ray systems such as the one we have at Paragon allow us to achieve those high quality images. Measurements are made on these images to map out the diameter of the spinal column along its length in the neck and if anysignifi cant narrowing is identifi ed, a contrast dye (myelogram) can be injected to show if the cord is compressed. Confi rmed diagnosis usually means an end to ridden or driven work but in some notable instances surgery has saved the career of a horse.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR NOVEMBER

*** 1/ We are running another equine vaccination amnesty. All horses or ponies starting a primary fl u or fl u/tetanus course during November

will receive the second vaccination FOC.

Th is is a saving of up to £37.75 per horse.

*** 2/ 15% discount on all

equine dentals. Why not get a FOC dental check to see if your horse

would benefi t from a dental.

*** 3/ Boehringer are

off ering FOC ACTH (Cushings) blood test lab fees for horses and ponies

not previously tested. For more information and to download your voucher

please visit www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk

EQUINE WOBBLER SYNDROMEby

PAUL MAY

BOX REST ADVICE

by Lucy Shaw RVN* Stable your horse near a calm companion for company. A mirror in the stable may also help reduce anxiety. * Feed mainly chaff and only a small amount of hard feed. Give hay or

haylage ad lib to mimic normal grazing behaviour. Fibre slows down the eating process and helps alleviate boredom.* Minimise distruption as much as possible. It may seem a good idea to put a box-rest horse in a stable where he can watch what is going on but this can sometimes do more harm than good. They can get excited if other horses are being ridden or if they see their friends out in the field. * Pick their feet out at least once a day and spend time grooming even if they are not dirty. Many horses enjoy being groomed and miss the close interaction with other horses in their field.* When walking box rested horses out in-hand always use a bridle for that extra control you do not have with head collar. Some people use a chiffney with very excitable horses. * Always wear a riding hat and gloves. It only takes a split second for you to be injured by a very fresh horse.* An extra long lead rope or lunge line is essential in case the horse throws in a buck or a rear especially at the beginning of walking out. This lets you get out of the way of flying hooves.* If possible lead the horse in an enclosed area in case he gets loose.* Choose a quiet area and time to prevent your horse exploding at certain things.* Consider sedation for the first few occasions. Your vet can supply an oral sedative for you to administer into the mouth.

NURSE CLINIC

QUESTIONTIME

An owner has asked if it’s safe to feed horses silage.

We would discourage this because the high moisture content of silage, (60-75%) leads to fermentation which produces a high acidity feed, with potential for growth

of micro-organisms such as clostridial bacteria which can cause botulism. Silage is also lower in fibre, and higher in protein compared to hay and haylage.

The horse’s digestive tract is more suited to a high fibre, lower protein diet in greater bulk, than energy dense silage. So - you’re better sticking to hay or haylage.

If you have a question, please email it to: kelly.smith@paragonvet.com.