This rapidly progressive muscle disease, also known as grass disease, is feared by horse owners because most affected horses die from it. For a long time, the causes were unclear. It primarily affects young, well-fed horses that graze on poorly maintained, nutrient-poor pastures.
After many years of research, it was discovered in 2012 that a protein found in the seeds of the mountain maple triggers the insidious poisoning. However, further studies also showed that not all horses with elevated blood levels of the toxin become ill. It is believed that these horses are resistant to the toxin. In the summer, when horses find enough grass in the pastures, or in the winter after several days of frost or snow, no cases of poisoning occur. Why this is the case remains unclear.
After ingesting the semen, it takes about 12 to 48 hours for the toxin to begin taking effect in the body. The protein contained in the semen inhibits certain enzymes involved in fat metabolism, thereby causing the entire energy supply to the muscles—including the heart and respiratory muscles—to collapse.
As soon as a disturbance in fat metabolism occurs, horses suddenly begin to show colic-like symptoms such as pale mucous membranes, labored breathing, an elevated heart rate, sweating, and muscle tremors. The lack of energy in the muscles leads to a staggering gait. Muscle strength continues to decline until the affected horses eventually fall and, as the condition progresses, become completely immobile and unable to rise.
A typical behavioral pattern of the disease is that the horses still want to eat even when lying on their side and with limited chewing ability. Body temperature drops. The breakdown and excretion of the muscle protein myoglobin causes a dark discoloration of the urine.
Atypical pasture myopathy should always be considered a medical emergency. Treatment by a veterinarian must be initiated as soon as possible. Since there is no way to neutralize the toxin that has been ingested, only the symptoms of the disease can be treated until the toxin is eliminated from the body. The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis for the affected horse. Medications are administered to stabilize metabolism, muscle function, and energy supply. Depending on the extent of organ and tissue damage, partial or even complete recovery may be possible. However, horses that are already recumbent with severe respiratory distress and a high heart rate usually cannot be saved.
What can we, as horse owners, do to prevent the risk of this dreaded disease? Since the seeds and seedlings of the mountain maple are only found in pastures during the fall and spring, extra caution is needed during these seasons. Ideally, grazing should be avoided during this time. Of course, this is not always possible or desirable. It is therefore recommended to supplement the diet during this time with roughage and mineral feed to prevent the seeds from being eaten on overgrazed pastures due to a lack of grass.
Since there is a suspicion that the water may also be contaminated, fresh water troughs should be available in the pastures, and natural springs should be fenced off. Do not allow your horses to graze on at-risk areas for more than six hours a day during this season, and ensure proper pasture management with adequate fertilization, especially in damp areas. Areas that have been completely grazed down and where maple trees grow nearby should be avoided entirely.
Summer eczema is a recurring allergic skin disease in horses that manifests itself in severe itching and hairless, open patches of skin. The disease can occur in horses of all breeds, although Icelandic horses, Norwegian horses, Shetland ponies, and Haflingers are significantly more commonly affected, while warmbloods tend to be affected less frequently.
Corneal ulcer, also known as corneal ulceration, is one of the most common eye diseases in horses. It is not a growth, but rather a tissue defect that does not heal chronically and can vary in severity. The treatment of a corneal ulcer can be very frustrating, and untreated or incorrectly treated corneal ulcers can lead to serious visual impairment or even loss of the eye.
Staggers, formerly known as star gazer disease, is an incurable brain disease characteristic of horses, which fortunately is rarely seen today. Until 2002, this disease, which severely impairs consciousness, was one of the main defects that allowed a horse to be returned within 14 days of purchase.
Bitless riding simply means riding without a bit in the horse's mouth. There are many different reasons and just as many ways to ride a horse without a bit. Of course, there are always disadvantages as well as advantages. Think about which bitless bridle suits you, your horse, and your riding style in advance. And finally, practice makes perfect.
Sebadenitis is a progressive inflammatory change in the sebaceous glands of the skin in dogs and cats, which ultimately leads to their irreversible destruction. The disease was first described in dogs in 1986.
The most common types of horse husbandry are classic stabling, free-range stabling (active stables), paddock trails, seasonal grazing, and open stabling. One thing should be clear to every horse owner. Horses want to run. In the steppe, they sometimes spend up to 16 hours a day searching for food and water. They graze as they roam across the land. Now, our horses have been bred and domesticated for our time together with them; they are no longer steppe ponies. We feed them and care for them. Nevertheless, horses need exercise. We should definitely keep this in mind when choosing how to keep our horses. This also means that keeping horses exclusively in stalls without a sufficiently large paddock for free movement is not species-appropriate. In addition, contact with other horses must always be ensured, as horses are herd animals.
Heart disease is also relatively common in our four-legged friends, affecting almost one in ten dogs. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood into the circulatory system, meaning that the body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen.
Urolithiasis, colloquially referred to as urinary stone disease, refers to the formation and deposition of various concretions in the urinary tract of horses. Although this disease occurs sporadically in horses, it can lead to serious symptoms and significant impairments. The deposits can occur in the form of crystals, grit, sand, or stones and are most commonly found (approx. 60%) in the urinary bladder. Geldings are more severely affected than stallions or mares.
What do these five letters stand for? This abbreviation comes from English and literally means "feline lower urinary tract disease." It describes all diseases of the urinary tract in cats that cause difficulty and pain when urinating. As a rule, almost exclusively indoor cats are affected; outdoor cats almost never develop this condition. Male cats are also more susceptible than female cats.
It's really special when your own dog has puppies – and for us as dog owners, it's probably just as exciting as it is for the animal itself. It's important that you, as the companion of the expectant dog mom, always remain calm – and have the emergency number of your vet handy.
There are many reasons why a mare that has previously been a riding horse might be turned into a broodmare. There are a few factors to consider on the way to your first foal.
The dog, which is descended from the wolf, has teeth that are designed for hunting, killing, and tearing food apart. However, the search for food has changed for our four-legged friends: today, we open a can or even cook for our beloved furry friends. Breeding different breeds has also changed the length of dogs' noses and the spacing between their teeth. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to dental problems.
