Some people love it when their pony's coat shines in all its glory and even sparkles here and there. It is groomed and sprayed, the mane is braided, and hardly a hair is out of place. But coat and hoof care is not just a matter of appearance. Regular brushing means much more than that.
Of course, a horse should look shiny and beautiful, and even trot around with sparkling hooves if desired. But there are other reasons why it is important for horse owners to regularly groom their horses' coats and hooves. Hair and skin problems can be identified immediately and treated quickly. Proper brushing acts as a massage and also loosens the connective tissue of our beloved animals. We can feel exactly where our horse particularly enjoys being touched and where the animal may be signaling pain or sensitivity. Regular grooming can also be part of preventive care. With a trained eye, you can spot small wounds, injuries, or swelling, or find and remove any unwanted "roommates." The tail and mane can also be trimmed at the same time.
Horses also groom each other. In the herd, the animals rub and scratch each other. This is how they clean themselves, promote blood circulation, and build trust with each other. It also helps them maintain their social contacts.
Daily hoof care is also important. The hooves should be scraped out along the frog and cleaned of coarse dirt. Small stones that have become lodged in the hoof or in the white line must be removed to prevent hoof abscesses. Special care should also be taken of the fetlock, as this area is particularly prone to mud fever in wet weather. Horses with white fetlocks are particularly at risk here.
Hoof care also includes regular appointments with a farrier. Every six to eight weeks, depending on the shoeing and individual hoof growth, the position should be corrected and the shoes replaced if necessary.
For anyone who would like some suggestions on what basic equipment a cleaning bag should contain, the following items are essential.
Grooming is like everything else: the right amount is important, and you as the owner decide what that is. But good care has never hurt a horse.
One of the horses in your stable has a fever and nasal discharge. This is not necessarily cause for concern, as it could just be a harmless cold. But a few days later, three more horses in the stable have exactly the same symptoms. It is noticeable that all affected horses have severely swollen lymph nodes on their heads. By now, at the latest, the veterinarians who have been called in are alert, because this respiratory disease is obviously very contagious. Swab samples are sent to the laboratory and the suspicion is quickly confirmed. It is strangles, a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses. Even though the disease is not notifiable or reportable, stable owners and horse owners should now act carefully to prevent further spread.
Age is not a disease. We all get older and our bodies show signs of wear and tear. Some of us age faster than others, while others stay fit a little longer. Our horses are similar. From a certain age onwards, the signs can become increasingly noticeable. But this is no reason for us horse owners to get nervous. With keen observation skills and a little support, our beloved animals can grow old in good health.
Horses are flight animals. They need their sense of sight to spot enemies as quickly as possible. We therefore sometimes have to battle our favorite's instincts, because a horse sees—and flees.
Sarcoid is the most common tumor in horses worldwide. It is a connective tissue tumor involving the skin that does not form metastases in internal organs but often recurs after surgical removal. It is therefore referred to as a semi-malignant tumor. Horses of all breeds and ages are affected, as well as donkeys and mules.
You've probably heard sayings like these before: Cats only see their owners as "can openers"! Cats aren't dogs, waiting to serve their masters... But cats can learn rules too.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is currently the most dangerous disease affecting rabbits. It is caused by a virus and causes blood clotting disorders (hemorrhagic = bleeding, causing hemorrhages). It is highly contagious and occurs worldwide in both domestic and wild rabbits. The infectious disease was first described in China in 1984, which is why it is also known as Chinese disease. Young animals and unvaccinated adult animals are particularly at risk.
Echocardiography refers to the ultrasound examination of the heart, which is used in the diagnosis of heart disease. This requires a special ultrasound device and a veterinary practice specializing in cardiac ultrasound.
Horse ears come in different sizes, depending on breed and genetics. They usually feel soft and fluffy – but not every horse likes to have its early warning system touched. If you are a horse owner and your horse lets you stroke its fluffy ears, this is actually a sign that your horse trusts you. The horse's ear is something very special.
Horseback riding is a wonderful hobby, especially with your own horse! When humans and animals form a strong team, you develop a completely different connection than when you are "jumping" from one horse to the next at a riding school. But how can you find happiness with a permanent horse partner if you can't afford to buy your own horse? Or if you can't find the time to devote to a horse on your own? A riding partnership could be the best decision for you and your horse.
Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease caused by yeast fungi, which often manifests itself in dogs as an outer ear infection but can also affect the entire body.
Basically, senior cats are just like people who are getting on in years: not everything works as well as it did when they were young. They have a few aches and pains, and sometimes, unfortunately, serious illnesses. And everything can slow down a little. It happens gradually: age becomes more and more noticeable over the years. Some cats age earlier, while others remain young and fit for longer. In any case, the aging process can be accompanied by good care.
Gerbils are sociable pets that are fun to watch as they go about their business. But they also need attention. Before you know it, these little speedsters can jump out of their enclosure with a high leap.
