pasture talk
Managing Mosquito-Borne Diseases In Horses
As temperatures warm across the United States, mosquito activity increases, leading to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases for both people and animals. For horses, this can mean an uptick in rare but deadly conditions like West Nile virus and three forms of equine encephalitis: Eastern, Venezuelan, or Western. Dr. Kallie Hobbs, an assistant professor at […]
Tackling Tetanus: A Large Animal Owner’s Guide
A scorching day in the pasture often leads horses and livestock to find cooling relief in the mud. But while playing in the mud may seem harmless, large animals’ attempts to cool off may offer up the opportunity for the bacteria that cause tetanus to creep into existing wounds. Dr. Kallie Hobbs, an assistant professor […]
Another ‘Tooth’ Of The Matter: Why Dental Care Matters For Horses
Dental problems are common in horses and can affect nearly every aspect of their daily life — from eating, grazing, and maintaining body condition to performing comfortably under the saddle. Because horses spend the majority of each day chewing and grinding fibrous forage, their teeth are constantly wearing. While this process is a normal part […]
Filtering The Future: Hemoperfusion Brings New Hope For Septic Horses
Sepsis, a condition in which the immune system spirals out of control in response to an infection, is one of the most life-threatening health concerns a horse can face. Managing it requires medications, fluids, and other supportive care, which quickly add up to long hospital stays and overwhelmingly expensive bills. Even then, survival is far […]
Breathing Easy: Protecting Livestock From Respiratory Disease
Keeping livestock healthy can feel like a delicate balancing act, and winter weather makes that even harder. Cold fronts, sudden temperature swings, and damp conditions can weaken animals’ immune systems, making them more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia. Dr. Kevin Washburn, a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, […]
Stopping The Spread Of EHV-1: Five Things To Know About Equine Herpesvirus
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious virus in horses that can cause respiratory disease, reproductive issues, and neurologic disease. Because infected horses can spread the virus for an extended period of time, it’s especially important that owners take precautions during outbreaks. Dr. Jared Janke, a clinical associate professor of equine internal medicine at the […]
The Barn Fire Survival Guide: How To Protect Large Animals In A Fire Emergency
The winter chill has begun to blow through the U.S., and the comfort of a warm fire is a welcome respite. But as owners move their large animals into their barn to protect them from the elements, there are a number of factors that could lead to an unwanted fire, which can threaten the health […]
Protecting Livestock From The New World Screwworm
Livestock owners work hard to keep their animals healthy, but even small wounds or injuries can create opportunities for parasites to cause serious health problems. One of these parasites is the New World screwworm, which has recently appeared in areas close to the United States, raising concerns for nearby livestock. Dr. Jennifer Schleining, a clinical […]
Taking The Reins On Responsible Horse Breeding
For many horse owners, breeding is an opportunity to shape the next generation — whether by continuing a trusted mare’s legacy or raising a foal with carefully selected traits like temperament, athletic ability, or pedigree. While it can be a deeply rewarding experience, breeding requires a long-term commitment and thoughtful preparation to help ensure a […]
Taking Stock For Disasters: Developing A Large Animal Preparedness Plan
When a disaster is on the horizon, timely evacuation can become that much more challenging for owners whose horses and livestock can’t simply squeeze into the backseat. These animals often depend entirely on their owners to shield them from the elements within their pasture, so having a proper plan in place is vital for their […]
