pasture talk
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 […]
When Growing Pains Take The Reins: Osteochondrosis In Horses
Young horses are typically full of energy, running and playing with excitement, but sometimes, their quick growth can hinder their ability to frolic in the fields with their peers. Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) — a condition that occurs when bones and cartilage struggle to keep up with an animal’s growth — is among those that can […]
A Dose Of Defense: Keeping Horses Healthy Through Vaccination
Like humans, horses can acquire diseases that spread quickly, cause severe illness and, in some cases, prove fatal. Unlike humans, however, they have no control over their fate and rely entirely on their owners for protection. One of the most effective ways to safeguard a horse’s health is through vaccination. Vaccines prepare the body to […]
Don’t Horse Around When It Comes To Bumps: Understanding Equine Skin Tumors
Horses are known for their strength and beauty, but their skin is just as vulnerable as any living tissue. While some of the lumps and bumps commonly seen on horses are harmless, others may be cancerous tumors requiring prompt veterinary attention. Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine […]
