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Colorado Equine Health Alert : West Nile Virus
Multiple horses in multiple counties of Colorado have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. For more information about West Nile Virus go to: WNV factsheet. Get more information on this event and other outbreaks at EDCC here: https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts
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Chia Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Your Equine Companion
When it comes to equine nutrition, there’s a lot more to consider than just hay. Many horse owners are turning to natural supplements to enhance their horse’s health and performance, and one such superfood gaining popularity is chia seeds. Chia seeds aren’t just a trendy health food for humans; they offer a wide range of health benefits for horses as well. In this article, we’ll explore why chia seeds are becoming a staple in equine diets and how they can benefit your four-legged friend. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining overall health in horses. They play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular…
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Merck Animal Health Issues Voluntary Recall for Three Lots of BANAMINE® / BANAMINE®-S (Flunixin Meglumine Injection) in the U.S., Due to Presence of Particulate Matter
RAHWAY, N.J., Sept. 1, 2023 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA. (NYSE:MRK), is voluntarily recalling three batches of BANAMINE®/BANAMINE®-S (flunixin meglumine injection) 50 mg/mL in the United States, used for injection in cattle, swine and horses to the consumer level due to the presence of particulate matter. BANAMINE® /BANAMINE®-S (flunixin meglumine injection) is a prescription product in the U.S. Particulates were observed during routine quality testing and reviews for the following batches: A photo of the bottle of each batch number (lot number) that is part of the recall…
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The Importance of All-Day Forage: Why Horses Thrive on Continuous Grazing
One of the most critical aspects of horse care is providing them with proper nutrition. Among the various components of a horse’s diet, forage stands out as a cornerstone. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why horses require all-day forage and how it contributes to their overall well-being. Please note there are many ways you can provide all-day forage, such as slow feeders, if you are concerned about the rate at which your horse eats the hay or potential hay waste. Mimicking Natural Behavior: Horses are natural grazers. In the wild, they spend a significant portion of their day grazing on grasses and plants. This behavior is…
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Facility Management, Horse Breeding, Horse Care, Horse Feed & Nutrition, Horse Health, Horse Ownership in Colorado
Locoweed and Horses: A Toxic Combo
Locoweed, also known as crazyweed, is a type of plant that belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae) and is native to North and Central America. It is known for its toxic properties, which can cause serious health issues in livestock and wildlife that consume it. Locoweed contains toxic alkaloids, such as swainsonine and selenium, which can cause a range of symptoms in animals that ingest it, including neurological, reproductive, and digestive problems. The plant is commonly found in rangelands and pastures, and can be ingested by grazing animals, such as cattle, horses, and sheep, when other forage is scarce. The toxic effects of locoweed can vary depending on the species…
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Colorado Equine Health Alert: Equine Herpesvirus – Neurologic
Two horses were confirmed positive for Equine Herpesvirus – Neurologic on 3/17/2023 in Pueblo County, CO. For more information go to: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus Location: Pueblo CountySource: State VeterinarianNumber Confirmed: 2Number Suspected: 2Number Exposed: 20Facility Type: Boarding Facility EQUINES AFFECTED:Age: 10; Gender: Gelding; Breed: Quarter Horse (QH); Usage: Horse Show; Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/13/2023;Confirmation Date: 3/17/2023; Horse Status: Quarantined; Age: 11; Gender: Gelding; Breed: Warmblood (WB); Usage: Pleasure Riding; Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/7/2023;Confirmation Date: 3/17/2023; Horse Status: Quarantined;
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FDA Cautions Horse Owners Not to Feed Recalled Lots of Top of the Rockies Alfalfa Cubes due to Reports of Illness and Death
UPDATE On January 19, 2023, FDA finalized laboratory testing of samples of Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes that confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum type C, a bacteria that can lead to botulism. Fast Facts What is the problem? On December 17, 2022, the U.S. FDA cautioned horse owners not to feed recalled Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622. Some of the alfalfa cubes have been reported to contain what appears to be fur and animal tissues, indicating that material from an animal or animals may have been incorporated into the cubes during alfalfa harvesting. Some people have reported…
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Foxtail and Horses in Colorado
You may have heard about foxtail and that it poses a danger to horses. But did you know it can actually get embedded in their mouth needing veterinary removal? It even poses dangers to dogs and other outdoor pets, and can get embedded in their paws. First, what is Foxtail? Foxtail Barley (hordeum jubatum) is a showy short-lived native perennial cool-season bunchgrass that belongs to the grass tribe Triticeae. This plant ranges in height from one to three feet tall at maturity. Livestock can safely graze foxtail barley prior to seed development. Once the seeds develop, livestock and other animals should no longer have access, as the seeds form awns…
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Zycosan is the first injectable pentosan product to receive FDA approval for use in horses.
In December 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zycosan (pentosan polysulfate sodium injection) for the control of clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis in horses. The FDA wants to remind you of the benefits of FDA approval. Drug Information Zycosan is the first injectable pentosan product to receive FDA approval for use in horses. Zycosan is FDA-approved for intramuscular use in horses. Zycosan is a heparin-like compound with anticoagulant and fibrinolytic effects. The mechanism of action for pentosan polysulfate sodium is unknown but is thought to include stimulation of hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in damaged joints, inhibition of proteolytic enzymes, and scavenging of free radicals. Pentosan polysulfate…
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Tips for Taking care of your Horses and Equines with -50°F Temperatures
If you haven’t seen yet, Wednesday night through Friday morning, we are supposed to get a MAJOR freeze event in Colorado. They are predicting -12°F as the high in places with a -50°F windchill. This means exposed skin (human and horse alike) can get frostbite in as little as 5 minutes. Not to mention our normal concerns for colic during these drastic weather changes. Important things to consider for your horse and equine friends: Some tips for humans during this cold snap: Thanks to Dr. Kieran Smith from Vetwerx Equine South for providing some of these helpful tips for our horses and equines! If you have other recommendations, be sure…
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