MUSCLE PAIN IN HORSES – how to spot and treat it
DO’S AND DON’TS OF INJURY REHAB
Trick
training
– for a more positive relationship with your horse
How to work with a
TIMID HORSE VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
TOP TIPS FOR
WOUND CARE WAYS 7 TO RESCUE A HORSE
Pine Nut
How these wild horse advocates are fighting to keep horses safe in their natural habitat.
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FEATURES 10 MUSCLE SORENESS IN HORSES - HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT IT
Conte 24 26 THE DO’S AND DON’TS
48 THE ICELANDIC – OF REHABILITATING YOUR “HORSE OF THE GODS” INJURED HORSE Injuries happen, The Icelandic is an important part of
Is your horse suffering from primary or secondary muscle pain? Learn the difference between the two, know what signs to look for, and what the treatment options are.
and getting your horse back into work as soon as possible depends on implementing and carrying through with a good rehabilitation program.
Iceland’s history and culture. Learn about the origins of the breed and its special qualities.
14 TRICK TRAINING FOR
30 HOW TO REHABILITATE
OVERGROWN HOOVES
TO KNOW ABOUT EQUINE LASER THERAPY
YOUR HORSE
Here’s how to use tricks to develop a positive relationship with your horse.
20 WOUND CARE FOR YOUR HORSE Accidents can and do
happen – these basic wound care tips for your horse will help you be better prepared.
24 PINE NUT WILD HORSE ADVOCATES
This organization pairs up with local residents and the BLM to protect wild horses.
Overgrown hooves are a common problem in rescue horses that have not been cared for properly. If you have adopted such a horse, here’s what can be done to fix his hoof health.
34 EQUINE LEAKY GUT
SYNDROME – PART 2 A leaky gut allows undesirable molecules into your horse’s body. In part two of this series, we highlight nutrients important to GIT barrier function and health, including specific amino and fatty acids.
44 WORKING WITH A TIMID HORSE Building trust is the key to rehabilitating timid horses.
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Equine Wellness
52 4 IMPORTANT THINGS Laser therapy is a popular and effective treatment option for horses. Here’s what you need to know.
54 7 WAYS TO RESCUE A HORSE – EVEN IF YOU CAN’T ADOPT Too many
horses live in dire straits. You may not be in a position to adopt, but you can still help rescue a horse from a life of neglect.
nts Photo courtesy of Lloyd Notley
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20 COLUMNS
DEPARTMENTS
8 Neighborhood news
6 Editorial
40 Herb blurb
33 Product picks
42 Equine chakras
41 Equine Wellness resource guide
47 Saddle fit
43 Business profile: Purica
50 Rider fitness
51 Heads up
57 To the rescue
59 Events
58 Natural horsemanship
60 Marketplace
62 Green acres
61 Classifieds
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Equine Wellness
– HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT IT
IN HORSES
By Jennifer McDonald, BVetMed
soreness
Muscle
Is your horse suffering from primary or secondary muscle pain? Learn the difference between the two, know what signs to look for, and what the treatment options are. Many of us consider muscle pain to be normal after a long ride – but what about our horses? Do they feel the same muscle soreness we do? How do they display this discomfort, and how can it be treated?
Symptoms and causes of equine muscle pain A variety of problems can contribute to muscle pain in horses. As a start, observe and differentiate between primary and secondary muscle problems. • Primary muscle soreness will usually present itself quite dramatically. Symptoms can include muscle stiffness, sweating, reluctance to move, violent tremors, tucked-up abdomen, or even collapse. Primary muscle problems are often due to an improper function of muscle metabolism, sometimes linked to a genetic component. • Secondary muscle pain can stem from improperly-fitting equipment, foot soreness or arthritis. Symptoms can be seen in behavioral changes such as a reluctance to go forward, bucking, tail swishing, and changes in overall demeanor.
What causes primary muscle soreness? Primary muscle soreness can be due to a muscle condition such as Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) Type 1 or 2, or Equine Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP).
PSSM PSSM has been documented in over 20 breeds in the last couple of years. It occurs when there is an improper buildup of excess glycogen (the stored version of sugar) in the muscles. Signs of PSSM Type 1 or 2 include muscle stiffness, sweating, reluctance to move, tremors, and a tucked-up abdomen. These symptoms usually occur ten to 20 minutes into a ride. A blood test by your veterinarian will usually reveal an elevated CK level, and a muscle biopsy will show excess glycogen storage. A genetic test is also available using hair roots and blood. PSSM2 affects horses in the same manner, but these horses will not test positive for the gene found in PSSM1. Muscle biopsy is still the most effective way to diagnose both PSSM1 and 2.
HYPP HYPP is caused by a genetic defect seen in relatives of Impressive, the quarter horse sire. Excessive potassium levels or stress can cause a dysfunction within sodium channels in the muscle, causing dramatic tremors, weakness or even collapse. Unlike PSSM, these symptoms do not come after exercise but can manifest while the horse is at rest, during transport or a stressful event. Genetic testing is available and treatment includes dietary reduction of potassium, routine turnout, and possible drugs to stabilize potassium and glucose levels.
Secondary muscle pain can stem from several issues While secondary muscle pain is more common than primary, it can be frustrating to diagnose its exact cause (see sidebar on page 12). The multitude of contributing factors include, but are not limited to: poor fitness, dietary deficiencies, improper saddle Equine Wellness
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