Horse medicine is the practice of treating equine diseases and injuries. As the world becomes a whiter and wealthier region, horse medicine is becoming more popular as a way to improve horses’ health and quality of life.
Many people believe that treating a horse in their care with horse medicine will help them too. After all, isn’t doctoring a part of health? But should you be taking care of your horse on your own?
On a personal level, I think it can be very valuable to learn about horse medicine. On a professional level, there are increased rewards for doctors who study animal medicine.
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Veterinarians and farriers are important partners for horse owners
Many people take their horses to a farrier for regular cleaning and maintenance, but what happens when the horse needs a new shoe?
A veterinary specialist can recommend a proper shoe that does not leave behind scars or open wounds. A veterinary farrier can create custom shoes to fit the needs of the horse.
This is important, as it can be difficult to measure and/or cut into a healthy area of bone without causing pain or scarring.
However, many times when a foot needs attention, the doctor will send it straight to the field for running or racing due to the risk of injury. A farrier can help save the owner some money by creating custom shoes at home.
Horse medicine is ever-changing, so whether you are looking into it as a career or not, you will be involved in some way.
Understanding the horse’s health care needs
When is the horse worth the investment in horse care? The answer is anytime! At any stage of life, from training to racing, the horse is a valuable partner in sport and work.
So, what are we looking for in a horse? The best horses are strong, balanced, intelligent, and have good manners.
A general rule of thumb is to spend less time caring for your horse as he or she gets older. This includes not giving them meds as they get older, only using supplements if you are already using a good medication.
Most doctors will tell you that it is better to start new medications on lower doses and increase them each week until they reach their goal.
Make an annual plan
It is important to make a plan every year around horse health and care. This includes buying a new horse, getting trained on a new horse, or taking your current horse out for a health ride to refresh the bond.
Getting a yearly checkup is also important to make sure everything is still normal. An exam by a qualified equine veterinarian can screen for signs of disease, injury, and other issues.
Reading an equine medicine book can help you make sure your horse is receiving the right treatment for its condition. Reading online equine medicine forums and blogs can also help you get more information if your horse does not get any medical care from traditional sources.
Know the signs of illness
It is important to know the signs of illness in horses, especially if you do not know your horse well.
Medical illnesses are relatively rare in equestrian sports, but it is always best to be aware of your horse’s health. Even if your horse does not appear sick, a medical issue can delay or prevent a more obvious health issue such as weight loss or emaciation.
Knowing when to visit a vet is an important part of health care for a horse. Most vet schools offer limited training in horsy medicine, so most owners learn on their own when the need arises.
Some issues that may indicate a medical need for your horse are: alopecia, bassets and bone chips/breaks, chronic lameness, dry skin and coat, irregular heartbeat/jumps up and down, poor appetite/decreased activity, poor turnout of the jaw/breathing/, variable pain with daily activities and everyday maintenance.
Know the signs of injury
It is important to know the signs of injury or illness in your horse. If you notice any of the following signs, then it is time to get your horse checked out:
Fainting Trunk slouching or falling over Wheel wandering or getting stuck in a groove Deformity abnormal shape, such as a saddle horn or lack of one pickups (for shoeing) Any unexplained lameness/illness General malaise/not feeling well
Injury is one of the most common reasons for visiting a vet. In fact, at least half of all veterinarians’ practices have some kind of insurance covered injury management program.
Horse doctors can help with several types of injuries, including: cast removal, splinting, glue stick surgery, massage therapy, physical therapy, IV drip therapy, and laser treatment. Each has its own set of risks and benefits which must be discussed with the patient and parent.
Know how your horse moves
How your horse moves can make a big difference in what you need to care for your horse. Moving is a way for your horse to communicate. Communication is important for getting clear feedback about how treatment and exercise are working.
Horse movement can be divided into four stages: standing still, moving side to side, moving up and down, and changing directions. When horses are running or playing, they use different speeds and movements.
Standing still is when they are calm or when you are trying to get them to stop before you walk them into something hard or if they were injured in a fall. Moving side to side is when they get comfortable with their surroundings or when you try some treatments or exercises at this speed.
Moving up and down is when they get comfortable with the level of comfort and take steps at that speed. Changing directions is when they take a new path home.
Understand stable safety
In the horse world, there is a term called stable safety. This refers to the rules and regulations that apply to all horses, both breeding stock and non-breeding stock.
A stable is a designated area where horses are kept. They are usually grouped in pairs, with one horse in a protective environment that is calm and predictable.
Horses do not have control over what happens in a stable, only humans can do that. Therefore, horses get medical care only when they need it!
Some features of stable safety are knowing your neighed, understanding your behavior changes, being aware of potential reasons for health or behavior changes, and recognizing specific conditions.
This article will talk about some more details about horse health care, so read on if you want to learn more about them.
Prepare first-aid supplies for your horse
First-aid supplies are a bit different for every horse. There are no-fly-zonation rules for horse first-aid, and you should have some in your arsenal.
A clean, sharpened tack knife is a must. Some horses can use it even without a serger, as the wide band helps it be applied to the right area. A safety pin or similar item can be used too, as long as there is no deep wound like the lungs or heart.
A small disinfectant wipes cleanly and quickly. More experienced riders might use an alcohol pad or tourniquet, depending on the situation. Either way, they must be used immediately after being applied and before moving on to the next thing!
The same goes for bandages-you want strong ones so your horse does not get hurt again, right? A sturdy glove is another helpful piece of equipment to have.