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The Horse |
Veterinary Terms A-E |
Virtually Horses - Equine Health |
      
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nti-Oxidants Naturally occuring in fruit, green vegetables, ginger, peppers and available in a number of supplements, anti-oxidants 'mop up' free radicals (toxins). May be helpful in conditions as diverse as allergies, sweet-itch and laminitis. Abcess Localised site of infection often occuring either at the site of a puncture wound or where infection is contained within a small area by surrounding structures. Abcesses can frequently occur in the foot. Treatment is drainage along with anti-septics and\or anti-biotics. Acute Refers to the sudden onset of a disease or condition. (as opposed to chronic) Anaemia (Anemia) Low red blood cell count disables the horses ability to use oxygen efficiently. Mainly due to lack of iron, disease or lack of selenium. Symptoms include listlessness, tiredness and general lack of performance. Arthritis Disease of the bones which causes the breakdown of the bony joints causing pain and loss of movement. More frequent in older animals but may also set in at the point of an old injury. Anhidrosis - AKA "non-sweaters," "puffers," and "dry" horses to describe the condition. A typical anhidrotic horse will pant vigorously when hot, and its body temperature will rise to 103? or 104? Fahrenheit, and, in some cases, as high as 105?. Despite this rise in temperature, the horse's skin will, generally speaking, remain dry. There might be some patches of sweating, such as beneath the mane, between the legs, and on the neck, but the rest of the body will be dry. It has been estimated that 20-30% of the horses in hot, humid areas suffer from anhidrosis to some degree. Antitoxin Substance which provides relief from or counteracts toxic substances. Apex Highest point
Axis - the second joint of the neck (at the top) Arthrocentisis Puncture and aspiration (drainage, usually by suction) of joint fluid. Arthrodesis Surgical fusion of a joint. Arthroscopy Examination of the interior of a joint through a needle sized fiber-optic instrument. Used for diagnosis of joint injury and disease. Arytenoidectomy?Surgical removal of an arytenoid cartilage as a treatment for roaring \ laryngeal hemiplegia Azoturia Also known as Monday Morning Disease, tying up or setfast. Thought to be related to large quantities of lactic acid in the muscles. It shows as a sudden breakdown of the fibres in the big muscles of the loins and quarters and is associated with strong muscular exertion following a period of rest while on full working rations. Onset is often during fast work when the horse will slacken the pace for no apparent reason and may stagger, sway or fall if pressed on. At this stage the muscles will be hardened and tense with muscular tremors. Refer also to EPSM - a condition recently identified particularly in Draft horses which is partly genetic and can be treated with dietary changes. Azoturia/EPSM are linked to inability to use carbohydrates for energy. |
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BCG antigen Vaccine used for prevention of Tuberculosis. Also used in the treatment of Sarcoids to stimulate the body to reject the tumours. A modified form of the bacteria brucella that causes brucellosis in cattle. Bone Spavin - Distal tarsal
osteoarthritis,
also refer to DJD - Bony enlargement on the lower
aspect of the inside of the hock. A common
cause of hind limb lameness in performance horses and is probably the most
common cause of hock lameness or pain in all horses.
Lameness caused by a bone (bog)
spavin often disappears after the first 5 minutes of work. Requires
veterinary treatment. -also
known as spavin, jack spavin, blind spavin, juvenile spavin, and occult
spavin
Refer to this article for more
information Bog Spavin - Tarsocrural effusion, Soft swelling of the hock joint which appears to the front of the inner side. The most common cause of bog spavin is osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). Other causes include joint trauma, chronic inflammation, and bleeding into the joint. Horses with poor hind limb conformation tend to be predisposed (straight hocks are more subject to hock strain and injury), as are certain breeds. OCD of the hock is more prevalent in Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Arabians, and draft horses. Broken Knees Term used to refer to injuries to the knee varying from abrasions to exposure of the knee bones, generally the result of a fall. Brushing (Wounds) Refers to the striking of one leg on another during the horse's stride (at any gait). Generally the inner fetlock but can also affect the coronet.
auda Equina Neuritis A little understood disease that is nearly always progressive and for which treatments are rarely helpful. The Cauda Equina is the tail end of the spinal cord and the nerves before they leave the spinal canal. Paralysis of the tail, perineum and surrounding areas occurs, paralysis of the facial nerves also often occurs. Chronic - long term and\or reoccuring. Colic Pain in the belly. Indications; disinterest in food, restlessness, kicking or biting at the belly or flanks, getting up and down and rolling. Serious cases may cause the horse to become very stressed and violent and veterinary treatment is important. Common Cold This viral disease is highly infectious, particularly in young horses. The horse typically has a watery discharge from the nose at first, but this gradually becomes more white or grey, and may even become quite a thick pus discharge. Keep the horse warm, and stop working it. Feed moistened feeds since a sore throat is often associated with the problem. If the horse shows signs of sickness other than the runny nose and slight cough, you should contact your vet. Congenital a condition which the horse is born with. This may or may not be an inherited condition. COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Also known as heaves or 'summer heaves'. This is an asthma like condition generally caused by an allergic reaction to pollens or fungal allergens, similar to hay fever in man. Can also be caused by a dusty stable environment, in which case turning the horse out will clear this up. Corns Bruises of the sole of the foot in the region of the heel often caused by ill-fitting shoes. Cracked Heels Cracking of the skin behind the pastern - see dermatophilus Curb A sprain of the plantar ligament which runs down the back of the hock, which then appears bowed. Generally due to a sudden strain. Cushings Disease Caused by tumours of the pituitary gland. First signs are often a long wavy coat.
ermatophilus - Bacterial skin infection causing crusting, scab formation with small amounts of pus. Not itchy but can be painful, esp if large areas are affected. Treatment involves antibacterial washes and antibiotics for more severe cases. This bacteria causes the conditions commonly called; rain scald, scratches, cracked heels, mud fever read our article Distal Lower or below in relation to a part of limb or body. e.g. the cannon is distal to the knee. DJD - Degenerative Joint Disease Similar to Arthritis, it is part of the complex of diseases called OCD which is reasonably common in young horses. Onset generally occurs when the horse begins work. DJD is irreversible and incurable but horses can do well despite it. Treatment involves surgery to destroy the articular surface of the joint thereby forcing it to heal. After resting/healing for 6 mths to 1 year the horse should be sound and able to perform effectively in most disciplines.
clampsia Convulsions and coma in heavily milking mare due to loss of calcium through the milk. ECG - Electrocardiogram machine to trace the electrical currents produced by the heart. Embolism The sudden blockage of an artery by a clot or foreign material carried by the blood. Enophthalmos Protrusion of the eye Epiphysitis Inflammation and swelling of the epphyseal plates above and belowthe joints; associated with ecessively rapid growth in young horses. Equine Influenza Occurs in two main strains and a number of substrains. Symptoms and treatment are like human influenza. Vaccines are available and highly effective. Equine Viral Rhinopneumonitis EVR also known as Equine Viral Abortion syndrome, can cause abortion or respiratory disease. EPSM - Equine Polysaccharide Storage Syndrome Also referred to as 'tying up' especially in draft horses, refers to a muscle condition caused by lack of ability to use carbohydrates as an energy source. Latest research by Beth Valentine Oregon State University suggests a genetic link and that changes in diet can produce improvements in this condition. Ergot A horny growth behind the fetlock joint. Helps water run off the leg. Extensor Any muscle that extends or straightens a joint. Virtually Horses
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