Ask The Vet Questions – June Issue
Flapping Lips
I purchased two 2-year-old old fillies in October/2007. A buckskin and the other a paint. Both have been doing great until
recently the buckskin has been not using her lips to take treats out of my hand. She uses her teeth to get the treats. Her lips are just
flapping there. When I first got them the buckskin used her lips to take the treats. The paint is having no problems at all. Could she
be just lazy or is this a sign of something more serious. – Janet, sent via email March 2008
It is probably nothing to worry about. If you are concerned have your veterinarian examine her. There is an outside
possibility that it could be an early indicator of neurologic disease. EPM, Rhino etc. are all possibilities but remote possibilities. Dr.
Martin
Scabby, Oozing Rash
I have a 7 yr old TWH gelding that has come down with scabby oozing rash on his sheath and girth area last year. This year
he has contracted it again only this time it is all over his body. Quarter size bumps with oozing scabs. He is very sensitive. We have
treated him with antifungal and antihistamines. The body lumps are gone but the girth area and sheath area are still oozing and
sensitive. The scraping came back fungal but the antifungal is not helping anymore. My vet is still looking for answers. He is stalled
with daily turnout in a semi-wooded pasture and fed Strategy and grass/alfalfa mix hay. He is my search and rescue horse and he is
out of commission for than rideable. Thank you, Susan sent via email March 2008
A biopsy and allergy testing might be helpful in determining what is causing the “rash”. Environmental allergens, such as
insects or pollens might be the root cause of this condition. The fungal infection might be a secondary issue. Dr Symm
Left Hind Leg Thru Hog Wire Fence
On the 11th of March I found my 5 year old rope horse with both hind feet kicked thru some hog wire fence it took 15 cuts
with a wire cutter to remove the hog wire and the two strands of barb wire he did not cut any arteries and had no deep cuts at all my
concern it his left hind leg was suspended in the wire and the rings around his thigh and lower leg were pretty deep there is no hair
on either leg from the thigh to the hoof I have taken him the vet here in our area and he won't say as to the damage because of what
we can't tell yet his legs aren't swelled up yet and that is what the Vet is worried about . My question to you is how much pressure
the wire caused and what you think his chances are. Thanks, Doug, submitted via email March 2008
Without examining the horse it is hard to say. Radiographs and an ultrasound of the leg could be helpful. Talk to your vet
about a course of action if you have concerns. Dr. Martin
Growing Mane Back Quickly
My daughters pony has a lovely mane and tail - unfortunately due to him wearing his rugs the mane from the withers to
probably 12 inches up has nearly gone - the rest looking fab...are there any solutions out there that would bring this mane back
within a couple of months? Carol, submitted March 2008
If I knew a solution for hair growth I would use it on my head!! Unfortunately to my knowledge there is nothing available
that would solve this problem. Time is the key here. Hair only grows so fast and it is hard to speed up that process. Dr. Martin
West Nile Vaccines
This is a question about West Nile Vaccine. We have been vaccinating our horses for West Nile since 2005. We have
always used Recombitek Equine West Nile Vaccine, which I believe is a modified live vaccine. But this year I ordered Fort Dodge
West Nile-Innovator, which I believe is a killed...my question is can I just give their annually revaccination or do I since this is a
different type have to give two doses, as if I were starting over? Thank you, Charlene, submitted via email March 2008
As you mentioned the vaccines are different, thus they impart their protection differently. Fort Dodge does recommend
giving horses a booster, even if they have been appropriately vaccinated with a different vaccine in the past. Dr. Symm
Fever and Swelling
My 8 year old thoroughbred has never been raced, and as far as we know has no prior injuries. However, over the weekend
he had a fever of 103, and swelling in his left fore just below the knee (around the tendon). We are completely baffled by this. Any
suggestions? He does not seem to favor his leg, and after a round of antibiotics, seems to be feeling better in terms of the fever.
Thank you, Alyssa, submitted via email March 2008
I do not know whether the fever and the swollen leg are related. I do know that I would have the horse examines by your
veterinarian. It is possible that he bowed a tendon or has a puncture wound or something of that nature. Bowed tendons by
themselves usually do not cause a fever. But with a fever and a swollen limb I would want your vet to examine the horse
immediately. Dr. Martin
Older Horse Doesn’t Gain Weight
I have a 21-years-old QH gelding. I've had him since he was 5 years old. He's now retired and lives with my sister in SC
(I'm up in Mass.). He had a stifle injury, and after that, arthritis set in, but he seems to be happy, and he plays with his two
pasturemates. The thing that's bothering me is that he cannot gain any weight. He's very well-fed, is given a fat supplement, is on
medication for his arthritis, and I've had him vetted out with blood tests. He's on a regular farrier schedule, shot schedule, teeth
floating, etc. This horse is provided with everything he needs. However, I cannot get him to gain weight, and his body condition is
incredibly poor. My question is, when is he "too skinny" that I might have to consider putting him down? Should I even link
euthansia to his body condition or should I wait until I see his mental health (or organs) start to fail? It's not easy getting old, for
man OR beast! Thank you very much for your time, Nita. Submitted via email March 2008.
Certainly body condition is a reflection of your horse’s general health. The National Research Council has published a set
of guidelines in the “Nutrient Requirements of Horses” that help objectively evaluate your horse’s condition. This score can then be
used to help determine where your horse is and then enable you and your veterinarian to track how your horse is doing. Also, a
weight tape can be used to accurately estimate your horse’s weight. Adding calorie dense supplements like corn oil and rice bran to
the diet can help add condition to horses of any age. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian while trying to get weight
on your older horse. Dr. Symm