Page 109 - June 2021

Deworming is a routine health care strategy that can greatly reduce the risk of colic, ill health, and performance issues in equine athletes of any discipline.
AIRWAY HEALTH
Air management in the barn is vital
to optimal performance. The prevalence
of dusty shavings, ammonia from urine- soaked bedding, and endotoxin from manure all aerosolize to impact airway health. Airway inflammation definitely has an effect on performance.
Not only is mucous production in the airways counterproductive to optimal breathing and a horse’s ability to run,
but inflammation is known to contribute to EIPH (exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage). A periodic endoscopic
exam may yield useful information as some respiratory issues may be present without noise or obvious exercise intolerance. Dynamic endoscopy is invaluable to evaluate function of a horse’s airways while actively exercising.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Racetracks and competitive venues
are a gathering point for horses from
many different farms or geographic areas thereby increasing the potential for passing communicable diseases. Vaccination strategies are important, particularly with communicable respiratory diseases like equine herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis) and influenza. Close confinement increases health risks therefore good hygiene and biosecurity practices are important, along with regular monitoring of rectal temperature, and quarantine when appropriate.
The encephalitis vaccines (Eastern
and Western encephalitis and West Nile Virus) are recommended to be given at least once a year. In areas with year-round mosquito populations, as in Florida and the Southeastern U.S., it is wise to boost these
The prevalence of dusty shavings, ammonia from urine-soaked bedding, and endotoxin from manure all aerosolize to impact airway health.
VETERINARY VIEWS
Vaccination strategies are important, particularly with communicable respiratory diseases like equine herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis) and influenza.
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