What causes dapples on a horse?

What does it mean when a horse has 2 copies of silver?

Horses with 2 copies of silver (homozygous) have cysts and additional abnormalities such as enlargement of the cornea, abnormally formed iris and/or retina, among others. Research suggests that there may be a progressive change in vision in horses with the silver mutation.

How do you identify periodontal disease in horses?

Periodontal disease in horses is recognizable based on condition of the gums, tartar buildup, decay, foul odor and tooth loss. The practitioner should perform blood work to determine if there is systemic disease.

How old do horses have to be to have navicular syndrome?

• Unlike many arthritis-type lameness conditions, “classic” Navicular Syndrome/heel pain is most commonly seen in relatively young horses. The average age of onset is about 7 years.

How common is EMS in horses?

EMS is becoming more prevalent in Quarter Horses and Tennessee Walking Horses. It is very rare in Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses. Equine metabolic syndrome or EMS is most common in horses between the ages of 8 and 18 years.

What are the conditions inside a horse’s mouth?

There are two main conditions that occur inside horse mouths, periodontal pockets (holes in the gum next to or around teeth) and diastema (spaces between teeth). Both conditions allow food to trap and periodontal disease to occur. Diastemas are usually treated by carefully widening the space between the teeth to allow the food to pass through.

What is periodontal disease in horses?

With equine periodontal disease, gingival disease is also usually present in the form of hyperplasia, recession and inflammation. 1 Matt Evans, DVM, of Austin Equine in Driftwood, Texas, believes that most periodontal disease in horses is secondary to food stasis, or organic debris lodged between two teeth against the periodontia (Figure 1).

How do you assess periodontal disease in horses?

To assess periodontal disease in horses, three types of indices are necessary: tooth mobility, gingivitis and periodontal disease. 1 Many horses with oral disease present with no clinical complaints and the condition is found on routine dental examination while the horse is under sedation.

Do metabolic supplements work for horses?

There are many additional supplements that can be fed to metabolic horses, from magnesium to chromium to psyllium and more. They may help, but good data showing their effectiveness is lacking. The takeaway is that supplements may have a place, but as a support, not a standalone solution.

What is navicular bone degeneration in horses?

The result is the inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues, typically in the front feet of the horse. This disease can lead to significant or disabling lameness of a horse. The navicular bone is located between the pedal bone and the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).

Why does my horse have heel pain and lameness?

Overall, the situation in which we have heel pain and lameness is quite common in equine practice, involving many structures within the caudle hoof including the navicular bone, associated ligaments, joint capsule, navicular bursa, deep flexor tendon and even collateral cartilages of the coffin bone.

What is Caudle heel pain and navicular syndrome?

Essentially, the main contributors to caudle heel pain and navicular syndrome involve the foot and how that foot is managed. This not only creates and sets the stage for the condition, but also strongly contributes to ongoing problems. To ‘treat’ a navicular case implies that we are seeking a cure for that patient.

Can magnetic resonance imaging help navicular syndrome in horses?

Magnetic resonance imaging is more useful in showing problems in the soft tissue structures around the navicular bone. Navicular syndrome can be managed to reduce the horse’s pain and minimize excessive stress on the deep digital flexor tendon. A layup period in a stall or small paddock can allow the painful structures to rest and recover.

Can you see inside a horse’s foot with an MRI?

In recent years, there has been an interest in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of horse’s feet for navicular syndrome. There is no doubt that this is by far the most detailed and accurate way to “see inside” a horse’s foot, but there are significant downsides, mainly related to its expense.

What can I give my Horse for navicular syndrome?

Although widely used, like PSGAG (Adequan) and Sodium hyaluronate (Legend) and oral joint supplements are not thought to provide much benefit for horses with navicular syndrome. Extracorporeal Shockwave can be helpful in some cases, particularly those that involve the rear part of the bone (flexor cortex).

How do I know if my EMS horse has laminitis?

Look for subtle changes in weight, body condition, and hooves, as well as signs of a metabolic issue, such as a cresty neck or a thickened hair coat that doesn’t shed normally. The key to managing an EMS horse’s feet and warding off laminitis lies within.

What are the signs of EMS in mares?

Signs – What to look out for: 1 One of the most common signs of EMS is the development of abnormal fat deposits (pockets/bulges/pads), usually seen… 2 Difficulty losing weight 3 Recurring episodes of acute laminitis 4 Increased drinking and urination 5 Lethargy (lack of energy) 6 EMS has been associated with infertility in mares 3. More

Can a horse with EMS live a normal life?

However, EMS is manageable and your horse can still enjoy a productive and healthy life. How to Identify EMS in Horses, Correctly. According to many medical researchers, EMS is considered a genetic disorder. Certain equine breeds, such as: Paso Finos, Arabians, Morgans and a number of pony breeds appear to be predisposed to the condition.

How to identify EMS in horses?

How to Identify EMS in Horses, Correctly. According to many medical researchers, EMS is considered a genetic disorder. Certain equine breeds, such as: Paso Finos, Arabians, Morgans and a number of pony breeds appear to be predisposed to the condition. It is typically observed in horses and ponies between the ages of 5 and 15 years of age.

What breeds of horses can get EMS?

Any breed may develop EMS, but some appear to be at increased risk, including pony breeds, Morgan Horses, Paso Finos, Arabians, Saddlebreds, Spanish Mustangs, and Warmblood breeds. 81 The condition has also been commonly recognized in American Miniature Horses, draft breeds, and Norwegian Fjords, as well as donkeys and mules.

Why is it so difficult to manage metabolic syndrome in horses?

These horses are difficult to manage because calories must be provided for weight maintenance or gain, without causing a relapse of metabolic syndrome or laminitis. This becomes even more important when horses are exercising and using more calories. Feeding recommendations should therefore be tailored to the individual horse.

Can EMS cause laminitis in horses?

Horses with EMS (as well as insulin dysregulation and PPID) tend to be prone to developing laminitis. Early diagnosis of the root problem, careful monitoring, and appropriate hoof care can help keep these at-risk horses comfortable.

How do you test a horse for periodontal disease?

Once the horse is sedated and the head (including the eyes, sinuses, nostrils, lips and front teeth) have been examined a speculum (Gag) is applied. In order to identify periodontal disease the mouth must be thoroughly rinsed and a bright light, a mirror and probes used to examine around teeth.