Horses: Basic Management
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Transcript of Horses: Basic Management
Horses:Horses:Basic ManagementBasic Management
Stephen R Schafer, EdD 2007 University of WyomingStephen R Schafer, EdD 2007 University of Wyoming D. Karen Hansen, PhD 2001D. Karen Hansen, PhD 2001 University of Wyoming University of Wyoming
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Basic ManagementBasic Management
Housing FacilitiesHousing Facilities
Daily MonitoringDaily Monitoring
Vital Signs (TPR)Vital Signs (TPR)
Teeth and Hoof CareTeeth and Hoof Care
Nutrition/FeedingNutrition/Feeding
Disease AwarenessDisease Awareness
Housing FacilitiesHousing Facilities
Housing that provides safety, comfort, and roomHousing that provides safety, comfort, and room For the horseFor the horse For the workersFor the workers
Permits ease of sanitation (removal/disinfecting) Permits ease of sanitation (removal/disinfecting) and allows for ease of the facility (design/layout)and allows for ease of the facility (design/layout)
Meets/exceeds Environmental ConcernsMeets/exceeds Environmental Concerns
Meets/exceeds Animal Welfare IssuesMeets/exceeds Animal Welfare Issues
Meets/exceeds Animal Health RequirementsMeets/exceeds Animal Health Requirements
Daily MonitoringDaily Monitoring
Behaving Differently (stands off, not hungry, etc)Behaving Differently (stands off, not hungry, etc)
Looks Differently (head/ears droopy, hump back, etc)Looks Differently (head/ears droopy, hump back, etc)
Cuts and/or Scrapes (cause….nail, screw, board, etc)Cuts and/or Scrapes (cause….nail, screw, board, etc)
Bruises and/or Swellings (cause…stall, insect bite, etc)Bruises and/or Swellings (cause…stall, insect bite, etc)
Limping/Lameness (not always serious, but check it)Limping/Lameness (not always serious, but check it)
Cosmetic/Appearance Issues (grooming, clipping, etc)Cosmetic/Appearance Issues (grooming, clipping, etc)
Other Minor Items (dirty eyes/ears, etc)Other Minor Items (dirty eyes/ears, etc)
RestraintRestraint
It is common/recommended practice to use some sort It is common/recommended practice to use some sort of restraint when performing management proceduresof restraint when performing management procedures
Provides protection and safety for the horseProvides protection and safety for the horse
Provides security and safety for the handler/workerProvides security and safety for the handler/worker
Common types of restraints:Common types of restraints: 1. Stock1. Stock2. Twitch2. Twitch3. Hobbles3. Hobbles
Vital SignsVital Signs
Important to be familiar with normal/typical TPR Important to be familiar with normal/typical TPR (temperature, pulse, and respiration) of your horse(temperature, pulse, and respiration) of your horse
Temp = 99.5-101.5 (ave. 100.5) degrees…at restTemp = 99.5-101.5 (ave. 100.5) degrees…at rest
Pulse = 28-42 bpm (ave. 35)…at restPulse = 28-42 bpm (ave. 35)…at rest
Respiratory rate = 8-20 (ave. 12) breaths/min…at restRespiratory rate = 8-20 (ave. 12) breaths/min…at rest
Vital SignsVital Signs
Drawing: Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual
InjectionsInjections Injections should only be given with the approval and Injections should only be given with the approval and
direction of a veterinariandirection of a veterinarian
Always use sterile needle and syringe….never share a Always use sterile needle and syringe….never share a needle or re-use a needle (infection or transmittal)needle or re-use a needle (infection or transmittal)
Most commonly given via:Most commonly given via: Intramuscular (IM), many/most vaccines are IM and theyIntramuscular (IM), many/most vaccines are IM and they
are given in muscles in neck or lower in stifle….also it is are given in muscles in neck or lower in stifle….also it is important to rotate sides if long-term treatmentimportant to rotate sides if long-term treatment
Subcutaneously (SQ), given under the skin….usually in the Subcutaneously (SQ), given under the skin….usually in the neck or loose skinned areas such as the elbow or flankneck or loose skinned areas such as the elbow or flank
Intravenous (IV), given directly into the blood streamIntravenous (IV), given directly into the blood stream
InjectionsInjections
Drawing: Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual
TeethTeeth
There are two types of teeth:There are two types of teeth: Incisors….for cutting and rippingIncisors….for cutting and ripping Molars….for grinding and smashingMolars….for grinding and smashing
The total number of teeth vary according to The total number of teeth vary according to the age and sex of the horse:the age and sex of the horse:
24 teeth in foals24 teeth in foals 36-40 teeth in mature females36-40 teeth in mature females 40-44 teeth in mature males40-44 teeth in mature males
Photo: EQUUS
Teeth—Visual Tooth SchematicTeeth—Visual Tooth Schematic
Photo: EQUUS
Teeth—Whole Tooth SchematicTeeth—Whole Tooth Schematic
Photo: EQUUS
Teeth & AgingTeeth & Aging
Age horses by the incisors teeth:Age horses by the incisors teeth: Type, for younger horsesType, for younger horses Wear, for more mature horsesWear, for more mature horses
Permanent incisors in:Permanent incisors in: Center, 2 to 2 ½ years old (typically, we say 2 years)Center, 2 to 2 ½ years old (typically, we say 2 years) Intermediate, 3 to 3 ½ years old (tend to say 3 years) Intermediate, 3 to 3 ½ years old (tend to say 3 years) Corner, 4 to 4 ½ years old (typically, we say 4 years)Corner, 4 to 4 ½ years old (typically, we say 4 years) All permanent incisors are in, this has greater than All permanent incisors are in, this has greater than
variation than the previous indicators…this typically variation than the previous indicators…this typically occurs between 6 and 9 years of age, the horse term occurs between 6 and 9 years of age, the horse term for this is “for this is “full mouthfull mouth””
Teeth & AgingTeeth & Aging
The incisor teeth of a horse are cupped on the The incisor teeth of a horse are cupped on the grinding surface of each toothgrinding surface of each tooth
These cups wear down with use (age)These cups wear down with use (age)
When all cups are worn from the permanent When all cups are worn from the permanent incisors the horse is about 12 years of age, the incisors the horse is about 12 years of age, the horse term for this is “horse term for this is “smooth mouthsmooth mouth””
Teeth & Aging Teeth & Aging
Past the age of Past the age of smooth mouthsmooth mouth, it becomes more , it becomes more difficult to tell agedifficult to tell age
However, the teeth continue to become more However, the teeth continue to become more and more angled when viewed from the sideand more angled when viewed from the side
Also, the gums recede (hence the terminology Also, the gums recede (hence the terminology of “of “long in toothlong in tooth” or “” or “getting long in toothgetting long in tooth”)”)
Teeth & Aging Teeth & Aging
Photos: EQUUS
Normal Tooth CareNormal Tooth Care
Horse teeth need to be checked yearly, every Horse teeth need to be checked yearly, every six months is even bettersix months is even better
Top jaw is larger than lower jaw, as a result Top jaw is larger than lower jaw, as a result normal chewing wears teeth unevenlynormal chewing wears teeth unevenly
Sharp points (known as “hooks”) develop Sharp points (known as “hooks”) develop and these need to be filed off, this filing is and these need to be filed off, this filing is known as “floating”known as “floating”
Equine dentists are becoming more and Equine dentists are becoming more and more popular/accepted, just like farriersmore popular/accepted, just like farriers
Hoof: Purpose & PhysiologyHoof: Purpose & Physiology
Wall is thickest in the toe, thinnest in the quarterWall is thickest in the toe, thinnest in the quarter
Absorbs the concussion of the weight of the horseAbsorbs the concussion of the weight of the horse As foot hits ground, heels are expanded due to frog As foot hits ground, heels are expanded due to frog
action (flattens out….more softness/cushioning)action (flattens out….more softness/cushioning)
Digital cushion expands lateral cartilages; compress Digital cushion expands lateral cartilages; compress blood veins in hoofblood veins in hoof
Third phalanx descends slightly, sole yields slightly, Third phalanx descends slightly, sole yields slightly, and laminae absorb the concussionand laminae absorb the concussion
Some weight transferred to navicular bone, which is Some weight transferred to navicular bone, which is supported by deep flexor tendonsupported by deep flexor tendon
Proper Angle Of The HoofProper Angle Of The Hoof
Proper angle should be the angle of the pasternProper angle should be the angle of the pastern
Front Legs: 48 - 50 degrees or soFront Legs: 48 - 50 degrees or so
Hind: 50-55 degrees or soHind: 50-55 degrees or so
Regardless of the horse or the exact angle, the rear Regardless of the horse or the exact angle, the rear angle should be greater than the front angleangle should be greater than the front angle
Parts Of The HoofParts Of The Hoof FROG: very elastic tissueFROG: very elastic tissue
V shapedV shaped
Helpful in blood flow in hoof and legHelpful in blood flow in hoof and leg
SOLE: protective outer coveringSOLE: protective outer covering Should be concaveShould be concave Sensitive to bruisingSensitive to bruising
HOOF WALL:HOOF WALL: Primary weight carrierPrimary weight carrier Inside of hoof wall---LAMINAE: sensitive on inside and Inside of hoof wall---LAMINAE: sensitive on inside and
insensitive on the surfaceinsensitive on the surface WHITE LINE: where laminae connects to hoof wallWHITE LINE: where laminae connects to hoof wall
Parts Of The Hoof WallParts Of The Hoof Wall
Heel (located at the rear of the hoof)Heel (located at the rear of the hoof)
Quarter (located at the side of the hoof)Quarter (located at the side of the hoof)
Toe (located at the front of the hoof)Toe (located at the front of the hoof)
The Hoof: Blood CirculationThe Hoof: Blood Circulation
Photo: EQUUS
Parts Of The Hoof: Side ViewParts Of The Hoof: Side View
Photo: EQUUS
Parts Of The Hoof: Bottom ViewParts Of The Hoof: Bottom View
Photo: EQUUS
Photo: Unknown Source
Hoof Drawing: Bottom ViewHoof Drawing: Bottom View
Normal Hoof CareNormal Hoof Care
Clean daily, hoof pick from the hoof heel to hoof toeClean daily, hoof pick from the hoof heel to hoof toe
Examine for injury, whenever the horse is showing Examine for injury, whenever the horse is showing signs of lameness or whenever cleaning the hoofsigns of lameness or whenever cleaning the hoof
Add or limit moisture, via dressings or sealantsAdd or limit moisture, via dressings or sealants
Trim or shoe : EVERY 6-8 WEEKS or more Trim or shoe : EVERY 6-8 WEEKS or more frequently depending on horse and seasonfrequently depending on horse and season
Hoof ProblemsHoof Problems Bruises (stone bruises)Bruises (stone bruises)
Cracks – quarter and/or toeCracks – quarter and/or toe
Laminitis (inflammation/infection of laminae)Laminitis (inflammation/infection of laminae)
Photos: Unknown Source
Hoof ProblemsHoof Problems
Founder, typically caused from over-feedingFounder, typically caused from over-feeding
Navicular Disease: not actually a disease, it typically Navicular Disease: not actually a disease, it typically starts from an injury such as stepping on a stone or starts from an injury such as stepping on a stone or something else that causes injury to navicular bone something else that causes injury to navicular bone
Thrush, a bacterial disease that occurs in hooves that Thrush, a bacterial disease that occurs in hooves that are not cleaned out on a regular (and often) basis and are not cleaned out on a regular (and often) basis and the horse tends to spend much time in mud, manure, the horse tends to spend much time in mud, manure, and/or in other moist conditionsand/or in other moist conditions
Horse Shoes/ShoeingHorse Shoes/Shoeing
Often times referred as a “necessary evil”:Often times referred as a “necessary evil”: Nailing an iron plate to foot doesn’t make walking easierNailing an iron plate to foot doesn’t make walking easier The weight of the shoe does not increase agilityThe weight of the shoe does not increase agility Nail holes weaken the hoof wallNail holes weaken the hoof wall Nail holes facilitate entry ease for bacteria and infectionsNail holes facilitate entry ease for bacteria and infections Must change the shoe every 6-8 weeks because of hoof growthMust change the shoe every 6-8 weeks because of hoof growth
Positive Purposes:Positive Purposes: Protects the hoof against wear, especially when workingProtects the hoof against wear, especially when working Better traction in unfavorable conditions and terrainBetter traction in unfavorable conditions and terrain Helps to correct defects in stance or gaitHelps to correct defects in stance or gait Helps to cure hoof diseases and hoof defectsHelps to cure hoof diseases and hoof defects Helps to prevent a multitude of hoof problemsHelps to prevent a multitude of hoof problems
A Good Shoeing JobA Good Shoeing Job
BalanceBalance
The nails are evenly spaced around the hoofThe nails are evenly spaced around the hoof
All of the clinches firmly setAll of the clinches firmly set
The shoe fits foot….it is the right size shoeThe shoe fits foot….it is the right size shoe
The heels of the shoe extend 1/16 of an inch The heels of the shoe extend 1/16 of an inch beyond horse’s heel, this allows for expansionbeyond horse’s heel, this allows for expansion
Corrective TrimmingCorrective Trimming
Can be used when foal is youngCan be used when foal is young
Must be done on a gradual basis or it will Must be done on a gradual basis or it will cause lameness (or worst)cause lameness (or worst)
Should only be undertaken by an individual Should only be undertaken by an individual with experience and knowledge with experience and knowledge
Therapeutic/Corrective ShoeingTherapeutic/Corrective Shoeing
Should only be done by someone who is very Should only be done by someone who is very experienced and knowledgeableexperienced and knowledgeable
Bar shoes are an example of something that is Bar shoes are an example of something that is becoming more and more common….the purpose of becoming more and more common….the purpose of bar shoes is for supportbar shoes is for support
There are many types of corrective/therapeutic shoes There are many types of corrective/therapeutic shoes and shoeing, but each has a specific goal/purposeand shoeing, but each has a specific goal/purpose
WEBSITE: www.horseshoes.comWEBSITE: www.horseshoes.com
Summary: Horse Basic CareSummary: Horse Basic Care
Housing that provides safety and comfortHousing that provides safety and comfort
Proper sanitation (removal and disinfecting)Proper sanitation (removal and disinfecting)
Always provide clean and fresh feed/hayAlways provide clean and fresh feed/hay
Always provide only clear and cool waterAlways provide only clear and cool water
Proper managementProper management Health---care and maintenanceHealth---care and maintenance Teeth---care and maintenanceTeeth---care and maintenance Hooves---care and maintenanceHooves---care and maintenance