ONTARIO CARE GUIDELINES FOR EQUIN E RESCUE, · PDF fileontario care guidelines for equin e...

ONTARIO CARE GUIDELINESFOR EQUIN E RESCUE,

RETIREMENT AND ADOPTION/REHOMING

FACILITIES

ONTARIO CARE GUIDELINES FOREQUINE RESCUE, RETIREMENT AND ADOPTION/REHOMING FACILITIES

Developed by the Ontario Equine WelfareInformation Group:Mary Bell, DVM, Equestrian CanadaGayle Ecker, Equine Guelph, University of GuelphSue Leslie, OHRIASusan Raymond, Equine GuelphElizabeth Shiland, DVM, OAEPBrenda Thompson, Whispering Hearts Horse RescueOntario Equestrian Federation

The Equine Welfare Information Group would like toacknowledge OMAFRA for facilitating and encouragingthis industry-led initiative and our sincere thanks to allthat contributed to the review and editing of thisdocument.

For all information regarding this publication, includingobtaining copies, permissions, copyright or other information, please contact: [email protected] [email protected]

©First Edition Published 2017Published by Equine Guelph on behalf of the OntarioEquine Welfare Information GroupOriginally Developed by the AAEP Equine WelfareCommittee, modified for Ontario, Canada withpermission by the Ontario Equine WelfareSubcommittee, 2015

No part of the manual may be reproduced or used byany other party without express consent of EquineGuelph and the OAEP and the member associations ofthe Ontario Equine Welfare Information Group.Cover Photo: OAEP

INTRODUCTION.............................................................7

I. BASIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT .................................8

Caring for New Arrivals...................................................8

Monitoring Your Horses ..................................................8

Preventive Health Care is a Necessity ............................8

Parasite Control ..............................................................9

Vaccination ......................................................................9

Dental Care ...................................................................10

Lameness.......................................................................10

Be Prepared for an Emergency.....................................10

Special Considerations..................................................11

II. NUTRITION ...............................................................12

Water Requirements .....................................................12

General Feed Requirements .........................................13

Supplementary Feeds ...................................................14

Calculating Horse Bodyweight .....................................15

Determining Feed Requirements for Each Horse.........16

Maintenance Needs ......................................................16

Nutrition of the Pregnant Mare ....................................16

Nutrition of Growing Horses.........................................17

Special Needs of Aged, Sick and Injured Horses .........17

Overfeeding, Obesity and Laminitis (Founder).............17

Re-feeding the Starved Horse ......................................18

What Happens during Starvation..................................18

The Re-feeding Problem...............................................18

The Best Diet ................................................................19

III. BASIC HOOF CARE .................................................20

Hoof Growth .................................................................20

Start with a Thorough Examination ..............................20

Special Considerations..................................................20

IV. CARING FOR THE GERIATRIC HORSE....................22

Providing Proper Shelter...............................................22

Feed and Water ............................................................24

V. SHELTERS, STALLS AND HORSE FACILITIES...........26

Shelters..........................................................................26

Stalls ..............................................................................26

VI. PASTURES, PADDOCKS AND FENCING ................27

Outdoor Shelter and Shade..........................................27

Pasture Management....................................................27

Pasture and Paddock Fencing Safety ...........................28

Paddock and Small Pasture Management ....................28

VII. EUTHANASIA..........................................................29

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines, 2013- Euthanasia Guidelines.........................................29

Recommended Practices ..............................................29

Timelines for Euthanasia ...............................................30

Methods of Euthanasia .................................................30

Special Considerations for the Insured Horse ..............30

Special Considerations for Cases Involving Multiple Practitioners ..................................................................31

VIII: THE BOTTOM LINE –PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE HORSE...................................31

APPENDICES ................................................................33

Appendix 1: Vital Signs in Horses and Donkeys ..........35

Appendix 2: Horse Health Check: A SystematicMethod of Examination ................................................36

Appendix 3: Recognizing Pain .....................................42

Appendix 4: Signs of Parasitism ..................................43

Appendix 5: Signs of Dental Issues..............................44

Appendix 6: Signs of Acute Laminitis ..........................44

Appendix 7: Body Condition Scoring ..........................45Appendix 8: Euthanasia and Quality of Life Decisions ................................................................49

Appendix 9: Equine Rescue/Retirement Facility Description........................................................50

Appendix 10: Veterinary Checklist for Rescue/Retirement Facilities.........................................52

Appendix 11: Evaluation of Stages of Disability..........55

Appendix 12: Organizations represented on the Equine Welfare Information Group...............................58

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Rescue and retirement facilities play a vital rolein providing lifelong care and/or finding newowners for horses, or other equidae that maybe considered “unwanted” or have beensubjected to neglect or abuse. NOTE: For thepurposes of this document the term “horse” isused to refer to all equidae (this includes horse,pony, donkey, mule, etc.).

Recognizing the importance of equine rescueand retirement facilities, the Ontario CareGuidelines for Rescue and Retirement Facilitieshave been developed in order to provideguidance about the care of a horse throughoutits life. While principles of basic horse care andmanagement apply to all horses regardless oftheir situation, those horses entering rescue orretirement facilities may arrive with uniquehealth challenges. For these reasons,employees and volunteers should understandand appreciate basic horse care as well as beable to recognize health conditions that mayrequire medical attention from a veterinarian.

Equine veterinarians play an important role inthe care of the animals at rescue andretirement facilities. They can offer valuableadvice on many aspects of equinemanagement, including disease prevention,basic nutrition, emergency medical attentionand routine health maintenance procedures. Itis important that facilities establish a goodrelationship with an equine veterinarian and afarrier, the OSPCA and other rescue facilities.

The guidelines presented in this manual are forinformational use only and should not beconsidered legally binding. Becauseappropriate horse care practices may vary dueto climate, region, use and many other factors,the guidelines are intentionally broad. It isimportant that all facility owners becomefamiliar with the Canadian Code of Practicefor the Care and Handling of Equines toensure standards are met and to which they areconsistently adhered. Owners, employees andvolunteers with specific questions areencouraged to consult their veterinarians andto pursue educational initiatives on horse careand management.

INTRODUCTION

It is critical that owners of rescue farms understand their financial capacity for caring fornew horses before accepting new arrivals. Taking in more animals than can be cared foris putting all animals at risk as well as the sustainability of the facility.

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Caring for New Arrivals

Every horse entering a rescue/retirementfacility should receive a complete physicalexamination upon its arrival and be separatedfrom the rest of the resident horses. Permanentidentification (e.g., microchip, lip tattoo, freezebrand) of each horse is an economical, humaneand unalterable tracking mechanism for ahorse, and is included as part of the admissionsprocedures for many facilities (however this canonly be considered if the rescue facility has full,legal ownership of the horse). A health recordmust be established for each horse, clearlyidentifying the horse by name and/or number,age, gender and physical description includingBody Condition Score, colour, markings andother distinguishing features including hotbrands, freeze-brands and microchips.Medication and treatments should be givenonly under the direction of a veterinarian andrecorded in the horse’s health record.

Horses may be susceptible to transportationstress and disease following transport to arescue/retirement facility. On arrival, newhorses should be separated from residenthorses to prevent the possible spread ofdisease, preferably for 2-3 weeks. Handlersshould carefully monitor recently transportedhorses for several days after long-distancetransport. The rectal temperature of thesehorses should be recorded daily for severaldays, and if not normal, the temperature

should be recorded at least twice daily, i.e.morning and evening. If a horse’s temperatureexceeds the normal range, a veterinarianshould be consulted. Caution must beexercised when taking rectal temperaturesfrom unknown animals.

Monitoring Your Horses

Frequent observation of the horses in arescue/retirement facility is paramount toensure that they remain healthy. Horses shouldbe observed routinely for health andwell-being, at least twice every 24 hours,paying particular attention during high riskperiods (e.g., inclement weather, foaling, andintroduction of new animals). The table belowprovides vital signs for an adult 1,200-pound(545 kg) horse at rest at 150C (60ºF). Thesecriteria will vary according to age, physicalfitness and environmental conditions. Youngerhorses tend to be at the higher end of therange. See appendices for foals, and donkeys.

Vital Signs for a 1,200 Lbs. (545 Kg) Horse atRest at 16ºC (60º F)

Vital Sign Normal RangeRectal Temperature 37-38.5° C Pulse 28-44 beats/ minuteRespiration Rate 10-14 breaths/ minute

(source: Equine Code of Practice)

I. BASIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT

The facility owner should ensure that all telephone numbers for the veterinarian, the farrier, the feedstore and emergency services are displayed in a prominent location. Documentation should be kepton all horses for medication, feeding and health conditions. This information should be kept in acentral location familiar to all staff. Emergency plans and evacuation procedures should be postedand staff trained in the event of an emergency situation.

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Parasite Control

A parasite control program, one of the mostimportant management matters to beconsidered, must be established in consultationwith a veterinarian. An effective program willinclude the administration of chemicaldeworming agents for targeted treatmentsbased on parasite species and load, as well asmanure and pasture management.Indiscriminate use of deworming agents is notadvisable, as it adds to the growing problem ofparasite resistance to such agents. Withveterinary guidance, utilizing such tools as fecalegg counts to optimize use of dewormers, aneffective and economical parasite controlprogram can be designed while minimizingparasite resistance. Donkeys may require adifferent deworming program than is used forhorses. Proper manure and pasturemanagement can greatly reduce the parasiteproblem, and stalls must be cleaned at leastevery 24 hours.

External parasites (e.g., lice and ticks) are acommon problem affecting neglected horses.Incoming horses should have a visual check of

the hair coat to detect if lice or ticks arepresent. A veterinarian should be immediatelyconsulted for direction on an effective and safecontrol program. See signs of parasitism in theappendices.

Vaccination

Administering appropriate vaccinations assistsin controlling common infectious diseases ofthe horse. The specific immunizations neededby a particular group of horses depends uponseveral factors, including environment, age,breed, sex, pregnancy, use, exposure risk,geographic location, emerging diseases andgeneral management. Consult yourveterinarian to determine the most effectivevaccination program for your facility’s horses.Overall infection control practices need to bemaintained for all horses. Correct storage ofvaccinations and appropriate administration ofthe vaccine must be considered.

When possible, find out the vaccination statusof new horses and keep records forvaccinations (vaccine, date, and any adversereactions).

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Photo Credit: OAEP

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Dental Care

Dental conditions are not uncommon inneglected horses and can lead to painful anddangerous health issues. A veterinarian shouldexamine a horse’s teeth following arrival to thefacility and at least annually thereafter. Unevenwear and other dental abnormalities should notbe allowed to interfere with normal eatinghabits. Dental care will depend on age,nutrition and environment and may be requiredmore often for horses with ongoing dentalissues. Dental care must be performed by aveterinarian or under veterinary supervision.See signs of dental issues in the appendices.

Lameness

Lameness is a common finding in abused orneglected horses as the “value” of the horsedecreases with chronic or recurring lamenessissues. Lameness is defined in the CanadianCode of Practice as “any alteration in thehorse’s gait that appears to be caused by painor discomfort”. The degree of lameness isassessed by either walking or when possibletrotting the horse away from the examiner,then turning and walking/trotting the horseback to the examiner. Lameness observed atthe walk is generally more severe. Whenlameness is suspected or detected, it must beaddressed in consultation with yourveterinarian as prompt assessment can savetime and money and may improve thelong-term prognosis for the horse. Earlyassessment of lameness by your vet may helpto ensure good Quality of Life for the horse.Founder (laminitis) is a serious welfare concernas it can lead to permanent and painfulchanges in the foot that may require ongoingpain medication and hoof care under veterinarysupervision. Euthanasia may be required forhumane reasons. (See signs of acute laminitis inthe appendices).

Be Prepared for an Emergency

Caregivers at rescue/retirement facilities mustknow how to recognize serious and potentialproblems, respond promptly, and takeappropriate action while awaiting the arrival ofthe veterinarian. It is advisable to keep a listof available veterinarians in case of anemergency. Rescues should also maintain a listof contacts and protocols for fire, theft andnatural disaster and post these in accessibleand obvious places. Develop an emergencyplan that is appropriate for your area andreview this periodically with staff andvolunteers.

All rescue/retirement facilities should preparean equine first aid kit and store it in a clean, dryand readily accessible place. While a first aid kitcan be simple or elaborate, the following itemsare highly recommended:

• Cotton roll• Contact bandage• Gauze or cotton secondary dressing• Gauze pads, assorted sizes• Gauze wrap• Adhesive wrap and adhesive tape• Leg wraps• Bandage scissors• Hemostats• Steel cup or container• Rectal thermometer• Surgical scrub and antiseptic solution• Latex gloves• Flashlight and spare batteries• Permanent marker pen• Sterile pads• Shoe pullers (to pull loose shoes, or

imbedded nails only on the advice of the veterinarian or farrier)

Special Considerations

The Ontario Care Guidelines for Rescue andRetirement Facilities encourages the castrationof all stallions entering a rescue/retirementfacility (only once legally owned by the rescuefarm). Castration and other surgical proceduresmust be conducted by licensed veterinariansusing accepted surgical techniques and paincontrol medication in accordance withprovincial veterinary acts and regulations.

Distressed horses must be dealt with humanely,effectively and promptly to prevent suffering.Sick or injured horses must receive veterinaryattention as quickly as possible. Downer horses(unable to rise) need immediate veterinaryattention. Veterinary consultation must besought prior to any attempt to move a downer.(See the Transport Decision Tree from theCanadian Code of Practice, p 76)

Evidence of any federally reportable disease,such as West Nile virus, Eastern EquineEncephalitis, Vesicular Stomatitis, EquinePiroplasmosis, Equine Infectious Anemia,Rabies or provincially immediately notifiablediseases such as Equine Herpesvirus -1 shouldimmediately be brought to the attention of aveterinarian. Any disease that appears tospread from a horse to a human must also bereported to your veterinarian and/or to PublicHealth Ontario.

Separate housing should be provided for anysick horse(s) to prevent spread to the rest of the herd. Since manure, urine, nasal dischargesand other bodily secretions can carry andspread infectious disease, biosecurityprocedures should be followed. Usefulreferences include the National Farm andFacility Level Biosecurity Standard for theEquine Sector (www.equinecanada.ca), theAlberta “Equine Biosecurity and BestPractices”, Saskatchewan “Horse BiosecurityGuidebook.” and the Equine GuelphBiosecurity calculator (www.EquineGuelph.ca).

What is “Distress”?

“distress” means the state of being in needof proper care, water, food or shelter orbeing injured, sick or in pain or suffering orbeing abused or subject to undue orunnecessary hardship, privation or neglect;(OSPCA)

Signs of disease that should bediscussed with your veterinarianinclude but are not limited to: • Severe, unexplained, persistent or

recurrent fevers

• Unexplained weight loss or progressiveweakness

• Thick vaginal discharge, diarrhea or abnormal urination

• Abortion

• Neurological signs such as incoordination, erratic behavior, abnormal postures or hypersensitivity

• Inability to rise or difficulty getting up

• Difficulty or laboured breathing, spasmodic coughing or thick or frothy nasal discharge

• Soft swelling of the face or neck

• Lameness

• Wounds

• Eye problems

• Colic

• Blisters or open sores on the lips, mouth, genitalia or above the hooves.

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Water Requirements

“Clean, palatable water is the single mostimportant nutrient in the management ofhorses.”

Every horse must have access to a sufficientamount of fresh, clean water to meet itsindividual maintenance and activity needs. Ahorse’s daily water requirements may rangefrom 20 to 70 liters (5 to 20 gallons),depending on air temperature, humidity, bodyweight, level of activity and health andphysiological status (e.g., pregnant, lactating orgrowing).

As a general guide, horses need 5L (1.32 gal)for every 100 kg (220 lbs.) of body weight inmoderate weather. This requirement increaseswith increasing air temperature; for example,an increase in ambient temperature from 55°Fto 77°F (13°C to 25°C) increases water requiredby 15 to 20%.

As a practical matter, a horse should alwayshave unlimited access to fresh water yearround. Water troughs and containers must beregularly cleaned to prevent algae buildup (thiswill need to be done more during the warmmonths). They should be located where theyare protected from electrical problems, fouling,and freezing. In cold climates, horsespreferentially consume warm water; if warmerwater cannot be provided in cold climates thenwatering systems should be examined regularlyto ensure that the water is not frozen.Automatic watering systems should be checkeddaily to ensure they are dispensing waterproperly. Water intake should be monitored.Do not depend on snow to meet the waterrequirements of horses, as water requirementsmay increase during cold weather along withincreased forage intake. In most situations,horses will not be able to meet their waterneeds with snow alone.

II. NUTRITION

Formulating a diet for a horse must take into account the horse’s state of health, geographiclocation, medical history, exercise/use, and individual metabolism. Special recommendations forfeeding a starved horse are found at the end of this chapter. A veterinarian, perhaps assisted by anequine nutritionist, should be consulted to ensure current feeding programs are meeting eachanimal’s needs.

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Control of flying insects, rodents and birdswithin any equine facility must be a priority.Flying insects such as biting flies andmosquitoes not only create a nuisance andinterfere with grazing activity, but can transmitinfectious disease-causing pathogens betweenhorses and between horses and humans. Asanitation program must also be developed to

effectively remove manure and other waste inorder to prevent accumulation of pests andenvironmental contamination of water. Deadhorses must immediately be removed anddisposed of in an appropriate manner, asrequired by municipal, provincial or federalregulations.

General Feed Requirements

“As forage is important to maintain proper gutfunction, it is crucial that forage forms themajority of the ration.”(Canadian Equine Code of Practice)

A horse’s daily diet must be adequate tomaintain health and normal body functions,and should be fed on a regular daily schedule.In its natural state, the horse eats a variety offorages (mainly grasses) to meet its nutritionalneeds. Due to the small size of its stomach, thehorse will normally consume its daily intakeover 16 to 20 hours. When confined, horsesshould be fed at least twice daily; however, 3 or4 times per day is preferred or at least withaccess to forage provided for most of the day.

Horses should be fed a forage-based diet (hayor pasture). Purchase the best quality hay thatyou can, based on the needs of the horse. Aninvestment in good quality hay can savesubstantial amounts in feed costs as it mayreduce the need for more costly items such asgrains and concentrates. For most maturehorses that are not competing or exercising, aforage-based diet is usually adequate to meetcaloric needs when good quality forage issupplied at a rate of 1.5 to 2 percent of theirbody weight. Grain supplementation shouldbe rarely needed however a vitamin/mineralsupplement may be necessary depending onthe quality of the forage. Fresh forage (e.g.well-maintained pastures) can seasonallyprovide most of the horse’s needs, but the dietshould be supplemented with dry forage (hay)if more dietary fiber is required.

Loose sodium chloride (salt) and fresh, cleanwater should always be provided along with aforage diet. Other supplements such asvitamin/mineral balancers may be necessary forspecific horses or during specific times of the

year (see Supplementary Feeds below) andbased on the nutrient content of the forage.

Pasture provides additional health benefits tohorses, allowing them to move and exercise asthey normally do, and regular pasture turnoutshould be part of a horse’s daily routine, unlessotherwise directed by a veterinarian. Maximizeturnout whenever possible as this is healthierfor the horse. In certain areas, minerals andtrace minerals may be lacking (e.g., seleniumand sodium) and supplementation may berequired, ideally as directed by an equineveterinarian or equine nutritionist in order toprovide a balanced ration. Consult the EquineCode of Practice for more information onnutritional management and requirements.

There is rarely a need for horses in rescue andretirement facilities to be fed high-energy diets(oats, corn, barley, high fat). If such diets areselected, attention should be paid to avoidnutrition related health problems, such as grainoverload, laminitis (founder) or obesity. Toavoid problems such as colic, abrupt changes indiet must be avoided. To avoid major healthproblems, any changes in the type and quantityof feed should be introduced gradually over aperiod of several days (7 - 14 days is the idealtransition period for optimal gut health and toavoid digestive tract upsets). Feeds used in thehorse’s diet should be fresh, free of spoilage,toxic insects or contaminants, dust and molds.When horses are fed in groups, some horsesmay “bully” others, and prevent other horsesfrom eating. This may lead to some horsesovereating and becoming obese, while othersmay become thin and malnourished, even ifadequate feed is being supplied. To preventsuch problems, adequate manger space orseparate feeding areas should be available tominimize competition for feed (Ideal spacingand area requirements are covered in the

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Equine Code of Practice). All horses shouldhave simultaneous access to feeders so that allcan eat at one time. Horses that “bully” othersmust be separated from less dominant horsesto ensure that the less dominant horses receiveadequate feed and risk of injuries is reduced.

All feeds and supplements should be properlylabeled and stored appropriately in a securemanner to avoid misuse, contamination orhorses getting into the feed. Owners andoperators of retirement facilities would bewell-advised to consult with their veterinariansor equine nutritionists prior to implementingnutritional supplements; such supplements maysignificantly increase the cost of care for thehorses, but may not providesignificant nutritional benefit and canactually be dangerous when used inthe wrong circumstances or amounts.Feeds designed for other species,particularly medicated feeds andthose containing urea are unsuitablefor horses. Feed troughs and bucketsshould be cleaned regularly.

Supplementary Feeds

Supplementary feeds must be usedaccording to the specific needs ofeach individual horse and balancedwith the forage. Overfeeding ofsupplementary feeds can createnutritionally-related problems such asover-supplementation of certainvitamins or minerals, or incorrectratios (e.g. the Calcium:Phosphorusratio). Choose only supplements thatare designed for horses as productsfor cattle or other livestock can causeserious health issues and may evencause death.

Young and growing horses have

increased protein requirements compared toolder horses. There are many ways to increaseprotein in a horse’s ration, including feedingalfalfa hay and commercial products specificallydesigned for growing horses. Meals such assoybean meal are often included in rations foryoung and growing horses to increase theprotein content of the ration. They should befed in small amounts and introduced gradually.Linseed meal is not an appropriate proteinsupplement for growing horses because it islow in the amino acid lysine, which is essentialfor normal development.

Many brands of blended horse feeds are on themarket. The manufacturer’s feeding guidelines

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Photo Credit: OAEP

should be followed to provide a simple methodof dietary supplementation recommendations(however, all horses should be fed inaccordance to their body score) (thisinformation should be printed on the label,along with an analysis of ingredients). Inoperations where small numbers of horses havesimilar supplementary feeding needs, premixedbalanced feeds can save the facility work andensure continuity of diet. When feedingcommercially blended feeds, care should betaken to ensure the horse has access to itsminimum daily forage (fiber) requirement of 0.5to 1 pound dry matter/100 poundsbodyweight. Ensure this minimum has beenmet for all horses. Most do much better withhigher than minimum amounts of forage.

When horses are working and sweating, salt(sodium chloride) and possibly otherelectrolytes may need to be supplemented.Hand-fed horses should have saltsupplemented daily, or have free choice accessto a trace mineral/salt block. Advice onmineral deficiencies peculiar to any grazingarea should be sought from a veterinarian orlocal extension nutritionist, and addressedaccordingly.

Calculating Horse Bodyweight

Before accurate feed calculations can be made,the bodyweight of the horse should bemeasured or estimated. Bodyweightassessment is also required when medicines,including dewormers, are administered.

The most accurate method of determiningbodyweight is the use of electronic scales. Toget the most accurate weight for a horse whenusing scales, weigh the animal just beforefeeding and watering. This will help avoidvariations caused by different gut-fill levels, andwill allow subsequent weight measurements tobe more standardized, and thus moremeaningful.

Weight tapes also can be useful in estimating ahorse’s body weight. While they may not givean accurate absolute measurement, they canbe used to see if a horse is gaining or losingweight over time. For those without scales, theHenneke Body Scoring System can help theaverage horseperson, with practice, toestablish and track changes in a horse’s bodycondition. The “ideal” body condition is in therange of 4-6 on the Henneke 9 point. See theappendices for this scoring system.

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Determining Feed Requirements forEach HorseThe amount of feed required by a horse ismade up of two factors:

1. Maintenance needs, that is, the amount of feed that is required to keep the horse in good health.

2. Activity needs which include rate of work, growth, lactation and pregnancy

For the rescue horse, one also has to keep inmind the “healthy” weight of the animal andslowly increase the diet towards the feedamount that would be required for idealweight.

Both requirements must be satisfied in order tomaintain ideal bodycondition and weight. Every horse should beoffered a sufficient andappropriate ration of feeddaily to maintain its bodycondition between 4 and6 points on the Hennekecondition score chart (Formules and donkeys, seethe 5 point scale in the Equine Code ofPractice).

Maintenance Needs

Maintenance feed is the amount of foodrequired to maintain the normal horse’s bodycondition at rest. “At rest” means that physicalactivity is no more than is expected of a healthyhorse grazing freely in a paddock. Examples ofhorses with no more than maintenancenutritional requirements include horses beingrested from their usual work, most horses atrescue/retirement facilities, learners’ horsesthat rarely get into a canter, and pleasure

horses ridden carefully at a relaxing pace for nomore than one hour per day. The average horseshould consume approximately 1.5 - 2% of itsbodyweight daily, as dry matter of a palatablefeed, in order to meet daily maintenancerequirements. Regular body conditionscoring, weighing or using a weight tape willhelp identify any variation from theseguidelines. Individual horses may be subjectedto circumstances that affect their dietarymaintenance requirements. For example,periods of extremely cold weather mayincrease maintenance needs by up to 30%.

Nutrition of the Pregnant Mare

When a pregnant mare is received at arescue/retirement facility, the non-working,non-lactating pregnant mare with a BCS of 4-6

does not require anincrease in feed abovemaintenance during thefirst eight months ofpregnancy. It is importantto ensure that the mare isgetting adequate vitaminsand minerals throughoutpregnancy. During the lastthree months ofpregnancy there is an

extra energy requirement, due to fetal growth.The amount of feed required on a dry matterbasis, based on the added foal weight andenergy requirements is 2.2% of bodyweight.Management of very thin (1-3) pregnant maresshould be done with advice from theveterinarian and equine nutritionist. Low bodycondition scores are a health risk to both thefoal and the mare during all stages ofpregnancy.

Pregnant mares may also have additionalhealth needs, such as vaccination againstequine herpesvirus-1 infection causing

The average horse shouldconsume approximately 1.5

- 2% of its bodyweightdaily, as dry matter of a

palatable feed, in order tomeet daily maintenance

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abortion. Rescue and retirement facilities areencouraged to contact their veterinarians foradvice on caring for pregnant, postpartum, andlactating mares. A full health check should bedone as soon as possible upon arrival to thefacility to give the mare and foal the bestchance of a healthy life.

Nutrition of Growing Horses

Growing horses need feeding above that whichwould be required to simply maintain theirbody weight because they need additional“building blocks” for growth. The feedrequired will vary with factors such as theexpected mature weight, growth rate, age, andexercise. Young horses have a higher proteinrequirement than do mature horses. Their feedshould contain 13 to 15% protein as weanlings.Yearlings may require 12 – 13% dietary protein,and two-year-olds require about 11% dietaryprotein. Young horses need approximately 3%of their bodyweight as dry matter intake,depending on dietary ingredients. High qualitybalanced feeds should be provided for propergrowth and skeletal development. The idealfeed to use is one that is a) formulated forgrowing horses and b) complimentary to theforage, after consultation with an equinenutritionist. Monitoring foals for any growthabnormalities is essential and consultationshould be sought with your veterinarian ifthere are any concerns.

Special Needs of Aged, Sick andInjured Horses

When horses are underweight, or are losingweight, despite being fed a diet that providesadditional calories beyond those required formaintenance, a veterinarian’s advice should beobtained and followed. A veterinarian,working together with an equine nutritionist,can examine the horse to see if there are any

medical problems that may need attention, aswell as address special feed requirements thatmay be needed for sick and injured horses.

Horses with abnormalities of the mouth mayfind normal grazing and chewing difficult. Theyshould be examined by a veterinarian and haveappropriate corrective action taken once thehorse is able to tolerate the dental procedures.(Refer to Chapter IV for special considerationsfor the geriatric horse.)These horses may notbe able to process normal forage and mayrequire supplemental feeds, such as completepelleted rations to maintain bodyweight. Thisproblem is more prevalent in older horses.

Overfeeding, Obesity and Laminitis(Founder)Excessive energy intake, both acute andchronic, is one of the causes of a common andcrippling disease: laminitis. Laminitis affects thefeet of horses and disrupts the sensitive andinsensitive laminae, which secure the coffinbone to the hoof wall. “Founder” is acommonly used name for this condition and itis a significant welfare issue due to the severepain. It is important to note, however, thatthere are many causal agents of laminitis,including stress, grain overload, obesity,excessive concussion on the hooves, as well assevere infections and other disease conditions.

In order to avoid laminitis, horses should not bepermitted to become overly fat (8 and 9 on theHenneke scoring system). Some equines,particularly ponies and donkeys, are able toutilize energy in feeds very efficiently; otherobese horses may be affected with a conditionknown as insulin resistance/equine metabolicsyndrome. Horses and ponies that tendtowards obesity (“easy keepers”) areconsidered to be more susceptible to laminitis,and should have restricted access to grains (if

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grains are fed at all), as well as spring andautumn pasture, which is low in fiber, and highin sugars. Low-energy forages such asgrass-type hays should be fed in preference tohigher energy legume hays (e.g., alfalfa).

Controlling the weight of horses usingstarvation diets is unacceptable. Such horsesshould first be examined by a veterinarian torule out disease conditions that might affectweight, and then supplied with a balanced,reduced calorie diet, increased low levelexercise, as well as free access to water. Theuse of small opening hay nets can be helpful insuch cases as it slows the intake of the forageand spreads it out over many hours.In some disease conditions, such as severediarrhea, rapid loss of water and essential bodysalts (electrolytes) can result. Fluidreplacement necessary to overcome fluid lossshould be administered by a veterinarian.

Re-feeding the Starved Horse

Unfortunately, some horses that arrive atrescue/retirement facilities have beensubjected to long-term neglect and may sufferfrom starvation. Rehabilitating a starved horsepresents many challenges for caregivers. Inboth horses and humans, the abrupt re-feedingof a starved horse can cause dysfunction of thebody’s metabolic system, which can lead tofailure of the heart and lungs and ultimatelydeath. A veterinarian is vital to the recovery ofthese animals and should be consulted as soonas a starved horse arrives at the facility. Evenunder the best of care, horses subjected toprolonged malnutrition may die, even afterhaving been placed with a responsiblecaregiver and having been provided anappropriate diet. Owners and operators ofrescue and retirement facilities should realizethat the financial costs of stabilizingmalnourished horses may significantly exceed

their market price, and that responsiblemanagement of chronically starved horsesshould include the option of euthanasia.

What Happens during Starvation

During starvation, the horse initially uses anyfat and carbohydrate stores in his body tosupply energy for metabolism and normal bodyfunctions. This is the normal process for anyhealthy horse: fat and carbohydrates are usedfor energy, exercise, brain function, circulation,etc., and are then replaced with nutrients fromfood. The cycle is constant and never-ending,even during sleep.In a starved animal, once this source of fat andcarbohydrate is gone, energy is derived fromthe breakdown of protein. While protein is acomponent of every tissue, excess protein isnot stored in the body, as is the case for fat andcarbohydrates. Consequently, the starved bodyuses protein for energy not only from muscles,but also from vital tissues such as the heart andeven gastrointestinal tissues – tissues that arenecessary for life.As time goes byand starvationcontinues, thehorse’s survivalbecomesprecarious. Whena horse losesmore than 50% ofits body weight,the prognosis for survival isextremely poor.

The Re-feeding Problem

Re-feeding starved animals, including humans,is not an easy process and one that requiresmedical supervision. Humans suffering fromstarvation caused by illnesses such as anorexia,cancer or gastrointestinal obstruction, can

Photo Credit: OAEP

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develop “re-feeding” syndrome when they aregiven concentrated calories, and this in turncan lead to heart, respiratory and kidneyfailure. This usually occurs three to five daysafter the initial meal. This same syndrome hasbeen reported in the literature for horses.he Best Diet

The feeding approach from Day’s End Farm,Woodbine, Maryland

The following is a summary of the refeedingprogram that has been in use at Days End FarmHorse rescue and developed and refined as aresult of over 25 years of experience withstarved horses.

• Upon arrival, horses are given access towater and depending on BCS and currenthealth status, quality soft grass hay througha “Nibble Net”, a slow-feeder system ofplacing hay into nets to slow down andprolong intake. If the horse is showingsigns of colic or is metabolically unstable,hay is withheld pending veterinary advice.

• For the first three days hay is given a flakeat a time throughout the day and night, as itis consumed while vitals and health areevaluated.

• By day three, most horses are ready for free choice hay and begin offerings of mineralblocks 3 x’s daily. On day three, refeeding

begins with between 4 to ! lb. senior feed(10% fat, 13%-15% protein) BID that iswatered down heavily.

• Feed changes are made every three days byeither " lb. or ! lb. increments dependingon condition and the acceptance of thehorse. Pounds per feeding maximums are 2lbs. for ponies and 3 lbs. for horses. We willfeed up to 5 x’s daily if needed but typicallymax at QID. Feed is always fed very wetand horses are given access to free choicehay in the winter and in warm months, giventurn out in grass paddocks.

• Refeeding continues until the horse has reached a BCS of 3, at which point webegin to back down on the amount of grainoffered to encourage the body to buildmuscle instead of fat. Once a BCS of 5 isreached, most horses are receiving grainBID or SID and are likely receiving full turnout on grass.

• The deworming program is also carried out when the attending veterinarian deems thehorse’s system is capable of tolerating themedication during this refeeding processand is key to a successful rehabilitation.Dentals are performed when a horse hasreached a BCS of 2.5-3 which is when theyare determined to be able to be safelysedated.

Hoof Growth

As a general rule, adult horse hoof growth isapproximately 3/8 of an inch (9 millimeters) permonth, while hoof growth in a foal isapproximately 5/8 of an inch (15 millimeters)per month. With that in mind, as a generalguideline, an adult horse should be trimmed(or shod) approximately every 5-8 weeks inaccordance with the needs of the horse. Foalsshould be trimmed every four weeks, or asneeded. It is important to observe the footregularly as the growth of the hoof can varyduring different seasons and with differentdiets.

Start with a Thorough Examination

Upon entering a facility, the horse should bemoved into a quarantine area separate fromother horses and a complete physicalexamination performed. As part of theexamination, the feet should be evaluatedcarefully to identify any hoof wall cracks,bruises, lacerations or any other pathology thatneeds the attention of the farrier orveterinarian. Any history of disease should bediscussed at this time to help facilitate propertrimming/shoeing for the horse. It is importantto note that some horses will show differentdegrees of tenderness when shoes areremoved. They will require a period ofadjustment if, after veterinary/farrierconsultation, the decision is made to gobarefoot.

Special Considerations

Horses entering retirement/rescue facilitiescome in all shapes and sizes and often requirethe involvement of the veterinarian and thefarrier to address hoof concerns specific toindividual horses.

For example, retired Thoroughbred racehorsesmay have been shod in aluminum shoes withtoe grabs; American Saddlebred horses mayhave been shod in stacks of pads. For retiredhorses, it may be best to remove these shoes,balance the foot according to conformationand shoe/trim and/or leave the horse barefoot,according to its individual needs.

Some other items to consider are:

1. Hoof Wall Cracks/Quarter Cracks: A farrier should evaluate and address the crack forinfection, necrotic tissue and, mostimportantly, stability. Stability of a hoof wallcrack is necessary for the crack to heal, andfor normal hoof growth to resume.

2. Navicular Syndrome: If a history of this syndrome exists or a diagnosis is made,veterinarian and farrier involvement is necessary to facilitate the comfort andshoeing needs of the horse.

3. Laminitis: An accurate diagnosis, which mayrequire radiographs, is necessary todetermine the shoeing needs of the horse.Proper shoeing, good management andnutrition all play a vital role in foot care

III. BASIC HOOF CARE

The age-old saying “no foot, no horse” applies to every discipline in the horse industry and isequally important to the horse that enters a retirement/rescue facility. The foot is a common sourceof lameness; therefore hoof care is imperative to the well-being of a horse in these facilities.

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relative to laminitis. “The pain from laminitiscan become severe enough to necessitateeuthanasia on humane grounds” uponconsultation with an equine veterinarian(Equine Code of Practice).

4. Corrective Shoeing: May sometimes be necessary depending upon injury andconformation. Consultation with aveterinarian, working in conjunction with afarrier, is recommended.

5. Environment: Hoof care can be affected by the environment in which the horse lives.Moisture can soften hooves, and can lead tothrush and other problems, particularly ifhorses are standing in mud/manure. Coldweather slows hoof growth. Shoeing andtrimming considerations must be addressedfor each individual horse as an individualdepending on , environmental conditions;for example, recommendations may bedifferent for a frozen pasture versus a rockypasture.

6. Management: Basic horse husbandry considerations such as good nutrition,shelter and dry bedding are all important inmaintaining good, healthy feet. Somepeople advocate the use of feed additivesfor healthy hoof growth; these should beconsidered on the advice of a veterinarian.

7. Use Qualified Caregivers: When a horse is to be shod, a qualified farrier who iscollaborating with a veterinarian, should beconsulted.

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It is imperative to recognize that caring for thegeriatric animal is labor-intensive and mayinvolve considerable expense. Despite allefforts, some geriatric horses are unable tohave a satisfactory Quality of Life. (At times,difficult decisions concerning euthanasia mustbe made in consultation with your equineveterinarian, see “Euthanasia,” Chapter VII).

Older horses are more likely to experiencecolic, dental disease, parasitism, tumors,lameness and metabolic disease than youngerhorses. They tend to have lower bodycondition scores on the Henneke system thanyounger horses and may have greater difficultyrecovering from injury, starvation or disease.

Dental problems, such as the wearing down oftooth grinding surfaces, may cause a decreasedability to crush whole grains and forage. Thismay predispose the geriatric horse to colic,choke or reduced intestinal absorption ofnutrients. A thorough dental examinationshould be performed in the older horse at leastannually and more frequently depending onthe dental issues that arise.

An increased prevalence of metabolic andendocrine diseases in geriatrics, includingEquine Cushing’s Disease (ECD), places themat higher risk for chronic infections, eyeproblems and laminitis (founder). Canada has alicensed medication that can improve thequality of life for a horse with Equine Cushing’s

Disease (Note: At time of publication, the onlylicensed medication in Canada is Prascend®

from Boehringer Ingelheim).

Musculoskeletal problems are also common inthe older horse are often an expression of pastinjuries and wear and tear. Under direction of aveterinarian, management of arthritis throughregular exercise, nutritional supplements andmedications can significantly improve comfortfor the geriatric horse. Even in the oldestgroup of horses, movement in a pasture isgenerally preferred to stall confinement.

Providing Proper Shelter

Standards described in Chapter VI, “Shelter,Stalls and Horse Facilities,” should be appliedto geriatric horses as necessary toaccommodate the older horse’s’ decreasedability to regulate body temperaturesusceptibility to extremes of heat and cold.

It is essential to protect older horses from heatand/or humidity by providing shade andventilation. Pastures and paddocks shouldinclude natural shade or properly constructedwell-ventilated shelters. Stables may requirefans. Body clipping may be necessary topromote dissipation of heat from the body.Provision of fresh water and a salt source (looseor salt blocks) are important in hot weather.

Likewise, protection of older horses fromextremes of cold through the appropriate

IV. CARING FOR THE GERIATRIC HORSE

The proportion of the equine population living into their 20s and 30s and beyond is growing. Propercare is vital to maintain the active, healthy life of geriatric horses. Rescue/retirement facilities musthave knowledge of conditions common to geriatric horses, be able to identify early signs of disease,distress and injury, and work closely with veterinarians in order to provide for the special needs ofthese animals.

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combination of shelter, windbreaks and blanketing isessential. Pastures andpaddocks should include naturalor constructed shelter toprovide a dry environment andprotection from wind. Softfooting and deep bedding (butnot too deep, as it’s harder tomove around in) should beconsidered for older horses witharthritic conditions and otherlameness. It can be beneficialto have the horse at a slightlyhigher BCS of 6-7 during thewinter to help provide energyreserves to stay warm. Be awarethat blankets left on forprolonged periods of time canhide problems. Whenblanketing the horse, ensurethat you monitor the horse toavoid overheating (for exampleduring the day, compared todrops in temperaturesovernight) and to observe anychanges in skin condition orbody condition over time. It isimportant to use weight tapesand regular BCS scoring inwinter as winter coats can hideweight loss. Once weight lossstarts in an older horse, it can bedifficult to stop.

A pasture environment is an excellent optionfor older horses, as turnout promotes beneficialactivity. Consistent light exercise regimens arerecommended and may improve range ofmotion and muscle strength. Pasture turnoutwith friends is preferred over stall rest, becausestall rest generally results in increased stiffnessand pain. Stall rest should only be used as

directed by a veterinarian. Body weight shouldbe reduced to normal or slightly lighter levels(BCS of 4-5, never less than 4) to minimizemechanical stress on the limbs, and on therecommendation of the veterinarian.

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Photo Credit: OAEP

Feed and Water

Standards described in Chapter II, “Nutrition,”should be adapted to the special needs ofgeriatric horses. The body condition and/oractual body weight of older horses should bemonitored carefully, because loss of conditionis the most common problem in older horses.Loss of body condition, which is harder toregain in older horses than in younger horses,can indicate abnormal and often treatableconditions such as parasitism, dental disease orother underlying illnesses. It is important torealize that “old age itself is not a cause forweight loss” (Equine Codeof Practice). Thus,integrated health care forthe geriatric horseincludes analysis ofnutrition.

Current recommendationsfrom the NationalResearch Council’sNutrient Requirements of Horses for matureadult horses (updated last in 2007) areinfluenced by several circumstances of theaging horse, including slower metabolism,decreased digestive efficiency and decreasedlevel of energy expenditure. Nutrientrequirements of geriatric horses more closelyapproximate those of weanlings in terms ofprotein, calcium and phosphorous.

Protein requirements are higher in older horsesthan in younger adult horses as the ability todigest crude protein is less in geriatric horses.Subsequently, it is suggested that geriatrichorses are fed diets containing 14% to 16%crude protein. Loss of muscle mass is acommon characteristic of geriatric horses.Although this has been attributed to decreasedlevels of activity, nutrition has also been

implicated. Leucine, which may stimulateprotein synthesis and is relatively high in alfalfahay, may be useful in preventing loss of musclemass in geriatric horses.

Fat is an excellent source of calories for olderhorses and is well utilized with almost noincrease of digestive upset compared toenergy dense rations containing primarilycereal grains. Commercial grain rations with fatadded are available (5 to 8% crude fat content).Another way to increase fat is to add vegetableoil (up to 2 cups per day, by slowly increasing

the amount) or rice bran.If protein is insufficient inthe diet, soybean meal isan excellent, high-qualityprotein source for olderhorses.

While calcium absorptionremains consistent withage, phosphorousabsorption may be

impaired in older horses, such thatphosphorous requirements are relatively higher.In an otherwise healthy but underweightgeriatric horse, the ratio of calcium tophosphorous should remain at approximately1.5:1. The ration typically should be between0.4 - 0.65% phosphorus and not more than 1%calcium on a dry matter basis. Consult with anequine nutritionist for assistance to ensure thenutritional needs and required balance are met.

Commercial rations designed for geriatrichorses are available, and can provide a highlydigestible fiber and higher fat content to meettheir increased energy needs. An extruded orpelleted feed is more likely than sweet feed orgrain to improve body condition, weight gainand blood protein levels. Due to a naturalreduction in saliva and dental issues, these

Nutrient requirements ofgeriatric horses more

closely approximate thoseof weanlings in terms of

protein, calcium andphosphorous.

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diets may need to be pre-soaked to preventesophageal obstruction or choke. Fat, ricebran or soybean meal can be added to thesediets to further improve fat and proteincontent. Attention to a dust-free diet can behelpful in managing chronic respiratoryconditions in older animals.

Older horses should receive high-qualityroughage because of their decreased ability todigest fiber and to chew forage properly.Sweet, young grass is ideal, supplemented withhay for additional fiber. However, access tocarbohydrate rich grass may need to bemonitored closely in those individuals with apredisposition to founder, as can occur withCushing’s disease or other metabolicconditions.

Hays should be less mature and free of coarsestems, such as mixed hay with 60% legumecontent. A 100% legume hay, such as straightalfalfa, is not ideal because the protein contentmay be too high and the phosphorous contentis very low, although phosphorous could besupplemented. If chewing is impaired,chopped hay, hay cubes or roughage-containing pellets are alternatives. Soaking haycubes and pellets in water will make themeasier to chew, while decreasing the risk ofchoke (obstruction of the esophagus withimpacted feed). Another roughage alternativefor older horses is beet pulp, because of itsdigestibility and calcium content. It also can besoaked to make chewing easier.

Feed supplements, such as glucosamine andchondroitin sulfate, are sometimes utilized forolder horses with arthritic conditions, but lackscientific support. Electrolytes may beappropriate in the performing geriatric horse,as they sweat more at lesser intensity exercise.Probiotic products may also be advocated to

help digestion, however, scientific support forthe effectiveness of these products is alsolacking.

Water intake should be monitored in geriatrichorses. Increased water intake is a sign ofsome of the more common medical conditionsof geriatric horses, along with increased urineproduction. Older horses may be less inclinedto drink excessively cold water; in cold weather,warming the water has been shown to increasewater consumption. Feeding water-soakedfeeds (at least 2 gallons of water per feeding)will also help increase fluid intake. Addition of1 to 2 ounces of salt to the feed may alsoencourage increased water intake but shouldbe done only if the horse has unlimited accessto water. Provision of loose salt or salt block isrecommended.

Special attention should be given to olderhorses pastured with other horses to avoidproblems arising from age-associateddecreasing aggressiveness. Access to feed,water and shelter should be ensured withoutthe need for competition. Ideally, older horsesshould be pastured with their peers rather thanwith younger, more aggressive horses.

For Additional Information on FeedingGeriatric Horses, see:

Pugh, D.G. Feeding the Geriatric Horse. AAEP

Proceedings 2002; 48, 21-23.

http://www.aaep.org/health_articles_view. php?id=224

“The Aging Horse.” Horse Report, 2006, 23(3), 2006.

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

V. SHELTERS, STALLS AND HORSE FACILITIES

Many different types of housing and shelters are used at retirement/rescue facilities; therefore,multiple factors should be taken into account when designing shelters, including individual anddiverse climatic and geographic conditions. Local sources of information, such as veterinarians andextension agencies, can be extremely valuable in considering such factors.

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Shelters

A shelter, natural or man-made, is mandatoryand should provide relief to each individualanimal from direct sunlight, wind, precipitationand other inclement weather. The design anduse of shelters should promote the health,well-being and good performance of horsesthroughout all stages of their lives.

All constructed shelters should be structurallysafe for horses and personnel. Shelters wherehorses are located should be constructed withno exposed surfaces or projections likely tocause injury. Shelter design should promoteeasy and safe handling of horses, as well asease of cleaning and care. Horses should beprovided with a clean, dry area on which to lie.Crowding should be avoided as this increasesthe risk of injury to horses and there must beroom for a subordinate horse to escape anyaggression from a more dominant horse (see Code of Practice for specific requirementson space).

Ceilings and support beams in horse-housingfacilities should be high enough to permit thehorse to stand naturally with a full range ofmotion of the head and neck without touchingthe ceiling. Floors in horse stables should beconstructed and maintained to provide tractionand drainage and prevent injury. Ventilationshould be designed to provide adequate aircirculation.

Electrical wiring and panels should not be

accessible to horses and should be installed inaccordance with applicable electrical codes.Lighting should be provided in a manner topermit effective observation of stabled horses.Alleyways and work areas should be uniformlyilluminated. Natural lighting should be providedwherever possible. It is not permissible to keepa horse in darkness in a barn.

Manure and soiled bedding should be removeddaily and handled and stored in a manner thathas as little negative impact on the surroundingarea and the environment as is reasonablypossible.

Rescue/retirement facilities should have adesignated area for quarantine or isolationpurposes. This area should be separated fromother holding areas.

An emergency action plan should bedeveloped and posted in the barn, and allstaff/volunteers should be aware of thedirections. All toxic materials should be storedsafely and away from all horses. Furtherinformation on developing an emergency plancan be obtained from your local firedepartment, from the Canada Code of Practiceor from your local municipal emergencyresponse planning staff.

Stalls

Stalls or portable corrals should be available tocontain horses that may be sick or injured. Thestall must be large enough to permit the horse

VI. PASTURES, PADDOCKS AND FENCING

Pastures are an important aspect of many rescue/retirement facilities. Pastures allow horses to haveaccess to grass as needed, give them room for exercise, and allow them normal socialization. Thesize and number of pastures and/or paddocks at a facility should be appropriate for the number ofhorses intended to be kept. Important factors to consider are safety and injury prevention as well assufficient room to allow plenty of exercise.

Stocking requirements of pastures will vary depending on feed and quality of the pastures.Generally, one or two acres per horse are required, but this varies tremendously. Horses have anatural herd instinct, and as such, will prefer to be with other horses. In addition, pasturecontainment with proper shelter will serve a facility better than stalls only.

Outdoor Shelter and Shade

Healthy, mature horses are very adaptable andcan adjust to different outdoor conditions.Keeping horses outside or provided withfrequent hours of outdoor time is encouragedas it improves their health and/or mentalwell-being. Shelters must be provided toprotect them from adverse or extreme weatherconditions. If open front shelter or shed isprovided, it must provide a minimum spaceallowance per horse of 11.1 m2 (120 ft2) eachfor the first two horses and an additional 5.6m2 (60 ft2) for every other horse in thatpaddock or field. Wastes and soiled beddingin the shelter should be removed frequently(Refer to the Code of Practice for more details).

Pasture Management

Horses on pasture or range should have anadequate quantity and quality of feed and

water. Properly maintained pastures mayprovide all or most of the nutrient requirementsof grazing horses. Nutrient content of pasturesshould be closely monitored and supplementalfeed provided when necessary. Salt andmineral supplements should be provided whennecessary to supplement specific nutrientdeficits in grasses and forage.

To prevent digestive and health problems,horses should be introduced to pasturegradually or cautiously, especially in heavygrowing periods such as spring in some areas.Horses on pasture should be inspectedregularly, paying close attention duringhigh-risk periods (seasonal changes,introduction of new horses, foaling, etc.).

The pasture size should allow adequate spacefor horses to canter (unless health issuespreclude this).

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to move around, lie down and stand up withease. For a 15 hand horse, the space should bea minimum of 9 m2 Bedding should beprovided and kept clean, with stalls beingcleaned at least once every 24 hours. Horsesmust have a dry area for lying down and thebedding must be of a type that will not result in

bruising, cuts, toxicities or other injuries.Concrete or hard rubber without bedding isnot an acceptable surface for stalls. Goodventilation is always necessary, and it isimportant in the prevention of respiratoryproblems (See further requirements on airquality and humidity in the Code of Practice).

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Application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicidesand manure to pastures should be planned andconducted to minimize risk to grazing horsesand the environment. In addition, pastures andrange land should be inspected regularly forpoisonous plants. Overgrazed land is morelikely to have poisonous plants and noxiousweeds, increasing the risk to horses. Goodpasture management includes rotation, weedcontrol and consideration of stocking densityrelative to the condition of the pasture. Mudmanagement is important and all horses mustbe able to have access to a mud-free andwell-drained area in the pasture/yard.

Pasture and Paddock Fencing Safety

Pastures and paddocks should be properlyfenced to safely confine horses. The suitabilityof type of fence varies according to thedisposition of the horses, as well as stockingdensity and pasture/paddock size. Horsesshould be introduced to unfamiliar fencedareas during daylight hours and be monitoredto reduce the risk of injury.

All fencing must be properly constructed andstrong enough to keep horses confined andfencing and gates must be maintained tominimize risk of injury and to minimize the riskof horses gaining access to public roadways.Barbed wire and narrow gauge high tensilewire, because of their cutting properties, cancause severe injury to horses. These materialsare not ideal, even though they are sometimesused for fencing extensive pasture areas.However, they should generally be avoided inclosely confined paddocks or small pastures.

Height of fencing should be an appropriateheight for the type of horse. This is particularlyimportant for stallion paddocks.

Pastures, paddocks and range should be free

from equipment, machinery, binder twine,debris and refuse that have the potential tocause serious injury. Gates in pastures shouldbe at least 1.22 m (4 ft) wide if they are to beused for horses.

Paddock and Small PastureManagement

Every property in which horses are kept shouldhave a sufficient number of paddocks orpastures to permit separation of incompatibleanimals. The risk of injury increases whenhorses are overcrowded. Competition for food,water and space often leads to fighting andsubsequent injury.

The number of horses and their grouping ineach paddock or small pasture should beappropriate for compatibility and for theground conditions, taking into account theclimatic conditions at the time. For example,rocky areas and steep hills/streambanks/ditches should be avoided for geriatricand debilitated horses.

Paddocks and small pastures should becleaned regularly and inspected for noxiousweeds. Horses will not eat pasture grass orforage that is contaminated with manure.Without regular cleaning the effective grazingarea is decreased. Regular clipping of thegrass can be beneficial for optimal pasturegrowth.

Effective parasite control is more difficult inpaddock or small pasture environments.Pasture rotation, manure removal and internalparasite control with effective dewormingprograms are a part of an integrated programof management. Your local veterinarian canhelp in the development of a specific programto fit individual conditions.

Code of Practice for the Care andHandling of Equines, 2013- EuthanasiaGuidelines

www.nfacc.ca/pdfs/codes/equine_code_of_practice.pdfwww.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/euthanasia

The National Farm Animal Care Council(NFACC) has developed the followingEuthanasia Guidelines which are identifiedwithin the Code of Practice for the Care andHandling of Equines - 2013

Owners and managers are responsible foreuthanasia decisions, and these decisionsshould never be made without carefulconsideration. Horses, donkeys and mulesserve their owners in many ways and deservean end of life that is humane.

Euthanasia can be performed on farm or at anappropriate off-farm facility.When caring for a sick or injured horse, consulta veterinarian to determine when to stoptreatment and instead euthanize, taking thefollowing into account:

• what is the likelihood of recovery or return

to an acceptable quality of life?• how long should the animal be given to

recover?• has the horse become depressed or

lethargic? what kind of special care will theanimal require and are you able to meetthose needs in terms of your skill level,time, and available facilities?

• do you have the financial resources to continue to provide for the animal?

• have the chances of recovery improved or declined over the course of treatment?

Recommended Practices

1) Work with a veterinarian to develop a planfor euthanasia. The written plan should be keptin a known location and include:

a) the name, and, if applicable, contact information of the person(s) responsible for making euthanasia decisions on farmand the person responsible for performing the procedure

b) a schedule for proper maintenance of any equipment

c) the protocols for disposal, in accordancewith provincial and/or municipal regulations

VII. EUTHANASIA

The term euthanasia is derived from the Greek terms “eu” meaning good and “thanatos” meaningdeath. A good death would be one that occurs quickly with minimal pain and at the appropriatetime in the horse’s life to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering.

Justification for euthanization of a horse for humane reasons should be based on both medicalconsiderations as well as current and future quality of life issues for the horse. Although by nomeans a replacement for consultation with the veterinarian, the appendices contains additionaldiscussion on the decision making process for euthanasia. If the horse is not the legal property ofthe horse rescue a veterinarian must make the recommendation to have the horse euthanized asper the Ontario SPCA act.

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2) discuss euthanasia with a veterinarian whenthe horse:

a) is enduring continuous or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable

b) has a medical condition that has a grave prognosis without surgery, and surgery isunavailable or unaffordable

c) possesses dangerous behavioral traits that renders it a hazard to itself, other horses or handlers

d) is suffering from a severe, traumatic injury (e.g. broken leg or wound significantly impacting a major organ,muscle or skeletal system)

e) has a disease or condition for which the cost of treatment is prohibitive

f) has a transmittable disease, which is a serious health hazard to other horses or humans

g) Or when you are unable to care for the horse and cannot find it a suitable new home.

Timelines for Euthanasia

A key component of euthanasia is timeliness. Itis not acceptable to delay euthanasia forreasons of convenience or cost. Wheneuthanasia is deemed necessary, it must beperformed without delay, particularly in thecase of a severe, traumatic injury. Leaving asuffering animal to die of natural causes (whatis known as “letting nature take its course”) isnot acceptable.

Methods of Euthanasia

The euthanasia method used must be quick,cause minimal pain and distress, and render thehorse immediately unconscious. (see theCanadian Veterinary Medical AssociationPosition on Euthanasia, the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association Guidelines on

Euthanasia and the NFACC Code of Practicefor the Care and Handling of Equines foracceptable methods).

When choosing a method of euthanasia, inconsultation with your veterinarian, consider:

a) the medical condition of the horse being euthanized

b) ability to restrain the animalc) human safety and the safety of other

animalsd) disposal optionse) potential need for sample collection for

diagnostic testingf) the emotional comfort with the procedure for the owner, the person performing euthanasia and any bystanders

Consider disposal options well in advance as they may impact on the method andlocation for euthanasia. Refer to the relevantprovincial and/or municipal regulations.

Special Considerations for the InsuredHorse

Each insurance policy for a horse is a contractbetween the horse owner and the insurancecompany and will dictate the specific terms andconditions concerning the payment of amortality claim. Careful consideration shouldbe given to possible “conflicts of interest” asreferenced in the Ethical and ProfessionalGuidelines in the AAEP Resource Guide andMembership Directory.

Special Considerations for CasesInvolving Multiple Practitioners

The attending, consulting and referringveterinarians should follow the Ethical andProfessional Guidelines under section IV,“Attending, Consulting and Referring,” asdescribed in the AAEP Resource Guide &

VIII: THE BOTTOM LINE –PROTECTING THE HEALTH ANDWELFARE OF THE HORSE

Ultimately, the best indicators of proper management of an equine rescue/retirement facility are thephysical and emotional health of the horses and the overall improvement in horses previouslysuffering from disease, trauma or neglect. Unless there is a medical explanation, all horses shouldregain and maintain an acceptable state of health and well-being with proper care.

Allowing rescued horses to deteriorate as aresult of inadequate care, resources or space isno favor to them and can progress to the pointof cruelty. Those who take in every animal,regardless of ability to provide care or refusalto recognize when an animal is suffering, arehoarders, not rescuers. All rescue andretirement organizations should periodicallyre-evaluate their principles, practices,

capabilities and goals with the help ofobjective, knowledgeable outsiders, especiallytheir equine veterinarians.

The management of each horse must beconsidered carefully to ensure its Quality of Lifeand all management procedures for the horseshould be designed to increase the chance fora long-term home and successful adoption.

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Membership Directory. Consult the College ofVeterinarians for updated information.

APPENDICESAppendix 1: Vital Signs

Appendix 2: Horse Health Check

Appendix 3: Recognizing Pain

Appendix 4: Signs of Parasitism

Appendix 5: Signs of Dental Issues

Appendix 6: Signs of Acute Laminitis

Appendix 7: Body Condition Scoring

Appendix 8: Euthanasia and Quality of Life Decisions

Appendix 9: Equine Retirement/Rescue Facility Description

Appendix 10: Veterinary Checklist for Rescue/Retirement Facilities

Appendix 11: Evaluation of Stages of Disability

Appendix 12: Organizations represented on the Equine Welfare Information Group

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Appendix 1: Vital Signs in Horses and Donkeys(from the Canadian Code of Practice, Appendix C)

Normal ranges for vital signs in horses and donkeys when at rest and relaxed:

Adult horses

Heart rate 28-44 beats per minute

Respiration rate 10-14 breaths per minute

Rectal temperature 37°C-38.5°C

Foals



Rectal temperature (resting) Increases for first 4 days and plateaus at 37.2°C-38.6°C

Adult donkeys


Respiratory rate 12-44 breaths per minute

Rectal temperature 36.2°C-37.8°C

Young donkeys (up to 2 years)



Rectal temperature 36.5°C-38.9°C

General

The gums should be pink and moist, and should return to that color within 2 seconds of pressingwith your finger on the gum line above the teeth and then releasing (this is known as the capillaryrefill time).

Every horse person should learn how to check ahorse’s physical condition for any tell-tale signsof illness, injury, or fatigue. The health check isa critical factor with all competitions, and it isvery useful in day to day management as well.Many potentially serious conditions can bepicked up at an early stage by this simple seriesof tests. No sophisticated equipment isrequired.

A stethoscope, a watch capable of indicatingseconds and a thermometer (preferably withclip attached) is all the equipment one needs,along with a basic understanding of thedifference between what is normal andabnormal for the various areas of the horse thatcan be examined. With a little practice, one canexamine the horse in less than 5 minutes usinga systematic method of examination. Choose an open area such as a large box stallor wide alley way. If the horse is quiet, it can betied or have an assistant hold the horse for you.You should approach the horse’s head from thefront and to the left of the horse. First of all,note the horse’s general condition andattitude. Is the horse over or underweight? Youshould be able to feel the ribs when you runyour fingers across, but the ribs should not beobvious. Is the hair coat sleek or dull? Is thehorse alert or lethargic?

Eyes/Ears/Nose

Check the eyes for redness, puffiness ordischarge as this indicates a problem. Aglassy-eyed or sunken eyed look is also anindication of a problem as is a partially closedeye. The ears should be alert and moving. Ears

that are slow to respond or that are hangingloosely out to the sides can indicate a problemin the awake horse. The nose should be free ofnasal discharge and the lining of the nasalpassages should not be red. Check the nostrilsfor discharge. Normally there is no discharge,or a slight watery, clear discharge may bepresent. Any bloody, purulent, yellowish,creamy white or greenish coloured discharge isabnormal and should be investigated.

Mucous Membranes/Capillary Refill

Lift the upper lip and look at the gums abovethe teeth (also called the mucous membranes).Mucous membranes should be a healthy pink,shiny, moist and slippery. If they are pale, dry ortacky this can indicate dehydration. Colourssuch as pale white, jaundiced, brick red, bluish,purplish, or muddy are indicative of a seriousproblem.

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Appendix 2: Horse Health Check: A Systematic Method ofExamination(Modified from an article written by Dr. Art King and Gayle Ecker. Copied with permission ofthe authors)

Next, press your thumb or finger on the gum to“blanch” the area (push the blood out fromunder the finger) to determine capillary refilltime. Upon release of the pressure, count theseconds that elapse while the colour returns.Normal time is up to 1.5 seconds. Delays for 2to 3 seconds are of concern and delays beyond4 seconds are serious. Delayed capillary refilltime is an indication of reduced bloodcirculation due to reduced volume (blood lossor dehydration) and/or decreased bloodpressure (shock).

Jugular Refill

The jugular refill time, like the capillary refill

time, is an indicator of the status of thecirculatory system. Find the jugular groove onthe side of the neck. Run your thumb along thegroove from the top to two-thirds down thengently press your thumb on the jugular grovewith enough pressure to squeeze the bloodfrom the vein. The “refill” is seen as thecollapsed vein becomes distended as it refills.Watch how fast it “fills”. A refill time of up toone or two seconds is normal. As with capillaryrefill time, a delay beyond four or five secondsis cause for concern.

Skin Pinch

While dehydration leads to changes in anumber of the areas examined, the mostcommon means to quickly check hydration isthe skin pinch test. As the animal becomesdehydrated, the skin elasticity decreases due toloss of water from the skin. When the skin onthe point of the shoulder is pinched and pulledgently away, it should then snap back quicklyupon release. Take a fold of skin between thethumb and forefinger, lift it away from theunderlying tissues, twist slightly and release. Askin fold or “tent” that remains for over twoseconds indicates dehydration. A delay of 5seconds is serious. It is important to know thenormal skin pinch results on your horse as therecan be a variation due to age and breed. Forthis reason it is important to test the same areaof the skin each time to maintain consistency ofresults.

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Heart Rate/Pulse

To take the heart rate or pulse, place the bell ofthe stethoscope on the chest wall, just behindthe elbow. The heart rate is heard as“lub-dup”. Listen for the lub-dup which is onebeat. You should hear a clear two-beat soundfor each heartbeat. Count the beats for 15seconds and multiply by 4 to get beats perminute (bpm). Heart rates of 25-40 bpm arenormal in resting horses. A persistent elevatedresting heart rates (i.e., not from temporaryexcitement as may happen when the vet comesin the stall) would be cause for concern. A fithorse should recover to a rate of 64 to 68 bpmwithin 10 minutes of the exercise (extremeexercise may take longer for the heart rate torecover). After exercise has stopped, the heartrate should drop steadily. Higher rates duringrecovery from exercise may indicate over-work,fatigue, heat stress, dehydration, pain orillness.

Gut Sounds

Gut sounds are evaluated with the stethoscopeby listening over the upper and lower flank onboth left and right sides. Normal gut soundsare heard as bubbling and gurgling roughlyevery 5-10 seconds. The owner should practicelistening to normal horses to get an

understanding of normal gut sounds. Abnormalsounds such as pinging, ringing, or echoes ofwater dripping into a well would be cause forconcern. The sounds can vary not only inquality and character but also in frequency. Theabsence of gut sounds is very serious andusually warrants treatment if no improvement isnoted within 30 minutes.

Respiration Rate

To measure the respiratory rate, watch the flankmovement or the flare of the nostrils. Countthe number of breaths the horse has taken in15 seconds and multiply by 4. Normally, therespiratory to heart rate is one to four at rest(about 8 - 15 breaths per minute). Elevatedrespiratory rates may be observed in excitablehorses or during hot/humid weather when thehorse is trying to cool itself by panting.Breathing in and out should be regular andwithout effort or sound. Laboured breathing,wheezing, grunting, groaning, coughing orother sounds indicate a problem. The rate anddepth of respiration can vary widely amonghorses. Because so many factors affect therespiratory rate at any one time, it is notpossible to correlate respiratory rate and depthto physical fitness.

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Checking the Body

The withers,shoulders,back,croup/rumpand girthareas shouldbe palpatedfor evidenceof sores, pain,bumps andtightmusculature.

The aim is to detect any pain, sensitivity, ortightness that would impair the horse’s athleticability or cause pain and suffering duringexercise. The left foreleg is palpated for pain,swelling or heat, especially in the joints,ligaments and tendons, and splint area. Lift thefoot and check the condition, type, and generalfit of the shoe. Note any cracks, founder lines,etc. that may be evident on the hoof. Repeatthis examination on the left hind limb and thengo to the right fore and right hind limb.

Heat/Pain/Swelling

Evidence of heat or swelling evident in any areaon the body is cause for concern. If the horse isin pain or exhibits a response such as pullingaway due to pain, this needs to be investigatedby a veterinarian.

Temperature

To take the temperature, place the lubricatedthermometer into the anus and gently press itagainst the wall of the rectum. Normaltemperature for a resting horse is 37.5 to 38˚C(99.5 to 100.5˚F). Rectal temperature of >40.5˚C (104.9 F) is serious. If the horse has beenexercising, it may increase to 39.6˚C (103.3 F)but should not exceed 40.5˚C (104.9 F) and

should fall quickly when exercise has stopped.Remove the thermometer, note thetemperature, and check the tail and anal tone.The anus should constrict immediately inresponse to slight digital pressure. The tailshould clamp in reflex when first touched. Aflaccid tail and loose anus are found inexhausted horses as well as in some nervoussystem diseases.

Appetite and Water ConsumptionNormal horses eagerly anticipate the dailyfeeding. Horses that exhibit disinterest in theirfood, become picky eaters or go off feedcompletely may be developing a problem andthis needs to be investigated. The horse willgenerally drink roughly equivalent amounts ofwater daily, with adjustments for temperature,diet, seasonal and exercise changes. It isimportant to monitor water consumption dailyfor optimal health.

Manure/Urination

The manure should be formed into moist balls.If the manure is too dry, or too loose, this maybe an indication of a problem or change indiet, water consumption, or other factors. Theamount of manure passed each day is alsoimportant to notice. The amount, colour andfrequency of urination should be noted as wellas posture while urinating.

Skin/Mane/Tail

The skin should be observed for flaking, oozingor signs of irritation. Hair loss should also benoted. Look for signs of tail rubbing.

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Conclusion

Compare the results of your assessment to thecolour-coded chart called The Horse HealthCheck. When all the parameters are in thegreen zone, then you have a healthy horse withno signs of a problem. If any of the parametersare in the Yellow zone, then you need to slowdown and/or stop your horse so that it can befurther assessed or to give it appropriaterecovery time. If any of the parameters are inthe red zone, you need to contact aveterinarian as soon as possible so the horsecan medically assessed, as there could be aserious condition present and medicalassistance is required. Have the completeresults of the Horse Health Check written downand available so you can report this to theveterinarian.

You are now on your way to being an educatedhorse owner who will be able to pick upwarning signs before they become moreserious.

(Information provided in this article is intendedto assist the horse owner and is not for medicaldiagnosis. Discuss your findings with yourveterinarian. For further information, pleasecontact Equine Guelph. Phone: 519-824-4120,ext. 56678 or e-mail: [email protected] material is protected and may not bereproduced without permission of the authors.For more learning opportunities, seewww.EquineGuelph.com).

Appendix 3: Recognizing Pain(adapted from the OSPCA training manual for equine welfare assessment)

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Horses that are injured, abused, suffering fromdisease or neglect may be in pain, however, asthe horse is a prey animal, they mayinstinctively “hide” the pain. Injury and colicmay cause acute pain whereas chronic pain islikely in cases of neglect, starvation or longerterm abuse or lameness, long standing diseaseor illness and other scenarios. Many horsesthat are in pain may not show it in an “obvious”manner until the pain becomes severe, makingit difficult to detect pain and the degree. Anervous or fearful horse may show few or nosigns of pain when humans are near.

A horse in pain may show some or all of thefollowing behavioural signs:

• appear anxious, restless or lethargic and unwilling to move, or isolating itself from others

• squinty eyes or wider eyes• have dull or unfocussed eyes • “protective” behaviour of the injured/

painful area• show limp ears and little response to sounds

or movements

Other behavioural cues may include:

• pain in the head region may result in head tossing, head shaking, head pressingagainst a wall, or avoidance when a humanreaches towards the head

• pain in the stomach region (a sign of colic) may result in the horse looking anxious,restless, pawing with front legs, looking atbelly, kicking up at stomach with the backlegs, an awkward tail carriage, “stretching”as if about to urinate, rolling and thrashing,and there may be abdominal distension

• pain in a leg may be seen as the horse moving with a slight limp that may beirregular to a definite limping where thehorse is attempting to minimize weightbearing on the affected leg, to“three-legged” lame where the horse willnot put the foot down. The horse may also“guard” the leg if you move your handsnear the painful leg by lifting it away ormoving away from you (See the AAEPGrades of Lameness in the Appendix fordescription of degrees of lameness).Abnormal motion can be seen at a walk or atrot. A typical lameness assessment mayinclude the veterinarian trotting the horseaway and then towards him/her, or on acircle to assess the gait, if it is not obviousat the walk.

• pain in the back may be exhibited by thehorse moving away or attempting to bitethe handler when the back is touched orgirth is tightened, flinching down or away ifpressure is placed on the withers, back orrump area, an abnormal carriage of the tail,and apparent lameness in a leg as the horseattempts to shift its movement to avoid thepain. The horse may also stand in anawkward position with the back arched orthe hind legs stretched out or tucked under,and the head may be held up higher orlower than usual.

• a horse in pain may also exhibit signs of sweating (inappropriate to the conditionssuch as sweating in a cool barn, or withoutprevious exercise) and the heart rate maybe slightly or significantly elevated aboveresting (generally 25-40 bpm is normal atrest). Resting heart rates of 60 indicate thatpain/distress is present and rates closer toor above 80 are of grave concern.

Appendix 4: Signs of Parasitism

Parasitism is a common problem for horses thathave been neglected. Veterinarian interventionis required to help assess and treat parasitismin horses. Great care must be taken whentreating for parasitism as improper treatmentcan increase the risks for the neglected horse.

The following may indicate parasitism:

• dull, dry hair coat• weight loss and decreasing body condition

score• broken tail hairs and rubbing of the tail area• “pot belly” appearance, especially in foals• watery stool/diarrhea

• neurological issues• skin conditions (sores, loss of hair, scabs,

etc.)

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Respiratory rate may be elevated, panting,irregular or laboured.

• a horse that is lying down and is reluctant toget to its feet (persistent recumbency) isalso in serious condition and may be ill, inpain, or in shock. A horse that is unwillingto move, or does not move away as youwould expect for normal behaviour, mayalso be exhibiting signs of pain.

• a horse in pain is often off feed and water and shows little or no interest in eating, ormay eat very slowly.

LAMENESS

The lame horse may exhibit varying degrees ofgait change depending on the severity andpain of the lameness. It can be very subtle witha minor “head bob” to a complete gait changeor refusing to bear weight on the affected leg.Any lameness will be most easily observedwhile the horse is trotting however it isimportant to note that lameness obvious at thewalk is generally a more serious condition. The

following is a description of the severity oflameness, developed by the AmericanAssociation of Equine Practitioners.

Lameness Scale developed by the AAEP:(0-5 scale)

0. Lameness not perceptible under any circumstances.

1. Lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistently apparent, regardless of circumstances (e.g. under saddle, circling, inclines, hard surface, etc.).

2. Lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or when trotting in a straight line, but it isconsistently apparent under certaincircumstances (e.g. weight-carrying, circling,inclines, hard surface, etc.).

3. Lameness is consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances.

4. Lameness is obvious at a walk.5. Lameness produces minimal weight bearing

in motion and/or at rest or a complete inability to move.

Appendix 5: Signs of Dental Issues(adapted from the OSPCA training manual for equine welfare assessment))

Laminitis can be extremely painful for the horseand requires veterinary assistance if there is anysuspicion of laminitis. Signs of laminitis mayinclude:

• heat can often be felt in one or both front and/or hind hooves

• the horse may stand with the back legs tucked under and the front legs stretchedout may be trying to reduce weight on thefront feet; the back muscles over the loinare often tense and may be painful uponpalpation

• reluctance to move forward, shifting of weight from one front foot to the other torelieve the pain or moving gingerly whenwalking or short-strided when walking ortrotting

• lying down more frequently to get weight

off the painful feet• elevated digital pulse (strong or

“bounding” pulse)• a distorted hoof shape or “rings” may

indicate past and/or chronic laminitis• increased heart rate at rest due to pain

A horse that stands in the above position, orwith the back legs tucked under, is showingsigns of pain, and should be fully evaluated bya veterinarian at the first possible opportunity.

Appendix 6: Signs of Acute Laminitis

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Horses arriving at rescue facilities frequentlyhave dental issues.. The teeth in the horsecontinuously erupt, pushing up through thegum (or down in the top set of teeth - i.e.,they do not “grow longer”). Dental problems in horses are common andcan cause great pain. Sharp edges on theteeth from uneven wear can cause sores on thetongue or cheeks. Teeth can become infectedand packed with feedstuffs. Any suspicion ofdental issues should be reported to the equineveterinarian, as they can be very painful andquickly result in other problems if leftunattended.

The most common indicators of pain in themouth or other dental issues may include:

• change in eating behaviour including difficulty eating, very slow eating

• “quidding” or dropping food, avoiding hard feed, excessive “mouthing” of feed

• repetitive or aversive behaviours• weight loss despite good feeding program• longer hay pieces than normal in the

manure• discharge from eyes or nostrils or excessive

drooling and bad breath• lumps on jaw, and sensitivity in the

jaw/cheek area, and may be able to feel heat/warmth

• unusual movement of the jaw/head while eating, such as extending and/or twisting the head while chewing

Appendix 7: Body Condition Scoring

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Key to 6 Areas outlined in the diagram:A – Along the neckB – Along the withersC – Loin Area and Crease down the backD – Tailhead (area above and around the attachment of the tail)E – RibsF – Area behind the shoulder/elbow

This numerical condition scoring systemprovides a consistent measure of the degree ofbody fat in horses of various breeds and sizes.

Condition Descriptions Score

1 Poor: Animal extremely emaciated. Spinous processes, ribs, tail head and hooks andpins projecting prominently. Bone structureof withers, shoulders and neck easilynoticeable. No fatty tissues can be felt.

2 Very thin: Animal emaciated. Slight fat covering over base of spinous processes,transverse processes of lumbar vertebraefeel rounded. Spinous processes, ribs, tailhead and hooks and pins prominent.Withers, shoulders and neck structuresfaintly discernible.

3 Thin: Fat build-up about halfway on spinous processes, transverse processes cannot befelt. Slight fat cover over ribs. Spinousprocesses and ribs easily discernible. Tailhead prominent, but individual vertebraecannot be visually identified. Hook bonesappear rounded, but easily discernible. Pinbones not distinguishable. Withers,shoulders and neck accentuated.

4 Moderately thin: Negative crease along back. Faint outline of ribs discernible. Tailhead prominence depends onconformation, fat can be felt around it.Hook bones not discernible. Withers,shoulders and neck not obviously thin.

5 Moderate: Back level. Ribs cannot be visually distinguished but can be easily felt.Fat around tail head beginning to feelspongy. Withers appear rounded overspinous processes. Shoulders and neckblend smoothly into body.

6 Moderate to fleshy: May have a slight crease down back. Fat over ribs feelsspongy. Fat around tail head feels soft. Fat

beginning to be deposited along the sidesof the withers, behind the shoulders andalong the sides of the neck.

7 Fleshy: May have crease down back. Individual ribs can be felt, but noticeablefilling between ribs with fat. Fat around tailhead is soft. Fat deposited along withers,behind shoulders and along the neck.

8 Fat: Crease down back. Difficult to feel ribs.Fat around tail head very soft. Area alongwithers filled with fat. Area behind shoulderfilled in flush. Noticeable thickening of neck.Fat deposited along inner buttocks.

9 Extremely fat: Obvious crease down back.Patch fat appearing over ribs. Bulging fataround tail head, along withers, behindshoulders and along neck. Fat along innerbuttocks may rub together. Flank filled inflush.

Recommendations for AssigningScores

• Scoring is based on visual appraisal andhands on scoring (particularly in scoringhorses with long hair) of horses.

• Age, conformation differences between breeds or types do not affect scoring whenall criteria are applied.

• Muscle tone should not be confused withfatness. Scores can be assigned inhalf-point increments.

Each area should be scored separately, then allsix values added up and divided by 6 to getthe overall score. Horses can vary in scorewithin the six areas so it is necessary to obtainthe average score for higher accuracy andmonitoring over time.(Source: Henneke et al Texas A&M 1983)

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Important Notes on Body ConditionScores:

BCS 1 - Horses in a body condition score of 1are critical cases of prolonged starvation,neglect and/or disease. No fatty tissue can befelt on the body and all reserves have beenused up. Immediate veterinary care is requiredto determine the next steps. It is highly likelythat this horse is in immediate danger of dying.A horse in this condition should not be movedunless with consultation or supervision by aveterinarian.

BCS 2 - A horse in a condition score of 2 is inserious shape, from long-term malnutrition,dehydration, disease and/or illness. Immediateveterinary assistance is required.

BCS 3 - All ribs can be seen on a horse with ascore of 3. Veterinary consultation is requiredfor a horse in a condition score of 3 as thehorse does not have adequate fat stores to behealthy. Stallions may drop to a score of 3 bythe end of the breeding season if not carefullymanaged, and below 3 there will beimpairment of the reproductive capacity.Horses on winter pasture will lose conditionand they have not enough reserves to maintainbody temperature.

BCS 4 - This is the minimum acceptable scoresfor horses, but they will not be able to handleany illness or stress safely. Horses that are 4 orless if not working will have varying degrees ofmalnutrition. Broodmares at 4 or less will haveproblems with reproduction and producingadequate milk, and, if lactating, will quickly losemore weight with a nursing foal at side. Horsesin race training or endurance competition maybe a 4.5, as they are fit and muscled but willnot have much fat on the body due to thetraining schedule, and will not be able tothermoregulate in the winter or in cold/rainyconditions. A highly-fit muscled horse at a BCS

of 4 is very different from a malnourished,underfed or sick horse that has become a BCSof 4, so it is important to learn to differentiate.

BCS 5 - This is the ideal BCS for most horses,including broodmares and stallions and mostperformance horses. The averageperformance horse is usually in this range witha blended overall smooth body.

BCS 6 - Breeding stallions can be at a 6-7 atthe start of the breeding season as theygenerally lose weight over the season. Horseson pasture over the winter may start at a scoreof 6 or 7 as there may be loss over the winterdepending on access to feed/forage. This isthe ideal for mares going into the breedingseason and a typical good score for horses onpasture or for pleasure horses. It is not ideal ifhigher athletic performance is expected.

BCS 7 - This is adequate condition for maresgoing into the foaling season, as they will losecondition with foaling and nursing. Horses inwork should not be at this level as it imposesmore stress on the supportive tissues andthermoregulation in the heat becomes morechallenging, particularly with humidity. It can beacceptable for horses that are winteringoutside.

BCS 8 - The ribs are difficult to feel and thecrease down the back is easily viewed (think ofit having the ability to “hold water” as thecrease is deep). Inner thighs are rubbingtogether. Broodmares should not be allowedto reach this score as this is unhealthy for themare and increases joint and skeletal stress dueto the added weight on top of the foal weight.Breeding performance for the stallion can becompromised at 8 or higher. This puts a greatdeal of stress on the locomotor structures andpredisposes a horse to lameness as well asgreater heat stress.

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BCS 9 - All definition of muscles and contourshave been lost. A horse in a BCS of 9 is at veryhigh risk of disease, injury andthermoregulatory issues in the summerheat/humidity. The crease down the back willactually “hold” water (frequently resulting in“rain rot” in the skin) and the inner thighs arepressed together when standing square. This isthe result of little or no exercise and extremeoverfeeding of calories and predisposes thehorse to many health risks from the extremeobesity.

(Notes compiled from several sources andextension notes and adapted from the OSPCAtraining manual for equine welfareassessment.) Note: Body Condition Score posters areavailable from Equine Guelph and make anexcellent reference source for the staff or newowners.

Appendix 8: Euthanasia and Quality of Life Decisions(adapted from the OSPCA training manual for equine welfare assessment))

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As a caretaker of horses, one of the mostimportant responsibilities that you take on isthe responsibility for the humane ending of life.When a horse is suffering when quality of life iscompromised or when proper care cannot beprovided, a decision for euthanasia may benecessary in consultation with the attendingveterinarian.

The term ‘euthanasia’ is derived from Latin,“eu” = good, “thanatos” = death. It meansinducing humane death in an animal. Theprimary goal of euthanasia is to quickly andhumanely end the suffering of the animal.Safety of those attending the procedure is alsoof the utmost importance. Techniques foreuthanasia should result in rapid loss ofconsciousness and loss of brain functionfollowed by cardiac or respiratory arrest. Theyshould occur with minimal pain and distress(AVMA, 2007).

Transportation of Horses

There are times when it may seem appropriateto move horses to a different location. Beforea horse is moved from the premises, the horsemust be assessed to see if it is suitable fortransport. If in any doubt, consult with anequine veterinarian.

The transport of horses is covered by theHealth of Animals Regulations and enforced byCFIA (more detailed information about thetransportation of horses can found in theEquine Code of Practice).There will be situations when it is notrecommended to move horses.

Moving a non-ambulatory horse (one thatcannot stand or move unaided) is a difficulttask to do humanely. If moving the horse isnecessary for veterinary treatment, it must onlybe done with consultation of the attendingveterinarian using specialized equipment. Ifthis cannot be achieved or if the horse has littlechance of recovery and freedom from pain,then onsite euthanasia is the humane and onlyacceptable course of action.

Do NOT Transport A Horse if:

- it cannot be treated for any reason (a horsethat has little chance of recovery should beeuthanized)

- it cannot stand unaided or is non-ambulatory,unless under direct supervision of an attendingveterinarian who is able to facilitate thehumane movement of the horse for treatment

- the journey will cause undue suffering due toillness, injury or any other infirmity

- a pregnant mare is likely to start foalingduring the transporting (veterinary consultationmay be needed)

Further resources:Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationPosition Statement on EuthanasiaEquine Code of Practice – Chapter 10Euthanasia

BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATIONName & Title:

Organization Name:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Address:

City: Prov: Postal Code:

Date Organization Commenced:

Sole Proprietorship: Partnership: Corporation: Charitable No.:Not For Profit:

Neither of the Above:

MANDATE/OBJECTIVES

FARM PROPERTY INFORMATIONRented: Owned: Donated:

Landlord/Property Owner Name:

Telephone: Fax: E-Mail:

Address: Phone:


Acreage: Paddocks: Stalls:

Liability Insurance Coverage:

Insurance Company Name:

BUSINESS/TRADE REFERENCESVeterinarian Name:

Address:


Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Farrier Name:

Address:

City: Prov:: Postal Code:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Feed Supplier:

Address:


Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

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Appendix 9: Equine Rescue/Retirement Facility Description

FINANCIALHow is the Rescue/Retirement Facility Financially Supported?

Public Donations: Adoption Fees:

Corporate Funding: Fundraising:

Other:

OPERATIONSWho are the caregivers for the animals?

Volunteers: Employees:

Other:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSIGNATURE

Signature:

Name: Title: Date:

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Appendix 10: Veterinary Checklist for Rescue/RetirementFacilitiesNote: This checklist is provided for use by a veterinarian when evaluating the facilities availableat an individual rescue or retirement.

Scoring System for Checklist:Excellent – 5Good – 4Adequate – 3Fair – 2Inadequate – 1(Add specific comments as needed.)

Name of Facility:Address: Primary Contact:Telephone: Fax: Name of Veterinarian: Phone:Name of Farrier: Phone:

I. Equids

Number at facility: Maximum capacity:Overall appearance and health:

II. Preventative Care and Basic Health Management

Parasite Control Program (Please list protocol and products used)

Vaccination Program (Please list protocol and products used)

Dental Care (Please provide plan)

Emergency First Aid Kit (Please list contents)

Health Records System Injury Protocol

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III. Feed Program

HayPastureGrainSupplementsStorage of Hay, Grain & SupplementsFree Access to Hay

IV. Water

Indoor water supply: Buckets Automatic WaterersAvailabilityCleanlinessOutdoor water supply: Tanks Automatic Waterers Naturally OccurringAvailabilityCleanlinessPlease list all indoor/outdoor water sources:

V. Pastures and Paddocks

Cleanliness Available for Turnout Access to Feed and WaterSize Division of Horses

VI. Fencing

TypeConditionSafety

VII. Facility

BarnsStallsSizeNumber Isolation/Quarantine AreaRun-in Sheds

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Living Quarters for WorkersPersonnel Present at Facility at All Times

VII. Farrier

Regular Visits Quality of Care

VIII. Horse Transportation

Please describe modes of transportation for horses available at this facility (van, truck trailer, etc.):

IX. Equipment Condition

TackBuckets BrushesHosesHay RacksX. EnvironmentSafetyCleanliness BeddingManure RemovalFly Control

Additional Veterinary Comments:

Farm Veterinarian Print Name : Date:Signature:(Source: The Humane Society and Animal Welfare Institute)

Appendix 11: Evaluation of Stages of Disability(Sourced From: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ docs/special/pubs-Sanctuary-bkm-sec.pdfEQUINE SANCTUARY & RESCUE FACILITY GUIDELINES, SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINEUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, August 2009)

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Evaluation of Stages of Disability

In general, horses that have normal ambulatorymovement (M) capability, are eating (E) anddrinking (D), and have stable body weight (W)are considered healthy. Observation shouldalso be made within the horse’s environmentfor their ability to lie down and get up in thepasture or area of confinement. Short-termconditions which can produce illness orlameness need to be diagnosed and thoseconditions with a favorable prognosis for cureshould be treated by the attendingveterinarian. Their guidance should determinewhether on-site short-term treatments orhospitalization with acute care measures areappropriate for the resolution of eachindividual case. Rescue facilities should have asmall treatment area and individual stallsassigned for medical treatments to insure theproper care of horses treated on-site.

The health status of geriatric or medicallycompromised horses may sometimesdegenerate to levels which are inconsistentwith humane care and sustenance of life.Consequently, a predetermined experiencedand knowledgeable individual should beidentified who can work in conjunction with aveterinarian to assess horses when there is aquestion raised as to their ability to live a lifewithout pain and/ or severe physicalrestrictions. Each case must be evaluatedcarefully and individually as a degree ofsubjectivity is often an unavoidable part of thedecision making process. Often a horse mayhave to be closely observed and monitored fora period of time with multiple and sequential

evaluations to determine the magnitude of adisability and its consequences. An equinesanctuary or rescue facility should neverbecome a hospice for horses that are severelyinfirmed, in chronic pain or for those wheretheir humane continuance of life is notsustainable. Animals whose health status putsthem in such a category should receive carefulconsideration for a humane end of life. Modernveterinary medicine has the ability to humanelyend the life of an animal whose pain andsuffering cannot otherwise be alleviated.“While medicine aims at restoring ormaintaining healthy living, similarly, it is alsoconceptually part of the veterinarian’s duty toend suffering totally erosive of the animal’squality of life.” (Rollins, 2006).

Long-term Survival Evaluation andCare of Geriatric Horses

Regardless of the horse’s age in years, thephysical criteria of normal movement, eating,drinking, and normal weight (MEDW) should bethe basis of evaluation of a horse’s generalstate of well-being. Additionally, the ability tolie down and get back up without significantdifficulty is especially important in the olderhorse. Geriatric horses may lose some weightor appear, physically different due toredistribution of fat and the normal ventralcurvature of the spine that occurs with aging,but if the other components of MEDW arepresent then quality of life is presumed to beadequate for their continued maintenancewithin the rescue facility or sanctuary. Regularassessments of these basic criteria should beused. In general older horses need more

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attention to hoof care, dental care, parasitecontrol, and segregation from aggressivehorses which may prevent them from eatinghay placed in group feeders or pasture. Signsthat an older horse has reached an end pointvary but the use of MEDW is the basicassessment criteria. Additionally, frequentveterinary health examinations must be part ofthe routine care with geriatric animals so thatearly signs of metabolic organ failure or diseasewill be recognized and adequately addressed.Failure to attend promptly to diseases commonto older horses can lead to unnecessarysuffering and premature loss of life.

Decision Tree for the Timing and Needfor the Humane End of Life

There are two instances where euthanasia of ahorse needs to be considered. The first is anemergency setting involving a painful,acute-onset condition such as a fracture, heador spinal trauma and recumbency, severe colic,severe body wound, or penetrating wound to ajoint. The second is a chronic longer-termproblem which may be progressing to asituation that is erosive to the quality of life orinvolves uncontrollable pain.

The emergency situation requires an immediateveterinary response and prompt evaluation andconsideration for euthanasia. If immediateveterinary attendance is not possible,experienced farm managers, animal controlofficers, or others who have had training tocertify them in the use of emergencyeuthanasia of horses may perform euthanasiaon an animal if it is a clear cut situation withmassive suffering and/or the impossibility forrecovery.

**Specific information regarding emergencyeuthanasia procedures can be found at:www.vetmed.ucdavis.

edu/vetext/animalwelfare/euthanasia/emergencyEuth_horses2-2pdf

In chronic conditions, the decision to end thelife of a horse which has slowly progressed ismuch more difficult. While quality of life isalways the primary consideration economicfactors can also have influence. If a very old orinfirm animal cannot be maintained properlydue to lack of the financial ability to sustaincare, then euthanasia, may be a reasonableoption. There is no standard flow chart or set ofrules for decision making other thanattempting to answer the following questions:

How much suffering is the horse goingthrough? What, if any, are the chances forrecovery? What will be the veterinary costs ofrecovery? How much will it cost to maintain thedebilitated animal?

Can the care needed for the horse’s conditionbe provided and maintained? Will otheranimals under the care of the facility benegatively affected by the commitment of timeand expense to this one horse?

Does the horse not meet MEDW standards fornormal life in spite of the fact that it has beenadequately treated for an extended period oftime?

Table 4 MEDW Criteria Expanded forChronic Conditions

Movement (M)Horses are able to walk, trot, lie down and getup without substantial lameness or lack ofweight bearing on all four limbs. In veterinarymedicine, lameness is graded on a 5-pointscale with mild conditions starting at a grade of1 progressing to total lack of weight bearinggraded a 5. When a given horse mustconstantly struggle to move, its condition may

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very well have progressed to a point whereeuthanasia should be considered.

Eating (E)Horses must be able to eat long stem hay,processed feed pellets or cubes, and/orsupplements. A loss of appetite, a generaldisinterest in feed or the physical inability thatprevents chewing and swallowing are all signsfor concern. If eating desire or ability is severelycompromised and dental or other conditionscannot be corrected, then euthanasia may beconsidered.

Drinking (D)Horses must be able to easily seek, movetowards, and consume appropriate amounts ofwater daily for proper fluid balance anddigestive function. Failure to consumeadequate amounts of water leads to a rapidand dangerous degeneration of health. Horseswith a physical or neurological impairmentwhich prevents them from obtaining adequatewater consumption should be considered foreuthanasia.

Weight (W)Horse’s body condition scores (BCS) will varywith time of year, age, and response to amedical condition. An older, skinny horse thatis eating, drinking and moving is not a reasonfor euthanasia. Deteriorating body weight andcondition as the result of old age or anongoing medical condition will lead toweakness and inability to comfortably survive.Horses which arrive at this state should beconsidered for euthanasia.

(**Note: More information on euthanasia canbe found in the Canadian Code of Practice)

Appendix 12: Organizations represented on the Equine WelfareInformationGroup

Equestrian Canada

Equine Guelph, University of Guelph

Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF)

Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners (OAEP)

Ontario Harness Horse Association

Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA)

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA, Health and

Welfare Branch, Horse Racing Industry Transition Branch)

Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services

Ontario Racing Commission (ORC)

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA)

Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)

Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue

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