2018 BEVA Congress Archives – The Horse

Bisphosphonates for Managing Navicular Lameness in Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:45:32 +0000

Since hitting the commercial equine market in 2014, bisphosphonates have been used primarily to manage horses with navicular disease. One veterinarian describes how they impact navicular region pain and lameness.

Are We Overlooking EOTRH in Senior Horses?

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 14:30:33 +0000

Veterinarians have only recently described this dental disorder, which primarily affects older horses’ incisors and canines. Because EOTRH comes on slowly and insidiously, many owners and their vets don’t pick up on it until it’s in its late—and painful—stages, one equine dental specialist says.

Controlling EHV-1 Outbreaks: Best Practices

Alexandra Beckstett — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 13:00:42 +0000

EHV-1 can spread between horses before they show any signs of infection, creating a potential perfect storm for a significant disease outbreak. An infectious disease expert shares steps you can take to stop disease spread.

Unusual Tendon Injuries in Sport Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 13:00:25 +0000

Such tendon injuries include those that affect commonly injured tendons at unusual sites, uncommonly hurt tendons, or where the pathology itself is unusual.

What to Do if a Horse Tests Positive for Salmonella

Alexandra Beckstett — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 13:00:44 +0000

The bacterium Salmonella enterica can spread quickly between horses on a farm or in a hospital setting, causing significant financial and even equine losses. Here's how one veterinarian recommends managing positive cases.

How to Measure Back Pain in Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 13:00:24 +0000

When a horse shows signs of poor performance, rearing or bucking under saddle, and sensitivity when grooming, an owner might conclude that he has a sore back. But when is an issue truly back pain, and when is it secondary to another orthopedic issue? One veterinarian weighs in.

Suspensory Ligament Branch Tears in Racehorses: Surgery and Outcome

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 13:00:42 +0000

Researchers found that treating suspensory ligament branch tears surgically generally yielded a good prognosis and proved superior to noninvasive management. However, they cautioned, surgical intervention is lesion-specific and not applicable to all suspensory branch injuries.

Objectively Evaluating SI Injuries in Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 15:45:04 +0000

Diagnosing SI injuries in horses remains challenging. One veterinarian recommends practitioners rule out other causes of pain when making a diagnosis and take a systemic approach using all available modalities.

Strangles on the Farm: What Do You Do?

Alexandra Beckstett — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 13:00:37 +0000

Strangles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through horse populations and barns, so quick containment is essential. One veterinarian offers his tips on how to stop strangles from spreading.

Applying Human Tendon Rehab Techniques to Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 13:00:59 +0000

Tendon rehab in horses should include heavy and slow loading, pain monitoring, and progressive resistance.

Alternatives for Managing Osteoarthritis in Horses: PAAG and Stanolozol

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:05:40 +0000

Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) and stanolozol might offer veterinarians and owners new alternative treatment options to help reduce pain, improve joint function, and minimize joint tissue deterioration in horses with arthritis.

Managing Horse Hoof Balance and Capsule Distortion

Alexandra Beckstett — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 13:00:54 +0000

Hoof capsule distortions associated with hoof imbalance typically aren’t severe, they can affect horses’ comfort and be challenging for owners and their farriers to manage.

Long Pastern Bone Damage in Sport Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 13:00:54 +0000

MRI is allowing vets to identify lameness conditions that were harder to evaluate in the past. One such ailment, most frequently found in sport horses, is osseous trauma of the long pastern bone's sagittal groove. Here's what they've learned so far about this condition.

Equine Recurrent Uveitis: The Latest

Alexandra Beckstett — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 15:00:42 +0000

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an incurable and painful eye condition that can result in vision loss and reduce affected horses’ function and value. Here's a look at the latest research and findings on this frustrating condition.

Diagnosing and Treating Neck Pain in Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 13:00:53 +0000

Neck pain in horses remains challenging for veterinarians to diagnose and treat, but new options are on the horizon, one practitioner says.

Corticosteroid Joint Injections for Horses With Arthritis: Friend or Foe?

Alexandra Beckstett — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:03:14 +0000

One veterinarian says that, while we can’t lump all corticosteroids into one category, injections should still be considered a mainstay of treatment of intra-articular inflammation. Here's why.

Therapeutic Shoeing for Horses With Orthopedic Injuries: Six Key Points

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 13:12:17 +0000

Given the link between the external shape of the hoof capsule and its internal function, trimming and shoeing should optimize functionality and ultimately reduce stress, both to prevent injury and to treat established pathology, one veterinarian says.

Ridden Lameness Exams in Performance Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 13:00:46 +0000

A ridden lameness exam allows the veterinarian to watch the horse while doing its job and at other gaits besides the walk and trot, which can help veterinarians garner additional information about potential problems.

Using Laser Therapy to Treat Soft Tissue Injuries in Horses

Alexandra Beckstett — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 12:00:58 +0000

Researchers concluded that high-power laser therapy, administered with the device tested in this study, is safe, results in fairly low reinjury rates, and affords a fairly quick return to performance.

Shoeing the Low-Heeled Horse

Alexandra Beckstett — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 12:00:11 +0000

Some effects of the shoeing strategies farriers use to correct low heels in horses can actually be detrimental in the long run. Here's how one farrier recommends correcting this frustrating lameness cause.

2018 BEVA Congress: Top Tweets and Take-Homes

The Horse Staff — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 19:21:28 +0000

The educational sessions at the 2018 British Equine Veterinary Congress kicked off Thursday, September 20 in Birmingham, England. Several attendees, including The Horse’s Managing Editor, Alexandra Beckstett, tweeted live from the conference. Check back to TheHorse.com soon for recaps of conference presentations.

Here are a few tweets and take-homes from the educational sessions. Are you following The Horse on Twitter? Follow us @TheHorse for horse health news updates and live event coverage!

September 13, 2018

Day 1 of #BEVA18! I’ll be tweeting presentation take-homes throughout the meeting. pic.twitter.com/chsRlkZvNl

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

Dr. Furst's study on sport horses with fissures/tiny fractures of the proximal phalanx (fetlock): 89% of horses returned to athletic function post-surgery, but 68% still had fracture lines visible on X-ray, even though they were sound. #BEVA18

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

Dr. Ellen Singer presented on osseous (bone) damage in the fetlock's sagittal groove and noted that affected horses appear to have a similar prognosis (~50% return to function) whether treated conservatively or surgically. #BEVA18

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

Dr. Peloso on screening TB racehorses for metacarpal condylar injuries: Use standing MRI to pick up on bone marrow edema (a sign of bone stress injury) in at-risk horses before fracture occurs. #BEVA18

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

IA corticosteroids in horses: friend or foe? Dr. Anderson says we can’t lump them all into one category, and there are some side effects, but very cost-effective joint therapy. Still our friend. #BEVA18

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

Dr. Niklas Drumm discussed alternatives to IA corticosteroids in horses: polyacrylamide hydrogels and stanozolol. Says corticosteroids are still vets’ first line of defense against OA, but these two are safe and promising additions. #BEVA18

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

Based on Dr. Hewetson’s ongoing study of owner-reported signs, most frequent clinical signs of equine glandular gastric disease are temperament changes, decreased appetite, unexpected weight loss, poor performance, and skin sensitivity. #BEVA18

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 13, 2018

Up first: factors affecting UK horse owners choice of practices and the qualities they seek in equine vets. 44% of respondents thought that asking their opinion when making a decision for treating their horse was as essential quality. Thank you Heather McKenzie @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

P Bovona now presenting about critical ‘out-of-hours’ cases. Almost one in five ‘out-of-hours’ cases were critical, and 75% of these had a fatal outcome but more recording is needed! @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

Katie’s research on REACT campaign awareness had 1286 participants, 37% of 1205 were aware. She reported that 79% had an emergency plan in place for colic before the REACT campaign. What were the limitations to access of the campaign resources? @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

"Obesity is certainly the biggest welfare problem facing uk horses today" Caroline Argo #BEVA2018 #equinewelfare #fatpets pic.twitter.com/13w5vpYRJW

— Tamzin Furtado (@tamzinfurtado) September 13, 2018

Only 41-7% of equine premises have biosecurity plan in place, 50% owners rarely wash hands before contact -love it when research provides a great opportunity for us to help practice @CEVetM @ahtofficial and Jo at Leahurst #collaboration #BEVA2018 pic.twitter.com/CF1OhkNgxT

— Rachel Dean (@RachDeanVet) September 13, 2018

1/3 horse owners use herbal medicine says @DannyVet #BEVA2018 30% of those using acupuncture said it was done by a non-vet. It’s so important to get info from #owners to understand their decisions #partnership @Marnie_Bren you are everywhere this am @CEVetM pic.twitter.com/GUVuySL2mD

— Rachel Dean (@RachDeanVet) September 13, 2018

MC VanDierendonck (great + v appropriate name) has been working on composite pain scale + facial pain scale for donkeys. Results have good inter-observer reliability and the patients had significantly higher pain scores compared w control donkeys. App coming! @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

YASS JUAN!!! Amazing talk encompassing the importance of wellbeing in the veterinary profession. @BEVA_news #BEVA2018 pic.twitter.com/e5GBiWsn9R

— Hatti Smart (@hattismart) September 13, 2018

D Pollard presenting from her PhD work, owner reported laminitis episodes. Most prevalent owner-reported clinical signs (≥70%) were difficulty turning and a short/stilted or lame walk, bilat FL lameness most common. 11% didn’t report bounding pulses @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

D Pollard moving on to talk about owner reported laminitis risk factors. She supports that priority targeting of common and modifiable factors will have highest impact on disease incidence. @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

Around 1/10 horses had an episode of laminitis each year – brilliant talk by @DNPollard #laminitis #BEVA2018 pic.twitter.com/rA2zuJ5W8X

— Tamzin Furtado (@tamzinfurtado) September 13, 2018

Are thoracic dimensions, pain scores + epaxial tension scores influenced by rider weight? There was a -ve effect on thoracic width and a increased pain score + positively influenced epaxial muscle tension score post exercise w v heavy riders. By Lauren Quiney @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

Amy Barstow has taken over the mic. Presenting work from her PhD in sole packing on impact vibration. Sole packing, horse type and ground surface all influence impact vibration. @EVJltd #BEVA2018

— Francesca Worsman (@FWorsman) September 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/DNPollard/status/1040270143962722304

Tim going through the sinuses and laryngeal anatomy… do you know yours?! @RossdalesVets @BEVA_news @EickemeyerUK #BEVA18 pic.twitter.com/OUBk4ubru5

— Lucy Grieve (@LucyGrieveVet) September 13, 2018

September 14, 2018

Dr. Gerdes: Physical assessment of horses’ SI joint remains challenging. Palpation response, pelvic asymmetry, muscle spasms, conformation, etc. might not be significant. Don’t jump to conclusions – look at the whole picture. #BEVA18 #BEVA2018

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 14, 2018

Dr. Elizabeth Davidson: When performing gait assessment on horse with suspected neck pain, do a traditional lameness exam, adding things (e.g., bridle, side reins, rider) that might affect different parts of the neck. #BEVA18 #BEVA2018

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 14, 2018

Dr. Fiske-Jackson on challenges of diagnosing horses with sore backs: In one study, 74% horses with back pain were also lame. Always resolve the lameness first – as much about ruling things out as it is ruling them in. #BEVA18 #BEVA2018

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 14, 2018

Dr. Peloso recommends surgical removal of OCD fragments in young horses, says financial benefits (if owner intends to sell) outweigh cost of surgery. Removal also maximizes long-term joint health, and prognosis is excellent. #BEVA18 #BEVA2018

— Alexandra Beckstett (@TH_ABeckstett) September 14, 2018

#BEVA2018 The reproductive gurus fishing for sperm @StallionAI pic.twitter.com/AGyzt4NSVS

— BEVA President (@BEVAPresident) September 14, 2018

Practical dentistry teaching… straight from the horse’s mouth! @BEVA_news @RossdalesVets @n_townsend79 @RobPascoe1 @DentistryEquine @EquineVetDental @IMSEuroLtd #beva18 #dearsonvet pic.twitter.com/YAaL1TsZor

— Lucy Grieve (@LucyGrieveVet) September 14, 2018

@BEVA_news have got world specialists in equine neonatalogy discussing State of the Art Treatment of Neonates to small groups of equine vets – fantastic! #beva18 @RossdalesVets @LangfordVets pic.twitter.com/m3nbhATx8z

— Sarah Smith (@Smithsarahscott) September 14, 2018

The delegates just can’t enough of these #beva18 @BEVA_news Congress practicals! @RossdalesVets @DentistryEquine @EquineVetDental @IMSEuroLtd pic.twitter.com/BaR9zralJd

— Lucy Grieve (@LucyGrieveVet) September 14, 2018