Tail Nerve Damage?
Added 12-26-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
I have a gelding who is holding his tail off to the side (about a week now), this was after riding longer than our usual time - possible nerve issue or what? – Carla, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Carla,
A complete Neuro exam would need to done to determine that. If the horse is fine otherwise I would probably monitor the situation and see if it resolves. If the problem worsens or other neuro signs appear, then you might start thinking about EPM, West Nile etc. – Dr. Martin

Allergic Reaction
Added 12-26-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
I have a 23 yr old TB mare that seems to have some sort of allergic reaction every year right around this time (late fall - I’m writing this on Nov 9). We live in eastern PA. I don’t think it’s due to anything she’s eating since she used to not be on any t/o at all...just some hand grazing. She is on regular, daily t/o now (has been for about the last yr and a 1/2) but was kept in her stall during this last time due to an injury (she’s fine now - she had a minor kick wound on her leg). What happens is this - she develops swelling on each side of her body. The areas are flat and wide (larger than my hand in some places). It’s “symmetrical” in that they appear on both sides of her body. Areas on both sides of her neck, both flanks and down almost to her mid-line under her belly. Areas on both sides of her belly, which vary in size and location, and sometimes around the “elbow-armpit” area - again both sides. There is no itching or sensitivity. She seems completely unaware of these areas. They last 2-3 days, then disappear then she starts “shedding” skin. The skin comes off looking like tiny confetti. There is no loss of hair, the skin looks fine underneath. My vet has no idea what this is. I can’t find anything on the web. This year, she seems to be going through this twice...first time lasted only a day (swelling), then some skin shedding, then swelling again for the more “normal” 2-3 days and more “confetti.” It’s about over with now...but can you give me any idea what this is? Some sort of systemic allergic reaction to something in the air? Or the change in temperature? Her coat is lovely, soft and shiny (everyone always comments on how incredibly soft her coat is). She’s very healthy and ridden usually 4-5 days a week. Groomed daily of course. Any ideas are appreciated. Thx! JJ, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear JJ,
It sounds like you are describing hives. Horses will get these from time to time and it is very difficult to determine what triggers them. Most of the time they go away very quickly and rarely do they cause any major problems. Sometimes I will give steroids to horses if they are bad but, most of the time they resolve on their own. – Dr. Martin

Shivering
Added 12-26-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
Is shivering just in the back legs or all the legs of horse’s and is there a cure? Thanks, John, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear John,
Shivers can be progressive and affect all four limbs although most cases seem to affect just the hind limbs. Exercise and certain dietary changes sometimes help but there is no definitive cure. – Dr. Martin

Allergic to Oats?
Added 12-26-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
Can horses be allergic to oats? Maureen, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Maureen,
I suppose horses can be allergic to anything. I just read an article about a horse that was allergic to grass. So I would have to assume that a horse might be allergic to oats also. – Dr. Martin

Coughing & Labored Breathing
Added 12-26-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
I have a mare that is a 17-year-old Shetland. She has been coughing a lot and her breathing is labored so I took her to my local vet. He said she has emphysema. He gave her dexamethasone. It stopped the coughing but not the struggling to breath. I have heard about a new medicine out called Ventapullman that is being using to treat this kind of disorder. Are there any side effects of this drug? Is it a smart move to get her on it? Thanks-Carla Willis, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Carla,
Has the horse had an endoscopic exam? That is the first thing that I would do. Ventipulmin is a broncho- dilator and does help in certain disorders but an endoscopic exam would certainly provide more information. Sweating and increased heart rate are some of the side effects of Ventipulmin., but these are rare. Discuss Ventipulmin with your vet and see if they feel that it is appropriate for your horse. - Dr. Martin.

Cutting Training
Sore Hocks
Added 12-2-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
I have a two-year-old quarter horse that we have put into cutting training, how do I keep him from getting sore hocks? I don’t want to give the shots the trainer is telling me about. Thank you – Molly, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Molly,
Any horse that goes into hard training is likely to end up sore somewhere. Good slow conditioning will help your horse get into shape and lower the probability of the horse getting sore. Cutting horses as well as many of the performance horses have a job that requires quick stops and turns, which predispose them to sore hocks and other problems. I am not sure whether your trainer is recommending anti-inflammatories such as Bute, or Adequan and Legend, which actually helps maintain the cartilage in the joints. Joint injections in the hocks are also used in horses with sore hocks. It is my opinion that you should visit with your trainer and your regular veterinarian and see if you guys can come up with a plan that will work for your horse. Usually the performance level drops when a horse gets sore. So it may be beneficial for your veterinarian to periodically examine the horse to determine whether it is sore and it might not be a bad idea to come up with a maintenance or preventative plan that might include one or more of the above mentioned drugs or strategies. – Dr. Martin

Change from Pellets to Hay
Added 12-2-04

Dear Dr. Martin,
If you switch your horse from pellets to hay can this cause Colic due to the fact that the intestines are used to the smaller fiber in the pellets.  Seems how the hay has longer fibers and the intestines have shrunk due to smaller fiber.  Is this true? – Lydi, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Lydi,
I am not sure I understand your question. Has the horse not been on hay? Is the horse in a pasture where he has access to good quality grazing? Are you trying to cut out the pellets or grain and go strictly to hay? Any time you change feed you need to do it slowly. Change in feed, change in management and a change in environment are the three areas, which have been shown to increase the risk of colic. All horses should be n a balanced diet with access to clean fresh water. Unless the horse is on a complete feed it should have a good balance of grain and hay. You might want to visit with your veterinarian about a feeding program that will fit you and your horse. – Dr. Martin

Flu Rhino Shot
Added 12-2-04

Dear Dr. Martin.
I need to give the Flu Rhino shot, where to I give it?  In the muscle or the vein? – Thanks, Molly, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Molly,
Flu-Rhino shots are given in the muscle. – Dr. Martin

Headshaking
Added 10-24-04

Dear Dr. Mike,
Is there some veterinary explanation for the excessive head shaking of my horse whenever she has a bit in her mouth, or is it just because the bit is hurting her? I’ve already changed bits twice, and the next softest “bit” is a cheek snaffle. Please help!! – Kebra, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Kebra,
There are many reasons why your horse might be headshaking. When was the last time the horse’s teeth were floated? Does the horse have any hooks or points that might be causing the problem? I have also seen horses that have problems with their throat that can cause them to have problems with the bit. There is also a syndrome in horses that is actually called Headshaking Syndrome. In all reality it sounds like the horse could use an extensive oral exam and also possibly an endoscopic exam to try and rule out more common problems. – Dr. Martin

Pinworms
Added 10-24-04

Dr Martin,
I have two Arabian mares, one is 20 years old and the other 14 years old, I just recently wormed them 2 weeks ago with Zemectrin Gold. I noticed the other morning I’m seeing pinworms in the older one.  How soon can I worm them again, and what should I use this time? Thank you, Paula, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Paula,
Ivermectin based problems will usually take care of pinworms. If you are sure that you are still seeing pinworms then try Anthelcide. The Anthelcide can be used immediately and it should take care of the problem. – Dr. Martin

Temperature
Added 10-24-04

Dr. Martin,
Does the horse’s temperature change after it runs? If it does, how much does it change? How much is the temperature is before it runs? – Leah, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Leah,
The normal temperature for an adult horse should run between 100-101. This can vary somewhat depending on hair length and the weather. If the horse is sweating properly the temperature should not rise much after the horse has run a moderate distance or for that matter any distance as long as the horse is conditioned properly. Normal thermoregulation mechanisms help the horse maintain a relatively constant temperature. – Dr. Martin

Beet Pulp
Added 10-24-04

Dr. Martin,
Can you explain the benefits of beat pulp? I have an acquaintance that swears by it saying it puts weight on her older horse, and she also likes it cause she has to soak it in water her she felt good because the horse was getting more water in her food to move things along. Thanks – Wendi, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Wendi,
Beet Pulp is a good source of fiber and also has a large amount of calories. Your friend is telling the truth. It works well on older horses because of the above-mentioned reasons. It is added commercially to many feeds. It can also be used as a feed additive like your friend is using it. It is a very dry product and that is why it needs to be moistened. It also lacks certain vitamins and minerals so it can also affect the diet and possibly lead to an unbalanced ration. For that reason a commercially available feeds with beet pulp in it might be a better alternative. There are several articles on the net that have information about beet pulp. – Dr. Martin

Colic and Diet
Added 10-24-04

Dr. Martin,
I know there is no guarantee, but what would you recommend as a feeding program to try and avoid colic? I’ve been told that colic can be caused by lots of reasons, what do you think is the #1 reason for colic in the horses that you’ve worked on? Jack, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Jack,
Is there a diet available that can keep my horse from having colic? If I had a nickel for every time I have been asked this question I would certainly be a millionaire right now. It is a valid question and I wished I had a good answer. The three things that have been associated with colic are a change in environment, a change in feed, and a change in management. It is also important that the horse be fed on a regular schedule. High quality feed and clean water are important. Regular exercise is also important. All this is common sense!! Having mentioned all of the above I will tell you I have seen horses that have coliced that have been on every type of diet you can imagine. Horses that were in stalls and horses that were on pasture. Horses fed only alfalfa and horse on complete feeds. I seen horses that in my opinion get optimum care that colic and I have seen horses that are cared for poorly not colic and vice versa. Horses intestines are made to graze all day long. So I think a horse that is out in the wild with good pasture would probably be less likely to colic. So here is my answer: feed your horse a high quality feed, with high quality hay, and a good source of clean water, provide good management in a low stress environment and make sure your horse gets plenty of exercise!!  But the most important thing is to keep your fingers crossed and have a plan in place about what to do and who to call if your horse does colic. – Dr. Martin

Banamine as Fever Reducer
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 10/1/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
We are having a discussion here in the little town I live in, Raymond, California.  I have been told, and found this to be true myself, that Banamine can be used as a fever reducer.  It is fast and very effective.  What is your opinion on using Banamine for fever?  This was given to my horse when she had a temp of l03 and impaction colic symptoms.  Thank you in advance for your opinion. Lois Deisher, Raymond, California submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Lois,
Yes, Banamine can be used as a fever reducer. Banamine and Bute are anti-inflammatory drugs that will reduce fever.

Tumors on Sheath
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 10/1/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
We have a thirty-year-old mustang gelding with 2 tumors on the edge of his sheath, one of which is approximately golf ball size. They appear bloody at times, black and crusty at other times.  They appear to diminish and dry up in the winter and regrow in the early spring.  It does not appear to affect his mobility or urination, nor does it seem to affect his overall health.  His gums are pink and moist, his stools have not changed and his appetite is fine.  We are very low on funds at this time, do you have any suggestion for the care of are friend. Or are there any assistance programs in our area. We live in Teller County, CO.  Thank You. Russell, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Russell,
There are a couple of things that come to mind. Cancer is certainly common in older horses in that area however, the tumors usually do not regress in the winter. The other possibility is “summer sores” or” Cutaneuos Habronmiasis.” Flies deposit their larvae into moist areas and cause a resulting sore. These are usually seasonal like you are describing. Ivermectin can be used to treat these sores although they can be very troublesome to cure. The only definitive way to diagnose this is by a biopsy and histopathology. Is the horse on a regular de-worming program? Contact your veterinarian and have a biopsy performed. If he is truly your friend then you need to realize that there are responsibilities in owning animals. If you cannot afford to care for the horse then find a place to donate the horse to that will provide proper care for the horse in his older years.

Allergy to Flies
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 10/1/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
I have a 5-yr old paint gelding who developed an apparent allergy to flies about 2 or 3 years ago.  I have a treatment plan that gives very limited results.  I’m looking for more suggestions or new ideas to help make him more comfortable.  Here is the treatment:  bathe first with betadine scrub, then with Equitaine shampoo - leave on 15 minutes and rinse, several times each week.  Keep him in a stall during the day with a fan on, fly spray daily, and turn out only at night.  His symptoms develop when the weather gets warmer and subside in winter. The poor guy has bumps and scabs from his neck, across his shoulders, and halfway down his front legs, and also on the upper half of his back legs.  He is so itchy, he rubs his mane and tail nearly off during the summer.  Fly spray is a joke!  They think he is allergic to those tiny “no-see-ems”.  Antihistamines and steroid injections give little noticeable relief.  We have ruled out ringworm, as he is the only one of eight that ever gets this way. Skin samples have been taken and analyzed... Is there anything that really works?  This course of treatment is very labor-intensive, but I’d be willing to proceed if it was even moderately successful.  Please, any help would be greatly appreciated!! Lara, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Lara,
Is this your plan or is this a plan that has been set up with the advice and follow-ups with your veterinarian? What did the skin samples show? How long was the horse on steroids? What kind of steroids was the horse on? These are all questions that need to be addressed. Some horses that have allergies need to stay on steroids long term. This can be a very complex problem and some horses are better off being referred to veterinarians that specialize in skin diseases.

Acute Airway
Obstruction
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 10/1/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
My horse, Axel, has something similar to heaves, but according to the vet, that’s not what it is.  He called it something like Acute Airway Obstruction.  The symptoms are similar to heaves, but it does produce mucous.  Apparently it’s more like emphazema than asthma. Like heaves, AAO is allergy related — it’s molds in the hay and grass that trigger the symptoms, and the disease is progressive.  Axel is a barrel horse with a heart to run, but lately he hasn’t been able to breathe well enough to run.  Right now my vet has Axel on dexamethasone, but one of the side effects of the medicine is laminitis.  A vet tech recommended antihistamines, but she didn’t say any particular brand. Can you recommend a brand to try? Erin, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Erin,
I am not sure what you are talking about? Has the horse had an endoscopic exam done? Has a chest x-ray been done? Has the horse had a trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage done? All these are things could help pinpoint a diagnosis in your horse and also help form guidelines for treatment. What is the dose, duration of treatment, and what kind of steroid has the horse been on? Is the horse on bronchodilators? Discuss these things with your veterinarian. Your vet has seen the horse and should be able to answer these questions. If your veterinarian won’t communicate with you, then find one that will! I have said this before and I will say it again: find a vet you are comfortable with and that you trust. Never be afraid to ask or get a second opinion. All I can do without examining the horse or seeing veterinary records on the horse is to give suggestions. So I think in this case the best thing to do is to talk to your vet about antihistamines and any other treatment you might want to pursue.

Stifle Infections
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 8/28/04

I have a 7-year-old (Gelding) Thoroughbred. He just got diagnosed with a stifle infection. Can you please give me possible causes and how long an average recovery will take! Currently, he is at the equine hospital in Lexington Kentucky. - Best regards, Jan Hrouda, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Jan,
        Stifle infections or an infection in any joint is a very serious matter. Prompt, aggressive treatment is called for in this situation. The prognosis and duration of treatment depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and how long it had been going on before treatment was started. Some horses recover completely and some horses might have a long-term lameness and other complications. The veterinarian treating the horse should be able to give you some guidance. It should be considered an emergency any time a horse injures itself near a joint. – Dr. Martin

Metabolic Disease
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 8/28/04

My 21-year-old Arabian Mare was recently diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome confirmed with blood tests. My Vet’s recommendation is to remove all grain from her diet and increase her exercise. She is on hay and pasture and has access to a mineral salt lick. Are there any herbs, vitamins and/or minerals; which may be helpful in lowering her glucose levels? I am worried about her getting a balanced diet now that she is off grain and vitamins. - Laura, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Laura,
There are many different types of Metabolic disease and I’m not sure what disease you are talking about with the information you have presented. Cushing’s disease is a metabolic disease that happens in older horses and could fit the symptoms you are describing. Without more information I am hesitant to give advice. Sorry!! – Dr. Martin

24-Year-Old Standardbred Off Feed
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 8/28/04

I have a 24 year old Standardbred who, in the last two or three days, has not been eating all of his grain or hay and has not been finishing all of his water. Last night, I went to ride him and noticed that he was shaking, almost like a shiver. Any ideas? Also, I noticed that the brown in his eyes looks as though they are slowly dripping or running into the pupils of his eyes. Like I said, he is 24 and am just wandering if this is just his age or if there is something else wrong that I may need to be concerned about. If you have any ideas, please let me know. Thanks for your time. - Brian, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Brian,
Anytime an older horse goes off feed it could be an emergency. Older and the very young do not tolerate illness very well. The dripping or running of the eyes sounds as if the horse could have corneal ulcers. This is a situation where your horse should be examined immediately by a veterinarian. The shaking or shivers is not normal and you could have a very seriously ill horse. My advice: seek immediate care!!!  - Dr. Martin

Shivering
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 8/28/04

I was wondering if you know anything about the equine disease known as ‘shivering’?

I am 17 years old and have owned my 11 year old welsh section D cross for over two years; recently he has started to misbehave for the farrier and has started to stop more frequently when jumping.  I visited my vet earlier this week, as I am concerned, this just isn’t how he normally behaves. 

When I bought Louie I was told he had a cataract in his right eye and cloudy vision in his left, however the vet assured me on Monday that there has been no dramatic change in the way his eyes look.  She then did some flex tests on him, I told her that it was quite usual for his back end to start shaking when you lifted his hind legs, especially if you lift them and pull them gently back (this is when he starts misbehaving for the farrier, he is fine with his front legs but as soon as the farrier has taken off the back shoes and held Lou’s hind legs up for any length of time – that’s when he starts thrashing about - he is the same when you try and put studs in his hinds).

The vet said the tests she ran didn’t show anything conclusive, however there is a possibility he has the early stages of a disease called ‘shivering’.

I was wondering if you could please let me know any information you have on this disease as my vet only told me that it was neurological, she didn’t explain any further than that. Thank you in advance for any advice or information you are able to give me about this disease, - Lauren Bourne, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Lauren,
Shivering is a neurological disease of unknown origin that is more common in Draft horses. It is an uncommon problem characterized by an involuntary flexion of the hind limbs and elevation of the tail. There is some recent evidence that this is related to polysaccharide storage disease and that some horses benefit from by feeding them a high fat low carb diet. Your horse sounds like the problem is more often on extension and not flexion. It says your horse is a Welsh cross and smaller horses commonly have stifle problems. It would probably help to do an in-depth lameness exam and to try to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. It is also possible that your horse have picked up some bad habits during the shoeing process. A complete lameness exam could help rule out behavioral problems. – Dr. Martin

Pregnant Mare in Heat
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 8/28/04

Is it possible for a mare to be in season, but still be in foal? – Carol, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Carol,
Yes it is possible for a pregnant mare to show heat. I have seen mares that would exhibit signs of heat throughout their pregnancy and would also stand and accept a stallion. If you are concerned about whether she is pregnant then you need to get an ultrasound exam or at least have her palpated by a veterinarian that is skilled in reproduction procedures in horses. – Dr. Martin

Bolster Prevented Tar & Pocket?
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 5/31/04

Dr. Martin,
Hi, my mare was bred for the third time last night. She is a 15.2 TB mare. She was bred to a 17h+ TB stallion. The last cover resulted in a tear and pocket in her vagina. I’m in another state but the stallion owner took her to a vet in KY and they sutured it up. She is on antibiotic injections 3x daily. My questions: Would a bolster have prevented this? I have read that the big KY barns use them with their big stallions. Also, the vet said she couldn’t be bred for the rest of the season. Will there be a chance of scar tissue from the tear and surgery that may prevent her from conceiving later on? Also, they did a lavage last night and she has to have that done daily too. If she took on her first two breeds, will that likely make her abort? – Rebecca, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Rebecca, 
       It is hard to say whether a breeding roll or bolster would have prevented a tear in the vagina. Some mares are more prone to tearing depending on whether they or moving around during the breeding process etc. She will probably heal up fine but there is a possibility of adhesions forming in the vagina. The veterinarian that sutured her up could probably give you a better prognosis since he/she performed the repair and knows the extent of the laceration. Lavaging the vagina probably won’t affect the possibility of pregnancy. It sounds like they are lavaging the vagina not the uterus which is where the embryo will ultimately be. Talk to the veterinarian who did the repair and I’m sure they would be happy to elaborate more on the mares condition and prognosis. - Dr. Martin

Lunp in Knee
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 5/31/04

Dr. Martin,
My 9-month-old colt has a lump on his left knee about 2cm in diameter; it’s on the lower half of the front of the knee, and slightly towards the inside.  It is soft, as if filled with fluid, to my knowledge, he has had no injury, and it does not cause him pain, and doesn’t seem to be growing or shrinking.  It looks like a sting, as it is so obviously shaped and sticks out a mile! Obviously I would be pulled on it in the ring, but more importantly, what is it and is it going to get worse? – Jody, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Jody,
It sounds as if you are describing a hygroma, which is a fluid filled area over the knee. These usually result from some type of trauma to the area. There is a bursa or sack over the knee, which can become inflamed due to a blow or kick. Horses sometimes bang their knee in the stall when startled and this can lead to a hygroma. Most of the time the horse is not lame. The best course of action would be to have your veterinarian x-ray the knee to rule out any underlying problems. If the knee bones are ok then your veterinarian would probably want to drain the swelling and inject a steroid in the bursa to reduce the inflammation. A pressure bandage could then be applied to attempt to keep fluid from forming in the area again. Sometimes the draining has to be repeated to get the situation to resolve completely. Talk with your veterinarian as to the best course of action.   - Dr. Martin 

Survival of Foal in Alaska
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 4/29/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
Hello from Alaska, My question is I have a mare due March 29,04 and our weather has turned cold again. What temperatures can a foal withstand? Our outside nights went from 30s to teens again. Have the garage ready to move the mare into if need be. (Yes we have done test runs and she enters all the time and is only unsetteled by barn buddy screaming.) I figure this will pass if foaling is in true stage one. But don’t want to mess with mother nature more than need be? What temperature is survival rate best? - Thanks, Diane, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Diane,
Put the mare in the garage. Treat your animals the way you would treat your flowers. Below freezing means below freezing. Would you rather be wet and cold or wet and warm. In Texas we are not faced with the extreme weather like you guys in Alaska. The primary problems you see in colder weather are ears freezing. It is not unusual for foals that are born in freezing weather to have the tips of the ears freeze. It can also be worse than that depending on how cold it is and if they have outside shelter. Do your best to keep them warm and dry. – Dr. Mike Martin

When does Appy foal show spots?
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 4/29/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
Just having an Appy foal. How long does it take for the baby to get its spots if it is going to have any? – Donna, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Donna,
Some foals are born with spots and in certain instances that won’t show up till later in life. You could take a whole course on genetics and probably still not know all there is to know about color in Appaloosas and your chances of getting color. Contact the Appaloosa Horse Club and they could probably direct to some good references that might be helpful. – Dr. Mike Martin

Dehydration & Metabolic Abnormalities
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 4/29/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
I have a 6-year-old stallion that has developed acute severe diarrhea due to the fact that he was on antibiotics. The vet has given me some oral meds to give him, a past and a liquid. I can’t remember the name at this time. What other treatments can I give him? Would it be safe to give him Gatorade or Pediolyte in his water. He is drinking some water and eating a little hay? The diarrhea is severe, watery and profuse. Thanks, Becci, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Becci,
Acute, severe diarrhea in any horse should be treated as an emergency in almost any horse. If it is related to antibiotic therapy then I would certainly be concerned. Fatal dehydration and metabolic abnormalities are potential side affects of diarrhea. Also horses can have Salmonella that humans can contract. Visit with your veterinarian as to the best course of action. Gatorade and Pedialyte can be used but usually it takes much more than that to return the horse to normal. – Dr. Mike Martin

Swollen, Slightly Warm Sheath
By Dr. Mike Martin, Retama Equine Hospital, Selma, TX
Added 4/29/04

Dear Dr. Martin,
My 20 year old gelding has had a swollen, slightly warm but not painful to my touch sheath for several months. I have been cleaning it regularly, and had the vet out to examine him. He cleaned and inspected the penis and prepuce thoroughly and could find nothing wrong. He felt it was due to his inactivity during the snowy winter months. I have been walking him, but the swelling continues and the sheath feels warm and slightly hard now. He has no fever and eats/drinks great. He has gotten very cranky as well. I feel something is wrong with him - what could it be? Are there any nutritional supplements I could give him? Thanks, Laura, submitted via www.horsegazette.com

Dear Laura,
Sometimes over washing the sheath can kill off the normal bacterial flora and cause the horse to get a superficial infection. This horse’s age also puts him at risk for cancer. If there is hard or irregular feeling areas than a biopsy might be indicated. Consult with your veterinarian and see if he thinks you are just cleaning the sheath excessively and if he or she feels that cancer is a possibility. – Dr. Mike Martin