Equine Medical Services


352-357-3300

Fax: 352-357-3301

Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday By Appointment

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POISONOUS PLANTS


Fortunately, the number of plants in Florida poisonous to equines is smaller in number than in some states. Unfortunately, they are quite widespread. Of particular concern is Black Nightshade, Lantana, and Crotalaria.


Click on this link for more information and great photos: Poisonous Plants of the Southeastern United States


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SAND

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When I approach the subject of sand, I usually ask "Are you keeping up on your sand therapy?" While strategies vary around the country, the environment in Florida is such that we need to take extra care to ensure that our horses are ridding themselves of the sand they inadvertently pick up on a daily basis. (Notice I didn't say if they pick up sand...) The best tool we have is psyllium, which is available in a variety of forms and flavors. Psyllium becomes gel-like when moistened by saliva and/or gastric juices and serves to pick up sand from the gut as it passes through. The amount of psyllium and the frequency of feeding are both important. A tablespoon does little in a gut that holds gallons and gallons. Likewise, the bacteria responsible for digestion in the large colon are smart critters that will learn to digest psyllium if fed on a daily basis, which defeats the purpose.


So, the most effective sand therapy program for most horses in Florida is to feed 8oz (measuring cup) twice daily one day a week FOREVER. If your pasture is poor or your horse is kept on a dirt lot, then therapy should be modified to 8oz twice daily twice a week on NON-CONSECUTIVE days. For example, Sunday and Wednesday or Saturday and Tuesday. Occasionally, we have to feed a purge cycle which entails 8oz twice daily for 5 days. Are there any times of the year that sand management is more important than others? While we must address sand therapy on a weekly basis in Florida, spring and fall tend to be seasons that we need to pay extra special attention. Horses try to get the very newest, greenest shoots of new grass as it is coming in, and they try to get the very last green available when the grass is dying. These are often times that we need to increase our frequency to twice a week.


Barn management can help to reduce the amount of sand your horse consumes. Do not feed hay directly on the ground. Place hay on a mat or wide board that can be swept off before feeding. Likewise, if your horse is a messy eater, place a mat or board beneath his/her bucket that can be swept before eating to provide a clean place for him/her to later pick up what they have dropped. Plenty of good quality hay provides for a full and healthy colon. A healthy colon has better motility and therefore ability to move sand along and out.


Psyllium is available in powdered and pelleted forms. The pelleted forms are usually flavored and are harder to sort out of feed than the powdered variety. If you choose to use powdered psyllium (Metamucil or equivalent store brands) be sure to use those that are sugar-free. The goal is a 99% psyllium content.


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ENCEPHALITIS, WEST NILE VIRUS & RABIES

westnilehorse

 

Florida horses are at risk for several diseases based on the climate and surrounding environment. Some of these horses are at risk for additional diseases based on the work they do and the places they go. As responsible horse owners, it is our duty to keep ourselves informed on current disease developments and prevention strategies in order to protect the animals that depend on us for their care and survival.

Vaccines are powerful tools when used wisely along with good management practices aimed at reducing your horses exposure to infectious diseases. At the very least, ALL horses is Florida should be vaccinated against Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis, Tetanus, West Nile Virus and Rabies. The schedule for these vaccines depends on the product used to vaccinate as well as your horses exposure to disease.


Click Here For More Vaccination Information: American Association of Equine Practitioners Guidelines


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THEHORSE.COM

thehorse

Dr. Rusin Recommends: TheHorse.com as a source of pretty good information. They send out free e-newsletters weekly full of information on nutrition, lameness, breeding, etc. You might want to check it out.