Fernando J. Marqués, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, Diplomate ACVSMR
The exceptional athletic abilities of horses can be attributed to several factors, including physiological adaptations, some of which are influenced by training. Muscles, and all cells in the body, require energy to function. Energy from food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) is not directly transferred to muscles for biological work. Instead, it is converted into an energy-rich substance known as ATP. The oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is the process that produces ATP. There are three main energy systems that supply ATP to the cells: the immediate energy system, the short-term energy system, and the long-term energy system.
The immediate energy system relies on high-energy phosphate sources and plays a crucial role during intense physical activities of short duration that require immediate fuel. These high-energy phosphates are quickly depleted, typically within 20 to 30 seconds of maximum exertion, similar to what happens in humans.
The short-term energy system generates ATP mainly from stored muscle carbohydrates called glycogen. This process does not require oxygen, which is why it is referred to as anaerobic metabolism, leading to lactate accumulation within the muscle cells.
The long-term energy system, or aerobic system, produces ATP during prolonged, intense physical activity. This process requires oxygen, hence the name aerobic metabolism. In this system, fats are a significant fuel source.
The contribution of each energy system and fuel source (carbohydrates, fats, and to a lesser extent proteins) varies depending on factors such as exercise intensity and duration, training status, muscle fiber composition, and oxygen supply to the muscles. Understanding these factors is crucial, as exercise is generally categorized into aerobic/endurance (low intensity over a long duration) and power/strength (high intensity over a short duration). In practice, pure endurance or pure strength activities are rare, and most sports combine elements of both.
Additionally, muscles adapt to specific exercises and sports, which triggers the development of particular muscle fibers that utilize different fuel sources and energy systems to produce ATP.
In equestrian sports, no discipline is exclusively anaerobic or aerobic. Most sports require a combination of both energy systems. For example, racehorses and western performance horses engage in high-intensity, fast-paced activities for short periods, primarily relying on anaerobic metabolism. Conversely, show jumping and polo horses mainly engage in aerobic exercise but switch to anaerobic metabolism to meet the intense energy demands of their sport. Eventing and endurance racing horses, on the other hand, rely predominantly on aerobic metabolism to sustain their energy levels over prolonged periods of activity.
Designing an effective training program for a horse requires considering the optimal adaptation of muscle fiber composition to enhance metabolic function and improve performance in the specific sport.
References:
- Hinchcliff K., Geor R., Kaneps A. Equine Exercise Physiology- The Science of Exercise in the Athletic Horse. Saunders
- McArdle W., Katch F., Katch V. Exercise Physiology. Wolters Kluwer, 8th Edition.
- https://equineclinic.com/medical/understanding-energy-support-for-the-performance-horse/
By Alice Collins / Jump Media
The warm late summer of 2024 has paved the way for more mosquitos and heralded the start of West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) season for both horses and humans. WNV and EEE are both equine encephalitis viruses spread by infected mosquitos. They can cause severe brain inflammation and neurological issues in humans and horses and can be fatal in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated equine populations.
With almost daily cases of WNV in horses being reported in several U.S. states throughout August 2024, plus news of humans contracting the rare but extremely serious EEE virus, people are rightfully concerned about how to protect their animals and themselves from both WNV and EEE. The Wellington, Florida-based Palm Beach Equine Center (PBEC)advises on what you can do to minimize the risk of exposure and infection.
WNV and EEE by the Numbers
Both WNV and EEE circulate in the environment between mosquitoes and birds and are spread to horses and humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. However, even though they get sick, humans and horses are dead-end hosts that do not, in turn, spread these viruses back to mosquitoes that bite them.
Since 1999, more than 27,600 U.S. horses have been confirmed to have WNV, with an estimated fatality rate of 30-40%. With yearly activity of around 300 equine cases in the U.S., WNV is now considered endemic, persisting at a consistent level with fairly predictable rates of infection and spread.
EEE, also known as sleeping sickness, causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Mortality can exceed 90% in unvaccinated horses and is lower in horses with partial protection or previous vaccination. Death usually occurs within two to three days of the onset of signs. Horses that survive may have permanent neurologic deficits.
While the diseases sound alarming, the good news is that vaccination is a very effective barrier for your horse. EEE and WNV inoculations are considered core vaccines by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Annual injections for all horses, preferably in the spring before mosquito season, are strongly recommended. Initial vaccination is followed in four to six weeks with a booster, with yearly revaccination thereafter. Horses living in areas with mosquitos year-round may need EEE vaccinations two or three times a year for full protection.
Clinical Signs
The clinical signs of the two illnesses are almost identical, and can include:
- Depression and anorexia without fever when initially infected
- Mild low-grade fever in about 25% of affected horses with WVN
- Moderate to high fever in horses with EEE
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy/drowsiness
- Neurologic signs, the onset of which are frequently sudden and progressive
- Periods of hyperexcitability, apprehension and/or drowsiness
- Fine tremors of the face and neck muscles
- Cranial nerve paralysis — facial paralysis and weakness of the tongue are very common
- Head tilt, droopy lip, muzzle deviation
- Weakness, ataxia, and lack of coordination in one or more limbs
- Complete paralysis of one or more limbs
- Colic
- Inability to stand
Diagnosis and Treatment
A veterinarian will diagnose both WNV and EEE by testing the horse’s serum, a component of whole blood. There is no cure for either virus, but horses showing clinical signs are given supportive care.
Prevention
Aside from vigilant vaccination suitable for the horse’s environment, there are other measures owners can take to prevent infection from both WNV and EEE. They include frequent use of insect repellent, which should be reapplied after rain, keeping horses stabled at night, minimizing standing water, and eliminating areas in which water can collect, such as leaf piles or old tires.
PBEC President Dr. Scott Swerdlin advises, “We can vaccinate against all these diseases, and it’s really important to remember that it’s not just the first set; it takes at least two injections for the horse to develop immunity.”
Swerdlin also points out that horses traveling into an affected region can be put at far greater risk, adding, “People who bring horses to the U.S. from South America or Europe are exposing them to different diseases than they are accustomed to in their native country. They should vaccinate the horses immediately on arrival and then, after the first vaccine, every 12 months. In Florida, where there is a huge mosquito population, we recommend vaccinating against EEE and WNV, as well as rhinovirus, every six months for maximum protection.”
There are no approved human vaccines for WNV or EEE. Personal protective measures include using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts tucked into long pants, and limiting time outdoors from dusk to dawn. Using air conditioning and installing screens further decreases the risk of exposure.
For additional questions, veterinary assistance, or to book your horse’s vaccinations, call Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.
By Alice Collins / Jump Media
Originally from Virginia, Mackenzie Harmon completed her undergraduate degree at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, in May of 2023. Later that year, she joined the Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) team as a veterinary technician for Dr. Tyler Davis.
What is your background with horses?
I have a big background with horses. My dad bought a farm in 2007, got a few horses, and had my sister and I start riding. I was seven at the time, and I’ve been riding ever since. I always took every opportunity I could to watch and learn as much as I could, whether that was from a vet, a farrier, or a barn manager. In 2020, I worked as a barn manager for a few weeks and really enjoyed that.
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a vet tech?
When I finished school, I was torn between going to nursing school and being an ER nurse, a scrub nurse in the OR, or becoming a vet. I looked for a job as a nurse for months and was unsuccessful, so I decided to apply to an equine hospital and see if I would get a position. When I got the job at the equine clinic, I figured it would help me decide whether I loved working with animals and wanted to become a vet, or if I hated it and wanted to become a nurse.
Originally, I didn’t think I had enough experience to be a vet tech so I applied to just be a vet tech assistant, cleaning stalls and helping hold horses if the techs were too busy. After doing that for a few weeks, I realized I was over-qualified and should have just been a tech. I worked as a vet tech assistant at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and after being there for a few months I got a job offer from Palm Beach Equine Clinic to be a hospital technician. As soon as I started I realized it was way more up my alley.
What does a typical day look like for you at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
I currently work as an ambulatory technician, so my days are spent in the car traveling to different farms to treat horses. My boss, Dr. Davis, specializes in dentistry so we float a lot of teeth. During the winter season, it’s pretty much non-stop and we generally put in 10-hour days or more. The summertime slows down a little bit, but there are still some days when we go non-stop. If we aren’t doing dentals, you can find us doing sports medicine work, such as injecting joints and taking x-rays.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
Even though I’ve been working with vets for about a year, I’m still not sure what aspect interests me most. I find surgery really cool, but I also enjoy the sports medicine side of things. I find every case rewarding in its own way because we are always there to help the horses feel better and perform their best.
What is one of the most interesting cases you have worked on?
There was a horse who kept coming to the clinic due to not eating. We started by scoping him for ulcers and then treating him for ulcers. Several weeks later the same horse came back because he still wasn’t eating, so we pulled out all of his incisor teeth. After doing that, the horse has been thriving and is now eating like crazy.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
It’s hard to pick just one part. I am such an animal lover, so I just enjoy being with the horses. I also love it when we’re able to fix a problem that a horse might be having and then seeing them thrive later on.
When not at PBEC, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not working, you can find me at my own barn riding my horse, or at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, helping staff with lessons, teaching lessons myself, or schooling their horses.
To learn more about the full range of services on offer at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, call 561-793-1599 or visit https://equineclinic.com/.
By Alice Collins / Jump Media
Wellington, FL – Miss Miami is one of Miami’s longest-serving and most-valued police horses, having joined the team 21 years ago and been through six police chiefs. In the early spring of 2024 at the age of 26, Miami Police Department (PD) had begun to wind down her workload and prepare her for retirement. However, on April 10 Miss Miami looked uncomfortable, and officers called their veterinarian.
“She was not feeling good, and it looked like colic,” explained Lieutenant Redondo of Miami PD. “The vet came and saw she was in distress and said we’d probably have to do surgery. They couldn’t do it and referred us to Palm Beach Equine Clinic [PBEC].”
Miss Miami was driven straight to PBEC in Wellington, FL, where the team carried out a physical exam, blood work, nasogastric intubation, an ultrasound, abdominocentesis, and a rectal exam. Their findings were consistent with a surgical lesion, and she was diagnosed with a strangulating lipoma, a small, benign, fatty tumor that develops within the abdomen and occasionally develops a long, string-like stalk. The lipoma and stalk can wrap around a part of the horse’s digestive system, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death of that section of intestine.
On the day she arrived at PBEC, Miss Miami was taken to emergency surgery after an initial evaluation and operated on by Dr. Weston Davis DVM, DACVS, who ended up performing a resection and anastomosis, which is where a part of intestine is removed and the two ends are rejoined.
“Miss Miami was routinely induced under general anesthesia; the abdomen was clipped and aseptically prepared for surgery,” explained Davis, who is a native of South Florida and whose father was also a veterinarian. “A midline incision was created, and exploration revealed a large segment of mid-jejunum [the middle part of the small intestine] that appeared to have been strangulated by the stalk of a strangulating lipoma.”
The portion of the small intestine affected was no longer viable, so Davis removed the two-foot long segment of jejunum. Miss Miami’s abdominal incision was then closed with absorbable sutures in the deeper layers and stainless-steel staples in the skin.
Miss Miami was given intravenous fluid therapy including pain relief, electrolytes, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and gastroprotectants. She recovered from the anesthesia without incident, and a large abdominal support bandage was applied in recovery.
She was not yet out of the woods, however. Miss Miami’s forelimb digital pulses were mildly elevated in the first 36 hours after the operation. She was managed with digital cryotherapy, and frog supports were applied to both front feet. Her appetite was also diminished following surgery, and she was fed via nasogastric intubation until her appetite began to increase. At that point, her rations were given normally, and the quantity was gradually increased. Her digital pulses returned to normal.
After a week at PBEC, Miss Miami was bright, with a good appetite, passing normal manure, and walking comfortably. She was ready to be released back into the care of Miami PD. Their local veterinarian oversaw the removal of Miss Miami’s stitches a week later, and her belly bandage was reapplied. The Miami PD team was also given four daily exercises by PBEC for Miss Miami to start at home two weeks after surgery to help support her recovery: barrel lifts, butt tucks, stepping backwards, and walking over poles.
“She would have died without the surgery,” stated Redondo. “She has recovered really well. She is still here with us in Miami, but we have started the paperwork to retire her to farmland up in North Florida. Everybody around here knows her and loves her; she’s one of our most famous horses. She’s been here longer than I have, and she’s one of the horses that we liked to use on the regular. Having a horse that already knows the job and is used to all the traffic and loud noises makes it easy, so we are going to miss her.
“The fact that the department agreed to take care of a horse who is old or not being ridden anymore says a lot, and the fact that PBEC took care of her was so great,” he concluded.
PBEC’s kindness and swift action ensured that Miss Miami will now be able to enjoy the retirement she deserves after her years of loyal service. If you or your veterinarian would like to learn more about Palm Beach Equine Clinic and how it can help your horse, call 561-793-1599 or visit www.EquineClinic.com.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic served as Official Treating Veterinarian during the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) of Miami Beach in Miami, FL, from Sunday, April 9 through Sunday, April 16, 2023. Dr. Christopher Elliott was on-site daily during this international competition. Keep reading to learn about Dr. Elliott’s week while at this one-of-a-kind venue.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
Arrival of International Horses – Sunday, April 9, 2023
The first day started at the airport with the arrival of the international horses. During this process, Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians worked alongside the government veterinarians from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make sure all the horses arriving were happy and healthy. While the horses were still on the airport tarmac, a team of government and local veterinarians performed the first two steps of the arrival process. First, we checked and cross-referenced microchips to confirm each horse’s identity. Then we took blood samples from each horse.
All horses entering the U.S. had to be in quarantine for 48 hours under USDA government control. There are very strict veterinary protocols to ensure no diseases are inadvertently introduced into the country. Upon arrival in quarantine, horses were inspected by the USDA veterinarians for any evidence of illness or injury. All the horses in quarantine had their temperature taken and were inspected for any ectoparasites.
After being strictly monitored, including twice-daily veterinary inspections and temperature checks, the international horses were released from strict quarantine into the controlled competition environment. The international horses were housed in separate stables from domestic American horses. They were also kept separate in the training arena. Throughout the duration of the competition, all international horses were strictly monitored by both government veterinarians and the official veterinarians of the competition. All of these procedures are designed to prevent the inadvertent introduction of foreign or infectious diseases and protect the U.S. horse population. Fortunately, all of the international horses that arrived in Miami had no health concerns.
Arrival Examination Day for National Horses, Horse Inspection, and Arena Familiarization – Thursday, April 13, 2023
I began Thursday at the competition venue with the arrival examination for all FEI horses who were already in the United States.
We inspected each national horse for any obvious signs of illness or injury, and then we scanned their microchip. Our microchip readers are linked via Bluetooth to our phones so when we scan a microchip, we can see all of the horse’s FEI details within the veterinary side of the FEI HorseApp. The app gives us all the information we need to know about the horse and whether all of the documentation was done correctly. Before the horses arrived at the competition venue, the owners and riders were required to complete documentation on the FEI HorseApp including the self-declaration of health stating that their horses were healthy prior to arriving at the venue. They also had to take their horses’ temperatures in the morning and evening for three days prior to arrival at the FEI venue and record it in the app.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
After we checked that information, we looked at the horse’s passport to make sure it was up to date with all of its vaccinations. We checked that the last Equine Influenza vaccination was within six months and 21 days of arrival at the horse show. We also asked the rider or groom to take the horse’s temperature right then and there to make sure it is good.
Once the horses were all checked in, the horse inspection for national and international horses got underway. I supervised all of the national and international horses going through horse inspection. As the Official Treating Veterinarian, I worked with the veterinary delegate who traveled in from Italy since LGCT has a very international team. During the horse inspection, my role was to make sure everything ran smoothly. I was also there to examine any horses that might not have been successful through the jog but fortunately they all passed the jog. After the horse inspection, it was time for arena familiarization and schooling where I stood ringside to make sure all horses stayed injury free.
Competition Days – Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16, 2023
The competition days started really early. Thankfully at this event it’s not too bad because you get to see the sunrise over the ocean. The warm-up and schooling arena opened at 5:30 a.m., so I was on-call by the schooling arena then to make sure all horses were happy and healthy.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
Once the competition began, I was right there at the in-gate with the emergency veterinary kit bag just in case I needed to attend to any horses in the ring. Fortunately we only had to look at a couple of very minor things throughout the competition.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
In the afternoons my role changed to supporting the horses’ recovery from the competition day. Dr. Sarah Allendorf from Palm Beach Equine Clinic came down from Wellington each afternoon to help. Between the two of us, we examined horses after they competed and advised riders and grooms on how best to look after them in preparation for the next day. We administered some supportive therapies within the rules of the FEI. On Saturday it was very hot and humid, so we administered some fluids to help the horses recover and ensure they were fit and healthy for the following day.
On Sunday afternoon while the final CSI2* competition was taking place, Dr. Allendorf and I prepared the international horses for their next journey. We made sure the horses were healthy and ready to travel. We escorted them to the airport where they went on to the next LGCT event – Mexico City!
On Sunday afternoon while the final CSI2* competition was taking place, Dr. Allendorf and I prepared the international horses for their next journey. We made sure the horses were healthy and ready to travel. We escorted them to the airport where they went on to the next LGCT event – Mexico City!
As winter winds down and everyone looks ahead to the exciting spring and summer show season, there are preparations that can be taken in your horse’s care to ensure you get off on the right hoof. Close communication with your veterinarian can help you stay on track and ensure everything is properly addressed. Vaccinations, deworming, therapies and treatments, as well as shipping care and paperwork are all important to think about. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, Dr. Elizabeth Barrett works with her clients to stay organized for the upcoming show season.
Photo by Bridget Ness Photography
Vaccinations
Horses are generally vaccinated twice per year in the fall and spring. If you and your horse are traveling to a new area for the spring and summer season, it is important to think about the requirements of that area or diseases more commonly found there. As an example, Dr. Barrett notes that the Potomac Fever vaccine is not always administered in Florida but can be important for horses traveling to the northeastern part of the country.
Vaccinations also need to be administered with enough time prior to shipping or competing, making scheduling considerations more crucial. Dr. Barrett maintains consistent communication with her clients to find the most optimal day to vaccinate such that it coincides with the horse’s existing schedule. While horse owners and barn managers help organize timing, Dr. Barrett stays prepared on her end by counting her patients and ordering enough vaccines for them.
“The responsibility goes both ways,” said Dr. Barrett. “Usually, the farm manager will let me know that they have some time off from showing, so it’s a good time for spring vaccines. I might also remind them that it’s getting to be time to do that so they can work it into their schedules.”
Photo courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Barrett
Deworming
Springtime is also a good opportunity to deworm. When horses have traveled from one area to another, it is more crucial. While Dr. Barrett recommends worming twice annually, she explained that it is necessary to pay attention to each individual horse. Examining the horse and knowing the horse’s situation should guide the worming program. Horses that show clinical signs of worms, such as issues with weight and coat, should have a fecal egg count performed no matter what time of year.
Therapies and Treatments
Many horses are completing busy winter show schedules and heading into a break before ramping back up again. This downtime is a great window of opportunity to help address any issues that may have emerged. Dr. Barrett suggests having your horse treated at the beginning of a break to allow more time for the treatment to settle in. Some joint injections and therapies require longer recovery times, so that needs to be planned accordingly.
“After the winter show circuit, I go over all the horses completely to see if there are any issues,” detailed Dr. Barrett. “If there is any lameness or any maintenance we need to do, we try to time it so that the horse has at least a small break before they ship to their next show. Sometimes the horse just needs downtime, and during the spring is often the time they can get that rest. It’s also a good time for different training routines, such as a water treadmill or hill work to change up the program a little bit.”
Shipping
Spring and summer showing and shipping go hand in hand. Remembering all the paperwork that needs to be completed ahead of time is key to avoiding a last-minute scramble. Health certificates and Coggins papers are necessary documents for horses to travel both domestically and internationally. Dr. Barrett notes that it takes at least two days for a vet to complete this paperwork for national travel, so it is essential to keep that in mind when arranging an interstate trip. International travel health certificates take longer to prepare and have more requirements, necessitating additional forethought.
Once the logistics are handled, the horse must be physically prepared to ship. The longer the trip, the more stress it can put on the horse. Even trips as few as three hours can increase health concerns. Stomach ulcers are always a risk, so Dr. Barrett suggests administering preventative omeprazole paste to help keep your horse comfortable. Again, Dr. Barrett stresses that each horse needs to be considered individually, so a horse more prone to ulceration might also benefit from sucralfate when shipping.
“I would scope the stomach of any horse we are worried about that is clinically showing signs that they could have ulcers,” shared Dr. Barrett. “When they ship, it helps to try to feed them a little bit at a time with a steady supply of hay throughout the trip so that their stomach is full.”
Shipping fever and colic are other common issues. Taking your horse’s temperature and monitoring their behavior can help detect the problem sooner. Dr. Barrett also offers a couple of tricks to keep your horse hydrated and feeling comfortable in travel. Feeding a wet mash with mineral oil before the journey helps prevent impaction. Getting your horse accustomed to an electrolyte-flavored water beforehand allows you to produce the same familiar flavor on the road to encourage even the most stubborn drinker.
Additional precautions can be made to prevent other injuries. Considering the horse and weather will guide the best plan. For example, in warmer weather a horse that travels well might do better without wraps, but a horse that is more self-destructive could still need extra protection. Certain halters can cause rubs in warmer weather too. Dr. Barrett cautions that injury can also be caused by a travel buddy.
“It is really important to pay attention to what horses are next to each other,” emphasized Dr. Barrett. “I’ve seen plenty of injuries where one horse is picking on another and causing trouble. I’ve seen more injuries from that than self-inflicted horse wounds, but both can happen. You have to be careful.”
It helps to have cameras on the horses during longer trips to ensure there are no issues. Since the driver usually stops for gas every four hours or so, that is a good time to check on the horses and offer water. For trips of more than 10 hours, it can help to stop and unload the horses to give them a break. Many commercial shippers will drive directly, so in those cases, the health preparations you make are even more significant.
In all of your organization for spring, the most important thing is to stay in contact with your veterinarian. They will be able to inform your decisions, help with timing issues, and make the best possible plan for you and your horse.
Which veterinarian do you work with, and how long have you been at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
I work with Dr. Bryan Dubynsky who specializes in sport horse medicine. I started working at Palm Beach Equine Clinic at the beginning of 2022. I began as a veterinary technician in the Hospital Barn and then transitioned to working with Dr. Dubynsky.
What does a typical day look like for you at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
A typical day starts with restocking the vet truck. I always make sure we have all the drugs and supplies we will need for the day. Once the truck is stocked, we spend the day traveling to different barns in the area treating and evaluating horses.
Photo courtesy Laura Romero
What made you decide to become a veterinary technician?
I grew up in Okeechobee, FL, and I enrolled in my high school’s veterinarian program. I was also part of the agricultural program at my school. I found both of those courses very interesting, and they inspired me to become a veterinary technician.
What is your background with horses?
I grew up riding western as a kid and always loved being around horses.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to travel and spend time with my friends.
When Natasha Masri purchased Gypsy, a then four-month-old miniature donkey, on October 21, 2022, she could not wait to take her new pet home. Less than two weeks later Gypsy arrived at Masri’s farm along with four other miniature donkeys and horses.
While the other new animals were thriving at Masri’s farm, Gypsy’s health slowly started to decline. By January of 2023, Masri could tell that Gypsy was not herself. The young miniature donkey was lethargic, laying down a lot, and losing weight. Masri called her regular veterinarian to examine Gypsy. After a few days it was evident that Gypsy’s condition was not improving so Masri and her veterinarian decided to call Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, for an internal medicine specialist.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Fernando Marqués
“Within two hours Dr. Fernando Marqués was at our farm ready to help,” recalled Masri. “When I met Dr. Marqués my anxiety vanished because I could tell he knew what he was doing. He was very good about talking to me as he was working with Gypsy, which was invaluable to me as someone without a medical background.”
Photo courtesy of Dr. Fernando Marqués
Dr. Fernando Marqués, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, began his evaluation of Gypsy by asking Masri for the miniature donkey’s medical history. Masri explained Gypsy was lethargic, losing weight, had a fever, and had bloodwork abnormalities. Dr. Marqués then continued with a physical exam to learn more about Gypsy’s overall health.
“When I did a physical exam of Gypsy, I found a cardiac murmur,” explained Dr. Marqués. “The cardiac murmur was consistent with the laboratory finding, which was regenerative anemia. The thickness of the blood changes when an animal has anemia, and that can create a cardiac murmur. After discovering that, we decided to investigate the diagnosis of regenerative anemia further. We always want to try to fix the underlying problems and really get to the root of the issue.”
The next step included Dr. Marqués taking ultrasounds of Gypsy’s thorax and abdomen.
“On the right side of the thorax there were some minor ultrasonographic changes but otherwise everything else looked normal,” said Dr. Marqués. “Then we went ahead and did imaging of the thorax and abdomen with x-rays. In this case, we wanted to determine if it was a nutritional problem, an infection, a parasite, or something else. On radiography, there was nothing relevant that I could find.”
After examining Gypsy, Dr. Marqués, Masri, and her regular veterinarian decided that the miniature donkey should be sent to Palm Beach Equine Clinic for further evaluation. Gypsy arrived at the clinic, and Dr. Marqués immediately started her on intravenous (IV) fluids, vitamin B12, and a dewormer. He also ran additional blood tests beyond the ones the regular veterinarian completed at Masri’s farm and performed a fecal test.
“While Gypsy was at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, we gave her IV fluids, monitored her, made sure she was eating enough nutrients, and performed bloodwork tests,” explained Dr. Marqués. “We found Gypsy’s regenerative anemia was multifactorial, infectious, parasitic, and nutrition related. After a few days of a dewormer and a different feeding program, she started eating really well and gaining weight again. All the blood parameters were normalizing as well. During this time, I was in contact with Masri and her regular veterinarian so we could work as a team. It was important we were all on the same page and communicating on a daily basis.”
After five days of receiving a different feeding program and a parasite treatment at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, the team decided that Gypsy could return home under the care of Masri’s regular veterinarian. Dr. Marqués outlined a new feeding plan for Gypsy to make sure she was getting all of the nutrients she needed. Masri also switched Gypsy over to timothy hay, which is easily digestible and has high fiber and energy content. Additionally, Dr. Marqués and Masri decided it might be best to feed Gypsy separately from the other animals to ensure she was eating her entire portions of grain and hay. Once Gypsy was back home, Dr. Marqués continued to check in with Masri and her regular veterinarian.
“I was extremely impressed with the way Dr. Marqués was able to collaborate with our general veterinarian,” described Masri. “He kept her in the loop so when Gypsy came home there was a plan in place and everyone was communicating.”
Photo courtesy of Dr. Fernando Marqués
Since coming home to the farm, Gypsy has returned to being energetic and running around with the other miniature donkeys and horses as she did when Masri first met her.
“As a new miniature donkey and horse owner, having a go-to for these animals at the beginning of their lives leaves me feeling so grateful and confident that I can handle anything with them,” said Masri. “Anytime I have an emergency, Palm Beach Equine Clinic will be the first place I call.”
“As a new miniature donkey and horse owner, having a go-to for these animals at the beginning of their lives leaves me feeling so grateful and confident that I can handle anything with them,” said Masri. “Anytime I have an emergency, Palm Beach Equine Clinic will be the first place I call.”
Since coming home to the farm, Gypsy has returned to being energetic and running around with the other miniature donkeys and horses as she did when Masri first met her. “As a new miniature donkey and horse owner, having a go-to for these animals at the beginning of their lives leaves me feeling so grateful and confident that I can handle anything with them,” said Masri. “Anytime I have an emergency, Palm Beach Equine Clinic will be the first place I call.”
Dr. Natalia Novoa has been part of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team since 2011. Dr. Novoa focuses primarily on sport horse medicine, lameness, pre-purchase exams, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and preventative medicine.
When and why did you decide that you wanted to become a veterinarian?
I decided to become a veterinarian when I was in high school. I enjoyed working with animals at my family’s farm. I spent time with the farm’s vet, and I learned how to do artificial insemination before I even finished high school. I liked the problem-solving aspect of it. I found it fascinating to have the ability to identify and understand what the problem was and then help relieve the suffering of animals after injuries or illnesses. It was an indescribable sensation. Nothing beats helping an animal when they are sick or in pain. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you are making a difference in a horse’s life. It is a very satisfying feeling.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Natalia Novoa
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
I am most interested in sports medicine and lameness (conventional medicine) as well as alternative medicine (chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture). The most rewarding cases for me are the challenging ones where I have to “solve the puzzle.” I like when I have to rely on my detailed observation including a thorough exam and accurate history, then put together all the data and information I gathered from the diagnostic tools, choose the appropriate treatment, and then reach a successful outcome.
What do you enjoy most about working with performance horses?
I enjoy treating them as top athletes through the combined use of our practical skills, the new technology, and evolving therapies. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, we are very fortunate to work on a variety of horses of all disciplines, including horses that are the best athletes in the world in dressage, show jumping, polo, etc. We use the most advanced equipment to provide the best service. Also, at Palm Beach Equine Clinic we have an amazing team of veterinarians with different specialties, knowledge, and skills to help these performance horses execute and perform at their best.
Photo courtesy of PBEC
What has been one of your favorite moments while working for Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
One of my favorite moments was when my daughter Lola told me she wanted to be a veterinarian after watching the process of resolving a challenging lameness case in a grand prix level show jumping mare. Lola was able to observe the positive outcome and cheered for the mare when she won a big jumper class.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
I am a fearless squash player, and I also enjoy playing tennis and ping pong. I love traveling with my family and showing my daughter Lola the world.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
I am a fearless squash player, and I also enjoy playing tennis and ping pong. I love traveling with my family and showing my daughter Lola the world.
The importance of good quality hoof care in competition horses cannot be denied. Farriery can be a major asset during the show season and beyond. The farrier can be proactive in keeping the horse’s feet healthy and thus preventing lameness. Learn more as Dr. Stephen O’Grady of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, explains the philosophy behind correct basic farriery in sport horses.
The Hoof
The equine hoof is unique as it is comprised of a group of biological structures (anatomy) that follow the laws of biomechanics. Therefore, if the veterinarian and farrier know the anatomy of the equine foot combined with an understanding of the biomechanics and good basic farriery principles, proper physiological farriery can be consistently applied (see Figure 1A and 1B). There are three important aspects of farriery used to keep the horse sound, beginning with the appropriate foot trim, along with the correct size and placement of the horseshoe.
The farrier session begins with an evaluation of the conformation of each foot. This means viewing the foot from the front, the side, and behind to observe the height of the heel bulbs (see Figure 2). It is important for the clinician to observe the horse in motion to see whether the horse’s foot lands flat or slightly heel first, which is desired. If the horse lands markedly heel first with a toe flip, it is a sign the heels have migrated dorsally (toward the front), decreasing the ground surface in the palmar section of the foot, or the size of the shoes is too small. The foot that lands toe first is an indication that the musculotendinous unit of the deep digital flexor tendon is shortened or the horse is experiencing palmar foot pain. Lastly, the foot should be observed for an asymmetrical landing pattern that is dictated by limb conformation because, if severe, a heel bulb can be displaced proximally resulting in the foot conformation termed “sheared heels.”
The Trim
The use of guidelines or landmarks when approaching the trim provides consistent, repeatable results that can be used on each foot regardless of the conformation. The three guidelines used are: 1. Trimming the foot to achieve a straight or parallel hoof-pastern axis, 2. using the widest part of the foot, which correlates closely with the center of rotation, and 3. trimming the palmar foot (heels) to the base of the frog or to where the heels of the hoof capsule and the frog are on the same plane (see Figure 3A and 3B). A closer look at these three guidelines, which are all interrelated, will help to show their importance.
1. If the dorsal (front) surface of the pastern bone and the dorsal surface of the hoof are parallel or form a straight line, then the bones of the digit (in the hoof) are in a straight line, and the force from the weight of the horse will go through the center of the joint. Furthermore, and equally important, if the hoof-pastern axis is straight, the weight will be distributed evenly on the bottom or the solar surface of the foot.
2. The second guideline is the center of rotation (COR). The COR is located a few millimeters palmar (behind) the widest part of each foot. This guideline allows the farrier to apply the appropriate biomechanics to each foot. The foot is trimmed in approximate proportions on either side of the widest part of the foot, which addresses the moments on either side of the COR and provides biomechanical efficiency.
3. Lastly, the palmar section of the foot is trimmed to the base of the frog or trimmed such that the heels of the hoof capsule and the frog are on the same plane. Adherence to this guideline keeps the soft tissue structures (frog, digital cushion, ungula cartilages) within the hoof capsule, which is necessary to absorb concussion and dissipate the energy of impact (see Figure 4). It is important to remember that heels do not grow tall; they grow forward. If the heels migrate forward, the soft tissue structures will be forced in a palmar direction out of the hoof capsule. Furthermore, as the heels migrate forward, the weight is placed on the bone via the lamellae thus bypassing the soft tissue structures of the foot. Allowing the heels to migrate forward also decreases the ground surface of the foot. Two examples of this guideline are shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B where the palmar foot was managed appropriately, and a size larger shoe was applied.
The three guidelines described here can be applied to any foot and can serve as a basis for maintaining a healthy foot and a basic starting point for applying farriery to a horse with poor foot conformation or one with a distorted hoof capsule. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a hoof where all three of these guidelines have been applied.
Thoughts From Dr. Stephen O’Grady
Most competition horses now show year-round instead of on a seasonal basis. My observation is based on years of experience regarding the farriery performed on these horses. Many of these horses are given a rest from competition prior to leaving for Wellington for the winter show season. Many horses arrive with very reasonable foot conformation. However, upon arrival, horses are often shod with various specialty shoes, wedges, pads, pour-ins, etc., as a means of protection and perhaps to enhance their performance.
As the season progresses and the workload becomes more intense, the sole thickness starts to decrease, and the feet become softer from multiple baths. Now the farriery that was applied for protection at the onset may be causing pressure on the thinner, softer structures of the foot, thus becoming somewhat detrimental. The horses continue to be trimmed and shod on a monthly basis, and the farrier may not be aware of the change in the integrity of the hoof structures, especially the sole, and perhaps some horses may be over-trimmed. As the season progresses into March, the structures of the foot deteriorate further as a result of the workload. Many horses begin to become foot sore. At this point, the farrier options become limited because all the protective methodology was already used at the beginning of the season.
One recommendation would be to refrain from trimming the sole (trade the hoof knife for a wire brush), create ground surface in the palmar foot with a rasp, and decrease toe length vertically from the dorsal section of the foot to preserve mass. Always remember that adequate breakover in the shoe is important, as it decreases the stress in the deep digital flexor tendon and decreases the moment about the distal interphalangeal joint, both of which preserve sole thickness.
I remember the words of Joe Pierce when I was an apprentice learning the farrier trade many years ago, “No one will know if you leave the last few rubs of the rasp on the foot, but everyone will know if you take a few too many rubs!”
Palm Beach Equine Clinic offers a farriery consultation service to both veterinarians and farriers. This unique service provides a second opinion or simply “another set of eyes” available to both professions when treating difficult farriery cases. Please call 561-793-1599 or visit equineclinic.com for more information.