Update and resources on the recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1).

Learn the value of Computed tomography of the skull in horses.

Advantages of using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to determine the cause of lameness in horses.

Owner fact sheet about Piroplasmosis in horses. Equine piroplasmosis (also known as babesiosis) is a disease of horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. While common in many subtropical and tropical parts of the world, it is considered exotic and reportable in the United States.

Owner information regarding the causes, prevention, and treatment of equine strangles.

Horse diseases are normally divided into three general areas, depending on the site of their specificdamage. They are general body diseases, respiratory diseases and reproductive diseases.

Vitamin supplementation in horses is generally not needed since common feeds normally contain adequate amounts. Vitamin deficiencies occur primarily when horses are sick or stressed, or if feed is improperly processed and stored over long periods of time. In these cases, vitamin supplementation may be necessary.

By providing good care, horsemen can minimize the costs of health care and maximize their enjoyment of their horses.

Conscientious owners should be aware that there can be potentially toxic substances in feeds.

Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.

This article discusses the common parasites of horses and ways to control them.

Piroplasmosis is a disease of horses that has been diagnosed in the United States. These fact sheets from USDA provide information about how horse owners can protect their horses from this disease.

Photosensitization, also known as photodermatitis, occurs when the liver is unable to excrete a metabolite of chlorophyll from forages the animal has eaten. The metabolite accumulates in the skin and is activated by sunlight. The reaction yields free radicals that "burn" the skin.

Blister beetles are ¾- to 1¼-inch-long, narrow-bodied, broad-headed insects that may be found in alfalfa hay originating from certain parts of the United States. One beetle alone won't caust toxicity, but they can gather in large numbers in concentrated clusters of harvested hay.

Showy crotalaria is a significant toxic plant in Louisiana. It contains alkaloids that cause liver damage in horses and livestock. The seeds may remain viable in undisturbed soil for 60 years or longer.

One possible cause of equine epistaxis, or nosebleed, is a growth known as an ethmoid hematoma. An ethmoid hematoma is a benign, well-encapsulated mass that can originate from the ethmoid turbinates, or occasionally from the paranasal sinuses.

Flies are the most important insect pests of horses. Among this large, diverse group of insects, the pests of horses include bloodsucking or biting flies, filth or irritation flies, mosquitoes and bot flies. The description, biology, economic/health significance and control are included. (PDF Format Only)

The soft palate and epiglottis are important structures during inhalation, and they form a tight seal when the horse is breathing to seal off the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. This article describes dorsal displacement of the soft palate in horses and how this issue may be corrected.

Owner information on the causes, tranmission, prevention and treament of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA).

Gastric ulcer disease is common in foals and horses and the term Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) has been used to describe this disease because of its many causes and complicated nature.

Pigeon fever is the common term for an infection caused by the bacterial organism Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. C. pseudotuberculosis bacteria tend to localize and form abscesses in the pectoral region and ventral abdomen of the horse.

The primary concern in mineral nutrition is to provide salt and adequate levels of calcium and phosphorous in approximately a 1.3 to 1 ratio.

General recommendations to follow when developing a feeding program for horses.

If you own, ride or handle horses, it is likely that at some point your horse will experience an injury, illness or disease. Some of these incidences will be minor and will not require veterinary attention. However, for those serious events, there is a language that is important to understand and will help you effectively communicate with your veterinarian. This article is intended to help you understand Equine Vitals.

The horse industry is alive and well in Louisiana. Purses for racing Thoroughbreds and quarter horses are high, and quality show horses are found in nearly every barn. Knowledge of horse owners and their ability to care for their animals is also increasing. Neurologic diseases and how to best prevent them continue to present challenges to our horses as well as their humans.