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An Update on Equine Cushing’s Disease

The prevalence of PPID increases with age. Approximately 20% of equids (horses, donkeys, and mules) over 15 years and 30% of equids over 30 years of age are affected by the disease. Clinical signs can be obvious in advanced disease (long hair coat, poor shedding, laminitis, muscle wasting, immune compromise) but may be more subtle in its earlier stages (mild muscle atrophy, delayed healing, infertility, increased urination/drinking). Treatment of the disease involves life-long management with a medication (pergolide) and management changes but if managed appropriately, horses with PPID can have an excellent quality of life. 

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Vaccines Crystal Lee Vaccines Crystal Lee

Why We Vaccinate - Equine Influenza

Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) is often cited as the most commonly diagnosed and economically important causes of viral respiratory disease in horses.  Therefore, the AAEP states that “all horses should be vaccinated against EIV unless they live in a closed and isolated facility.”  Like many other respiratory viruses, it produces fever, nasal discharge, and coughing.  So what sets this virus apart from other equine respiratory viruses?

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Vaccines Crystal Lee Vaccines Crystal Lee

Why We Vaccinate - Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis (“Sleeping Sickness”)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) are both neurological diseases spread to horses and humans from infected wild birds and rodents via blood sucking mosquitos. The disease typically culminates in a profound depression that characterizes these diseases in the late stages, and gives them the common name of “sleeping sickness.” The American Association of Equine Practitioners considers vaccines against EEE and WEE to be "core" vaccines, recommended for all adult horses.

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Breeding Crystal Lee Breeding Crystal Lee

Stallion Semen Freezing

We can start freezing a stallion’s semen as soon as he is sexually mature. For most horses this is any time after 4 years old, but some horses mature earlier or later than others. If your horse is not mature at the time of collection we will be able to see signs of immaturity when examining the sample under the microscope.

It is important to know that every stallion freezes differently, and freezes better in different agents. There are a variety to choose from, and so before performing a commercial freeze, a collection will be “test frozen” with a variety of different agents in order to determine the best agent for your stallion.

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Deworming Crystal Lee Deworming Crystal Lee

Parasite Control Recommendations

Parasite control needs to be tailored to your horse’s specific needs, taking into consideration age, immune status/individual susceptibility, time of year, and management practices.  The following are basic recommendations that can be further tailored to suit your horse’s specific needs.

MATURE HORSES (>3 years old)

  • Small strongyles (cyathostomins) are the main parasite of mature horses, and these parasites are developing resistance to commonly used dewormers.

  • Horses vary in their susceptibility to small strongyles, and can be classified as Low, Medium, or High shedders based on fecal egg counts (FECs). 

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TOPIC SUBMISSIONS

Want to learn more about a specific topic? Email your ideas to our team: office@burwashequine.ca

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