New Mentoring Program Pairs Recent Farrier School Graduates With Professional Farriers

New Mentoring Program Pairs Recent Farrier School Graduates With Professional Farriers:
Pairing recent farrier school graduates (mentees) with more knowledgeable and experienced farriers (mentors) has been named a priority program by the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF).
In naming the program, it was determined that “mentoring” would refer to a personal and professional developmental relationship that would build between the two parties; with the understanding that true mentoring be more than just answering occasional questions or providing ad hoc assistance. The AAPF plans to have this program focus on developing ongoing lifetime relationships of learning, dialog and challenges.
The AAPF Mentoring Program has two distinct goals:

• To encourage AAPF members to volunteer to accept mentees in relationships for periods of time ranging from one week to one year, and
• To encourage AAPF-member farrier schools to recommend that their graduating students apply for a mentoring relationship through the AAPF.

The first step in making the program a reality will be the solicitation of AAPF members as mentors. A “fill-in-the-blank” application has been posted on the AAPF website (www.ProfessionalFarriers.com). Once an adequate pool of mentors is obtained, we will notify AAPF-member farrier schools of the opportunity for their graduating students. Mentors must have been a professional farrier for a minimum of five years and be a member of the AAPF. Association membership of mentees will not be required.
“Factors that will be considered in the development of a mentoring relationship include specific details about the mentor’s farrier practice,” said Mentoring Committee Chairman John Crothers APF CF, of Clarington, Ohio. “These include breeds/disciplines served, geographical areas, compensation (including wages, room, board and travel arrangements) and the mentor’s overall commitment to farrier education.” (John is also the farrier department instructor at Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre in Waverly, West Virginia)
Other members of the AAPF Mentoring Committee include Gregory Gray APF CJF of Wolverine Farrier School in Clare, Michigan and Lane McNew APF of Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing in Gadsden, Alabama.
The American Association of Professional Farriers is a non-profit trade organization created in 2012 to represent the interests of professional farriers and others involved in the farrier industry. The primary objectives of the new association are: continuing education, member support and serving as a hoof-care reference for horse owners. The AAPF is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.



Related posts:

1. Group of Farriers Join Together to Launch Association of Professional Farriers, to Assist With Professional Development
2. USEF to Award More Than $20,000 in Grants Through High School Equestrian Athlete Program
3. USEF Debuts Varsity Lettering Program for High School Equestrians

Equine Accounting: Potential Sales Tax Liabilities For Your Horse Business

Equine Accounting: Potential Sales Tax Liabilities For Your Horse Business:
A potential client contacted me to ask if I would be willing to prepare her sales tax return for her. I’ve prepared sales tax returns for over 20 years, so this should be no problem.
“What have kind of product have you been collecting sales tax on?” I asked.
“Horse board.”
“Are you sure about this?”
She sounded pretty sure. So I decided to investigate myself.
She lives in New York State, so I contacted the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Yes, I was told, horse boarding in New York State is subject to sales tax. The customer service rep there referred me to their tax regulations and several tax memos and advisories. Further digging uncovered the NY State Horse Council, which has website including an index of legal issues affecting horsemen, including a list of what is and is not subject to sales tax for commercial horse boarding operations.
Sales tax is regulated by individual states, or in some cases, individual counties or cities. But, there are some general concepts. Generally, all tangible personal property is taxable, except with exemptions. So if you are a farrier and also sell hoof supplements to your customers, in most states you would be required to collect and remit sales tax on the supplements you sell. In many states, sales tax should be collected and remitted for sales of horses – a subject to be discussed in a future newsletter.
The difficulty sometimes becomes defining what tangible personal property is. In NY state, horse boarding is compared to leasing storage space. It’s the stall itself that is considered to be the primary item in a boarding transaction, so sales tax is assessed on that tangible personal property. If in a sales tax audit, you feel that sales tax should not be assessed on a certain type of personal tangible property, the burden of proof is on you -the taxpayer- to prove this is the case. Conversely, generally only certain services are taxable. In a sales tax audit, the burden of proof is on the auditor to make the case that the services at issue are subject to sales tax.
Sales tax audits are much more common than IRS audits of income tax returns. Some states have no statute of limitations for examination of prior years’ sales tax returns, and penalty and interest can amount to up to 60% of the tax.
What can you do to find out more about the possibility of sales tax liability for your horse business?
1. Contact your state Department of Revenue. Ask for information regarding what goods and services are taxable in your state.
2. Contact your state Farm Bureau, Horse Council, etc. for more information. If you feel that you may have potential sales tax liability, ask them to recommend an attorney with expertise in this area.
3. Contact a CPA firm or attorney that deals only with matters of sales tax. Sometimes, this is less expensive than people fear and gets them a definitive and relatively quick answer. If you do need to collect sales tax, you will need to register with your state, but speak with the attorney or CPA first. There could be serious tax consequences if you register and owe back taxes. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement before you register. If you register first, the chances of negotiating a settlement is very small.
4. If you don’t use one already, consider putting your financial data into an accounting software program like QuickBooks. You can create invoices with sales tax included and track and remit sales tax liabilities relatively easily using QuickBooks.
Remember that each state is different. Find someone that is familiar with the sales tax regulations that affect you. A little attention now may save you time and money in the future.
Carol is a CPA specializing in equine based businesses and serves clients nationwide. She serves as a frequent contributor to several equine periodicals and websites. The link to her website is www.blueribbonaccounting.com



Related posts:

1. Equine Accounting and Taxes: And With Sales Tax Your Total Comes to…
2. Legal Matters – Suggestions to Avoid Equine Sales Disputes
3. Equine Law 101: Business Essentials For Horsemen

Compounded Prescription Recall of Veterinary and Human Prescriptions Distributed by Franck’s Pharmacy

Compounded Prescription Recall of Veterinary and Human Prescriptions Distributed by Franck’s Pharmacy:
Recall: All Sterile Human and Veterinary Prescriptions Distributed by Franck’s Pharmacy From November 21, 2011 to May 21, 2012.
This recall is being initiated after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) notified us that environmental sampling of our clean room revealed the presence of microorganisms and fungal growth. In light of the FDA’s findings and the resulting possible risk of infection, we have decided that it is imperative that we recall all human and veterinary sterile preparations that have left our control. Accordingly, we are extending the recall to all sterile preparations we have provided to you since November 21, 2011.
If any of these sterile preparations remains under your control, it is essential that you do not use them and that employing appropriate practices, you destroy all such sterile preparations and all remaining portions of such sterile preparations.
This recall should be carried out to the User/Physician level. Your assistance is appreciated and necessary to prevent patient illness. Physicians should be advised to review and evaluate their patient records to determine if any adverse events may have resulted from use of the recalled products. Please report any adverse events to Franck’s Compounding Pharmacy and FDA’s MedWatch program.
FDA will expect us to be able to account for all of the sterile preparations subject to this recall. As a result, it is critically important that you read, complete, and return the enclosed response form as soon as possible.
We will update you with any relevant details as they become available to us. If you have any questions please call us at 352-690-6773, Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5 PM, EST.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.



Related posts:

1. FDA No Longer Supports Use of Compounded Pergolide to Treat Cushing’s Disease in Horses
2. SmartPak Becomes Only the Fifth Veterinary Pharmacy in the U.S. to Achieve the Certification
3. Purina Mills Limited Feed Recall of Strategy® and Layena® Products Distributed in Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri and Virginia

Changes to AQHA Amateur Rules Effective Immediately

Changes to AQHA Amateur Rules Effective Immediately:
Changes approved by the American Quarter Horse Association Amateur and Executive committees to AQHA Rule Nos. 101 (g)(4), 403 and 405 are effective immediately. The updated rules, which affect AQHA amateur membership, can be found in the online version of the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations; the online version of the handbook is the default version.
The following changes have been made to Rule No. 403:

• An individual must wait three years to be eligible to compete as an amateur after participating in an activity that made them ineligible to compete.
• For three calendar years previous to application for amateur membership, an amateur may not have held membership accreditation with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (barrel racing only) or International Professional Rodeo Association for those events or classes which are the same events or classes in which the individual competes, or desires to compete, in AQHA amateur competition. For example, an individual who competes in a PRCA roping event may not compete in amateur calf roping or dally team roping (heading or heeling), but may show in other amateur classes. A permit holder is not considered as one who has membership accreditation in a professional organization; because of this, the individual may compete in any AQHA amateur class.
• An individual who is 65 years or older and is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association of Professional Horsemen is eligible to immediately apply for amateur membership so long as they meet all other amateur eligibility requirements and relinquish their Association of Professional Horsemen membership.

Additionally, changes were made to Rule No. 405 A(c). The changes clarify rules as they relate to Novice exhibitors in the Novice youth and Novice amateur divisions. The following changes have been made to Rule No. 405 A(c):

• Once an individual has earned 25 AQHA Novice amateur, amateur, Novice youth, youth or open points, or any combination thereof, in a class; earned 50 points or an AQHA Superior award in a given class with an equine organization or association with a membership of 7,500 or more members; won a world, reserve world, national championship, reserve national championship or international title in a class with any equine organization or association with a membership of 7,500 or more members; or won a total of $5,000 in cash and prizes with any equine breed organization or association, then he/she will no longer be eligible to participate in the Novice skill set containing that class in subsequent years but may continue to compete in the Novice skill set until the end of the calendar year in which the aforementioned instances occurred. Any individual who has been an accredited horse show judge will not be eligible to participate in Novice skill sets.

AQHA members are encouraged to review the full changes to Rule Nos. 403 and 405 in the online version of the AQHA Handbook, which is the default version of the rulebook. Changes were also made to Rule No. 101 (g)(4), which also concerns AQHA amateur membership; members are encouraged to review the changes online.



Related posts:

1. AQHA Show Rule Change Effectively Immediately Regarding Number of Horses an Exhibitor May Show
2. AQHA Announces Additional Working Cow Horse Boxing Class Rules
3. AQHA Offers Three Types of Memberships: General, Amateur and Youth

Proposal calls for changes in Antimicrobial Use

Proposal calls for changes in Antimicrobial Use:
FDA calls for voluntary label changes, increased veterinarian oversight

By Greg Cima

Source:

June 1, 2012

If drug companies agree to federal regulators’ proposals, antimicrobials important for human medicine will no longer be used to aid livestock growth.
On April 13, the Food and Drug Administration published two guidance documents— one draft and one final—that outline plans to ensure that medicated feeds and water that contain antimicrobials deemed important for human medicine will be available only for uses necessary for animal health. In addition, such feeds would be available only through a prescription or veterinary feed directive, the latter of which have to be issued by a veterinarian in a manner similar to how prescriptions are issued.
Medicated water containing such antimicrobials would be available only through prescriptions.
Read more ...

TAHC: The Governor appointed Gary P. Aber, DVM to the TX Racing Comm. We look forward to working with Dr. Aber and the rest of the Racing Comm.

TAHC: The Governor appointed Gary P. Aber, DVM to the TX Racing Comm. We look forward to working with Dr. Aber and the rest of the Racing Comm.

Selenium and Vitamin E to Alleviate Signs of Tying Up

Selenium and Vitamin E to Alleviate Signs of Tying Up: Selenium and vitamin E work together to prevent tissue damage from free radicals produced during exercise. These nutrients also are thought to play a role in alleviating signs of tying up....

Cloning and Embryo Transfer Legal Issues

Cloning and Embryo Transfer Legal Issues: The legalities of cloning and embryo transfer in horses were discussed at a recent equine law convention, with speakers evaluating past and present legal battles on those topics....

Joint Disease and Cartilage Repair in Horses

Joint Disease and Cartilage Repair in Horses: Joint disease is a common lameness cause and a primary reason why many horses' athletic careers end. When the cartilage that normally covers the ends of adjoining bones is damaged, joint movement is restricted and frequently becomes painful....

Ticks Emerging Earlier than Normal

Ticks Emerging Earlier than Normal: Ticks typically begin to appear in late spring and early summer as warm weather sets in, but this year cases of the annual pest were reported three to four weeks earlier than normal, said University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service agents....

Week of the Month: Hemp Dogbane

Weed of the Month: Hemp Dogbane: Hemp dogbane is poisonous to horses, with the leaves being toxic at all times. Dried leaves in hay are also toxic. The toxic substance is a glycoside that might cause digestive disturbances, diarrhea, and overall weakness....

Study Identifies Causes for Misbehavior in Pony Club Mounts

Study Identifies Causes for Misbehavior in Pony Club Mounts: Researchers recently identified risk factors for bad behavior in a population of Pony Club horses, including obesity, eating habits, and frequency of exercise....

June 9 is 2012 International Helmet Awareness Day

June 9 is 2012 International Helmet Awareness Day: Building on the success of National Helmet Awareness Day 2010 and International Helmet Awareness Day 2011, participating retailers all over the world will be offering discounts on helmets to equestrians on this day....

Understanding Compounded Drugs

Understanding Compounded Drugs: The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) defines a compounded drug as one that is created by manipulating an existing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug....

Nutritional Support for Injured Equine Athletes

Nutritional Support for Injured Equine Athletes: Although injured horses need time off, they could need greater amounts of some dietary components--such as protein, energy, trace minerals, and vitamins--than during training to help fuel recovery....

As Hurricane Season Starts, The Humane Society of the United States Urges Households in East Coast and Gulf Coast States to Include Pets in Disaster Plans

As Hurricane Season Starts, The Humane Society of the United States Urges Households in East Coast and Gulf Coast States to Include Pets in Disaster Plans:
WASHINGTON, (HSUS) — The Humane Society of the United States urges residents in East Coast and Gulf Coast states to keep their pets in mind in preparation for a natural disaster. People can take some simple – but critical – steps to keep their pets safe and healthy in severe weather and possible evacuations. More than 35 million people, many of them pet owners, live in areas threatened by Atlantic hurricanes.
“More than 60 percent of American households have pets, and weathering a major storm requires an evacuation plan that includes our animals,” said Niki Dawson, director of disaster services for The HSUS. “If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them. If you are ordered to shelter-in-place and not evacuate, bring your pets inside with you and make sure you have adequate supplies.”
The HSUS Animal Rescue Team has a fully equipped response team to assist communities impacted by a natural disaster. In 2011, The HSUS responded to natural disasters in North Carolina, Vermont, Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, and North Dakota, helping to care for more than 2,000 displaced animals.
AccuWeather forecasters predict an average hurricane season from June to November. Pet owners can reduce their animals’ chances of being at risk during a disaster by following the suggestions below.
Things you can do right now:

• Put a collar with visible identification on your pets, including indoor-only pets.
• Keep pictures of your pets on hand for identification purposes. Ideally, you should also be in the photo.
• Create a pet emergency kit (see below) and refresh the items every few months.
• Talk to your neighbors about how they can help your pets if you are not at home when disaster strikes.
• Create a list of hotels that allow pets. Plan on evacuating about 100 miles inland.

Pet emergency kits should include:

• Minimum of a three-day supply of food in airtight, waterproof containers, and drinking water.
• Bowls for food and water.
• Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details on markings.
• Medications, vaccination records and first aid pet supplies.
• Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.
• Small garbage bags.
• For dogs include: leash, harness and a sturdy carrier large enough to use as a sleeping area.
• For cats include: litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier large enough for transport and for your cat to use as a temporary “apartment” for several days.

A Zogby International poll after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast found that 61 percent of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them. In 2006, Congress addressed this issue by passing the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires state and local emergency management agencies to make plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency. It is crucial that all pet owners reach out to their local government to understand their community’s existing human and pet evacuation plans.
And finally, click here for a brochure on farm animals in disaster, including sheltering in-place preparations as well as evacuations.
For more tips on preparedness plans that include your pets, visit humanesociety.org/prepare.

Federal Lawsuit Alleges AQHA Cloned Horse Registration Policy Violates Antitrust Law

Federal Lawsuit Alleges AQHA Cloned Horse Registration Policy Violates Antitrust Law:
On April 23, 2012, AQHA member Jason Abraham and two related business entities sued the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Amarillo Division.
The complaint asks the court to order the AQHA to revoke AQHA Rule 227(a), on the basis that an outright restriction on the registration of cloned horses and their offspring allegedly violates federal antitrust laws.
Rule 227(a) was approved in 2004 by the AQHA board of directors, which prohibits all cloned horses and their offspring from being included in the AQHA’s breed registry.
Other breed registries, such as the Jockey Club and the Paso Fino Horse Association, have also ruled that cloned horses and their offspring are not eligible for registration.
As discussed in this prior post, Texas law (which may or may not be deemed applicable in this case) favors a policy of judicial non-intervention with respect to the internal affairs of voluntary associations, such as the AQHA. An exception to Texas’s policy of judicial non-intervention can apply in cases where a valuable right or property interest is at stake in a lawsuit, and cases where a voluntary association’s rules violate the law.
For more information, see the following articles:
Lawsuit Challenges AQHA Cloned Horse Registration Policy
Suit Filed: Claims AQHA Ban on Cloned Horses Violates Antitrust Law
Follow me on Twitter @alisonmrowe

CA. Horse Rescued After Swimming Two Miles Out to Sea

CA. Horse Rescued After Swimming Two Miles Out to Sea:
On Tuesday of this week, an Arabian horse escaped during an evening photo shoot on a California beach and decided to take a little swim.
He was eventually found more than two miles offshore, still swimming out to sea, and was escorted safely back to land.
Click here to read more on CNN.



Related posts:

1. Young Showjumper Rescued From Abandoned UK Swimming Pool
2. UK Firefighters Rescue Horse Trapped in Swimming Pool
3. Horse Sparks Sea Rescue Operation Across UK Channel

Our Best Thinking Got Us Here. Thoughts on the New York Times Horse Racing Series

Our Best Thinking Got Us Here. Thoughts on the New York Times Horse Racing Series:
Without a doubt the New York Times piece on April 30, the second in a series, continued to shine sunlight on horse racing’s challenges. Ultimately, that sunlight will lead horse racing to be a healthier sport. For that the racing community may eventually thank The Times.
Having said that, it seems to me that the tone of the two pieces published so far is directed at destruction of an industry rather than facilitating positive change. Perhaps The Times is missing an opportunity to make a more positive impact in the lives of race horses. Now that would be Pulitzer material!

I’m a visual learner so I like a visual representation of a concept. Stick with me here. Virtually any behavior in life can be represented by a ‘bell shaped curve’. At the risk of looking like a text book, I dropped a graph into my blog

Let’s look at the reprehensible behavior The Times accurately highlighted in the Claiming Race segment of horse racing. The behavior described in The Times piece lives on the left end of the curve. People at that end of the curve will almost always behave badly no matter what the situation is. Circled in red is the behavior of the group of owners, trainers and veterinarians highlighted by the article.
Just for perspective’s sake it is important to realize that there is a similar size group at the right end of the curve that will almost always behave well, no matter what the situation is. Perhaps even more important is the VAST group of people in the middle who may move in either direction. Sometimes they make better decisions than other times. They are waiting for guidance and clarity.
That brings me to incentives and consequences. In my opinion, incentives always work. Sometimes we are just surprised by what we incented. Claiming purses that are a high multiple of the claiming price are a strong incentive for exactly what we see happening in the claiming ranks at some race tracks. I am sure the goal in establishing purses of high multiple of claiming price was NOT to put horses at risk. However, the incentive as designed is working perfectly. We are all shocked at what was incented.
Interestingly, the American Association of Equine Practitioners Racing Task Force has developed a white paper on Thoroughbred Racing.  As The Times pointed out, the AAEP white paper makes a recommendation that claiming purses should not exceed the claiming price by more than 50%. In addition the white paper presents a comprehensive list of very specific recommendations that address virtually all of the challenges pointed out by The Times in the Claiming Race environment. The industry has not acted on the recommendations. The framework for massive improvement to horse racing has been crafted. The problem is that the industry is fragmented and unable to find a common voice with which to respond.
I am struck by the irony of a paragraph in “How Kentucky Became Southern” by Mary Jean Wall. “Some tracks failed to honor the rulings of other tracks, ignoring or overlooking official decisions that would have denied participation anywhere to an owner, trainer, or jockey for an infraction of the rules at the track where the ruling originated. Consequently, these rulings lacked the official backing that would have made them universally effective. The banned offenders simply moved their action to whatever racetrack would take them in.”
The irony is that this paragraph refers to Thoroughbred Racing in 1890, 112 years ago. With our continued reliance on unrelated racing commissions to govern horse racing, we are right where we were over a century ago. Cheaters just move to a new track and go right on cheating. Our best thinking got us right where we are. Maybe it is time for new thinking.

Horse Racing and the NFL are sharing a moment…Thoughts on the New York Times Horse Racing Series

Horse Racing and the NFL are sharing a moment…Thoughts on the New York Times Horse Racing Series:
It appears to me that Horse Racing and the National Football League are simultaneously having a moment, one of those times in history that people remember.
Both sports are the subject of severe scrutiny, perhaps self-inflicted, from the national media. The NFL and Horse Racing are under the microscope for what some in both sports think is “Part of the Game” while the press and public opinion hold a radically different idea. The two sports face versions of the same problem.
The NFL received the message loud and clear, stopped denying and rationalizing and elected to respond aggressively to the problem. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded to media pressure regarding bounties paid to players for intentionally injuring opposing players and putting them out of the game. He responded with some of the most severe sanctions on the New Orleans Saints in the league’s 92-year history, and among the harshest punishments for an on-field incident in North American professional sports history.
Greg Williams, defensive coordinator was suspended indefinitely. Head coach, Sean Payton, was suspended for the entire 2012 season, the first time in modern NFL history that a head coach has been suspended. General Manager Mickey Loomis was suspended for the first eight games of the 2012 season. Assistant head coach Joe Vitt was suspended for the first six games of the 2012 season. The Saints organization was fined $500,000 and forced to forfeit their second-round draft selections in 2012 and 2013. Four current and former Saints players were suspended after being named as ringleaders in the scandal, with linebacker Jonathan Vilma being suspended for the entire 2012 season, the longest suspension for an on-field incident in modern NFL history.
My bet is that behavior in the NFL will change because the penalties are meaningful in terms of severity. Maybe this is an idea that our racing commissions could use…make penalties severe enough to assure a change in behavior. Decisions made by a few owners, trainers and veterinarians have led Horse Racing down this path. I believe that incentives always work. The NFL has decided that severe consequences will be an incentive to change behavior.
I bet it works.

Vets critical in combatting new disease outbreaks

Vets critical in combatting new disease outbreaks:
Source:



They travel in the wind, they take rides on clothing, vehicles, equipment and vaccines, they cross fences and they can even hijack love-making. Infectious diseases can threaten all of us, and most new ones start with animals.
“A new infectious disease is reported somewhere in the world every eight months and most come from animals. So veterinarians play a key role in combatting new diseases, particularly in the surveillance, detection and response to animal disease outbreaks,” said Professor Joe Brownlie from London’s Royal Veterinary College who will be speaking at the Australian Veterinary Association’s (AVA) national conference in Canberra next week.
“Making sure we’re fully equipped to deal with a new, unexpected disease is a global concern.
“Geographical barriers that previously prevented the spread of infection are no longer in place as people travel around the world with greater speed and in greater numbers.
“To provide for the demands of a rapidly growing population, we are also seeing a world-wide increase in imports and exports, including animals, which provides another avenue for the transfer of diseases.
Read more ...

Boehringer Ingelheim Calls for Proposals on Pigeon Fever

Boehringer Ingelheim Calls for Proposals on Pigeon Fever: Veterinarians, diagnosticians, and public and private researchers in the United States and Canada are eligible to submit proposals for research programs that help advance the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of pigeon fever....

The Past, Present, and Future of Equine Deworming

The Past, Present, and Future of Equine Deworming: Instead of treating all horses the same on a calendar-based schedule, parasitologists now recommend deworming based upon the each horse's needs. Owners can work with their veterinarians to collect manure and conduct fecal egg counts on each horse....

Exercise to Increase Insulin Sensitivity in Horses

Exercise to Increase Insulin Sensitivity in Horses: Exercise carried out during turnout alone might not be enough to improve insulin sensitivity, but researchers found that moderate exercise increased insulin sensitivity in healthy horses, thus reducing insulin resistance risk....

Exercise to Increase Insulin Sensitivity in Horses

Exercise to Increase Insulin Sensitivity in Horses: Exercise carried out during turnout alone might not be enough to improve insulin sensitivity, but researchers found that moderate exercise increased insulin sensitivity in healthy horses, thus reducing insulin resistance risk....

How Congress Impacts Horse Showing

How Congress Impacts Horse Showing: A notable example of federal policy directly impacting horse shows is the amount of funding the USDA receives to prepare for and respond to contagious equine disease outbreaks....

Minimizing Laminitis Risk in EMS Horses

This is a nice review about EMS and management. However not all pasture's are created equal and knowing what you native grass is like and the seasonal sugar content is important. Our initial work at BVEH indicates that Coastal Bermuda grass does not have as high of NSC as some other grasses. Our biggest risk for seasonal laminitis in Texas tends to be Summer and Fall. - Ben Buchanan

Minimizing Laminitis Risk in EMS Horses: While there's no cure for EMS, owners can take steps to reduce the risk of laminitis development, including combating obesity, reducing pasture and NSC intake, and discussing the use of a medication with a veterinarian....

Illinois Bill Allows Miniature Horses as Service Animals

Illinois Bill Allows Miniature Horses as Service Animals: The Illinois Senate has passed legislation designating miniature horses as recognized service animals. The bill, originally introduced as HB3826, allows equines to accompany disabled students to school and other public venues....

Effects of Exercise on Young Thoroughbreds' Knees

Effects of Exercise on Young Thoroughbreds' Knees: Researchers found no significant difference in the number or severity of joint defects in foals receiving daily exercise when compared with foals turned out to pasture....

Split Over Race-Day Salix Continues in Kentucky

Split Over Race-Day Salix Continues in Kentucky: The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission May 16 kept alive a proposed regulation to phase out over three years race-day furosemide for graded and listed stakes, but not before the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council voted to reject the measure....

Smuggled Horses in West Texas Found to be Diseased

Smuggled Horses in West Texas Found to be Diseased:

AUSTIN, (TAHC) – U.S. Border Patrol agents recently seized 10 adult horses and four yearlings as they attempted to enter Texas illegally by walking across the Rio Grande River near Indian Hot Springs, in southern Hudspeth county, south of El Paso.  The animals were turned over to the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Service (USDA/APHIS/VS) officials, who tested the horses in Presidio, Texas for a number of disease conditions that are considered foreign to the U.S. All 10 of the adult animals tested positive for Equine Piroplasmosis (EP). EP is routinely found in Mexico and numerous other countries around the world, but is not considered to be endemic to the U.S. The blood borne protozoal disease can be fatal to horses and could create major constraints to interstate and international movements if left undetected. EP does not affect humans.
According to Dr. Grant Wease, field veterinarian for USDA/APHIS/VS in El Paso, the illegal movement of animals is an ongoing concern in the vast open spaces of West Texas.  ”In some places the Rio Grande poses no barrier at all to foot traffic for man or animal.” According to the latest USDA information, Dr. Wease indicated that “In 2011, approximately 280 head of cattle and 160 head of equine (primarily horses) were intercepted by USDA officials along the Rio Grande.” To further complicate the situation, many of the normal import process for livestock entering Texas have been impacted by border violence, making the attempt to smuggle animals into the state even more tempting.
The investigation by USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is ongoing to determine not only the source of the horses, but the possible destination as well. The TAHC recently passed EP rules requiring testing of race horses prior to entry into a Texas track, and numerous other states have done the same because of recent cases found in that population of horses. “Racing Quarter horses with some connection to Mexico appear to be at highest risk of testing positive to the emerging disease,” according to Dr. Dee Ellis, State Veterinarian and TAHC Executive Director. Although the interdicted horses were described as Thoroughbreds, they were considered to be more likely breeding type animals rather than race ready horses. Dr. Ellis went on to state, “This situation highlights the ongoing border security problems Texas is facing, which leads to an increased risk of disease introduction for the Texas livestock population when animals enter our state illegally. I encourage all citizens that witness unusual activity regarding livestock movement near the Mexican border to contact their local law enforcement or animal health officials as quickly as possible to report the situation.”
The TAHC strives to provide quality customer service to the citizens of Texas and works with its USDA partners daily to protect Texas livestock and poultry from foreign animal diseases. With limited state and federal resources however, the two agencies must continually review ongoing surveillance efforts along the border to ensure their actions are as effective as possible.

How Common is Cushing's Disease in Horses

As this study confirmed, Cushing's disease (better known as equine Pitiutiary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID) is very common in older horses. By the time you notice the horse is not shedding properly or has laminitis, the condition is advanced. BVEH recommends screening older horses annually by measuring ACTH in the fall.

Prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in aged horses:

Summary

Reasons for performing study: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an ageing-related neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence and risk factors for PPID using seasonally adjusted basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations in aged horses have not been previously reported.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for PPID in a population of horses aged ≥15 years in Queensland, Australia.

Methods: Owner-reported data was obtained using a postal questionnaire distributed to an equestrian group. A subgroup of surveyed owners were visited and a veterinary physical examination performed on all horses aged ≥15 years. Blood samples were analysed for basal plasma alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and ACTH concentrations, routine haematology and selected biochemistry. Aged horses with elevations above seasonally adjusted cut-off values for basal plasma ACTH were considered positive for PPID. Positive horses were compared with their aged counterparts to determine risk factors and clinical signs associated with PPID.

Results: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was prevalent in aged horses (21.2%) despite owners infrequently reporting it as a known or diagnosed disease or disorder. Numerous clinical or historical signs were associated with an increased risk of PPID in the univariable model, but only age (odds ratio (OR) 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.25, P<0.001) and owner-reported history of hirsutism (OR 7.80; 95% CI 3.67–16.57, P<0.001) remained in the final multivariable model. There were no routine haematological or biochemical variables supportive of a diagnosis of PPID.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction occurs commonly in aged horses despite under-recognition by owners. The increased risk of PPID with age supports that this is an ageing associated condition. Aged horses with clinical or historical signs consistent with PPID, especially owner-reported hirsutism (delayed shedding and/or long hair coat), should be tested and appropriate treatment instituted.

What are Herbs

Shana Buchanan, DVM, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine provides consultation to BVEH clients for horses and other patients needing acupuncture, chiropractics, and herbal therapies.

What is an Herbal Formula:

              Herbal prescriptions are composed of a either a single or, more commonly, a combination of herbs/plants that are specifically chosen for their unique properties, and are individually tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Many of the formulas are very safe for long term use.

What conditions can be treated with Chinese Herbal Medicine?

              Herbal therapy is well suited for many diseases and conditions. It is of particular benefit in conditions that have occurred for long periods of time and that may likely require prolonged treatment.  Skin diseases, Allergies, Pain management, Arthritis, Cancer, Autoimmune disorders, Respiratory and Cardiovascular conditions, Endocrine diseases, Eye problems, Liver Diseases, Kidney problems, Gastrointestinal disorders, Neurological diseases, Urinary issues and Behavioral problems all benefit from herbal medications. 

Are there side effects?

             Many diseases are complex in nature, requiring the use of a few herbal formulas to achieve the final goal of maximal health. During the treatment process, various perceived side effects may occur, such as a change in appetite or changes in bowels. These will be discussed during your pet’s examinations and are important to discuss with your veterinarian as they can be a positive sign of a pattern change requiring a modification to your pet’s protocol. As the treatment progresses, your pet’s condition will change and evolve.  Just as his/her condition changes, so too can the treatment(s) required.  Please contact the clinic should any concerns arise during treatment as we may need to alter or change the treatment protocol over time. Please contact the clinic should you have any concerns or questions about the formula(s) your pet may be taking.

How long will it take to see a noticeable improvement in my pet?

Improvements can take as little as two to three days to two weeks to see an improvement.  These improvements can be gradual or can be dramatic, depending upon the nature of your pet’s disease.  Even if you do not see an immediate improvement, this does not indicate that the herbal formula is not working and improving your pet’s health.

Why is it important for frequent follow-ups?

            Follow-ups are important when your pet is taking Chinese herbal formulas since the necessity to change or modify the herbal prescription can change as your pet gets better.  Viewing your pet’s condition as layers of an onion that are peeled away as the condition is successfully treated, attempts to explain the need for continual evaluation since your pet’s needs change.  Follow-ups do not necessarily equate to your bringing your pet in for frequent re-evaluation examination, even though this might be essential at times.  A follow-up can be as simple as a telephone conversation or e-mail correspondence.  Regardless, the owner’s participation in your pet’s health is vital for treatment success with herbal medicine.

How are herbal prescriptions supplied and how do I give it to my pet?

             Herbal formulas come in many different prepared forms:  Liquids (known as Tinctures), Pills, as well as, Fine Granular Powder formats are available. They are commonly administered with food to allow for the proper absorption of the herbal components.  Additional methods of herbal administration other than oral administration can consist of enema preparations if your pet is vomiting or has no appetite.  Also, putting the herbs into an empty capsule and then giving it to your pet might be an option for your family.   Safety and effectiveness are of prime consideration when using herbal medicine and the herbal medicines prescribed are from reputable herbal companies that exceed the pharmaceutical’s standards of safety. Formulas may be used for a few days up to many months depending on the condition being treated.

             Chinese herbal medicine can be used effectively on its own or in combination with acupuncture and/or Traditional Medicine as well as in conjunction with various drugs and supplements.