Dr Mac
Cost-saving tips for horse owners
Prices are skyrocketing in South Africa, so it’s worth keeping a monthly budget to make timely decisions on cost-cutting, says Dr Mac.
Change feed, change behaviour!
Starches and fibrous feed influence the composition of gut bacteria as well as the behaviour of a horse, says Dr Mac.
Listening to your horse’s gut
A veterinary examination of a horse should always include listening to its intestinal sounds. However, the owner can do this too, says Dr Mac.
Regenerative medicine for horses
Stem cells, platelets and serum can be reinjected into an injured joint or ligament to improve healing in horses, says Dr Mac.
Breeding for conformation
Conformation is essential when breeding horses for a specific purpose, says Dr Mac. As conformation is achieved mostly through genetic means, breeders need to choose dams and sires with care.
Pros and cons of lucerne in your horse’s diet
This perennial forage has been used as horse feed for centuries, but despite its advantages, it can produce side effects, cautions Dr Mac.
How stress influences the health and behaviour of horses
Recent research has highlighted the causes, diagnosis and management of stress to improve health and performance in horses, says Dr Mac.
Managing mud fever
Equine pododermatitis requires careful and thorough treatment, and is exacerbated by damp or wet conditions, says Dr Mac.
Beware of oak poisoning!
It can be very difficult to diagnose chronic poisoning in horses caused by the consumption of acorns, says Dr Mac.
Horses and puff adders
When grazing, horses accidently disturb this highly venomous snake, and are often bitten on the face, says Dr Mac.
Becoming a jockey
If you have a small body frame, are athletic and enjoy riding, this may the career for you, says Dr Mac.
Looking after your horse’s heart
The health of your horse’s heart can be affected by pathogens, worm load or toxins, says Dr Mac.
How to ‘pony’ a horse
Leading one horse while riding another is a useful skill that can be hard to learn, says Dr Mac.
Understanding and treating PPID
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, sometimes called Cushing’s syndrome, is a common hormonal disease in older horses, says Dr Mac.
Using homeopathy to treat your horse
A wide range of homeopathic remedies is available for treating competition horses, according to Dr Mac.
Controlling biting flies
Biting flies are not only a nuisance, but can also transmit diseases and deliver painful bites, says Dr Mac.
Making wildlife part of your horse business
Like many industries, the horse industry is suffering due to COVID-19 regulations. If you own a farm, bringing in some game could offer you another income stream, says Dr Mac.
Understanding thermal imaging
This non-invasive diagnostic tool can identify ‘hotspots’ that are linked to unsoundness, says Dr Mac.
Alcohol-free beer for riders
Alcohol-free beer is a perfect alternative to fizzy drinks, and is increasing in popularity amongst professional riders around the world, says Dr Mac.
Inbreeding, outcrossing, line breeding and hybrid vigour
Horse breeding is a complicated matter, with many variables to consider, says Dr Mac.
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