Dr Mac
Treating gastric ulcers
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is influenced mainly by feeding and management, says Dr Mac.
Balancing with your seat and legs
Developing an independent seat is crucial for horse riding, says Dr Mac. This means you need to learn to balance without using your hands, and relying only on your legs and core muscles.
Dealing with colic during COVID-19
Colic is the leading killer of horses around the world, and COVID-19 has made it harder for vets to go out to stables to diagnose horses. Virtual diagnosis and colic first-aid kits may be the solution, says Dr Mac.
Beware of mouldy hay bales
When your horses don’t want to eat the hay you have bought in for winter, the bales could be mouldy, warns Dr Mac.
Tooth caps in young horses
Deciduous teeth that are not shed can be problematic in young horses in training, warns Dr Mac
Vaccinate your horse!
You have to vaccinate your horse annually against African horse sickness using a registered product, but this alone is not enough to keep the horse safe, warns Dr Mac.
Angular limb deformities in foals
Angular limb deformities can be treated in various ways, depending on the severity of the deformity, says Dr Mac.
Signs your mare is going to foal
While mares generally gestate for 11 months, this may vary. With this in mind, you should be on the lookout for signs that your mare is close to foaling, says Dr Mac.
Choosing the best time to breed your mare
There are pros and cons to breeding your mare at different times of the year, says Dr Mac.
Be wary of the lantana
The consumption of the lantana bush can result in severe liver failure and death, warns Dr Mac.
Understanding immune-mediated myositis
This recently described syndrome, which affects mainly American Quarter Horses, can be confirmed using genetic tests, says Dr Mac.
Using treats to train horses
There are various methods used to train horses, but the use of treats remains controversial, says Dr Mac.
A new approach to facial nerve paralysis
Electro-acupuncture is now being used as a therapeutic aid to assist in facial nerve regeneration. Dr Mac takes a closer look at the technique.
Feed and water requirements for horses
You need to plan your horse’s diet during the dry months to prevent digestion issues, says Dr Mac.
Be on the lookout for piroplasmosis!
Transmitted mainly by red-legged ticks, this disease is endemic in horses, donkeys, moles and zebra, says Dr Mac.
Twin foals are not a good idea!
About 80% of twin foals are aborted by the eighth month of pregnancy, sometimes with negative consequences for the mare, says Dr Mac.
Strict selection criteria are vital to Boerperd breeding
This popular indigenous breed is a hardy and muscular all-rounder that excels in many equestrian sports, says Dr Mac.
The rules of etiquette in the warm-up arena at a show
To avoid collisions in the warm-up area, riders are expected to follow a set of internationally accepted regulations. Dr Mac takes a closer look at these.
Glanders: what you should know
While glanders is no longer present in South Africa, it is still found in other regions and can be brought back into the country through the importation of equines, says Dr Mac.
How to treat epiphysitis
This joint disease is common in rapidly growing, large-breed foals, and is linked to diet, says Dr Mac. Treatment includes exercise restriction and stable rest.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
