The information that is given regarding these questions are for an education basis only. You should consult your veterinarian before any action is taken. We appreciate your continued support for this program.

Q: Why do horses develop vices or bad habits?

A: Horses develop these “bad habits” due to boredom. Sometimes boredom can be associated to a low intake of roughage (grass/hay) and few hours of chewing (grass/hay). They will develop a repeated behavioral action since they have a lot of free time. You can sometimes break a horse from this vice by occupying this free time with activities. You might want to supply them with free hay/grass to occupy the hours with chewing, add additional animals, more space or provide them with play toys (large rubber air balls). These are all just suggestions to increase the activity levels of the horse.

Q: What are some common vices of horses?

A: Some common vices include wood chewing (cribbing), mouth sucking air (stump sucking), pawing, biting, kicking and front body weaving.

Q: I just purchased a 6 year old gelding who acts like a stud with my mares. I am afraid of putting him with other studs. How can his behavior be modified?

A: The gelding may be "proud cut", which means the epididymis sperm storage tissue was not completely removed at the time of the surgical castration procedure. The remaining portion cannot produce sperm but can produce testosterone to create stud behavior. Examination by a veterinarian is suggested to determine presence of the epididymis on one or both sides and the necessity of surgical correction. The gelding may have also been castrated after stud behavior was apparent which means he may continue to maintain his habits, which can be permanent and irreversible.

Q: I need information about the treatment and prevention of white line disease in horses.

A: White line disease in an affected area of the hoof likely that had deteriorated tissue with an infection and needs to be cleaned and packed with non-absorbent compounds to allow the affected area to dry, grow and be removed by trimming. A veterinarian can assist you in the treatment of this problem. You can prevent it though by keeping the horse on a well-balanced diet, in a dry environment and by keeping the hooves periodically trimmed.

Q: When should I vaccinate my horses for the West Nile Virus?

A: Most WNV horse cases occur in September through October. During these months high protection needs to be provided by administering a booster in August. It is suggested to give an annual booster of Recombitex, a DNA vaccine, in August or twice a year annual boosters of Innovator, a killed vaccine, in February-April and August. Once the epidemic occurrences are reduced to an endemic level, the once a year label recommendation of Innovator will be suggested, but until them it should be used twice a year.

Q: We have been having an increased number of stillbirths in our miniature donkeys. What do we need to do? 

A: The first thing that needs to be done is your veterinarian needs to be contacted and they need to submit fetus and placenta tissue samples of the aborted and stillborn fetuses. Blood samples from the mares needs to also be collected in order to make a specific diagnosis.

Q: What are some common causes of stillbirths and abortions late in pregnancy for mares? 

A: In horses, abortions late in the pregnancy and still births are common in regards to fescue toxicity and equine rhinopneumonitis. Fescue toxicity is a fungus that infects tall fescue grass. We have a brochure is available through the extension service if you would like to see a copy of it.. The other, equine rhinopneumonitis, is a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract of horses and it is caused by a specific virus that is known to cause abortions. The incidence of abortion in the mares is highest in the last third trimester of pregnancy. The only way to truly determine what is causing the abortions is to have lab work done on the fetuses. Once the problem is determined then you and your veterinarian can work out a plan to ensure that this does not happen again.

Q: I have a horse that has a bad knee and needs surgery. Does the Large Animal Clinic take on cases such as this?

A: For starters, you need to have an initial examination by a veterinarian in your local area. If the horse needs to be referred to the Texas A&M University Large Animal Hospital for specialized examination and treatment procedures, you or the local veterinarian can make an appointment by calling 979-845-3541. I expect radiographs are necessary to make a diagnosis and determine the prognosis and veterinary services and fees. If money is an object there is a possibility for an arrangement to be made with the vet school to donate your horse for teaching purposes. The teachers for you to consult are Dr. Jeff Watkins, equine bone surgeon and Dr. Mike Walker, equine radiologist. They can be reached at 979-845-3541 and jwatkins@cvm.tamu.edu and mwalker@cvm.tamu.edu. Additional assistance for donation procedures and other teachers to contact will be provided by the receptionist if need be.

Q: Is the removal of tumors on horses recommended and if so what is involved? What is the recovery time? What is the cost?

A: The tumor is a melanoma, which is common in grey horses over 4 years of age. Although most are benign, some are cancer (metastatic and invasive) in horses; whereas, in people true melanoma is cancer. Surgical removal is recommended. You may call TAMU Large Animal Hospital at 979-845-3541 to ask questions pertaining to surgical fees, procedures and recovery. In the meantime, topical treatment includes antiseptic, antibiotic and fly repellant preparations.

Q: What are some common vaccinations for horses in East Texas and when do I need to administer them? 

A: This is a common question that you need to visit with your veterinarian about. But some common diseases that should be vaccinated against are Encephalitis ( West Nile, Eastern and Western), Tetanus, Rabies and Pneumonitis (Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza). Annual vaccinations against encephalitis, tetanus and rabies are suggested. The scheduling of the annual vaccinations is normally done in late winter and early spring. The killed West Nile vaccine is repeated in late summer; whereas, the DNA West Nile vaccine is not. Vaccinations against Pneumonitis are suggested in broodmares and horses that travel and commingle at performance/show events. The killed Rhinopneumonitis vaccine is administered to brood mares at 5, 7 and 9 months of pregnancy. The Pneumonitis vaccines are administered to traveling horses at 2-6 times a year.

Q: Can horses contract blackleg? 

A: Horses are not susceptible to the blackleg group by natural resistance, except for tetanus. Occasionally, malignant edema in horses is reported due to subcutaneous infection by injection of contaminated needle due to cattle manure.

Q: What is strangles and how is it transmitted?

A: Strangles is caused by a Strep bacterium which is discharged in the environment in pus drainage from nasal passages and draining abscesses of an infected horse. A susceptible horse can be exposed by either ingesting or inhaling the bacteria in the contaminated environment such as grass, feed, soil or people’s hands. Transmission between horses can also occur by direct contact with infected horses. Young horses under two years of age are more susceptible to contracting the bacteria. Once the infected horses are removed from the environment the environmental contamination disappears. When a horse recovers from the disease it will have a long-lasting immunity.

Q: What are some preventative measures to help ensure my horses don’t contract strangles?

A: To help prevent your horses from contracting strangles it is beneficial to vaccinate horses that are at high risk with two initial injection at 1-2 month intervals and then an annual booster every year after that. You can also construct an inside buffer fence to prevent direct contact of horses across fence lines as well as washing and disinfecting your hands, instrument and tackle between horses.

Q: Why would a foal be born that has practically no tail?

A: There are several different reasons for this to occur. One would be a genetic defect. Both the sire and the dam might be carriers of a recessive gene that causes tail defects. Both parents then passed on their recessive genes to the foal who now has a double recessive, inheritable genetic defect. If this is the case then both the sire and dam are carriers for this recessive trait. It could also be due abnormal embryonic development during the first few weeks of gestation. The pregnant mare could have been exposed to various chemicals such as herbicides or weed killers that altered the development of the tail. Consult your veterinarian and see if a surgical option to correct this deformity would be appropriate.

Q: What is sweeney shoulder?

A: Sweeney shoulder is a foreleg lameness related to malfunctions of the shoulder blade of muscles. The malfunctions are associated to one of two reasons: 1. The muscles are reduced in size because the forelimb has not been in use due to another lameness, or 2. The nerve that supplies the shoulder blade muscles is damaged by trauma, such as a collision. Although the prognosis is guarded, your veterinarian can provide options for therapy.

Q: How long does it take a horse to recover from tetanus?

A: In animals that recover, there is a convalescent period of 2-6 weeks.

Q: What is the risk of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)?

A: The viral disease affects equine. Stallions can become chronically infected and shed the virus through semen, if mares contract the virus it could cause them to abort. Horses can become infected by inhaling EVA and by an infected stallion servicing a mare, through artificial insemination, or by coming into contact with contaminated objects. To prevent infection disinfect stalls, trailers and equipment to reduce EVA exposure. Symptoms of EVA include fever, depression, diarrhea, coughing, or swelling of the legs. Notify a private veterinarian to diagnose properly through laboratory testing.

Q: My horse is having seasonal ear problems?

A: Ask your veterinarian to collect tissue and drainage samples and submit them to the laboratory for culture and drug sensitivity of pathogenic organisms which complicate the primary allergic reactions in and on the ears. In the meantime, use only drying agents in and on the ears and do not use any oil-base ointment compounds that retain moisture.

Q: Is the WNV vaccine safe for donkeys/mules?

A: There are no published scientific reports to indicate WNV vaccines are unsafe for mules, hinnies and donkeys.

Q: What is Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HPP) in horses?

A: HPP is a muscular disorder with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance apparently confined to descendants of the American Quarter Horse “Impressive”. HPP was first reported in horses in 1985. The American Quarter Horse Association test foals who trace back to Impressive for HPP prior to registration, and notes on the registration certificate that the foal has an ancestor known to carry HPP or that the foal tests negative for HPP.

      HPP is characterized with episodes of muscle twitches and facial spasms. During more intense attacks, the horse collapse into involuntary recumbency, with flaccidity superseding myotonia. Once the attack subsides, horses regain their feet after a few attempts to rise and appear normal. Heterozygotes are often first noticed in 2 or 3 year olds, but the age of onset can range from 1 month to 4 years or older. Males seem to be affected clinically more often than females. Dietary items high in potassium, such as alfalfa, molasses, or electrolyte supplementation, can trigger an episode.

Q: Are horses and people the only animals that eat themselves sick? Why?

A: You had mentioned a common disorder in horses caused by overeating, founder or laminitis, and they can also colic which is a general stomach/intestinal upset. However, they are not the only animals that can get sick from eating too much.

For example, in dogs that eat too many table scraps or too much "people food" they can get pancreatitis which is inflammation of one of the glands that produces the enzymes that helps to digest food. It can make them really sick. In cattle that eat too much grain, the pH of their blood drops and the microbes in their rumen that help breakdown food die leading to a condition called lactic acidosis. Also, calves that are turned out on lush, green pasture can acquire polioencephalomalacia, which is caused by thiamine deficiency related to eating too much lush green grass.

    These are a few of the more common examples of eating too much in animals, and just like people it is better for them to eat a proper diet without excessive amounts of sweets (grain/people food).

Q: Can you tell me about Fluphenazine use in horses?

A: Fluphenazine is not approved by the US government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Any use of this substance in horses is a Federal violation of the FDA Legal Drug Use Act. Consult your veterinarian to find alter means on treatment.

Q: Is it a common practice to use aminoglycosides in horses?

A: Yes, veterinarians commonly use aminoglycosides in horses.

Q: What are the most common aminoglycosides that veterinarians use in horses?

A: Amikacin and Gentamycin are the two most common.

Q: What is the difference between Tetanus toxoid and Tetanus anti-toxin?

A: Tetanus toxoid should be given to your horse on a routine basis. If the horse is injured and a tetanus injection has to be given, toxoid would be used since the horse had been previously vaccinated for tetanus. If the horse had not been previously vaccinated, then the anti-toxin should be injected. After 30 days the toxoid should be administered to the horse.

Q: What are the dangers of clenbuterol?

A: FDA warns horse owners and veterinarians about deaths due to unapproved clenbuterol use. The FDA has become aware of the deaths of several horses in Louisiana associated with the use of a product labeled as clenbuterol HCL. Horse owners and veterinarians should be alert, as there are no generic clenbuterol-containing products approved for animals.

Q: Can I give my horse equine supplements?

A: Equine supplements are unapproved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no research data has been submitted for evaluation and quality control is not monitored. Effectiveness of supplements for which are claimed on unapproved labels is in question. Poor grades of ingredients have poor absorption. If absorption and effectiveness were high, data would be submitted to FDA for label approval.

Q: Where can I find material on horse judging?

A: You can locate material on the Extension on-line library is http://agrilifebookstore.org. There is a video and manual for learning how to judge horse competitions. The publication numbers are SP-149 (Texas 4-H Livestock Judging Video) and AS 3-2.051 (4-H Horse Judging Manual).

Q: Where can I get a horse judging manual/guide?

A: You can get the Horse Judging Leader Guide from the Horse Section office in the Kleberg Animal Science Building at Texas A&M University.

Q: What grass should I plant for horses to graze on that is hearty, requires the least amount of care and that comes up each year? 

A: For year round grazing with a minimal amount of problems, the thing that has worked really well is to establish a good coastal Bermuda pasture, and then overseed it with winter rye (seed) in the early fall for winter time grazing. We see problems with hybrid sorghums/sudans, hay grazer, Russian and foxtail millet, kleingrass and fescue. These all affect horses in a negative way, or they can depending on the conditions. So your best bet often times are a good Bermuda. You can seed common Bermuda and get along fairly well, but it grows differently than does coastal or some variety of coastal. Then the winter rye gives you a good grazing source during time when Bermuda is dormant and the rye will often hang around until late April and sometimes even into May.

Q: Are there any trees/shrubs that are toxic to horses?

A: There is an excellent reference book that is available which contains all the toxic ornamental plants. The book is titles, “Toxic Plants of Texas” (http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/index.htm )and discusses more significant plants. If however this book does not answer your question you can contact the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL) at 979-845-3414. You can also go to the website http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/index.htm.

Q: Is there any known benefit to feeding Tifton 85 to horses?

A: There is a publication entitled “Selection and Use of Hay and Processed Roughage in Horse Feeding” that is available. It discusses the numerous different grasses including Tifton. Tifton is a variety of Bermuda grass, but has a larger leaf and a thicker stem. Feeding value for horses is comparable to coastal, as long as the Tifton is not allowed to get too mature.

Q: Why would my horse have horrible gas?

A: Horses require adequate roughage of long fiber. Long fiber provides the necessary cellulose that feeds the normal digestive protozoa and bacteria in their large intestine. The microorganisms increase in numbers and smooth out fermentation for forage and control the production of gas.

Q: How can I increase the long fiber intake that my horse consumes?

A: To increase the long fiber intake, do now mow the pastures frequently to allow sufficient height of the forage. To increase intake of dry forage, the pasture can be stripped mowed every few weeks. Your horse will consume the dry and green grass. If the grass intake in inadequate, supplement him with hay everyday. The daily requirement of roughage intake for your horse is: 1) 30 lbs of grass only; or 2)15 lbs of hay only; or 3) 10 lbs of grass and 10 lbs of hay.

Q: Why would a foal be born that has practically no tail?

A: There are several different reasons for this to occur. One would be a genetic defect. Both the sire and the dam might be carriers of a recessive gene that causes tail defects. Both parents then passed on their recessive genes to the foal who now has a double recessive, inheritable genetic defect. If this is the case then both the sire and dam are carriers for this recessive trait. It could also be due abnormal embryonic development during the first few weeks of gestation. The pregnant mare could have been exposed to various chemicals such as herbicides or weed killers that altered the development of the tail. Consult your veterinarian and see if a surgical option to correct this deformity would be appropriate.

Q: Can I use natural compounds such as BT, diatomaceous earth or dolomite to deworm my horses?

A: Research studies on natural compounds including BT, diatomaceous earth and dolomite has not demonstrated effectiveness against gastrointestinal worms in horses, although their unproven use is published in lay print and internet non-scientific literature. Since none of these compounds have been approved by the FDA for dewormers, their use in deworming horses is a violation of Federal law.

Q: What are the pros and cons of feeding Kleingrass/hay to horses?

A: Kleingrass is excellent forage for cattle, but in horses, liver damage can occur with long duration consumption. Pure Kleingrass hay or pasture can provide toxic levels; whereas, hay and pasture with Kleingrass mixed with other grasses might not provide adequate levels of toxicity which it is common for horses to consume without developing liver damage. For additional information, got to http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/index.htm

Q: Can corn be toxic to my horse?

A: Corn growing in ideal temperatures with enough moisture early in the growing season can create the perfect environment to produce the fummonisin toxin in corn. Horses are extremely sensitive to the toxin, pigs are somewhat sensitive while cattle are not as sensitive to the toxin. Corn that is going into a horse ration should not have more than 5 parts per million of the toxin. The total ration that includes the corn cannot have more than 1 part per million . Symptoms of horses who have consumed the toxic corn can develop lesions in the brain, this could lead to blindness, incoordination, depression or extreme agitation and finally death. It is 99.9% fatal. In pigs it causes massive edema in the lung tissue. Best way to prevent toxicity in horses is to have corn tested and to contact commercial feed manufactures to ensure that feed has been tested.

Q: Why are some treats more palatable to horses than others?

A: There are several different ways that feeds taste sweet to them. One is food that is high in protein (>10%) or high in carbohydrates. So sweets that they like are carrots and sugar cubes. They like food items that are crunchy and sweet to taste. It really just depends on the horses own particular taste as to what they like. Some might like treats such as cut up apples, pears, peppermints, carrots, sugar cubes, etc. When you look at feed whether oats, pellets or corn, most are sweet feeds (meaning they cover them in molasses). If the food source comes in a pellet type then that food source most likely will be high in protein to be palatable to the horse. Most do not like things that taste bitter. Horses taste things the same way that we do with taste buds that are located on their tongues.

Q: Can I give my horse equine supplements?

A: Equine supplements are unapproved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no research data has been submitted for evaluation and quality control is not monitored. Effectiveness of supplements for which are claimed on unapproved labels is in question. Poor grades of ingredients have poor absorption. If absorption and effectiveness were high, data would be submitted to FDA for label approval.

Q: Is gordo bluestem harmful if fed to horses?

A: No. There has never been anything known to be a problem with feeding gordo bluestem grass to horse, or any other livestock. The only grass we know of that causes liver damage in horses (and sheep& goats, by the way) is kleingrass.

Q: How should I feed my horse during a drought?

A: A publication titled “Feeding Horses During Drought Conditions” was recenlty placed on our website at http://animalscience.tamu.edu . Click on livestock, then horses, then publications.

Q: When should I vaccinate my horses for the West Nile Virus?

A: Most WNV horse cases occur in September through October. During these months high protection needs to be provided by administering a booster in August. It is suggested to give an annual booster of Recombitex, a DNA vaccine, in August or twice a year annual boosters of Innovator, a killed vaccine, in February-April and August. Once the epidemic occurrences are reduced to an endemic level, the once a year label recommendation of Innovator will be suggested, but until them it should be used twice a year.

Q: What are some common vaccinations for horses in East Texas and when do I need to administer them?

A: This is a common question that you need to visit with your veterinarian about. But some common diseases that should be vaccinated against are Encephalitis ( West Nile, Eastern and Western), Tetanus, Rabies and Pneumonitis (Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza). Annual vaccinations against encephalitis, tetanus and rabies are suggested. The scheduling of the annual vaccinations is normally done in late winter and early spring. The killed West Nile vaccine is repeated in late summer; whereas, the DNA West Nile vaccine is not. Vaccinations against Pneumonitis are suggested in broodmares and horses that travel and commingle at performance/show events. The killed Rhinopneumonitis vaccine is administered to brood mares at 5, 7 and 9 months of pregnancy. The Pneumonitis vaccines are administered to traveling horses at 2-6 times a year.

Q: What are some preventative measures to help ensure my horses don’t contract strangles?

A: To help prevent your horses from contracting strangles it is beneficial to vaccinate horses that are at high risk with two initial injection at 1-2 month intervals and then an annual booster every year after that. You can also construct an inside buffer fence to prevent direct contact of horses across fence lines as well as washing and disinfecting your hands, instrument and tackle between horses.

Q: Is the WNV vaccine safe for donkeys/mules?

A: There are no published scientific reports to indicate WNV vaccines are unsafe for mules, hinnies and donkeys.

Q: What are the current requirements to bring a horse into Texas?

A: The entry requirement for horses to enter Texas are: 1) Current negative EIA test (ELISA or AGID/Coggins) document within the last 12 months and 2) Current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate) within the last 45 days.