Balanced Equine Performance | Local service

Balanced Equine Performance

Phone: +61 468 856 827

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Local service
• Pet service
• Veterinary surgeon
• Veterinarian

24.01.2022 Quality information for horse owners dealing with IR/EMS and/or PPID (Cushings).

24.01.2022 This is great to see!!

23.01.2022 A little info about what’s going on inside your horses mouth.

22.01.2022 Great article about things you could do with your horse if they are weak in the stifles. Slow and steady wins the race!

21.01.2022 Behaviours to think about in your horse that indicate your horses is in pain!

19.01.2022 For those needing to do injections into the muscle here is a great visual!

19.01.2022 This is why I give exercises after my treatments!!!

19.01.2022 Fantastic article about warmups!

15.01.2022 So much this! Doesn’t matter what training and how good you ride if your saddle doesn’t fit. Think about walking around with shoes too small all day. Soon enough it’s the only thing you can think of!!!

15.01.2022 Definitely important to think about! Sometimes it is the feed!!! We have clover here and I have 1 horse that is definitely more spooky when it’s fresh!!! Same goes for hard feeds! I had a Tb that was extremely sensitive to most pellets (but interestingly wasn’t grass affected) they’re all different and it’s our job to figure it all out!!!

14.01.2022 In a horse world almost desperate for more Steady Eddies to bring security and confidence to over faced riders, where ARE those nice horses? Why are so many ri...ders in a love-hate relationship with riding because while they love the whole idea of riding, they find themselves nervous each time they climb on this specific horse? Do I have the whole answer? Not for a nanosecond, The almost weird relationships that some riders seem to plunge into, time and again, as though they gravitate to the wrong horse by some inner need, totally mystifies me. But I will throw out there this gem that I got from mega horse dealer David Hopper. I asked David what one thing makes a horse more easy to sell than another, and he said "that the horse be non threatening to the jump." Doesn't rush, doesn't quit, just goes and calmly does its job. Which leads to a broader discussion of inherent temperament, on a 1 through 10 scale, a one being a total dead head, a ten being a fire breathing dragon. Horses that are 1-4 "absorb" the mistakes of a rider. They are not reactive. Horses that are 5-6, within reason, "tolerate" the mistakes of the rider. Horses that are 7-10 "magnify" the mistakes of the rider. So, if a rider who needs a 3-4, actually rides a 7-8, there you go--- A rider who needs a 4 in 2019 might be very happy 5 years from now on a 7, but now is now and then is then. Be smart.

13.01.2022 Colonic Ulceration in Horses Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Board Certified in Equine Practice The horse’s hindgutor large intestine, which includes the cecum... and colonis essential to the function of the horse’s overall digestive system and is important for bacterial content. When feed is processed in the horse’s digestive system, it is fermented and digested by bacteria in the hindgut. Fermentation is the chemical breakdown of substances by bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms. Fermentation provides the horse with energy, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. When the horse suffers from poor hindgut health, these key dietary components are lacking. Poor hind gut fermentation not only results in a decrease of these dietary essentials, but also in poor feed utilization, poor appetite, dehydration, poor coat and hoof condition, reduced immune function, and a change in attitude. These negative effects will ultimately result in poor performance and training. Horses are biologically designed to continuously consume small amounts of food, such as pasture grass throughout the day; however, the modern performance horse seldom has such a lifestyle, being in a stall for 22 hours per day and seldom out to graze with other horses. When inherent habits like this are disrupted or eliminated, the horse is at risk for digestive issues. Ulceration of the large colon of horses is a syndrome with an incompletely known etiology. Right Dorsal Colitis (RDC) secondary to NSAID administration is the most recognized form of colonic ulceration. Clinical signs of RDC include weight loss, diarrhea, colic, peripheral edema and profound hypoproteinemia (low total protein) due to protein losing enteropathy (PLE). Colonic ulceration may also occur in the absence of NSAID administration, associated with inhibition of prostaglandins by stress induced release of endogenous corticosteroids, and ulcers may form in any of the four quadrants of the large intestine. Performance horses that are fed diets low in roughage and high in grain are thought to be at risk of colonic ulceration. Available research on colonic ulceration is scarce, largely because visualizing the colonic mucosa in a live horse is not possible. Differential diagnoses for this condition include EGUS, large colon displacement and/or impaction, infectious causes of diarrhea (Salmonellosis, Potomac Horse Fever, Clostridium), granulomatous enteritis, eosinophilic enterocolitis, and intestinal neoplasia. Introduction to Equine Colonic Ulceration Gastric ulceration in performance horses is a common and a well-recognized problem, which can only be diagnosed by gastric endoscopy. Performance horses are at risk of developing colonic ulcers; however, colonic ulcers are more difficult to diagnose, as the colonic mucosa cannot visualized. The large colon cannot be completely examined without exploratory surgery or necropsy. One study involved the necropsy of over 500 horses. One hundred and eighty of these horses were known to be performance horses, and colonic ulcers were found in 63% of these horses (87% had gastric ulcers). In the remaining group of horses, 44% had colonic ulcers and 55% had gastric ulcers. The prevalence of gastric ulcers in the performance horses in this study approximated the prevalence of gastric ulcers in performance horses, so the prevalence of colonic ulcers may be higher than was previously thought. Necropsies performed at Fox Run Equine Center often find colonic ulceration. Ulcers have also been noted during endoscopy in the small intestine of miniature horses overdosed with phenylbutazone and in other horses with gastric ulceration. Etiology and Pathophysiology of Colonic Ulcers in Horses Gastric ulcers and colonic ulcers can both occur secondarily to NSAID administration. Phenylbutazone, administered at high doses, or over a long period of time, poses a particular risk. Phenylbutazone (PBZ) is one of the more commonly used NSAIDs for musculoskeletal pain in horses, and it is a non-specific COX inhibitor (COX 1,2,3- cyclooxygenase), the combination of which contributes to phenylbutazone being closely associated with RDC development. Many NSAIDs can induce RDC, mainly PBZ, flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen. The COX-2 selective inhibitors such as meloxicam and firocoxib may cause ulcers when administered at doses well above the recommended dose, but are well-tolerated at normal doses and even three times normal doses. Some horses are thought to be more sensitive to the side effects of NSAIDs and can develop ulcers at normal, and even lower than normal doses. Whether some of these horses have an underlying disease that predisposes them to RDC is unknown. Ulceration tends to be worse in the right dorsal colon; however other parts of the colon may also be affected. Possible, but unproven, causes of non-NSAID-induced colonic ulceration include: 1. Acidosis of the hindgut from fermentation of carbohydrate-rich foods (i.e. grains) When sweet feed is fed at >1.0% of body weight per day, starch and sugar will not be fully absorbed by the small intestine, spilling over into the colon. 2. Helminth migration or small strongyle larval encystment in the colon wall. 3. Chronic stress resulting in chronically high endogenous plasma cortisol concentrations. A combination of these factors is likely. The pathology of colonic ulceration includes mucosal ulceration of varying severity, with thickening of the underlying submucosa and lamina propria resulting from edema and inflammation. Fibrosis and the formation of internal strictures are possible sequelae. Clinical Presentation of Colonic Ulceration in Horses All ages and breeds of horses can be affected; however, young performance horses are considered to be at greatest risk. The earliest symptoms of colonic ulceration may be subtle, and could possibly include: 1. Vague signs of abdominal discomfort such as resentment to the tightening of a saddle or resentment to being ridden. 2. Low-grade colic symptoms, that wax and wane. Between episodes, the horse may appear to be normal. 3. Decreased performance. 4. Decreased appetite. 5. Rough dull hair coat. 6. Weight loss. 7. Diarrhea. With severe disease, the horse may develop ventral and peripheral limb edema, anorexia, colic, lethargy, fever, dehydration and endotoxemia. Complications of severe disease can include laminitis, infarction of the colon, and bowel rupture. Blood work is useful with colonic ulceration. Hypoalbuminemia is a common feature of PLE. Hypocalcemia usually occurs concurrently with hypoalbuminemia, as a large percentage of blood calcium is bound to albumin. Hematology results are variable and may show an elevated white cell count or a low red blood cell count. There may be toxic changes to some white blood cells and an increase in young neutrophils. Fibrinogen or serum amyloid A may be elevated. Abdominocentesis findings are non-specific; there may be an increased white cell count and increased total protein, depending on the severity of disease. Diagnosis for Colonic Ulcers in Horses An accurate diagnosis of colonic ulceration cannot be made without visualizing the colonic mucosa; however, a presumptive diagnosis can be made based on a combination of the following findings: 1. History of NSAID administration (if there is no NSAID exposure, colonic ulcers cannot be ruled out, especially if the following signs are present). 2. Intermittent colic, especially if combined with diarrhea, weight loss and/or peripheral edema. 3. Hypoalbuminemia 4. Abdominal ultrasound finding of a thickened wall of the right dorsal colon or other areas of the colon. 5. Ruling out of more common diseases, that have a similar presentation, i.e. gastric ulcers, salmonellosis, intestinal parasitism etc. 6. Gastric ulcers can occur concurrently with colonic ulcers. Gastric ulcers are unlikely to cause hypoalbuminemia. In one study, a guaiac-based fecal occult blood test was shown to have a good positive predictive value (72%) and a poor negative predictive value (51%) in the diagnosis of RDC. In that study many horses that had gastric or colonic ulcers had negative tests (i.e. false negatives). Gastroscopic examination of the stomach if negative may help rule-in RDC in horses showing typical clinical signs, especially if there is concurrent hypoproteinemia. Abdominal ultrasound can image a limited portion of the right dorsal colon on the right side between the 11-15th intercostal spaces, below the lung margin and axial to the liver. Normal wall thickness is less than 0.4 cm; horses with RDC may have wall thickness >0.6cm. Although the sensitivity of abdominal ultrasound findings is low, ultrasound is a useful tool in combination with the rest of the physical examination. Nuclear scintigraphy, using technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime to radiolabel white blood cells, has been described as a method of imaging inflammatory lesions in the large colon. This technology may be available in some specialist centers, such as Fox Run Equine Center. Infectious diseases should be ruled out through fecal cultures and PCR and serology for PHF in horses with diarrhea. Horses with Salmonellosis have signs like those of RDC and the two may occur concurrently. Treatment for Colonic Ulceration Treatment of RDC is based upon discontinuation of NSAIDs, decreasing intestinal fill to allow colonic rest, frequent feeding, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal absorption in the colon. Horses with moderate-to-severe colonic ulceration should discontinue NSAID medication, using COX-2 inhibiters, if needed, or other pain medication. Stress should be minimized. Diet plays a significant role in the health of the equine intestinal tract. Many performance horses are fed diets that are high in grain and low in roughage. This feeding practice leads to abnormal patterns of fermentation in the large bowel and to alterations of the intestinal microbes. Mimicking natural feeding habits (high roughage diets) may go a long way to preventing colonic ulcer formation and may also help treat low-grade ulceration. Horses are continuous grazing animals, so frequent, small meals and/or continuous access to forage help prevent gastric and colonic ulcers. Reduction in gut fill is accomplished by eliminating hay from the diet and replacing it with complete feeds with at least 30% dietary fiber. There are several complete feeds available that are low in carbohydrates but have at least 30% fiber. This reduces gut fill and decreases the mechanical load on the colon. These horses should be fed frequent, small meals at regular intervals (4-6 times daily). Short periods of grazing fresh grass (10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day) are also good for stress levels and to lower the colonic load. Switching diets should be made over several days to allow the gastrointestinal tract microflora to change and process the new foods. The diet should be continued for three to four months or when hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia have resolved. Omega-3-rich oils can also be used to provide calories without bulk, and the necessary fats for cell membrane formation. They also help limit inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids competitively inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is necessary for eicosanoid production. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the eicosanoid production, thereby decreasing inflammation. Psyllium mucilloid is an amylase-resistant fermentable fiber hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The SCFAs are an important energy source for colonocytes and can help improve the function of the cells, and promote faster colonic. They also shorten transit time for ingesta and increase water content of the GI tract. Medication used for treatment of gastric ulcers (omeprazole or ranitidine) is not effective for treating RDC; however, sucralfate may bind to the ulcer bed and act as a protective cover over the ulcer. It may stimulate the release of local protective prostaglandins. Sucralfate has not been clinically proven with colonic ulcers, and I have not found it to be particularly helpful. Misoprostol, a synthetic form of prostaglandin E2, is cytoprotective and improves healing. The side effects of Misoprostol include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, sweating, and abortion in pregnant mares (and women- so do not handle this medication if you are, or could be, pregnant). In cases where abdominal pain from colonic ulceration is severe and uncontrollable, a bypass surgery has been reported that alleviates discomfort. Horses with severe hypoproteinemia and edema benefit from plasma (the acellular portion of blood). Replacing the albumin deficit increases the plasma oncotic pressure, which improves tissue perfusion and helps reduce edema, both peripheral edema and edema in the colon, which benefits colonic mucosal healing. Vetstarch is a less expensive alternative than plasma for increasing the plasma oncotic pressure, but it will not improve the hypoalbuminemia. Horses with colonic ulcers should be encouraged to drink so as to maintain hydrated intestinal contents. Adding salt to grain, hay, or water often improves water intake. Minimizing physiologic and environmental stresses can also be helpful in controlling RDC. Stall rest, reduction of strenuous exercise or training, and reduction in trailering are ways to decrease stress. Improvements in clinical signs should be seen within 1-2 weeks; however the colon will take longer to heal on average 3-4 months, but some horses take longer to heal. Blood work can be monitored regularly, as improvements in blood albumin concentrations will indicate that the treatment is working. Prevention of Colonic Ulceration Administer NSAIDs at appropriate doses and for no longer than necessary. Ensure horses are fed an appropriate diet that constitutes primarily roughage, such as grass, hay and chaff. Continuous access to forage helps to buffer acids in the stomach and colon. Carbohydrate-rich supplements such as grain should only be added to the diet as necessary to fulfill energy requirements- in other words, couch potatoes do NOT NEED GRAIN, only those with consistent exercise that increases energy requirements above what hay/grass alone can provide. Consider beet pulp and Omega-3 rich oils as alternative energy sources to grain. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481 Your horse's health is always our top priority.

12.01.2022 APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE make for a better world, and for better riding too. "if it's too much for him he will complain, if he's happy he will give it to me" Th...is is a quote from a bonus 23 minute segment of Manolo riding Clint in a demo. We just posted this never shared before footage in our in-hand group to thank the new members who have chosen to join and support us in the past 2 days. If you want to join our group and learn how to develop a happy, healthier horse by better understanding posture, straightness, suppleness and balance, please purchase Manolo's 3 hours introduction to in-hand work DVD and take advantage of our bonus in-hand group and hand-out. By the same token you will to help support us during this time which allows for no clinics or lessons and allow us to keep creating educational content. You can find out more about where to purchase the DVD or Streaming version and all the bonuses it comes with here: https://www.manolomendezdressage.com//in-hand-lessons-wit/ or for Streaming (same bonus, follow instruction on the Vimeo sales page) https://www.manolomendezdressage.com/streaming-dvd-availab/ We wish you and you two and four legged family well. Thank you. The MMD Team

11.01.2022 Something to think about when rugging your horse! It’s so individual!

09.01.2022 Made me laughing!

05.01.2022 Many people use trot poles in their training programs, but what effect do they actually have on your horse’s musculoskeletal system? Two studies conducted by Cl...ayton et al in 2014 measured kinematics (movement of the back and limbs) of 8 horses trotting over poles on the ground, at 11cm and 20cm. They found that: hoof height increased over all heights in all limbs, but there was no significant change in the height of the withers or croup. Basically this suggests that the increase in hoof height is due to the limbs flexing more, rather than by the body raising higher. Many people recommend poles to help the horse lift through the back, however based on this particular study, we have to question if that is actually even occurring? the increases in swing phase joint flexion indicate that trotting over poles is effective for activating and strengthening the muscles involved in flexing (bending) the limbs. there was no increase in peak forces or the amount that the fetlock extended when compared to trotting on level ground, suggesting that using trot poles for rehab shouldn’t jeopardise the recovery process by over-loading the limbs. the need to raise the limbs in order to clear the poles and place the hooves accurately requires visumotor coordination, which may be useful in neurological rehab. It’s so important to design training and rehab programs with a specific goal in mind. Always consult with your vet and qualified therapist when it comes to implementing the appropriate program for your horse. credit - Horse Magazine

05.01.2022 Hey All, Just letting everyone know that there will be a price rise (first in 3years) as of the new financial year. I hope everyone is coping in these Covid times and still getting to ride!! Cheers Ann

03.01.2022 EDITED WITH AN ADDITION: We are still awaiting formal advice from the Government, in particular around Stage 4 restrictions, but in the meantime, rest assur...ed that you can continue to care and exercise your horse - including travelling to where your horse is kept, if that is outside a 5km radius. Equestrian Victoria will provide a downloadable document in the event you may be stopped when travelling to care or exercise your horse. Vets, farriers and other equine professionals involved in the care and welfare of your horse will also still be allowed. Stage 3 Restrictions for regional Victoria come into effect at 11:59pm on Wednesday evening also, and will largely mirror the Stage 3 Restrictions put in place recently for Melbourne and Mitchell Shire posted on 9 July. You can view those here. https://www.vic.equestrian.org.au//important-update-regard We will continue to represent the membership and request any exemptions to the current Covid-19 restrictions, to ensure our membership is able to provide appropriate care to their equine friends. As you can probably understand, this is a very busy time for the Government, and there are a lot of competing priorities. Be patient, but know that you can continue to care for your horse. #staysafe #equestrianvictoria #lovethehorse

03.01.2022 I love Equitopia. These are awesome video's that can help you see if your horse is in pain!!

02.01.2022 This is very sad for my profession.