Central West Horse Shoeing Services in Gulgong, New South Wales | Sport & recreation

Central West Horse Shoeing Services

Locality: Gulgong, New South Wales

Phone: +61 428 329 657

Address: Springwood Park Road Gulgong, NSW, Australia

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25.01.2022 Excessive DDFT Tension A number of problems can arise in the horses foot as a result of having too much tension on the deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon. Thes...e include differences in front feet appearance, clubbed feet, delamination of the hoof wall (white line disease), navicular inflammation, and laminitis (founder). In many cases the cause of excessive DDF tension is unknown. Several factors have been implicated, such as developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), a difference in length between thoracic limbs, eating habits (i.e. standing with one limb forward and the other back), pain higher up in the affected limb(s), the horse being right- versus left-handed (or vice-versa), genetics, and rate of growth. Despite the actual cause(s), the consequences of increased DDF tension are fairly consistent. Typically, one thoracic limb demonstrates more DDF tension than the other. This is usually evidenced by the horse having two different front feet (one more contracted than the other). In our experience, the RF limb appears to be more affected 70% of the time. In order to understand the effects excessive DDF tendon tension has in the foot, it is important to first understand the anatomy. The thoracic deep digital flexor tendon arises from the deep digital flexor muscle. The DDF muscle has two portions, one attaching on the ulna and the other (larger) attaching to the humerus. The muscle courses along the backside of the radius, eventually giving rise to the DDF tendon, just above the carpus (knee). The DDF tendon courses behind the carpus, down along the back (palmar aspect) of the cannon bone, around the back of the fetlock, around the navicular bone in the back of the foot, and inserts on the underside of the third phalanx (P3). The location, routing, and attachments of the DDF result in two primary forces that affect structures within the foot. These are: Pressure across the navicular bone and A downward or rotational pull on P3. They include: 1) Clubbed foot: A foot is clubbed if the heel has grown to the point of breaking the distal limb axis forward, where the angle of the foot is steeper than the angle of the pastern. Because the tendon inserts on the underside of P3, increased tension will pull or "rotate" the bone downward, eventually creating a steep hoof angle, high/contracted heels, and potentially a broken-forward axis. A broken-forward axis can in turn result in malarticulation of the coffin joint and arthritis. This can occur in one or both front feet. It is important to realize that although one foot may be smaller, higher, and more contracted than the other it may not necessarily be clubbed. A difference in foot angle, however, does suggest that the steeper limb has more DDF tension than its contra- lateral counterpart. A foot is not considered clubbed until the distal limb axis is broken forward. 2) Delamination/ "white line" disease of the foot: Rotation of P3 downward can result in separation of the sensitive and insensitive tissue along the laminar interface of the hoof. This is called delamination. This separation occurs slowly and is usually not associated with inflammation and pain (laminitis). Dishing of the hoof wall generally confirms that separation/ delamination has occurred. Many owners treat this problem by infusing a combination of astringents, antibiotics, and fungicides into the separated tissue in hopes that they will eliminate the various infectious agents that frequently invade this area. We should realize, however, that the primary problem is not infection. Bacteria and fungi are ever present! The problem is the fact that they have an open space into which to invade. Eliminating the delaminated (open) space effectively eliminates the infection. 3) Navicular inflammation: The DDF tendon uses the navicular bone as a fulcrum as it courses around the back of the foot. The anatomy is similar to the way a pulley functions as a fulcrum for a rope. Increased tension on the DDF tendon results in increased pressure across the navicular bone and a greater chance of developing inflammation in this area. Simply put, this is why horses develop navicular disease. 4) Laminitis: Since laminitis can result from both biomechanical and metabolic processes within the laminae of the foot, increased tension/ distraction along the laminar interface (via the tension on the DDF tendon) increases the horses predisposition for developing laminitis as well as his/ her chances of experiencing digital collapse (P3 rotation) once tissue weakening has occurred. Since the aforementioned problems can be directly linked to excessive tension of the DDF tendon, it stands to reason that treatment strategies should include techniques designed to reduce DDF tension. Less DDF tension means less pressure across the navicular bone and less rotational pull on P3. Tension on the DDF tendon can be reduced by a) lengthening the tendon or b) shortening the distance between the origin and insertion of the tendon. In younger horses, treatment strategies directed at "stretching" or lengthening the DDF tendon and/or limiting the growth rate of the associated bones may prove beneficial. These include: 1) Trimming as much heel as possible. This will INCREASE DDF tension, but may also help to stretch t. This should not be done if the horse develops lameness or if there is evidence of hoof delamination (dishing). It should also not be attempted in older horses, as it will usually worsen the problem(s). 2) Massage of the DDF tendon muscle. "Loosening" the DDF muscle will reduce DDF tendon tension. We recommend consulting a massage therapist on effective ways to relax the DDF muscle. 3) Decreasing energy intake. Some people associate increased DDF tension with growth rate. If the bones grow faster than the tendons, tendon tension may increase to an excessive level. 4) Proper diet. Flexural contracture of the DDF tendon, one manifestation of developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), has been associated with mineral imbalance (e.g. copper deficiency). 5) Distal accessory (check) desmotomy. The distal accessory or check ligament is an extension of the palmar carpal ligament (on the back of the carpus) that joins the DDF tendon at the level of the mid annon bone. By restricting excessive movement of the DDF tendon through it attachments, the distal accessory ligament functions to keep the DDF tendon in check. If excessive DDF tendon tension persists by the time the horse reaches 8-10 months of age, then surgical intervention in the form of distal accessory (check) desmotomy is often elected. Cutting the check ligament physically releases tension on the DDF tendon, allowing it to lengthen. After 18-24 months or age, the DDF tendon has lost most of its pliability, and is generally not willing to stretch easily. In older horses, therefore, treatment strategies are usually directed at shortening the distance between the origin and insertion of the tendon. This is typically accomplished through corrective shoeing. The basic ways that DDF tension is reduced through corrective shoeing is by: 1) Increasing heel length relative to toe length. This can be accomplished by trimming more toe (from the solar or bottom surface) than heel. However, since only so much toe is available for trimming, the use of a wedged pad is often required. Elevating the heels results in dropping of the fetlock. Consequently, tension is transferred from the flexor tendons to the suspensory apparatus. It should be noted, however, that there is a limit to the degree one can elevate the heels. Excessive heel elevation can result in malarticulation of the coffin joint, crushing of the heels, and/ or excessive stress to the suspensory apparatus. 2) Facilitating break over of the foot. By moving the break over point of the foot backward (palmarad), the stride length of the limb is shortened. Consequently, there is less degree of limb/ foot extension and therefore less tension on the DDF tendon during movement. The break over point is moved backward by trimming toe and/or rolling or rockering the shoe. When rolling the shoe, the farrier rasps or grinds the corner of the shoe where it meets the ground surface at the toe area. The 90 angle at this corner is eliminated and is therefore removed from the break over process. When rockering the shoe, the farrier elevates the front of the shoe off of the ground, usually at about a 30 angle. The front corner of the shoe is completely lifted off of the ground and is therefore not incorporated in the break-over process. Rockering the shoe influences where along the toe the foot will break over, so it is important to know the foots normal break-over pattern. The approach used to facilitate break-over is generally determined by farrier preference. In cases of a severe and/or life-threatening foot problem occurring as a result of excessive DDF tension (i.e. laminitis), transection of the tendon may be considered. Of course, cutting the tendon eliminates its tension and therefore dramatically decreases the pressure across the navicular bone as well as the downward pull on the third phalanx. Consequently, this technique can quickly and effectively alleviate clinical problems associated with excessive DDF tension. However, since an intact DDF tendon is required for sound movement, this approach is considered only for salvage purposes; return to performance is not expected. As previously stated, the original cause of excessive DDF tendon may not be known or treatable. Therefore, DDF tension may continue to increase over time, constantly challenging our efforts to alleviate it. No treatment strategy can therefore be considered a permanent fix. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

25.01.2022 Researchers have documented sagittal groove injuries in racing Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, and many carry a good prognosis for return to athletic function. However, until recently, how they impact other types of horses has remained unclear.

23.01.2022 Thrush in Horses (Pododermatitis) By Brian S. Burks, DVM, DABVP (Equine) Thrush is a bacterial infection, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, or other anaerobi...c (bacteria that live where there is no oxygen). It is one of the most common diseases affecting horses hooves. You will likely know it when you see and smell it. The pungent, tar-like black discharge collects in the sulci, or grooves, along the sides of the frog, the triangular structure that covers about 25 percent of the hoofs bottom. If thrush is left untreated it may progress into the sensitive tissues, usually at the central sulcus of the frog, progressing into the inter-heel cleft. This infection causes the frog to deteriorate and results in great pain and sometimes lameness. In severe cases, lameness is possible if the thrush penetrates the sole and starts to erode vital structures in the foot. Horses in damp environments, with poor sanitation are predisposed to pododermatitis; however, horses housed in pristine conditions can also get thrush, indicating that there may be an underlying cause, such as an injury to the foot or frog. Sometimes, horses kept in wet, unsanitary environments do not develop thrush, further supporting this statement. Gaited horses may have thrush under the pads, but they also have very long hooves with contracted heels and a poorly developed frog. Thus the condition is caused by poor hoof health from lack of exercise, lack of proper trimming and general hoof care, or foot imbalance, leading to sheared heels. Horses with sheared heels are generally lame and have a very deep fissure in the central frog sulcus; the fissure extends to the hairline and into the digital cushion. The heels move independently, under thumb pressure. The foot is imbalanced, with upward displacement of the medial heel and flaring on the opposite side of the hoof. Insertion of a probe into the cleft causes pain and bleeding. Some horses may have thrush wit and sheared heels without hoof imbalance. These feet are long and have contracted heels. Pododermatitis also occurs without hoof imbalance and sheared heels. This is the most common form of thrush. There is usually black, malodorous discharge and degenerated frog. Treatment of thrush begins with addressing the primary problem. The hoof should be trimmed properly, and the horse placed into a dry environment. Adequate exercise should be provided to improve blood flow and health of the foot. The disease is unlikely to resolve with any treatment if the foot is not balanced. A bar shoe may help in the case of sheared heels. In any case, the loose frog tissue is debrided. Any pockets or crevices are opened to allow exposure to oxygen and allow cleansing. Many agents are readily available for treating thrush, iodine and copper sulfate being the most common. These are caustic materials that should be avoided when sensitive tissue is exposed. Diluted povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine are great antiseptic choices. Occasionally, dilute Clorox may be used. Fox Run Equine Center also makes a thrush solution for tough cases that do not respond to other treatments and trimming. Chlorine dioxide is an oxidizing biocide that is best known as White Lightning. It prevents food transport along cell walls, leading to destruction of microorganisms. In extreme cases, especially when the infection is very deep and spreads up into the skin of the heels and pastern, a surgical Nd:YAG laser may be needed to kill the bacteria and ablate necrotic tissue. The crevice should be gently cleansed with a dry gauze sponge, and then packed with the same. Prevention Tips If thrush is diagnosed early, it is easy to treat and will heal properly. There are several precautions to help prevent the condition (or for treatment) given that it is most commonly associated with unsanitary conditions. For instance, horses that often stand on damp and dirty surfaces are more prone to developing thrush, because the bacteria that cause the condition thrive in this type of environment. To help prevent thrush: Provide your horse with a clean and dry environment that does not encourage the growth of the organisms that cause thrush. Bedded stalls are preferable; standing on rubber mats is another option for avoiding wet conditions. Regularly exercise your horse to ensure consistent and healthy circulation in the hooves. Pick the hooves every day and be sure to thoroughly clean out the frog and the sulci. Inspect the hooves for foreign objects, such as rocks or nails, at the same time. Adhere to a regular shoeing cycle to prevent the flaps of the frog from growing over the sulci and trapping dirt and moisture. Have your farrier examine your horses hooves and trim the frog if it is overgrown. If you have any questions about how to prevent thrush or if your horse is exhibiting thrush symptoms, contact our office for help. (724) 727-3481. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com

22.01.2022 Two for the price of one day.

21.01.2022 Letter from a farriers wife: I stood behind you in line today at the local feed store. I bit my tongue as you talked rudely about your farrier, complaining to ...your friend about the cost of your shoeing bill and declaring, without shame, "I mean, how hard can it BE? Hes only there for an hour." My friend, let me tell you what you do not see - You do not see the mornings that begin at 6 a.m. and the nights that end at 11 p.m. You do not see your farrier performing his juggling act while he shoes, returns voicemails and text messages, and answers "emergency calls" for pulled shoes on Friday nights when hed rather be at home with his family. On Sunday mornings when hed rather be in church. You do not see the checks written to the shoeing supply house, the receipts for the fuel that gets him from your place to the next one, or the maintenance bills that keep his shoeing rig running down the road. You do not see the books he studies, the workshops he attends or teaches, or the seriousness with which he takes the art and skill of his profession. You do not hear him making late night calls to the vet and to other horseshoers that he respects as they put their heads together to come up with the best solution to make the horse comfortable enough to stay on his feet - to stay alive. My friend, you do not see the burn marks on his hands and arms from the hours he spends in the forge learning to make your shoes; always preparing to help you the next time your horse comes up lame, is diagnosed with navicular, or founders for the umpteenth time (even though hes warned you to pull that pony off the pasture). He must be prepared for anything you throw at him, and he takes this responsibility to his heart. You do not see the bumps, bruises, scuffs and injuries that he collects on a daily basis from young, naughty, impatient and flighty horses. He doesnt complain about them. He just keeps on keepin on. They are part of the job, and he accepts this without complaint, just as he accepts your ingratitude. So, my friend, I implore you - the next time you think about opening your mouth to insult your farrier, spend a day in his shoes, first. **PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE BUT CREDIT GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR (JESSICA LASH) IS MUCH APPRECIATED! MANY HAVE STOLEN AND CLAIMED AS THEIR OWN!** Heath Lash CF Heath Williams Rob Kirkpatrick (Cant tag Tyler Amstutz for some reason.)

20.01.2022 Feeding the Equine Foot By Brian S. Burks, DVM, DABVP- equine specialty Perhaps you are familiar with the famous Benjamin Franklin quote, For want of a nail th...e shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, and for want of a horse, the rider was lost, being overtaken and slain by the enemy all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail. One of the most important parts of your horse is the foot. Without good feet, the horse is not valuable. There are several factors that affect hoof growth. Genetics are a factor in hoof growth. Some lines of horses, and certain breeds may not produce good feet. Arabian horses tend to have good, tough feet. Thoroughbreds often have feet with a long-toe, low-heel growth. When dealing with a horse with foot problems, it can take a great deal of time to see improvement in hoof growth. The equine foot grows about 8-10mm per month, meaning that it can take 9-12 months to completely grow a new foot at the toe; the heel, being shorter, only takes 5-6 months. Any damage to the coronary band can slow hoof growth. Foal feet tend to grow faster than adult horse feet. Nutrition is important for hoof growth and is of interest not only to horse owners, but also to supplement manufacturers hoping to sell product. There is very little evidence to suggest that the addition of extra nutrients to an already-balanced diet will promote hoof growth in the normal horse. Malnutrition can have an adverse effect on hoof growth. In one study, weanling ponies fed a restricted diet (one-third of their daily nutritional calorie requirement) had a hoof growth rate one-third slower than a control group of weanling ponies fed an adequate diet. The diet restriction had no effect on hoof strength or elasticity. Specific nutrients can also have an impact on hoof growth in some horses. These include protein, biotin, methionine, and calcium. Proteins are made up of different amino acids, and the amino acid concentration within the horn of good-quality hooves has been shown to be different from that of poor-quality hooves. The hoof is made of keratin, a type of protein. Low dietary protein slows hoof growth and tends to produce inferior quality horn prone to cracking and splitting. While the essential amino acid methionine is thought to be important for hoof quality, if fed in excess it is thought to cause a depletion of iron, copper and zinc, which may be associated with crumbling horn and white line disease. Fortunately, few horses are likely to suffer protein deficiencies except young, growing horses or lactating broodmares (both of which have high protein requirements) being fed exclusively over-mature grass pasture or hay with no other supplements. Underfed horses may suffer the same fate, or worse. The diet of most mature horses contains ample quantities of protein for good hoof growth. Calcium has an important role in the formation of bones, muscles, teeth, hoof, and virtually every other structure in the horses body. Calcium is needed for cell-to-cell attachment in the hoof horn. Calcium is also important in the metabolism of the intercellular lipids. Excess phosphorus can block the absorption of calcium from the small intestine, which ultimately can cause weak and abnormal bones and affect cell-to-cell attachment in the hoof wall. Horses fed a high-phosphorus, low-calcium diet based on grain (corn, oats, and/or sweet feed) and bran suffer from calcium deficiency, which causes not only poor hoof quality, but also bone abnormality and many metabolic issues. This used to be called bran disease or millers disease as horses eating lots of bran or mixed grains had abnormal bones, especially in the head. When the calcium:phosphorus ratio is corrected, hoof quality improves. Selenium is important as an antioxidant for the protection of cellular membranes; however, excess selenium in the diet can lead to substitution of sulfur in the keratin fibers with selenium, resulting in poor structural integrity. Chronic selenium toxicity can result in hair loss, coronitis and bleeding of the coronary band as well as sloughing of the hoof and even laminitis. Biotin is a B vitamin produced in the horses colon. It is water soluble and is not stored for long in the body. Most biotin is obtained from the diet, as the body does not always produce enough. Some horses with poor-quality hooves may benefit from supplementation of this vitamin. Biotin is a popular supplement fed to enhance the repair of hoof defects and as a preventive against slow or poor-quality hoof growth. Horses without enough biotin have soft white lines and hooves that crumble and/or crack. It is unknown why some horses respond to biotin supplementation and others do not, but the vitamin seems to be most beneficial to horses with thin, brittle hoof walls and tender, thin soles. If it is beneficial, the optimal dosage remains unknown. Biotin supplementation takes many months to produce results. In one study of 42 Lipizzaner stallions, 26 of which were fed biotin at 20 mg/day, improvement in hoof quality was first noted six months after the study began, with the best results after 14 months, with improvement being measured as a decreased incidence of cracks, less crumbling of the horn, and greater measurable tensile strength. Keratin is about 4% sulfur, which is contained in amino acids. Methionine and cystine have received considerable attention because they both contain sulfur. Methionine, an essential amino acid (meaning the horse cannot manufacture it and must be provided by diet) is present in only very small amounts in keratin, but it can be converted to cystine once in the system. It probably will not improve hoof growth or quality on its own, but it is often included in biotin supplements because the two things likely work synergistically, but more research is needed. Zinc is a trace mineral that is involved with growth rates and healing throughout the body. Horses deficient in zinc have impaired cellular division and growth, which might be related to a depressed ability to utilize amino acids and sulfur. Since zinc absorption is closely tied to copper levels in the body, both minerals must be supplemented in the correct ratio (from 3:1 to 5:1, zinc to copper) in order to rectify any deficiency. As with methionine, zinc supplementation on its own probably does little to influence hoof growth, but in combination with copper, biotin, and amino acids, it might have a positive effect. Fats are needed by the hoof to create a permeability barrier that assists in cell-to-cell adhesion, helping prevent bacteria and fungi from penetrating the horn. Diets containing adequate levels of fat can, therefore, be beneficial to the hoof. For the majority of horses, a diet with naturally occurring biotin, a good amino acid and fatty acid balance, and proper vitamin and mineral fortification will support excellent hoof growth rates and quality of growth. Feeding good quality hay is enough for many horses, but those in more work may need supplementation with a good quality feed. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

20.01.2022 Farrier Focus September 15th is all about education through demonstration and informative lectures. The Shoeing Lab and Scientific Horseshoeing exists to bring ...the working Farrier knowledge and understanding through education and innovative products. As part of that mission we are proud to bring you great educational products from around the world particularly these amazing models and posters from From Professor Chris Pollitt. Call by our stand and take a look See more

20.01.2022 Intermittent Upward Fixation of the Patella in Horses By Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Board Certified in Equine Practice Intermittent upward fixation of the ...patella (IUFP) is a common problem in Miniature horses, ponies, and Standardbreds. Also known as locking stifle, this condition can affect one or both hind limbs, and results in an inability to flex the leg. An affected horse will drag its toe as it is being led. The condition is usually worse when taking the horse out of its stall. When the patella unlocks, it causes the horse to suddenly hyper flex. It is uncomfortable, but not very painful. The sudden hyperflexion can be quite dramatic, but it is muscular in origin. This is a normal anatomic feature that the horse can usually control. When the stifle is locked in position as part of the stay apparatus of the hindlimb, energy is conserved and the horse can sleep standing without danger of falling down. So it is normal for the patella to fix upward. It is not normal for it to become stuck in the upward position. IUFP is caused when the patella gets stuck over a portion of bone called the medial trochlear ridge of the femur (there is also a smaller, lateral trochlear ridge). This occurs because of upright stifle conformation, lack of muscle tone, or a combination of both. In horses that exhibit mild IUFP, conservative therapy is often enough. We will recommend exercises to increase quadriceps tone, such as backing on a lead line for 5-10 minutes daily, cavaletties and walking/trotting up hills. As with any case of lameness, a thorough examination is required to determine the underlying cause. Some horses just dont have enough tone in the quadriceps, while others may have ligamentous damage or even OCD of the stifle. Chondromalacia of the patella is another potential cause. If the horse fails to respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be indicated. The surgery is called a medial patellar desmotomy, where the medial patellar ligament is cut, releasing it from getting stuck over the end of the femur. An incision is made over the medial patellar ligament, and the ligament is cut using a scalpel blade or special type of knife. The skin is closed with a few stitches. After the surgery, a controlled exercise program is instituted starting with strict stall rest, followed by a few weeks in a small paddock. The horse will require at least 2 months off from work to recover. Although the surgery itself usually has no complications, the long term prognosis for horses that have had surgery is fair for soundness. This surgery results in instability of the stifle joint, which can lead to secondary arthritis. Surgery does not always fully resolve lameness, especially in horses with severe cases of IUFP. Finally, a sequela to surgery is fracture of the lower end of the patella, which could lead to arthritis or lameness down the road. Alternatively, several small cuts (ligamentous splitting) can be made in the ligament, leaving it intact, preventing arthritis or fracture. This is done in standing, sedated horses under ultrasonographic guidance. Sometimes, extracorporeal shock wave therapy can help to heal any damage to the ligament or patella that may lead to IUFP. Generally, internal blisters are not recommended as they can be quite painful and not lead to resolution of the lameness. If your horse has signs of locking stifles, consult with one of us at Fox Run Equine Center to discuss options for your horse. www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481 ***Facebook has severely reduced the number of people presented with content from this page. To make sure people see the content, please LIKE and SHARE with others. Shares are particularly appreciated to disseminate knowledge.***

19.01.2022 Laminitis Part 1 Equine laminitis is a systemic disease, often linked to hindgut disturbances; its final manifestation is inflammation of the lamina of the h...oof, and downward rotation of the coffin bone. Treatment of laminitis is difficult because clinical signs of laminitis are apparent only after laminar tissues have undergone inflammatory and degenerative changes. There are a myriad of different problems that can cause laminitis or increase the potential for it to occur. Nearly half of all reported cases of laminitis in the US occur in horses at pasture, specifically lush spring pasture. Laminitis in equines can be caused by ingestion of high amounts of sugar and starch which exceed the digestive capacity of the small intestine, the undigested material flowing into the hind gut causing a proliferation of lactic acid bacteria. This may result in reduced hindgut pH, which, in addition to hindgut acidosis, may lead to a cascade of events culminating in compromised blood flow (and thereby reduced nutrient supply) to the foot resulting in laminitis. https://robankfeeds.com.au//special-ne/signature_balancer/

18.01.2022 Letter from a farrier's wife: I stood behind you in line today at the local feed store. I bit my tongue as you talked rudely about your farrier, complaining to ...your friend about the cost of your shoeing bill and declaring, without shame, "I mean, how hard can it BE? He's only there for an hour." My friend, let me tell you what you do not see - You do not see the mornings that begin at 6 a.m. and the nights that end at 11 p.m. You do not see your farrier performing his juggling act while he shoes, returns voicemails and text messages, and answers "emergency calls" for pulled shoes on Friday nights when he'd rather be at home with his family. On Sunday mornings when he'd rather be in church. You do not see the checks written to the shoeing supply house, the receipts for the fuel that gets him from your place to the next one, or the maintenance bills that keep his shoeing rig running down the road. You do not see the books he studies, the workshops he attends or teaches, or the seriousness with which he takes the art and skill of his profession. You do not hear him making late night calls to the vet and to other horseshoers that he respects as they put their heads together to come up with the best solution to make the horse comfortable enough to stay on his feet - to stay alive. My friend, you do not see the burn marks on his hands and arms from the hours he spends in the forge learning to make your shoes; always preparing to help you the next time your horse comes up lame, is diagnosed with navicular, or founders for the umpteenth time (even though he's warned you to pull that pony off the pasture). He must be prepared for anything you throw at him, and he takes this responsibility to his heart. You do not see the bumps, bruises, scuffs and injuries that he collects on a daily basis from young, naughty, impatient and flighty horses. He doesn't complain about them. He just keeps on keepin' on. They are part of the job, and he accepts this without complaint, just as he accepts your ingratitude. So, my friend, I implore you - the next time you think about opening your mouth to insult your farrier, spend a day in his shoes, first. **PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE BUT CREDIT GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR (JESSICA LASH) IS MUCH APPRECIATED! MANY HAVE STOLEN AND CLAIMED AS THEIR OWN!** Heath Lash CF Heath Williams Rob Kirkpatrick (Can't tag Tyler Amstutz for some reason.)

18.01.2022 Something doesnt look right with this foot.lets get a shoe on in and fixs this toe crack.

17.01.2022 The eponychium or feathers is the deciduous hoof capsule in fetuses and newborn foals. It is meant to protect the reproductive tract of the mare during gestat...ion and parturition. They begin to wear off shortly after birth, as they can make standing more difficult. In people, the equivalent becomes the cuticle. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

17.01.2022 Capsulitis/synovitis: Inflammation of the joint capsule and synovium. Acute capsulitis usually manifests as a combination of synovial effusion and soft tissue s...welling along the jooint capsule and often elicits a strong response to flexion. Fox Run Equine Center (724) 727-3481 www.foxrunequine.com

17.01.2022 The Equine Tarsus (Hock) Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Board Certified in Equine Practice There are 5 joints in the horses hock (tarsus- the human ankle). Th...e top 3 communicate with each other, and injecting a substance into one joint will affect the others. The bottom 2 joints are quite small, and have minimal motion, yet arthritis is common here and can be quite painful. About 75% of the time, the bottom 2 joints communicate with each other. The other 25% require injection into each joint separately. From top to bottom: Tibiotarsal Joint Talocalcaneal Joint Proximal Intertarsal Joint Distal Intertarsal Joint Tarsometatarsal Joint Bones of the Hock: Talus Calcaneus Central tarsal bone Fused 1st and 2nd Tarsal Bone 3rd Tarsal Bone 4th Tarsal Bone Also: Proximally the Tibia Distally the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Metatarsal Bones The tibiotarsal joint is a joint to be careful about treating or having wounds near to it, as infection can easily occur in this joint. I have seen cannon bone wounds infect the upper hock joint. Once infected, the joint must undergo lavage with LRS or sometimes arthroscopic surgery to remove the infection, in addition to both systemic and local antibiotic therapy. Veterinarians perform joint injections very commonly, but they are not innocuous. Any time a needle pierces the skin, bacteria can be taken deeper inside on the needle. Mostly the horse clears the infection, but sometimes they do not, and joint sepsis occurs. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

15.01.2022 Research efforts are ongoing to improve pain management and identify new ways to prevent laminitis in horses. Read about some of the latest research findings on preventing and managing acute cases of laminitis in the May 2018 issue of The Horse!

15.01.2022 Pasture Grasses and Lamintis By Brian S. Burks, DVM, DABVP- Board-Certified in Equine Practice Laminitis is a relatively common disease seen in horses. It has ...many causes, including hard ground (road founder) grain overload, and grass founder. This latter cause may be linked, at least partially to horses with endocrine diseases: Equine Cushings Disease and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Pasture-induced laminits is triggered when susceptible horses ingest high amounts of fructans (a type of sugar) found in grass. Susceptible horses include overweight, EMS, ECS, and horses that have previously foundered. When carbohydrates are consumed in excess, there is a bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal tract. This bacterial overgrowth produces a toxin which weakens matrix-metalloproteins (the glue of the foot) leading to laminitis. The sugar content of grass varies with the weather, plant stress, forage type, maturity, time of day and time of year. Grasses produce energy from sunlight by a process called photosynthesis; when this happens, plants are producing sugars which are made into plant fiber and other plant parts. These sugars are depleted during the night, making early morning the safest time for grazing. Plant growth becomes limited at or below 40 degress, or during drought, causing sugars normally used for growth to become concentrated in the plant because they are not used for growth. When pasture grass is stressed, susceptible horses should not be allowed to graze, or it should be very limited. When grass is growing rapidly, the energy is used up, and the sugar content will be less. That does not mean, however, that susceptible horses will not founder if allowed to overeat. A grazing muzzle can be used to limit the forage intake, while allowing movement in the pasture. Grazing should occur when sugar content is lower, e.g. in the morning when sugars have been used up overnight for continued plant growth. Cloudy days are another example of good grazing days, as photosynthesis is limited; therefore less sugar is in the plant. More mature grass will also have lower carbohydrate content. Cool season grasses, such as orchard grass or brome grass are genetically more capable of storing sugars than other types of grass. Most carbohydrates are stored in the bottom 3-4 inches of growth, thus pastures should not be cut short, as the horse will have access to this fructan sugar. Overgrazing is similar; stressed grass will store more sugar. During the fall, the cool nights will stress the grass as well. To avoid grass founder: Keep your easy keepers and ponies off lush, fast-growing pastures until the grass has slowed in growth and produced seed heads. Graze your horses on pastures containing a high percentage of legumes, such as alfalfa or clover. Avoid grazing horses on pastures that have been grazed very short during the winter. Keep cresty-necked, overweight horses in the stall or paddock until the pastures rate of growth has slowed, then introduce them to the pasture slowly. Allow the horse to fill up on hay before turning out on grass for a few hours. I have a horse that is prone to founder in the spring, so I place a grazing muzzle on him before turnout for a few hours, which allows him to exercise but prevents him from eating too much grass. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

13.01.2022 TendonA fibrous cord by which muscle is attached to bone. LigamentA band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, serving to support and strengthe...n joints. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

11.01.2022 Palmar: It replaces caudal in the forelimb from the carpal joint distally. Pertaining to the palm (the grasping side) of the hand. The ancient Romans used th...e word "palma" for the outstretched palm of the hand. By comparison, the term "volar" applies to both the palm and sole. It comes from word "vola" which the Romans used for "the palm of the hand and the sole of the foot." Plantar: It replaces caudal in the hind limb from the tarsal joint distally. Pertaining to the sole or caudal aspect of the digit. From Latin plantaris, from planta sole. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

09.01.2022 Distal Phalangeal (Coffin Bone) Fractures Brian S. Burks, DVM, ABVP- equine specialty Distal phalangeal fractures occur from trauma, usually rapid and severe. ...Laceration of the hoof capsule may also result in coffin bone fractures. Fractures of the third phalanx, or coffin bone, can occur in multiple places within the bone, which determines clinical severity. Fractures near the middle of the bone, extending into the joint cause more lameness than wing fractures or margin fractures. Fractures of the extensor process may also occur. Clinically, there is a sudden onset of lameness in a single foot. Hoof testers may or may not localize the lameness within the foot. The lameness is moderate to severe, and is accentuated when moved in a circle, with the affected foot to the inside. The hoof and pastern may be warm to the touch, and the digital arteries exhibit a stronger pulse than is normal. If the distal interphalangeal (coffin) joint is involved, the synovial fluid may be blood-tinged. The appearance of the lameness must be differentiated from a hoof abscess. Lameness may be abolished using a palmar digital or abaxial sesamoid block; however, horses with severe lameness should have radiographs taken first, as the reduction in pain may cause the horse to overuse the foot and lead to more damage to the fractured bone. Radiography confirms the diagnosis in many cases, but some fracture lines may be difficult to detect due to minimal, if any, displacement. The irregular border of the third phalanx can make some fractures difficult to recognize. In such cases, multiple radiographs from multiple angles may help to identify the fracture. In some cases, stall rest and repeat radiography in 10 days may allow fracture recognition as the fracture gap widens over time as bone remodels. Nuclear scintigraphy, MRI, and CT may be required in some cases. Treatment of distal phalangeal fractures may be conservative or surgical means as the case dictates. Foals are usually treated with complete stall rest. Surgical therapy involves lag screw fixation and neurectomy. Conservative treatment of a non-displaced fracture involves the use of a bar shoe with clips, with a pour or other pad on the solar surface, providing support and limiting further concussion. In some cases a cast may be an addition to the shoe. Anti-inflammatory medication is often used to reduce pain and allow weight bearing. It may take 90-120 days for complete healing of coffin bone wing fractures. After soaking the foot for 24 hours, shock wave therapy may be used to induce fracture healing in selected cases. Other treatments may include bisphosphante drugs such as TildrenR and the addition of calcium to the diet. Mid-saggital (through the center) or other fractures that involve the joint may be treated conservatively in some cases, but will take much longer to heal and may displace, despite shoeing and casting. These fractures often do better when surgically repaired. Asepsis is critical when surgical management is chosen, as the hoof is in contact with the ground and is difficult to completely clean. A lag screw is placed across mid-saggital articular fractures after a hole is drilled in the side of the hoof wall. Such fractures carry a guarded prognosis, unlike most other coffin bone fractures, which carry a good prognosis. This is because osteoarthritis of the DIP joint may ensue. Solar margin fractures may be underdiagnosed due to the difficulty in recognition radiographically. These are caused by blunt force trauma, such as kicking a hard, immobile object. They may be secondary to laminitic osteopenia. Most heal conservatively, but if the fragment becomes septic, surgical removal is required. Extensor process fractures may occur due to hyperextension or avulsion of the common digital extensor tendon on the front of the limb. Clinical signs may or not be present from such fractures. Definitive diagnosis is reached via the lameness examination, including nerve blocks, and radiography. Small fragments require surgical removal as they are in contact with the joint and often migrate. Larger fractures may heal with conservative therapy or may be removed. In certain cases, lag screw fixation may be tried.

09.01.2022 Navicular Bone Fractures Brian S. Burks DVM, DABVP-equine specialty Horses with a fracture of the navicular bone present with an acute onset of lameness in a si...ngle limb. The horse will land toe first, instead of heel first. There is intense pain when turning, and there is an increased digital pulse. There is usually a positive reaction to hoof testers. Nerve blocks will localize the lameness to the palmar foot. There are four types of fracture: Avulsion fractures of the distal margin are found in conjunction with navicular disease. Simple fractures of the body- these often occur away from the center in a vertical or oblique direction. Some displacement is possible. Comminuted- multi-fragment fractures that carry a poor prognosis Frontal fractures, which are very rare, but are seen crossing the bone on a lateral radiograph. Most fractures of the navicular bone are traumatic in origin. They result from excessive loading of the middle and distal phalanges and the DDF tendon. In some cases, navicular disease may cause a pathologic fracture of the bone. High quality radiographs are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Fractures should be differentiated from a bi- or tri-partite navicular bone. The opposite forelimb navicular bone can be radiographed for comparison. Good packing in the lateral sulci of the frog is required, so that air does not appear as a fracture. Treatment of navicular bone fractures requires corrective shoeing, but treatment may also include OsPhos or Tildren, along with Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy, and even stem cells. Corrective shoeing aims to raise the angle of the foot to a more upright position, relieving pressure on the navicular bone from the deep digital flexor tendon. The toe is kept short and rolled. A bar shoe with clips at the medial (inside) and lateral (outside) quarters is used to help stabilize the foot. The horse will be shod this way for usually at least four to six months. A cast may be placed around the hoof for up to eight weeks. After this time, a cast may cause the heel to contract. Stall rest is initially required, but once the horse appears comfortable on the foot then hand walking can commence. The duration of stall confinement is usually 90 days with another 90 days of small paddock confinement. Bony union is not usually apparent, even after the horse has clinically improved. Full healing requires 10-12 months. Additionally, phenylbutazone, isoxsuprine and aspirin are prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote blood flow respectively. In some cases, surgery may be appropriate. A lag screw may be placed across the fracture, providing stability and promoting bony union. Care must be taken not to enter the coffin joint and the tendon sheath. Healing requires six to eight months; however, return to competitive work often requires a neurectomy- transection and capping of the palmar digital nerve, to remove pain sensation. The screw is left in place. The prognosis for this fracture varies with the severity of the fracture, but is guarded for soundness. There is a prolonged healing phase. Rear limb navicular bone fractures do better than the front limb. A palmar digital neurectomy may be needed to maintain athleticism. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

09.01.2022 How to find biomechanical axes of rotation for the 3 distal joints in the equine limb: On a lateral radiograph, draw circles that fit the condyles of each jo...int: the center of those cirlces are the rotation centers for those joints. On a DP radiograph, draw lines tangent to the most distal aspect of the condyles of each joint: those lines are parallel to the axes of rotations of the joints, just offset by the radius of the circles found on the lateral radiograph. See more

08.01.2022 Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white b...lood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue. Bones come in a variety of shapes and have a complex internal and external structure, are lightweight yet strong and hard, and serve multiple functions. One of the types of tissue that makes up bone is the mineralized osseous tissue, also called bone tissue, that gives it rigidity and a coral-like three-dimensional internal structure. Other types of tissue found in bones include marrow, endosteum, periosteum, nerves, blood vessels and cartilage. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

08.01.2022 Pastern Arthritis Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Board Certified in Equine Practice Ring bone is a colloquial name for osteoarthritis of either the coffin join...t or the pastern joint. The latter is the most common form. Osteoarthritis (OA) is non-septic degeneration and inflammation of the articular cartilage and bone. It is most commonly due to trauma, usually repetitive over a period of time. While there are no specific genetics involved, horses with poor conformation are more likely to develop OA. Clinical signs include lameness, joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and with ringbone, thickening of the pastern. This is due to bone build up around the joint. Diagnosis is via radiography (x-rays) or sometimes via nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan). These will identify decreased joint spaces, peri-articular osteophytosis, enthesophytes, and periosteal bone proliferation. There may be signs of joint fusion (rarely complete without surgery) and osteolysis (bone thinning). Treatment includes methods to reduce inflammation of the joint. This may include cryotherapy and intra-articular medications, extra-corporeal shock wave therapy, and possibly nutraceuticals. In some instances, surgery may be necessary. Medications to reduce inflammation include systemic and topical anti-inflammatories such as bute, banamine, and equioxx. Intra-articular medications include sodium hyaluronate (HA) corticosteroids, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (Adequan). The latter may also be given in the muscle, every 4 days for 7 treatments. Stem cells and IRAP are other potential joint therapies to treat and protect joint cartilage. Shock wave therapy uses sound waves to treat the affected joint, reducing inflammation and stimulating bone healing. All these modalities can help, but there is no cure for arthritis. Surgical options include arthroscopy and rigid fixation (arthrodesis). The former allows visualization of the joint and the removal of chips and bone flaps, as well as cartilagenous debridement. For ringbone, arthrodesis may be necessary to stabilize the joint and stop the pain. Once the joint is fused, the horse is pain free. This is more amenable in the pastern joint vs. the coffin joint, as the latter is within the hoof capsule. Regardless of the therapy chosen, rest is required to give the joint time to heal. Oral nutraceuticals have limited efficacy for the treatment of OA. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

08.01.2022 Trochlea A trochlea is a structure serving as a pulley and/or a smooth articular surface of bone on which another glides. Fox Run Equine Center... www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

06.01.2022 NatraHorse is honored and proud to announce and welcome Tammie Reeves to the NatraHorse family. Tammie a competitive barrel racer and accredited riding instruc...tor and her beautiful mare Scooter have agreed to become our NatraHorse sponsored team. I am so excited to be part of this humble and dedicated duos journey, growth and success. I know that they will be wonderful representatives for NatraHorse in all they do. Congratulations Tammie and Scooter See more

06.01.2022 I think winter is here now

05.01.2022 Efficient Fitting Systems Demonstration at the AFC by New Zealand Farrier Rob Pinkney

05.01.2022 Condyle: A condyle is the round prominence at the end of a bone, most often part of a joint - an articulation with another bone. It is one of the markings or fe...atures of bones. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

04.01.2022 Great day yesterday at the FormaHoof clinic pretty impressive .

04.01.2022 Enthesis: The point at which a tendon, ligament, or muscle inserts into a bone. Enthesopathy: disorder of this connection. When there is inflammation, it is c...alled enthesitis. Enthesitis Symptoms and Signs: Pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and. warmth in the areas of the affected, inflamed tendon or ligament. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

04.01.2022 Bursa and Bursitis Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa and buildup of fluid in the bursa sac, which is made of a synovial membrane that produces and holds s...ynovial fluid. A bursa is a thin, slippery sac found around a joint that serves to reduce friction between bone and surrounding soft tissue, such as skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Excessive friction, trauma, or other condition can irritate the synovium and cause it to become inflamed, causing the production of thin, excessive synovial fluid, causing localized swelling, skin redness and warmth, tenderness and pain. Inflammation can also be caused by infection. This is called septic bursitis and can eventually cause the bursa to fill with pus. Septic bursitis is serious causing pain and lameness. Infection of a bursa may be hematogenous or follow direct penetration. The pain in acute bursitis may be relieved by application of cold packs, aspiration of the contents, and intrabursal medication. Repeated injections may result in infection. Treatment of chronic bursitis is surgical (and is done arthroscopically (bursoscopy). In infected bursitis, systemic antibiotics as well as local drainage are required. Examples of acute bursitis include bicipital bursitis and trochanteric bursitis. Chronic bursitis usually develops in association with repeated trauma, fibrosis, and other chronic changes (eg, capped elbow, capped hock, and carpal hygroma). Excess bursal fluid accumulates, and the wall of the bursa is thickened by fibrous tissue. Distinguishing between aseptic and septic bursitis can be difficult. A fever, localized skin warmth and redness, tenderness and joint pain, may be signs of septic bursitis, and veterinary medical treatment should be sought. www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481 Fox Run Equine Center

03.01.2022 Conformation makes the horse. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com... (724) 727-3481

03.01.2022 Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint The fetlock joint is the articulation between the condyles and mid-sagittal ridge of third metacarpal (cannon bone), the pro...ximal phalanx and the proximal sesamoid bones on the palmar/plantar surface. The mid-sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone fits into a groove in the proximal joint surface of the first phalanx. Movement is restricted to flexion and extension. The joint has both dorsal and palmar pouches; the dorsal pouch extends between third metacarpal and the common digital extensor tendon, while the palmar pouch lies between third metacarpal and the suspensory ligament. There is sometimes a bursa under the common digital extensor tendon on the front of the fetlock. There is a pair of (proximal) sesamoid bones on the palmar/plantar surface. Between the sesamoids, in a groove, lies articular cartilage which articulates with the sagittal ridge of third metacarpal. The joint capsule runs between all bones in the joint and attaches to the articular cartilage of the sesamoids. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481

02.01.2022 What a great three days at the Australian farriers conference great to catch up with some old friends and meet new ones. Good to see some kiwis come over to. Great weekend.

01.01.2022 Great first day of mustad hoofcare conference with Grant moon doctor Renate Weller Billy mulgueen

01.01.2022 AIRWAY ANATOMY Why are the lungs important? Oxygen, a basic gas, is needed by every cell in your body to make energy needed to live. Oxygen is required for the ...mitochondria of the cells to break down glycogen and glucose to make ATP, the cells energy currency. The air that comes into the body through the lungs contains oxygen and other gases. In the lungs, the oxygen is moved into the bloodstream and carried through the body. At each cell in the body, the oxygen cells are exchanged for waste gas called carbon dioxide. The bloodstream then carries this waste gas back to the lungs where the waste gas is removed from the blood stream and then exhaled from the body. This vital process, called gas exchange, is performed automatically by the lungs and respiratory system. In addition to gas exchange, the respiratory system performs other roles important to breathing. These include: Warming cold air; moisturizing inhaled air; and protection against harmful substances by coughing, sneezing, filtering, or swallowing them. It is also important for the sense of smell. AIRWAYS The airways begin at the nares. The nose is the entrance for outside air into the respiratory system. The nasal passageways have turbinates, which are fine bones shaped as scrolls, covered with respiratory epithelium. They increase the surface area to which air is exposed, allowing debris to be removed from air before it gets to the trachea and lungs. The turbinates divide the passageway into three meati (singular meatus) dorsal, middle, and ventral, the last being the largest, allowing a nasogastric tube to be passed via the nasal passageway. Horses are obligate nasal breathers. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of the head. Small openings connect them to the nose. The functions they serve include helping to regulate the temperature and humidity of air breathed into the respiratory tract. There are several paranasal sinus cavities: the rostral and caudal maxillary sinuses which contain the tooth roots, the frontal sinus under the forehead, and the conchal sinuses. The throat (pharynx) collects incoming air from the nose and passes it downward to the windpipe (trachea) which is the passage leading from the throat to the lungs. In horses, there are the guttural pouches, which have their openings in the pharynx. These are air-filled dilations of the Eustachian tube, each holding 300-500 ml of air. These structures air lined with respiratory epithelium and produce small amounts of mucus secretion which needs to drain- a good reason for horses to put their heads down to eat; when horses swallow, the pouches open, and because the head is down, any secretion inside can drain. Horses do not have tonsils, but rather lymphoid follicles that cover the roof of the pharynx. These follicles, like tonsils, sample the air and respond to antigens by making antibodies. They have B-cells, which are memory lymphocytes that remember can respond quickly to an antigen to which the horse has previously been exposed. In young horses, they are large bumps and can become edematous, or swollen. In some cases, the follicles become large enough to interfere with breathing. The larynx is the part of the throat often called the voice box in humans. It is located near the top of the trachea. The larynx is composed of muscles and cartilage, and it includes the vocal cords, laryngeal saccules, and arytenoid cartilages. The epiglottis lies on the soft palate. It covers the tracheal opening during swallowing. The soft palate and the hard palate form the floor of the pharynx, separating the oral and nasal passages. Several disorders of the larynx are seen in horses. The windpipe divides into the two main bronchi, one for each lung, which subdivide into each lobe of the lungs. These, in turn, subdivide further into bronchi and smaller bronchioles. They terminate in the alveoli. The bronchial tubes are lined with cilia (like very small hairs) that have a wave-like motion. This motion carries mucus (sticky phlegm or liquid) upward and out into the throat, where it is either coughed up or swallowed. The mucus catches and holds much of the dust, germs, and other unwanted matter that has invaded the lungs. This matter is removed by coughing, sneezing, or swallowing. The smallest subdivisions of the bronchial tubes are called bronchioles, at the ends of which are the air sacs or alveoli, which are very small air sacs. Actual gaseous exchange, by osmosis, occurs in the alveoli- the air sacs. There is a pressure gradient that drives the transfer of oxygen out of the alveoli and into the blood. The capillaries are blood vessels that are imbedded in the walls of the alveoli. Blood passes through the capillaries, brought to them by the pulmonary artery and taken away by the pulmonary vein. While in the capillaries, the blood gives off carbon dioxide through the capillary wall into the alveoli and takes up oxygen from the air in the alveoli. The lungs in horses are not distinctly lobular, as they are in other species. While there is a small cranial lobe on each side, with a cardiac notch, the remainder of the lung is a single lobe on the left and right sides. There are smaller, ill-defined lobules that can be noted when the lung collapses. The pleura are the two membranes, actually a single continuous one folded upon itself, that surrounds each lobe of the lungs and separate the lungs from the chest wall, forming the pleural space. The space is mostly a potential one, and there is normally only a very small amount of fluid within the space. It may fill with fluid if a horse develops an infection, which is called pleuritis. The pleura also form the mediastinum, which lies between the left and right lungs. The mediastinum contains the heart and its vessels, the esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, the thoracic duct, thymus and lymph nodes of the central chest. In many species, the mediastinum is imperforate, so that only one lung will collapse if one side is compromised. In horses, the mediastinum is perforate, so that both lungs are at risk of collapse. When there is infection, the mediastinum becomes plugged with fibrin and only one side may collapse. This is important when placing chest tubes. The diaphragm is the strong wall of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. By moving backward, it creates suction in the chest to draw in air and expand the lungs. It does this because the thoracic cavity has a vacuum; there is no air in the thorax, except what is pulled into the lungs by negative pressure. If a hole in the thoracic wall or the diaphragm occurs, then negative pressure will be lost and the lung(s) will collapse. The ribs are bones supporting and protecting the chest cavity. They move to a limited degree, helping the lungs to expand and contract. The external and internal oblique intercostal muscles help to move the ribs like the handles of a bucket. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481