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Immunodeficiency Disorders
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Immunodeficiency disorders in horses are rare conditions that prevent the immune system from protecting the horse against viral, bacterial or other types of infections. These disorders can affect different parts of the horse’s immune system. They may be present at birth or develop later on in the horse’s
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Kidney and Liver Problems
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Horses are rarely prone to kidney or liver problems. Damage to both organs is much less common in horses than it is in cats or dogs. However, some aging horses do suffer from progressive and irreversible diseases of the liver or kidneys. Unfortunately, problems with these organs are seldom diagnosed
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Where Do You Look For a Horse?
Category:
Equine, Choosing Your Pet, Horses
A good place to buy a horse is the stable where you ride or plan to keep the horse. The stable owner has an interest in keeping you satisfied, and knowing your abilities and temperament he or she can suggest a suitable animal. Riding instructors are also good agents for locating a suitable horse since
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Horse Health
Category:
Equine, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Looking after a horse is a complicated and, at times, trying experience. Part of a well horse health program includes routine vaccination and deworming. In addition to caring for the inside, however, two simple ways to maintain horse health are regular grooming and equine massage.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
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Hoof Health and Care
Category:
Equine, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Horse hooves are complex structures that tell you a lot about your horse’s health and wellbeing. They’re also susceptible to many problems. Here are a few hoof basics as well as some of the major hoof issues your horse faces.
Anatomy
If you look at the bottom of a horse’s hoof, you’ll see two
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Hives and Skin Allergies
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
The skin is the largest organ in the body and serves many important functions. In spite of its usefulness, a horse’s skin can also develop redness, itchiness or hives in response to various substances in the environment. These kinds of allergic reactions can be caused by things eaten, inhaled or touched
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Hernias
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Hernias
A hernia is a tear in the body wall of a horse that allows the internal organs to push through to a place where they don’t belong. There are several types of hernias. They can affect horses of any age or breed.
Horses may have a defect at birth (congenital) that increases the risk of a hernia,
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Headshaking
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Head shaking shows up in horses as uncontrollable shaking, jerking or flicking of the head, with no obvious physical irritation causing the condition. While some cases may be mild, head shaking can be severe enough to make a horse dangerous or unsuitable for riding.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside
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Fractures
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Orthopedics
Fractures, or breaks, can potentially occur in any bone in a horse’s body. Some types of fractures, however, are more common, especially among very athletic horses, such as racehorses.
Causes of Fractures
Fractures fall into several categories:
An incomplete fracture (also known a “green stick,”
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Food and Nutrition
Category:
Equine, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
From your point of view, as the caregiver, it is important to familiarize your horse with being handled-and of course, it is always gratifying to have a horse with a clean and smart appearance. Feeding your horse correctly is a vital element of effective horse care. A horse's natural grazing pattern
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Exerional Rhabdomyolysis (Tying-Up)
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses
Horse lovers have observed this frightening disease for centuries. It’s been called azoturia, tying-up, cording up, holiday disease and Monday morning disease; the last two names reflect that symptoms are sometimes observed after hard work followed by a period of rest.
In the last couple of decades,
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Examining Your Horse
Category:
Equine, Choosing Your Pet, Horses
Even if you fall in love with the horse, do not buy it before the animal has been thoroughly examined by a veterinarian with experience in performing purchase examinations. Long-time horse owners almost always have a veterinarian examine any animal before purchase and first-time owners should certainly
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Sugar Gliders
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Sugar Gliders, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets. Though they weigh less than a half-pound, they're more closely related to kangaroos than they are flying squirrels. If you think a sugar glider would make an ideal pet for your family,
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The Decision
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Saying Goodbye
Your decision is a personal one, but it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and friends can assist and support you.
How Do I Make The Decision?
Your relationship with your pet is special, and you are responsible for its care and welfare. Eventually, many owners are faced with
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Pigs
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Pigs
Did you know that pigs are a lot cleaner than the reputation they have? While they do roll around in the mud, this keeps them cool. They're actually one of the cleanest animals. They, however, require care, just like any animal. Before you take on more than you can handle, you should educate yourself
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Goats
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Goats
Maybe, you've heard that goats will basically eat anything they can put in their mouth. This might give you the impression that they're simple animals to take care of, but this isn't the case. Goats need proper nutrition and enough space, among other things, to grow strong and healthy. Therefore, before
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