Lynn Facemire, DVM, Diplomate A.B.V.P.

With all of the controversy over recent outbreaks of herpes and strangles, we wanted to reiterate some simple biosecurity rules for your farm to follow:

A few precautions go a long way and will allow everyone to move about and participate in the equine activities we all enjoy.

Due to the life cycle of EHV, it is impossible to eliminate it from a herd. Once infected, up to 60% of horses develop post viral persistence (latency). These animals do not show clinical signs but can shed the virus under periods of stress (weaning, overcrowding, transport, training, performance, etc.) and serve as a source of infection for other animals.

The results of this study were not completely conclusive. Based on this study and our current knowledge of EHV, most experts recommend vaccinating with a modified live product. Monocacy Equine Veterinary Associates has been using such a product (Rhinomune) for the last several years.

Despite the limitations of current vaccines, it is important to continue vaccinating your horses to minimize the effects of infection if exposed, increase herd immunity and reduce the spread of disease. We are currently recommending vaccinating against EHV four times a year. In addition, we plan to incorporate several of the available EHV vaccination products in our protocol with the intent of providing the best immunity possible.

Prevention Tips

6. In just the last two seasons, we have seen that these preventative measures make a difference and can lower the incidence of the disease even on farms which have had cases on a yearly basis. We hope, as we continue to learn more about Potomac Horse Fever, it will become a disease of the past.

Normal Post-Foaling Parameters and the Mare and Neonatal Wellness Exam

Breeding your mare involves a lot of time, planning, and money.  We all strive for the same outcome, a healthy mare and foal.  To increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, we cannot stress how important it is that the owner and/or barn manager be present to observe and if necessary assist in the parturition process and the post-foaling period.   

Being familiar with the normal stages of labor, newborn foal parameters, and post-foaling events is necessary in order to determine if emergency veterinary intervention is necessary.  The normal foal should be alert and actively attempting to sit up into a sternal position immediately following delivery.  Their respiratory rate at birth is rapid ranging from 40-60 breaths per minute with their heart rate ranging from 60-80 beats per minute.   Rectal temperature ranges from 99-100ºF immediately following birth and rises to 100-102ºF by 12 hours following birth.  The foal should demonstrate a strong suck reflex within 5-10 minutes following delivery. The umbilical cord will typically rupture as the foal struggles to stand and/or the mare stands. Minimal bleeding should occur from the umbilical stump.   Success in standing may require assistance; however, typically occurs within 30 minutes – 2 hours following delivery.  Once standing, the foal should actively search for and attempt to suckle from the mare’s udder.  Successful nursing should occur within 3-4 hours.  While udder searching and following nursing, the foal may lie down and rest for short periods of time. Passing of meconium or the first manure should occur within 1-2 hours of birth.  Frequent posturing to defecate and flagging of the tail may indicate a meconium impaction.  The foal’s first urination typically occurs later, sometimes 9-12 hours following birth.  Following delivery, the mare lay quietly resting if tired or may stand up quickly and anxiously address her foal.  Uterine contractions will continue and may result in signs of mild colic.  The third stage of labor, or passing of the placenta should occur within 3 hours of delivery.  If any of the above parameters or post-foaling events appear abnormal or delayed, veterinary advice and/or assistance is indicated.     

Following the normal foaling process, we plan to do our first exam of the mare and foal, known as the “wellness exam”, at 8-12 hours from the time the foal first nurses.  Evaluation of the foal includes a thorough physical exam paying close attention to vital parameters, the degree of maturity, the foal’s affinity for the mare, its ability to nurse, the umbilical stump, and the musculoskeletal system.  Blood is drawn so that we can assess for signs of infection; as well as, for passive transfer of antibodies from the mare to the foal via the colostrum.  This is very important because in horses there is no placental transfer of antibodies from the mare to the foal during gestation, meaning foals are born immunologically naïve.  Ingestion and absorption of good quality colostrum allows for passive transfer of protective antibodies from the mare to the foal. Unfortunately, there is a 12-24 hour window of time during which time the foal is able to absorb antibodies via the gastrointestinal tract. If needed during this time frame, we can supplement the foal with oral antibody products.  However, if the foal is greater than 24 hours of age and requires supplementation, administration of intravenous plasma is required which is a more invasive and expensive procedure.

Examination of the mare typically includes a physical exam (including evaluation of the vulva for bruising and tearing) and examination of the placenta to assess for signs of infection and assure that the entire placenta has been passed.  During the exam, we will attempt to obtain a thorough history of the entire foaling process.  This is important as it will assist us to predict impending problems.  It is helpful for owners to write down the timing of the parturition events along with any questions or concerns they may have prior to our arrival.

See Health Care section for specific vaccine & dewormer information, barn sign-up sheets and new client information forms - extra copies can be printed by selecting the link located on the left column.

Volunteer Foal Team

Our foal team for 2007 is in place and operating great.  So far the Monocacy Equine clinic nursery has been busy the past month.  We thank all our foal team volunteers for their hard work and dedication!

If you are interested in joining the foal team please call our office 301-607-4025.  You must be 18 years of age or older, be able to safely lift 50 lbs unassisted, and be able to safely work around a horse.

One morning you go down to the barn and your horse’s head is hanging, his usual bright-eyed greeting is missing and worse yet, he turns his nose up at breakfast! Every horse owner’s heart sinks at seeing their horse miss a meal, as it can only mean that he is sick. By now, the phone number usually reserved for calling to schedule vaccines is running through your head. Before making that phone call, there are a few basic facts that you can gather to help you, and us determine the urgency of the situation.

The most basic tool for gathering information about your horse’s health is called a TPR. TPR stands for temperature, pulse, and respiration. An adult horse’s normal temperature ranges from 99.0-101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the time of year and recent activity. The most reliable way to take a temperature in a horse is rectally, using any commercially available digital thermometer. Pulse is measured one of two ways, either by feeling for the pulse through an artery, or listening to the heart beat with a stethoscope. Count the number of beats within a 15 second period. Multiply that number by 4 and you’ll have your horse’s heart rate, or pulse, per minute. If you have a stethoscope readily available, place the drum behind your horse’s left elbow and count the number of lub-dubs. Each lub-dub is considered one heart beat. The average pulse for an adult horse is 32-44 beats per minute. Respiration rate is easily calculated by watching the number of times your horse takes a breath within a 15 second period and multiplying by 4. The average respiration rate for an adult horse is 10-18 breaths per minute. As with temperature, your horse’s pulse and respiration rates may be increased in hot weather and recent exercise.

Another area of your horse to consider is his mucous membrane color. By simply lifting your horse’s upper lip and examining his gums, you can help determine how your horse is feeling. Mucous membranes should be a nice pretty pink color, not too pale and not too bright. Neon pink or dark pink gums can indicate some form of toxicity, and yellow (jaundiced) gums can indicate a liver dysfunction. Other abnormal gum colors can include pale pink or white (blood loss or shock), blue (lack of oxygen), and mottled red (loss of clotting factors).

Other routine observations such as manure output and water consumption are also important in determining how your horse feels. Remember that overt signs of pain such as looking/kicking at the belly, tail wringing, continuous rolling, shaking, sweating etc., signs of trauma such as a laceration, or any eye issues, are considered emergency situations and MEVA should be contacted immediately.

By gathering the above information, you can take an active role in communicating your horse’s health status to your veterinarian. Knowing what your horse’s normal temperature, pulse, and respiration rates are when he is healthy can help us determine the significance of abnormal findings when your horse is ill.

As always, our office is available for any questions or concerns regarding your horse’s health, and a veterinarian is available 24 hours for emergency-related questions or situations.