This time of year is often accompanied by outbreaks of pinkeye, with some of them being quite severe. To work out how to best manage an outbreak, these are important things to consider.

Pinkeye is caused by a bacterial infection, but there are many factors which increase the risk of the infection occurring, these include:

• Flies: flies carry the bacteria between animals.
  
  
• UV light: increases irritation.
  
  
• Long grass, thistles, hay and straw: causes physical damage to the eye and can transmit infection.
  
  
• Dust: as it irritates the eye.
  
  
• Pigmentation: pinkeye is generally more common in non-pigmented eyes.
  
  
• Overcrowding: high stocking rates and yardings assist the transfer of pinkeye.
  
  
• Immune status: cattle in poor body condition are less able to mount immune responses. Prior exposure leads to immunity, and this is why outbreaks are generally worse in young cattle. Vaccination increases the immune status of the animals. 
 

Generally in an outbreak situation there are 3 things which help:

1. Reducing the spread of the bacteria by controlling fly numbers. This is best done using pour-ons.

2. Prompt segregation of affected animals for treatment and isolation. This includes the use of antibiotics in both the affected and non-affected eye, a patch for animals with an ulcer and pain relief. Please speak to us about the specifics of treatment programs. 

3. Avoiding unnecessary yardings during the dusty months. The decision to yard and treat animals must be balanced with the risk of condensing animals into dusty yards.

Hives is a skin condition affecting horses. The condition’s proper name is “urticaria”, and like hives in humans, it commonly occurs due to an allergic reaction to things such as certain insects, plants, foods, environmental allergens, drugs or substances.

Affected horses may show:

• Sudden appearance of multiple raised skin welts, bumps or swellings, commonly across the neck and shoulders, but potentially anywhere on the body
  
  
• Itchiness
  
  
• Restlessness and irritability
  
  
• Swollen lips or muzzle
  
  
• Noisy or distressed breathing

Affected horses should be promptly seen by a vet, especially if the muzzle or face is swollen and breathing may be affected. A diagnosis of hives is normally made based on physical exam and history.

Treatment may include administration of short-acting corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and/or antihistamines. Whilst most cases can resolve without treatment, it is always advisable to seek prompt veterinary attention as the allergic reaction could escalate at any time, and treatment will improve your horse’s comfort and speed up recovery.

Picture this, you’ve recently bought your horse back into work after a nice long spell, and you schedule a lesson with your riding instructor.

Your horse can be a little nervy, but your lesson seems to be going well until all of a sudden, he becomes stiff, his stride shortens, and his breathing becomes short and fast.

He doesn’t want to move forward. Knowing something is definitely not right, you call your vet. Once your horse has been assessed, your vet tells you your horse is suffering from an episode of “tying-up”.

What is tying-up? Here are some fast facts!

• Tying-up is a painful muscle condition of performance horses.

  
  
• It is also known as exertional rhabdomyolysis, azoturia, or Monday morning sickness.

  
  
• Affected horses are often stiff, sweaty, and reluctant to move.
  
  
• Underlying factors can include dietary imbalances, changes in exercise, dehydration, breed or genetics, and individual horse disposition.

  
  
• Diagnosis is usually made based on history, physical exam, and blood tests to assess muscle enzyme levels which indicate muscle damage. 

  
  
• Treatment of acute cases often involves correcting hydration status, providing pain relief, and physical therapy.

  
  
• Recurring episodes are not uncommon.

  
  
• Preventative management focuses on diet, training strategies, housing, and occasionally the use of medications.