NHT Magazine Summer 2019

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VETADVICE Equine skin irritations can be caused by allergies, external parasites and even management practices. At some point, you may come across some sort of itchy skin issue. It is one of the hazards of being outside and exposed to bacteria, fungi and viral agents in the natural environment. Skin has three main functions: protection, regulation and sensation. It is made up of a number of different layers. The epidermis is the outer most layer that provides a waterproof barrier. The dermis beneath, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles and sweat glands. The deeper subcutaneous tissue is made of fat and connective tissue. Problems arise when there is damage to these layers, or if they have become weakened. If this occurs then secondary infection can occur. Rain Scald & Ringworm Elevated patches of hair can be associated with rain scald or ringworm. Rain scald is a bacterial skin infection caused by the spores of Dermatophilus congolensis, whereas ringworm is caused by a fungus. Rain scald is much more common in healthy horses and ringworm is more common in younger horses. Both can be contagious, especially ringworm so it is important that you wear gloves when touching the area. Fungal infections require medicated shampoo treatments whereas Hibiscrub can be used for rain scald areas. Sweet-Itch If your horse is continually itchy on the mane and tail area then your horse may have ‘sweetitch’. This is an allergic skin reaction caused by Culicoides Midge bites. Mostly observed during warm months especially between April and September. The skin becomes swollen, extremely itchy, causing the horse to scratch sometimes leading to ulcers and bleeding areas. Management is key to help reduce the reaction in your horse. Fly masks, rugs, are very important as is fly repellent. Stabling the horse between 4pm and 10am can also help to reduce problems as well as location of the field (is it near open water areas). In severe cases then steroids may be necessary. A vaccine is also available, which is a course of 2 injections before the midge season (February-March). Lice and Mites Lice and mites also cause itchiness and alopecia (hair loss). Typically lice will live near the head, mane, tail and back and you can see eggs. Whereas mites live in the feathers and legs and are more common in heavier breeds. Lice only live for a short period of time in the environment so are easier to control then mites. Both can be contagious so isolation is important. Oral, topical and injectable treatments are available but are ‘off licensed’ in horses. Sunburn Sunburn can also affect your horse, especially on pink areas, applying sun cream can reduce the chance of skin cancer. Some horses that have pink areas may also have photosensitivity. Eating certain plants (like St John’s Wort) can cause photosensitivity. If you are concerned about photosensitivity then contact us to arrange a visit and a blood test to check liver parameters. Skin Tumours Skin tumours can appear on any area of your horse. Many resolving on their own if caused by the equine papilloma virus. Sarcoids are another type of skin tumour which are more serious and require removal. Please contact us if you are worried about a lump that has appeared especially in genital, chest or face regions. Looking ahead Although summer brings additional fly worries, it is important to maintain your horse’s skin condition all year round, often prevention is better than cure! If you have any questions please feel free to contact Swanspool Equine & Farm Vets on 01933 222145 Top Tip: Make sure that you have one grooming kit for each horse! This will help prevent cross contamination. Veterinary advice in this magazine is provided as a general guide and you should always seek professional advice. 13 NorthantsHorseTrader <strong>Magazine</strong>
365 day, 24hr cover for all of your medical emergencies and routine veterinary treatment Bringing all of the latest equipment to your yard… 01933 222145 1 London Road, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2BT ● Routine Dentals/Wolf Tooth Removal ● Vaccinations ● Castrations ● Passports & Export For Travel ● Portable Digital X-Rays Tendon & Pregnancy Scanning ● Shockwave Therapy ● Diode Laser (Sarcoid Removal) ● Purchase Examinations ● Free Weight Clinics ● Faecal Worm Testing ● Endoscopy & Gastroscopy Examinations ● Free Client Evening Talks ● Free Visit Schemes ● Medication Of Joints & Our Own Supplements ● Blood Samples (using our own in-house lab) ● Mobile Diagnostic Unit & Technician PEGASUS EQUINE SERVICES Anything Equine Sourced, Supplied & Delivered To Your Door Covering Cambs, Beds, Northants, Lincs & Leics. Horse Rug Cleaning & Repairs New & Second Hand Rugs For Sale Horse & Animal Feeds Bedding Excellent Quality Haylage Large, Medium & Small Bales Italian Ryegrass & Meadow New Tack, Accessories & Clothing Stockist For Horze & Many Other brands Also Available: Holiday Livery at Private Stud nr Kimbolton Like the page for pictures of our range Search for ‘Pegasus-Equine-Services’ Call: Jennifer on 07779 146552 Email: jl.lyall@btinternet.com NorthantsHorseTrader <strong>Magazine</strong> 14
Page 1 and 2: NorthantsHorseTrader July - Septemb
Page 3 and 4: Reader Photos Used This Issue: Fron
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Page 7 and 8: READER RESULTS SPECIAL Catherine Al
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Page 11 and 12: 4Positive Punishment. This is the h
Page 13: NN6 7PH J18 off the M1 Sales Livery
Page 17 and 18: Collins Pet & Country Store offers
Page 19 and 20: EVENTSGUIDE Thu 1 st Fri 2 nd Fri 2
Page 21 and 22: LIVERY & EVENT CENTRE Sarah Gairdne
Page 23 and 24: Muddy rugs? W A S H I N G OUR PRICE
Page 25 and 26: Ginny Patterson ‘The Horse Listen
Page 27 and 28: CUSTOM MADE ROSETTES & SASHES Offer
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NHT Magazine Summer 2019

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