b"Vet continued from page 5horse's lungs. Mineral oil is particularly harmful when Divide the daily concentrate ration into two or more inhaled. Horses can easily choke when liquids are forcedsmaller feedings, rather than one large one, to avoid into the mouth due to their particular anatomy. If theoverloading the horse's digestive tract. Hay is best fed animal does not want to drink, it may be due to a fullfree-choice.stomach caused by massive obstruction in which case Set up a regular parasite control program with the adding more content can make the stomach rupture,help of your veterinarian. Use fecal examination to resulting in the horses death. determine its effectiveness.Provide exercise and/or turnout every day. Insert anything into the horse's rectum. The rectum Make any changes to diet, housing and activityis easily damaged, and rectal tears can be fatal. Also,level gradually. intestinal blockages generally cannot be relieved simply Provide fresh, clean water at all times. by removing manure from the horse's rectum or giving Avoid giving your horse medications unless they are the horse an enema. Rectal exams are necessary forprescribed by your veterinarian. the veterinarian to identify abnormalities in the horses Check hay, bedding, pasture and environment for abdomen by indirect palpation of the organs, and it ispotentially toxic substances, such as parasites, noxious not a therapy to remove impactions.weeds and other ingestible foreign matter. PREVENTING COLICAvoid putting feed on the ground, especially inGive any intravenous injections. Even with practice,Colic is a problem with many potential causes andsandy soils. every intravenous injection carries some risk. Ifcontributing factors, some of which are beyond our Try to reduce stress. Horses experiencing changesmedication is inadvertently administered into thecontrol. However, management plays a key role inin environment or workloads are at high risk for external carotid artery instead of the external jugularmost cases of colic, so colic prevention centers onintestinal dysfunction. vein, it can be fatal to the horse. management. Although not every case of colic is Pay special attention to animals when transporting avoidable, the following guidelines can maximize yourthem or changing their surroundings. TREATMENT horse's health and reduce the risk of colic:Pay particular attention to horses that have had Treatment of colic depends on its severity and on the Establish a set daily routineincluding feeding,previous bouts of colic, as they may be at greater risk likely cause. Treatment options include the following: exercise, turnout schedules and stick to it even for repeated episodes. Take it fromPain-relievers (analgesics) or sedatives to relieve painon weekends.SUMMARYwhile intestinal function returns to normal or further Feed a high-quality diet comprised primarily of high-me. We puttreatment is instituted. When your horse has colic, itquality roughage (pasture, hay, hay cubes, haylage).The key to minimizing the incidence of colic is good can be reassuring to remember that most cases of colicExcept for young foals, all horses should be fed at leastmanagement. The key to minimizing the impact of colic the Dude in resolve with simple medical treatment (analgesics andone percent of their body weight (or one pound peris to identify the problem early and call your veterinarian immediately. Treat every incident of colic as potentially Dude Ranch! either fluids or laxatives). 100 pound body weight) of good quality roughage perserious and involve your veterinarian from the outset.Fluid therapy, either by nasogastric tube or intravenousday. It is important to feed good quality hay and avoid infusion, to correct dehydration and soften dry, firmabrupt changes to new varieties or batches of hay.Try never to jeopardize your horse's health for the sake intestinal contents.Limit the amount of grain-based feeds. Feed these of a few dollars.Laxatives, such as mineral oil, to help reestablishonly as a supplement, and not more than 50 percentnormal intestinal function.of the diet. Surgery (usually with the horse under general anesthesia).DECEMBER 13thBreakfast with Santa. photos and activities!DECEMBER 31stCowboy Vegas NewJoin us Years Eve Bash.for some with professional rip-roarin dealers, bull riding, fun! a live band, and karaoke!FOR YOUR HORSE & YOU!A 48.7 Ac Ranch Boasting 3440 SF Home & 2296 Sf Guest House and Studio, Arena, Tack, Irrigated Pasture, Hogan Cabana, Negative Edge Pool, Spa, and it is an Elegant Ralph Lauren Style Home! MLS 5988654ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2019 7"