b'Vet continued from page 5If a vet comes out they will probably sedate your horseFever Laminitisand pass a stomach tube to try to resolve the obstruction.If your horse seems depressed, has lost his appetite, or is justLaminitis or founder is an inflammatory condition of the The most common complication of long-standing chokenot acting himself, one of the first things we recommendhoof that commonly presents as lameness in both front feet is aspiration pneumonia, which can be quarantined. It isis to take his temperature. It is good to know your horsesand sometimes all four feet. Your horse may be reluctant always advisable to monitor your horses temperature foraverage temperature when he is feeling normal, butto walk, walk very stiffly, lie down more often than usual, one week after the treatment. A horse that experiencesessentially the normal temperature for a horse should beor constantly shift weight from one foot to another, rock recurrent bouts of choke should have an oral exam98.5-100.5F. If you are not comfortable taking your horsesback or sit on his hindquarters, or act like his hind end to evaluate for potential dental problems or have antemperature ask your veterinarian to show you how to do sois painful. These signs may be acute in onset or be more endoscopic exam to identify potential problems in theat your next appointment. Being able to report your horsesslow to develop. Take the following steps until your horse throat or esophagus. temperature is extremely helpful. Your vet will probably askcan be examined by a veterinarian. Confine him to a stall Ophthalmic Emergencies if your horse has been traveling or if you have any otherwith deep bedding, stop feeding grain or treats of any kind, Eye injuries should always be considered an emergency.horses that have been sick recently. Fever is one of the mostincluding apples and carrots, do not allow access to grass, Minor problems can rapidly develop into a serious problem.common signs of a viral respiratory infection such as flu orfeed only grass hay and if possible soak the hay for 30 Possible signs include eyelid swelling, excessive tearing orrhino. If fever is accompanied by colic signs, diarrhea, orminutes in warm water or 60 minutes in cold water prior other drainage from the eye, squinting or holding eyelidsneurologic signs your horse should be examined that day.to feeding. Do not give any medications unless directed by closed or partially closed, cloudiness or a blue haze,If your horse is simply lethargic and not quite himself, youthe veterinarian. Laminitis is a potentially life-threatening redness of any part of the eye, laceration of the eyelid, or amay just be prescribed symptomatic treatment and closesituation that should be taken seriously from the outset. penetrating wound of the eye.monitoring for 24-48 hours. Prompt veterinary attention and cooperation with your farrier are essential to a positive outcome.Increased Respiratory Effort at RestThe best way to observe your horses eye is with a focal lightFlared nostrils, increased respiratory rate, and excessiveNeurologic Signssource like a penlight or a small flashlight. If your horse ismovement of the flanks during breathing are commonSome examples of classic neurologic signs in the horse are uncooperative, do not force the issue. Often sedation andsigns of respiratory difficulty in horses. If your horse hasstumbling, loss of balance, incoordination, unable to chew blocking of the eyelids is necessary for an evaluation. been galloping around the paddock or youve just finishedor swallow, droopy lip, eyelid, or ear, severe depression, not Common eye problems include blunt trauma, corneala strenuous ride, then give your horse 10 minutes or so toresponsive to normal stimulation, compulsive circling, and abrasions or ulcers and uveitis also known as mooncool down and re-evaluate his breathing. However, if youacute onset blindness. Most neurologic diseases are not blindness. The treatment for uveitis is absolutely notfind your horse in such a state while he or she is simplytransmissible to humans. When a horse exhibits neurologic appropriate in the presence of a corneal ulcer. Never put anstanding, then the situation is much more serious. Movesigns you should minimize contact with the affected horse, ointment that contains a steroid in your horses eye withoutyour horse to a well-ventilated area or put him in front ofalways wear disposable gloves, and quarantine from other a veterinarians approval. As long as you can be sure thata fan as long as it does not blow too much dust around.horses until a definitive diagnosis is reached. Neurologic the cornea is intact, it is okay to rinse the eye with saline orCheck his temperature and listen for any other respiratoryhorses are often a danger to themselves and their caretakers. apply an antibiotic-only ointment prior to the vets exam.noises such as wheezing or gurgling in the throat. SuchBe extremely careful when working around a horse that is A cold compress is helpful if there is significant swelling.signs could be indicative of an allergic reaction, pneumonia,unbalanced and uncoordinated. In some cases they can be Often, the vet will recommend a dose of bute or Banamineor something more chronic such as heaves. Count themanaged at home, however, referral to a specialty hospital for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.number of respirations in one minute with one breathfor intensive supportive care is often recommended early equaling inspiration and expiration.because transportation can be difficult if not impossible as signs progress. Used Tractors: Kubota,John Deere, New Holland, etc.New Tractors: LS from25 hp and up.from UTVS to Car Haulers,Landscape and Dump Trailers, Special We Service & RepairOrders also available on New Trailers.Tractors, Trailers & UTVs.Grapple Buckets, Box Scrapers, Straight Blades,Rock Rakes, Chain Harrows, Arena Groomers, Brush Hogs, Post Hole Diggers, Post Drivers and More.45563 N Grand Avenue 1302 W Apache Trail Morristown, AZ 85342 Apache Junction 85120SWEQUIPMENT.com6 November 2023'