This Week in Horse Health News Presented by Absorbine

Egg Counts? No, not THOSE eggs... Creative Commons Photo Egg Counts? No, not THOSE eggs... Creative Commons Photo

Sometimes I think back to when I was just a kid growing up and what “normal” was for a cell phone. Well, first there was that bag thing, after which came the giant analog flip phones with the antennas that could be pulled up. And let’s not forget that there was absolutely nothing cooler than having a car phone, right? Or maybe not.

Anyway, I’m a little amazed (and partially freaked out) at my reliance on my smartphone. Back when I upgraded to my first smartphone, I rationalized that I really needed it, because I check the weather SO frequently, and need to plan turnout for the horses. At least I can say that I did install the good old Weather Channel app and occasionally got accurate forecast information.

Fast forward to my current smartphone, and I’ve basically lost count of the number of apps I have installed on my phone. I’m pretty sure there is quite literally an app for everything.

Well here’s something pretty cool for all you other tech junkies out there: an Amercian firm has just developed the first app to be able to provide a fecal egg count for horses. How cool is that? The company, MEP Equine Solutions, has also received a $100,000 grant from the US.. Department of Agriculture to continue their work. You can find out more about the technology by visiting Horsetalk, and checking out their article here.

Check out some of the other interesting headlines in this week in Horse Health News presented by Absorbine:

Is My Horse’s Feed Safe?: There have been too many heartbreaking stories that have emerged in recent times and too many barns who have lost horses who have been poisoned by tainted feed. How can we, as horse owners, know that we know that we KNOW that our horses’ feed is safe? Check out this article to learn more about the Food Safety Modernization Act and what it’s potential proactive impact could be on the safety of horse feed. [The Horse]

Exercise After Vaccinations: It’s that time of the year again; time to get your horse their spring vaccinations! So, how soon is it acceptable for your horse to work after receiving their annual panel of vaccinations? Check out this article over at EQUUS magazine to read a recommendation from Melinda Freckleton, DVM on how soon is too soon to return to work. [EQUUS Magazine]

Are Horses More Sensitive to Pain Then We Think?: It is a common sight to see riders carrying crops or whips when riding their horses, though a recent study conducted in Australia suggests that horses may not be as thick skinned as people believe. A horse’s epidermis (or the top layer of skin, where pain sensing nerves are typically found) is actually thinner then that of a human. This study’s conclusion has raised questions around the use of whips. [Horsetalk]

Mealtime Tantrums: Chances are you’ve probably seen of of ‘those horses’ at your barn at one point or another. You know, the one who gets SUPER excited at mealtimes? Check out this article for some helpful tips on how to keep those tantrums around meals to a minimum. [EQUUS Magazine]
Six Signs of Sacroiliac Disease: What is Sacroiliac disease, and what are some of the telltale signs indicating this condition? Well, Sacroiliac (or SI) disease was only recently recognized as a condition that mainly affects performance horses, which is marked by the compromised movement of the SI region (i.e., where the spine meets the pelvis). Learn more about this condition, and its indicators here. [The Horse]