by Amy Ortez, DVM
|
|
Greetings and welcome to the inauguration of Wild Heart Mustangs! This section is meant to educate and stimulate, discussing veterinary topics as well as some “hot topics”. We should start by setting some ground rules. First, let us all agree that we love horses. They have contributed to human evolution like no other beast of burden. Their beauty and grace touch our hearts and move our souls. Many people have found solace in their presence and inspiration in their honesty. Second, credence will be given to empirical scientific research. There are many controversial subjects surrounding the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and wild horse health and management. They invoke passionate and emotional opinions. This section is not meant to insult others or to be insensitive. In an attempt to stay impartial, quality science will always be held in the highest regard.
EQUINE ORIGINS
|
|
Some Helpful History
Understanding the history and evolution of the equine helps us understand the process that gave us our modern day horses, including mustangs. So we’ll start at the beginning with some historical information. The horse’s earliest ancestor, the Hyracotherium, roamed the earth 45 – 55 million years ago. There is fossil evidence that these “horses” were present in Europe and North America. They were small, about the size of a dog. Their feet, had four phalanxes (toes) and three metacarpals (other bones) in the front, and metatarsals in the back (more bones). Some people believe that the Hyracotherium was the predecessor of our horse, rhinoceroses, tapirs and other ungulates (hooved animals). Also during this time (at the end of the Palescene epoch and the beginning of the Eocene epoch) the supercontinent Laurasia was separating, forming Laurentia (what is now North America, Greenland and part of Scotland) and Eurasia (today’s Europe and Asia, without India). This process eventually determined the geographical locations of different species. The continents continued to divide and crash together until the Pleistocene period, about 11,000 years ago. 
The Equus Arrives
The evolution of Hyracotherium continued for millions of years, eventually resulting in the Hippidion, possibly part of the Equus (modern day horse) family. This horse was draft size, had a single weight bearing toe, and resembled modern horses. It existed in South America during the Pleistocene epoch. The Equus has been around for five million years. Fossils have been found of every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The last glacial period (the “ice age”) ended about 8,000 years ago. All horses in North and South America were extinct. So how on earth did horses reappear and develop into the animal we love today? Well, that’s a story for another day…You'll be able to read more in the February issue. |
|
ASK THE VET
|
Dr. Ortez, how much bedding should I use in my horse's stall?
Thanks, Elizabeth Moore, Fulton, NY Elizabeth, in order to answer that question we must first ask, why are we using bedding at all?Bedding is used for 3 main functions: 1) To absorb urine, 2) to cushion a horse when they lay down, and 3). To add some insulation and warmth in the winter. I fear that in recent years people have started to use bedding mainly as a means to absorb urine. Rubber mats are often considered a sufficient cushion and unless there are foals around insulation is often not considered. Having enough bedding to absorb urine is the easiest of functions to fulfill. It is important to remember that horses eat on the ground. Their muzzles are often rummaging through the bedding making sure there are no more stray bits of hay or grain to be eaten. If you walk into a stall and can smell the ammonia from their urine, imagine how much that is amplified if your nose was at ground level. This will certainly exacerbate any respiratory problems that are present and may cause new ones. Make sure all of the urine is absorbed and the ammonia smell is not present for optimal health. If you watch a horse lie down you will know how once their knees (carpus) buckle to the point of no return, they go down hard and with little grace. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the front of their knees and ankles. Once down and resting, a lack of bedding may lead to abrasions on their hocks and hips as well. If you can stand in a stall and drop to your knees without discomfort, then you know that your horse has enough bedding. If the bedding is deep enough to pass this test, then there is most likely enough bedding to absorb any urine present well. It has become tradition to breed mares so that they foal out in the colder months. Foals (and often geriatric or sick horses) are very susceptible to hypothermia. A deeply bedded stall, especially one that has a thick layer of straw, is very insulating and can help maintain body temperature. Straw does not absorb urine well so a base layer of shavings will help keep the stall clean and a healthy environment. As the winter season approaches and horses are spending more time in their stalls, make sure it is a safe, comfortable environment for them that enhances their health, instead of one that may exacerbate respiratory, arthritic or metabolic conditions. Dr. Ortez |
Approximately a 2" base
|
DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information found
on this website is meant for educational and informational purposes only. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
The information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information found
on this website is meant for educational and informational purposes only. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
