Medical Conditions

Environment

Dust, molds, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere, in you, and your animal’s environment. The respiratory system is most often involved, but the environment can seriously affect the hooves, skin and other systems. Whether treating respiratory disease or isolating infectious viruses, we can establish an environmental plan that understands your situation and resources, and implement it for the best results. Soil and pasture management is also a crucial part of the environment.

• We work closely with organizations on the “partners list” at the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) to link with other resources in these areas.

• USDA provides guidelines for pasture per 1000 lbs. weight. You can obtain this directly by emailing us or Jennifer Nadeau, PhD at UCONN Research Department.

• Search here for more specific conditions or questions: http://www.aaep.org/health_articles_search.php

A mature pleasure horse will require approximately 30 pounds of grass or hay per day. In the winter, this feed requirement increases with a decrease in temperature. A horse may need supplemental feeding to correct deficiencies in protein or other essential nutrients in the forage. Grain is needed in a horse’s diet when the animal is being worked, gestating, or in the winter for body maintenance. The higher the stocking rate the more rapid the destruction of vegetation if animals are allowed to graze continually, even if ample hay is supplied. During the winter, supplemental feed may be required 6 months of the year due to the snow cover, short growing season, and lack of cool season species. http://www.nm.nrcs.usda.gov/news/publications/smallacreagegrazing.pdf

Cross Country Veterinary Service provides Nutrition Consultations to determine how to meet your horse’s individual performance needs. Please contact us for more information.

Select from the categories below to learn more about common medical areas of concern for trainers and owners.

• Dermatology

• Environment

• Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Dentistry

• Vital Signs

Please contact us for information specific to your horse's needs.