Dr. Spaulding's presentation from Badger Veterinary Hospital's Caring for Your Geriatric Horse client education seminar on Wednesday February 13, 2013

1. The Geriatric Horse
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2. Things to expect
in an Aging Horse
 Loss of top line, otherwise known as sway back
 Graying of the hair coat
 Abnormal shedding patterns
 Musculoskeletal stiffness
 Less activity
 Heart Murmur
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3. Tips for Caring
for the Older Horse
 Regular grooming and inspection aids in early
detection of any skin conditions, tumors, and
injuries.
 Provide plenty of clean, luke warm water
 Regular exercise
 Schedule routine check-ups with your
Veterinarian
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4. Annual Wellness Visits
 Bi-annual visits
 Vaccinations
 Parasite Control
 Monitoring weight and body condition
 Early Detection
 Annual blood work
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5. Spring Vaccinations
 Spring
 Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis
 West Nile Virus
 Tetanus
 Equine Influenza/Rhinopneumonitis
 Potomac Horse Fever
 Strangles
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6. Fall Vaccines
 Equine Influenza/Rhinopneumonitis
 Rabies
 Potomac Horse Fever
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7. Deworming
 Annual Fecal Egg Count
 Deworming
 Class One (0-200)
 Class Two (200-500)
 Class Three ( >500)
 Keep pastures clean
 Rotate pastures
 Prevent overgrazing
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8. Weight Management
 Weight taping
 Body Condition Score
 1- poor
 2- very thin
 3- thin
 4- moderately thin
 5- moderate
 6- moderate to fleshy
 7- fleshy
 8- fat
 9- extremely fat
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9. Nutrition
 Require more Fiber, Protein, and Fat
 Grass hay-more digestible for older horse
 Timothy, Brome, Orchard
 Alfalfa can be harder to digest
 Feed in more frequent intervals
 Senior feeds
 Beet pulp
 Top dresses
 Loose salt
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10. Dentistry
 Oral exams twice a year
 Importance of dental records
 Identifying loose or missing teeth
 Maintain the correct bite plan
 Higher risk for Periodontal Disease
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11. Make your Farrier
a partner in Care
 Deteriorating hoof quality and joint stiffness
can complicate his hoof care
 Hoof can become more brittle
 Slowing hoof growth
 Invest in quality farrier care for your older
horses needs
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12. Shelter and Environment
 Adequate Shade
 Three-sided sheds for protection from wind
and precipitation
 Blanketing
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13. Reducing Stress
in the Older Horse
 Older horses do not handle change as well as a
younger horse would.
 Feeding program
 Consistent exercise
 Familiar pasture mates
 Less travel
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14. Diseases Associated
with Aging
 Arthritis
 Equine Metabolic Syndrome
 Pituitary Pars Intermedia
 Cataracts
 Heart Disease
 Heaves
 Colic
 Melanomas
 Strangulating lipomas
 Laminitis
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15. Southern Wisconsin’s Leading Full Service Veterinary Practice
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16. Questions
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