Office – My Virtual Equine Farm

Heart Disease

Action Point: Be aware of heart disease in horses.

Rational: I have never heard of heart disease in horses before. While it makes sense that it can happen, it was just something that I have never thought of before. Heart disease is a very serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Since I know very little about this condition and there is a lot to it, it would be in my best interest to learn about the variety of causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Steps to Achievement: In order to achieve this goal I will make a 1/2-1 page note on this condition to put in my binder. I will include the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and average expected cost. I will use resources such as https://wagwalking.com/horse/condition/heart-disease, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/horse-owners/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders-of-horses/diagnosis-of-cardiovascular-disease-in-horses, and https://ker.com/equinews/heart-problems-in-horses/ to complete this goal.

Common Equine Respiratory Conditions

Action Point: Be aware of causes, symptoms, and treatment of common respiratory conditions.

Rational: By being aware of common respiratory conditions, such as equine influenza virus, equine herpes virus, equine rhinovirus, strangles, and sinusitis, I will be able to take appropriate steps to help care for my horse and the others nearby to insure that it does not spread further and treatment takes place immediately. Respiratory conditions are very serious, some can even be considered a global concern.

Steps to Achievement: To achieve this goal I will make a 1 page note to put in my binder that includes information on equine influenza virus, equine herpes virus, equine rhinovirus, strangles, and sinusitis. Under each of these titles I will include the causes, symptoms, treatment, and quarantine precautions. I will use resources such as https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-horses/overview-of-respiratory-diseases-of-horses, https://www.myhorseuniversity.com/single-post/2017/09/25/Common-Equine-Respiratory-Diseases, and https://www.msd-animal-health.ie/diseases/horses/equine_respiratory_disease/Introduction.aspx.

Medical Conditions “Cheat Sheet”

Action Plan: Create a cheat sheet of common medical conditions.

Rational: By being aware of the common medical conditions (alimentary and renal, neurological, skin, eye, muscular and metabolic, and ectoparasites) and knowing the symptoms of the conditions, I will be more likely to notice problems in my horses and get them medical attention quickly when needed.

Steps to Achievement: “Equine Veterinary Nursing” page 266-285 has a great overview of common medical conditions, causes, signs/symptoms, and treatment. I have already read this section. Therefore, the next step of my goal is to reread and take notes on this information. This way I will have a physical reference that I can put in my binder and take with me to the barn.

Journey Through the Joints Glossary:

Articular Cartilage: Specialized tissue lining the ends of bones in a joint. It is composed of a matrix of collagen, proteoglycans (hyaluronic acid & chondroitin sulfate) and water. It allows for a smooth, gliding surface during joint movement and also acts as a shock absorber. Articular Cartilage is continuously being remodeled by breaking down the matrix and replacing it with a new layer.

Bone: Serves as the framework for the horse’s body, where muscles, ligaments and tendon attach. The bone in a joint supports all of the joint’s tissues. A joint needs a healthy bone to function properly.

Ligaments, Tendons and Muscles: All three are involved in providing stability to a joint. If any of these tissues become damaged, the joint will lose stability and may be more susceptible to injury.

Synovial Fluid:Serves to lubricate the joint, provide nutrition to neighbouring cells maintaining joint cartilage as well as remove waste products. Normal joint fluid is pale yellow in colour and oily – similar in consistency to car engine oil.

Horse Hoof Anatomy

Action Point: Put up horse hoof anatomy charts and diagrams in my barn.

Rational: I personally find horse hoof anatomy to be difficult, as it is so detailed. By having a visual (and physical) chart I will retain more knowledge and understanding, as it will be something I will look at daily.

Steps to Achievement: To achieve this goal I will print off the charts/ diagrams, laminate them, and hang them in the barn in a high traffic area (I will also place a copy in my binder to help me with further assignments).

Charts and Diagrams:

Further Improve a Unit 1 Goal

Action Point: Further improve my unit 1 goal regarding keeping my equine records organized.

Rational: To further improve my organization I will put my equine information into the Horse Health Check Record template this week (week 2) that was provided in this unit. By using a template it will be easier to read as opposed to random papers in a binder.

Steps to Achievement: In order to achieve this goal I will print off the Horse Health Check Record and transfer my information into the templates, while still using the binder and divider method.

Organization of Records

Action Point: Keep my equine records more organized

Rational: By keeping my equine health records and schedules (ex. vaccination, deworming, and farrier dates; conclusion of vet visits) more organized I will be be able to communicate with my vet better because I will be able to easily find papers and previous treatments.

Steps to Achievement: In order to achieve this goal I will gather up all of my equine health papers and put them in a binder. I will have each horse’s information separated by a binder divider.

Welcome to My Equine Virtual Farm

Hello Everyone!

To better guide you, please use the unit tags when finding my action points, as some units will have several points.