Farm House – 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.

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.

Tools and Techniques Available

Action Point: I want to become more aware of the options available for my horse if joint disease should happen.

Rational: In order to heal joint disease tools and programs need to be put in place. If I am aware of the techniques that my vet may take to diagnose the problem, I will be a more informed and knowledgeable owner. By having background knowledge I will also be able to ask more educated questions and have effective communication.

Steps to Achievement: In order to achieve this goal I need to make notes on a couple articles. I need to do more than just read the article because I personally find some of it too difficult to remember.

Articles for Me to Make Notes On:

https://horseandrider.com/health/image-52820

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/lameness-in-horses/imaging-techniques-in-equine-lameness

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.

Identifying Lameness

Action Point: Become skilled at identifying lameness.

Rational: Being able to identify a lame horse will allow me to get the horse medical attention in a timely fashion. The sooner the vet is called the better chances of a successful recovery.

Steps to Achievement: In order to achieve this goal I need to gain further understanding and knowledge of how to identify, outside of readings that the course offers, as I personally need a bit more help. Therefore I will read at least 2 reliable articles.

Articles for me to Read:

https://equusmagazine.com/lameness/improve-eye-lameness-30825

https://www.equisearch.com/discoverhorses/how-detect-lameness-horses-html

Gain Knowledge on Common Foot Conditions

Action Point: I will read at least 3 articles (aside from the mandatory course ones), from reliable resources, this week on common foot conditions.

Rational: “Hoof Health and Conditions” is such a broad topic, which I have very little knowledge about, therefore for me to get the most out of this unit, be an informed equine owner, and to meet the learning outcomes, I will need to do some additional reading.

Steps to Achievement: In order for me to achieve this goal I will need to select 3 articles (or more if I still feel that I am not understanding) from reliable resources, read them, and make notes on them.

Articles for Me to Read:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/common-horse-hoof-problems

https://equimed.com/health-centers/hoof-care/articles/horse-hoof-diseases-and-conditons

https://horseandrider.com/horse-health-care/seven-worst-mistakes-in-equine-hoof-care

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:

Trailer

Action Point: Have a backup trailer available in the event of an emergency.

Rational: While I have my own truck and trailer, it could break down, meaning that I would not have transportation for my horse, which could result in death if it were an emergency (ex. immediate surgery needed).

Steps to Achievement: To achieve this goal I will speak to my friend (20 minutes away) about using their trailer if mine should break down at the time of an emergency. I will also look up commercial transportation in my area, just as another backup.

Evaluating Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine

Action Point: Get more practice at evaluating evidenced-based veterinary medicine.

Rational: I would like to get more experience and practice learning how to critically evaluate information so I will be able to get a better understanding as well as ask more educated questions and have more meaningful conversations with my veterinarian.

Steps to Achievement: In order to achieve this goal I will read one extra type of evidence (articles outside of the course), per week, for the length of this course to develop reading strategies and skills.

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.