Q: My horse has a problem. How do I know if it's serious enough to call you?

When in doubt, call. We'd much rather take your call and assure you that your horse will be fine under your own care, rather than hear from you in a day or two when a serious problem has grown much worse by waiting.

To help us decide the best course of action, here are some things you can check before you call.

• Lameness: Is the horse lame at a walk, or only at a trot? Is he lame on the straight or just on a circle? On soft footing as well as hard ground?
  
• Wounds: Is the wound over or near a joint? Is there heat? Swelling? Sensitivity? Drainage? Remember, if a wound needs sutures, it must be treated within the first 24 hours.
  
• Odd behavior: If your horse is not "its usual self," it's probably not feeling well. Is it lethargic? Is there any discharge from its nose? Is it eating? Does it have a fever? (An equine rectal thermometer, from your farm store, should be a standard part of your first-aid kit. If you don't know how to take your horse's temperature, ask us to show you next time we're out. Normal equine temperature is about 100ºF.)
  
• Eye: Is the eye sensitive to light? Is there swelling? Drainage? (Eye problems can worsen very quickly. Err on the side of caution and call!)

Q: What vaccinations should my horse get, and how often?

Ridgeview recommends vaccinating your horse against the following diseases:

• West Nile Fever. This viral disease causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord and neurologic symptoms. It is spread to the horse by mosquitos and cannot be spread from horse to horse. The disease can cause permanent neurologic damage or death and can cost thousands of dollars to treat. Vaccinate twice yearly.
  
• Potomac Horse Fever. This is a disease that may be spread by ticks; it is not spread horse to horse. It causes fever, depression and diarrhea, and can lead to severe laminitis, necessitating euthanasia. Vaccinate twice yearly.
  
• Eastern and Western Encephalitis. These viral diseases are much like West Nile Fever, in that they cause swelling of the brain and spinal cord and very similar neurologic signs. They are spread by mosquitos and biting flies, but cannot be spread from horse to horse. Vaccinate twice yearly.
  
• Tetanus. This disease is caused by a bacteria found throughout soil everywhere. The horse contracts it via wounds (usually deep punctures). The disease causes severe neurologic signs and often death. It cannot be spread from horse to horse. Vaccinate annually.
  
• Rhinopneumonitis. This viral disease has three forms. One form causes abortion in pregnant mares. The most common form causes high fever, depression, swelling in the legs and potentially laminitis and death. The third form can cause neurologic symptoms, but is relatively rare. The disease is spread from horse to horse, and outbreaks in unvaccinated horses can be common. Vaccinate every 3 to 4 months.
  
• Influenza. This group of viral diseases can cause high fevers, depression, swelling in the legs, nasal discharge and potentially laminitis and death. Flu is spread from horse to horse and outbreaks in unvaccinated horses can be common. Vaccinate every 3 to 4 months.
  
• Strangles. This highly contagious bacterial disease is spread via nasal secretions, either by direct or indirect contact with infected objects. Signs include abscesses under and between the jaws, fever, depression, swelling in the legs, and potentially laminitis. Rarely, abscesses in the abdomen can lead to death. Vaccinate intra-nasally annually.
  
• Botulism. This bacterial disease causes neurologic and gastrointestinal signs. It is most commonly acquired by eating spoiled grain; rarely, by eating spoiled hay; and least commonly through open wounds. It is not spread from horse to horse. Vaccinate annually.
  
• Rabies. This viral disease causes neurologic signs and death. It is spread to the horse via the saliva (usually a bite) of an infected animal. It can be spread from horse to horse and from horse to human. Vaccinate annually.

Please call Ridgeview to learn about specialized vaccination protocols for foals, pregnant mares, stallions, and horses going to other parts of the United States or other parts of the world.

Ridgeview's Health Program takes the worry out of keeping your horse up-to-date and healthy.

Q: My horse has rain rot. How do I get rid of it?

Rain rot, identified by localized flaking skin with small, bumpy scabs, is caused by dampness and dirt, which can allow bacteria to penetrate the skin. Scratches is a similar condition. The best prevention is a consistent grooming schedule. Treat by removing the scabs with warm water and bathing in Betadine scrub. Dry thoroughly. Severe cases may require an antibiotic spray, available by prescription. It is important to treat these conditions, as they can develop into more serious problems.

Q: How do I treat thrush?

Thrush, a fungus that invades the frog of the foot, is easily identified by its pungent odor and dark sludge. Regular hoof maintenance (picking the feet) is the easiest way to prevent it. Treatment consists of applying a solution of one part bleach to four parts water into the cracks of the frog.