ID-239: Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Is My Horse Just Fat, or Is He Sick?

Amanda Adams, Fernanda Camargo | Oct. 4, 2016 (New)

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is an endocrine disorder that affects equids (horses, ponies, and donkeys) in three defining ways: they are obese and/or have localized fat deposits, they are in an insulin resistance (IR) state, now referred to as insulin dysregulation (ID), and they are predisposed to developing laminitis.

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SR-110: Etymology of the Scientific Names of Some Endoparasites of Horses

Gene Lyons | Oct. 29, 2015 (New)

The use of only common names for parasites can be confusing because of lack of uniformity. Fortunately a huge contribution for science was made by the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus who is considered the father of taxonomy. English translation of the scientific names here are mainly from "dictionary" sources. A few are from the original descriptions. More than one possible meaning is listed for some of the scientific names.

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SR-109: Strongyles in Horses

Gene Lyons, Sharon Tolliver | Jul. 24, 2015 (New)

Parasites live in a host from which they obtain food and protection. They may harm but usually do not benefit the host. The word "parasite" is derived from the Latin and Greek languages meaning, in general, "one who eats at the table of another." It is said that a "good" parasite does not overtly harm or kill its host. It is theoretically possible that a more benign parasite (e.g. Gasterophilus spp.) is much "older in eons of time" and it and its host have adjusted better to each other than a conceivably "newer" parasite (e.g. Strongylus spp.) which may be more harmful to its host.

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VET-35: Forage-Related Cattle Disorders: Staggers (Tremorgenic Syndrome)

Michelle Arnold | Jul. 20, 2015 (New)

"Staggers" is an all-inclusive term for a group of nervous system disorders caused by indole-diterpenoid mycotoxins produced by various types of fungi on forages. These mycotoxins are collectively known as "tremorgens", and they may be found in several types of grasses at varying stages of maturity.

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ID-231: Forage-Related Cattle Disorders: Acute or Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP)

Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler | Jul. 17, 2015 (New)

In the Southeastern United States, acute interstitial pneumonia has been produced by ingestion of the leaves and seeds of perilla mint (Perilla frutescens). Perilla ketone is the toxin absorbed from the rumen into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs where it damages the lung tissue in cattle.

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ID-140: Kentucky Beef Quality Assurance Program

Jim Akers, Donna Amaral-Phillips, Roy Burris, John Johns, Gregg Rentfrow, Patty Scharko | Feb. 6, 2015 (Reprinted)

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program developed to ensure that beef and dairy cattle are managed in a manner that will result in safe and wholesome beef and milk products for the consumer. Specifically, BQA is designed to enhance carcass quality by preventing drug residues, injection-site blemishes, and bruises. The Kentucky Beef Quality Assurance Program is based on recommended national guidelines and scientific research. This program enables beef and dairy producers to enhance their product, maximize marketability, and strengthen consumer confidence.

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ID-226: Forage-Related Cattle Disorders: Hypomagnesemic Tetany or "Grass Tetany"

Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler | Sep. 18, 2014 (New)

Magnesium is a vital component of normal nerve conduction, muscle function, and bone mineral formation. Hypomagnesemic tetany or "grass tetany" is a disorder caused by an abnormally low blood concentration of the essential mineral magnesium (Mg). Synonyms for this disorder include spring tetany, grass staggers, wheat pasture poisoning, or lactation tetany.

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ID-223: Forage-Related Cattle Disorders: Brassicas--Be Aware of the Animal Health Risks

Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler | Aug. 12, 2014 (New)

Although infrequent, brassica crops can cause animal health disorders if grazing is managed improperly. Most brassica-related disorders in cattle tend to occur during the first two weeks of grazing while adjusting to the forage. The primary potential disorders are polioencephalomalcia or PEM, hemolytic anemia (mainly with kale), nitrate poisoning, and pulmonary emphysema. Other possible clinical disorders include bloat and rumen acidosis, and metabolic problems such as hypomagnesemia and hypothyroidism with goiter. Glucosinates present in brassicas are precursors of irritants that can cause colic and diarrhea. Large bulbs may lodge in the esophagus and lead to choking. Certain brassicas (specifically rape) can cause sunburn or "scald" on light-skinned animals, especially when grazed while the plants are immature. Other potential problems include oxalate poisoning and off-flavoring of meat and milk.

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ID-221: Fescue Toxicosis

Michelle Arnold, Cynthia Gaskill, Ray Smith | Jul. 3, 2014 (New)

"Fescue toxicosis" is the general term used for the clinical diseases that can affect cattle consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue. Tall-fescue pastures containing ergot alkaloids are responsible for the toxic effects observed in livestock, including hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), gangrene of the extremities, decreased weight gain, and poor reproductive performance. Clinical signs vary depending on the cattle, the environmental conditions, and the level and duration of the exposure. Early clinical signs are often reversible after removal from contaminated pastures or hay.

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ID-220: Cyanide Poisoning in Ruminants

Michelle Arnold, Cynthia Gaskill, Garry Lacefield, Ray Smith | Apr. 21, 2014 (New)

Cyanide poisoning of livestock is commonly associated with johnsongrass, sorghum-sudangrass, and other forage sorghums. Choke-cherry or wild cherry, elderberry, and arrow grass are less frequent causes. Young plants, new shoots, and regrowth of plants after cutting often contain the highest levels of cyanogenic glycosides. The risk from potentially dangerous forages may be reduced by following the management practices in this publication.