Archive by category Ask Doctor Ramey

I have a horse who recently has started to straighten ‘lock’ his right or left fore leg while at the trot. BC – 1.12.11

Here’s the full question – “I have a horse who recently has started to straighten ‘lock’ his right or left fore leg while at the trot.  It is random and only occasional.  It lasts for a few strides and stops.  he can the trot normally.  There is no pain reaction and the horse movess off [...]

A horse gets one gram of bute EVERYDAY for the past six months and I am worried about ulcers. What is the effect of daily bute and how long should it be given? JS – 1/6/12

Here’s the full question:  “One of the horses I take care of has owners who will not pay for a vet….he is sore on the right side and the last vet, (maybe 6 years ago) said he had arthritis in his right shoulder. He is in very light work, 22, Selle Francais, about 1700 lbs, [...]

Should I give Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate to my 18 year old horse who has a few issues? TC 1.6.11

Here’s the whole question:  “My horse is now 18 and after talking to a trainer regrading not picking up his right lead, and a few other issues. He suggested that it is now time to start him on some supplements. He suggested Chondroitin and Glucosamine to help with his joints and bones. Do you have [...]

Can horses develop mental illnessess similar to what humans exhibit? CW 12/30/11

OK, here’s the full question – “A couple friends and I were talking about all the horses we’ve trained and ridden throughout the years and comparing their characteristics and personality traits, etc.  We were wondering if horses can develop mental illness similar to what humans exhibit.  For example, one of my horses, many years ago, [...]

It sure seems to me that when stallions are present, my 19 year old Hannoverian mare’s cycles become transparent, but when there are no stallions, she exhibits strong heat related behaviors and emotionality and can be difficult to manage. Am I just imagining this correlation? SN – 12/30/11

You’re not necessarily imagining a problem, but the signs that you describe are also not a giveaway for any particular problem.  One thing that I’d think about in a 19 year old mare with signs that you describe is Equine Cushing’s Syndrome – you can read about it by CLICKING HERE.   Older mares can exhibit [...]

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