Blue Gate Farm
9425 Cheryl Road, Ness Lake V2K 5L9 Prince George, BC, Canada

Take the time, or take twice as long. Healing or correction of anything takes time, be it a cut, sprain, tear or just posture. You will never fix it in one go,... nor will an issue that has existed for several years be corrected in a matter of days. Think about how long healing takes, now times that by two. Too often an improvement is mistaken for a full recovery, and too often the injury is made worse by jumping back into full work too soon. We've done it with our own bodies, and no doubt have done it to countless horses. If they'd have just been given a little extra time, they'd not be so broken or prone to injury now. There is no shortcut, there is no workaround, there is no speeding things up. It takes the time it takes. You don't get to decide how long it takes, nor does anyone else. As the saying goes "If you don't take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness." It is true for wellness as it is for injury and recovery.

These two photos are almost Polar opposites in terms of action, risk, and their accompanying human emotions. One is of Chad Geetter heading out onto the Rolex a...dvanced 3-day cross country course, and the other is of a quiet trail ride on a summer day. The only person in the known universe who can decide where you might want to fit into this spectrum is you, and you alone. Neither is more worthy than the other.. It absolutely depends upon what you find that makes you feel fulfilled, so don't let others pressure you into something that you don't want. There are many riders who will be at one level of intensity at one stage of their riding, and at a much different level at some other time. Riding is one of those sports that lets us reinvent ourselves, time and again, in any number of ways, from which horse we choose to ride, to what sport, if any, that we choose to do, and at what level of difficulty. See where you fit in, knowing two basic truths--- 1. This is MY choice. 2, I can change this at any time. (And a third, which is that nobody else truly gives a hoot what YOU do---They are too busy dealing with their own choices---)

The agenda of a horse has nothing whatsoever to do with the agenda of a human, because in the wild, a horse can be foaled, live its entire life, and die, never ...setting eyes on a human. But humans love to invent all sorts of myths about what human based things horses LOVE to do. They will say things like "My horse loves to do things to embarrass me." Or, "My horse loves to show off in front of a crowd." Or, "My horse loves to do cross country." It's a long list, and the word that describes this tendency that humans have to ascribe human emotions onto animals is called "anthropomorphism." Definition of anthropomorphism from Webster's: : an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : HUMANIZATION Children's stories have a long tradition of anthropomorphism. Is there anything wrong with thinking like this, one might ask. Isn't it harmless? Horses are NOT little fur babies who think like quasi-humans. They can be programmed through training to do human based things, but if you turn them loose with other horses in a herd situation, they will swiftly revert to being horses. Where being anthropomorphic can actually cause damage is to assign motive to horse behavior, as in, "He knows better, he's just being a stupid pig." Because this gives you "permission" to punish him. Far better to have real thinking than childish thinking, if becoming a horseman or horsewoman is your goal.

http:// Friday Fact - Dentition and Mouth Pain // The horse's comfort, especially when ridden, can be profoundly affected by its dentition. Put simply, horses have n...ot evolved to accommodate a bit (of whatever volume) in the mouth, so the intra-oral presence of the bit requires the tongue to move into a more-or-less abnormal position. This, and the need in some disciplines to maintain contact, can reduce the horse's own ability to keep its cheek and tongue away from a sharp element of its dental arcade. The result is resistance and a narrowing of the margin that represents neutral contact. Essentially, the horse becomes more difficult to maintain in speed, line and posture. Mouth pain may also be associated with heavy-handed riding or inappropriate fear. For example, some jointed bits can cause pinching between the second premolar and the labial commissures. Wolf teeth, especially those with loose roots and cusps that are directed towards the seat of the bit, may make the horse reluctant to accept the bit and may trigger it to reef the reins out of the rider's hands. This can rapidly escalate into head-tossing. The reinforcing nature of this activity seems obvious and is likely to be most profound if the rider usually yields. In the event of a horse fighting the bit, some veterinarians and equine dentists are prepared to remove an appreciable portion of the second premolar to create a 'bit seat' or 'cheek seat', which is supposed to improve comfort in this part of the mouth. While one study reported improved athletic performance in most horses after the creation of bit sseats, an abiding question is whether a simple change of riding technique or bit (e.g. to an unjointed design) would have been equally effective. (Excerpt from the book 'Equitation Science', p. 225)

Horses are hindgut fermenters with a small stomach and larger cecum and colon harboring millions of microorganisms. These microorganisms help make up the microb...iome and are the sole contributors to the degradation and fermentation of forage cell wall components, including lignin. Alfalfa is commonly fed to horses, but can contain significant amounts of lignin which can reduce feeding value, microbial degradation, and digestion. Therefore, the objective of this study, conducted at the University of Minnesota, was to evaluate equine fecal microbiome composition when feeding reduced lignin or conventional alfalfa hay to adult horses. Researchers found that reduced lignin alfalfa did not shift microbiome composition equally across all horses; however, each horse’s microbiome responded to hay lignin content in an individualized manner. These findings emphasize the importance of considering individual and historical factors when designing or evaluating feeding programs for horses. More information on this research can be found at https://www.sciencedirect.com//artic/pii/S073708062030397X

Great words from Carl Hester, https://www.horsemagazine.com//carl-hester-on-self-carri/ Our Rider Core Program is taking members for our February start date.... DM me to secure your slot and take Carls advice Hurry as these are limited to 10 slots only. See more

Boy Issues - Geldings and Stallions The male horses' urogenital system can play a role in altered hind limb biomechanics and has some special considerations wh...en it comes to osteopathic assessment and treatment. The Retractor Mechanism In horses, the penis is located up inside the sheath and because of this, there are muscles that are there to lower and extend it and also to retract it. Like any other muscle, these muscles can develop dysfunctions/become injured. These retractor muscles have a close relationship with the ischial tuberosity and underside of the sacrum. Penis retractor muscles - Paired muscles originating on the caudal vertebrae and inserting on the ventrolateral surfaces of the penis. When the muscles are relaxed the penis protrudes through the prepuce (sheath) and whilst contracted, they keep the penis up inside the sheath. Ischiocavernosus - role in extending the penis - originates from the ischial tuberosity (medial to the semimembranosus attachment with connections to the sacrotuberous ligament) and attaching to the root of the penis. Issues with this mechanism can make urinating and/or mating difficult or uncomfortable for the horse. They may only be able to let their penis out/down a small amount or not at all (i've seen horses who cannot do this and just pee from inside the sheath - it's pretty messy) or horses that struggle to retract it. The attachment points of the muscles required in the retractor mechanism are able to be accessed, influenced and treated using osteopathy. Not only can dysfunction in this mechanism cause trouble with ease of urination and mating, this type of dysfunction can also cause issues within the biomechanics of the hind limb due to the attachments to the sacrum and ischial tuberosities. This is one of the mechanisms that can be implicated in undiagnosable hind limb dysfunction or lameness. Gelding Scar Sites Anecdotally it has been found that around one-third of all geldings will have some issue relating to the castration scar. Clinically these geldings tend to have unresolved lumbo-sacral issues, quite comparable to a mare with ovarian issues, or undiagnosable hind end lameness/dysfunction. This happens because the testicular chords and fascia have been cut and recoil into the abdominal cavity. Here the normal bleeding that occurs and the sealing of the free cut end of the deferent duct and chord can result in adhesions. These adhesions can lead to tension as they restrict the normal, free motion of the surrounding structures, particularly in the groin/inguinal ring. Be aware that of your horse has been gelded using the ‘drill method’ that it will more than likely have a problem with tension following gelding. This tension does not go away on its own. The scarring process can also create compensations elsewhere, the horse may be reluctant to track up fully or keep it's back flexed due to tense abdominal musculature. This means that the horse can move in a way that causes the least tension/stress in the painful area. These compensatory patterns can cause altered weight-bearing and altered biomechanics that can cause pain and stiffness in the hind-limbs and lumbo-sacral spine. This compensatory pattern can then move forward via the spine to the withers and neck or via the diaphragm to the sternum and neck. The longer the problem goes untreated the more areas become affected. Using osteopathic treatment, we can unwind myofascial restrictions, break down adhesions and scar-tissue and increase elasticity in the soft tissues and structures around the castration site and into the groin. It is a good idea for anyone with a gelding to have this area checked, especially of there is a history of undiagnosable hind end lameness or dysfunction. Treatment to the castration site can vastly improve the horses' freedom and suppleness of movement, muscular development, and overall performance. Sheath Cleaning and Beans There is often a lot of talk about sheath cleaning but a recent study has shown it to be largely unnecessary. This research found that routine cleaning is often not necessary and that it sets the stage for further bacterial growth. The proteins in smegma have antimicrobial properties and this allows for the good bacteria to flourish and the harmful bacteria to be killed off. Beans can be clinically significant. The majority of the time beans (especially smaller ones) are asymptomatic. If a horse has a larger one, it can cause local irritation or pain in that area. This can lead to a horse being reluctant to urinate, or have disrupted flow, or mean that they do not fully empty their bladders which can cause further complications. Routine checks for beans are important - easy to do when the horse is relaxed, already sedated for another procedure or you have the vet there. You can remove them yourself or get someone else or a vet to check for you and show you how to do it next time. What is not considered best practice is overly regular cleaning of the sheath and penis as it disrupts the balance of good vs bad bacteria. Read this for further information about this - https://practicalhorsemanmag.com//sheath-cleaning-necessar I often have clients call and message me asking if I clean sheaths and remove beans as part of my job. This coming from a widely spread piece of misinformation that dirty sheaths and beans can cause back, loin and flank pain in horses. This is not correct. They cause local pain and discomfort depending on the size of the bean. The issues discussed above (the retractor mechanism and gelding scars) are what will lead to pain in other regions of the horses' body.

The Percheron has been a draft breed that`s often been crossed with the thoroughbred to make excellent riding horses.

Embarassing Moment No. 2,411---Years ago, a Russian delegation of health professionals was visiting Dartmouth College. My friend Sarah Spencer brough this rider..., now an older lady, to visit, but neglected to tell me that she was an Olympic silver medalist in dressage, so I duly explained dressage to her, and she nodded politely! Moments you would retract !! See more

Today's wise words come from Ernst Hoyos. Horses keep us humble, don't they? Want to read more from Ernst? Check out this article from our archives with Ernst about how to ride and utilize shoulder-in! https://dressagetoday.com//how-to-ride-and-utilize-shoulde

EQUINE NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Board Certified in Equine Practice The young in any species are more susceptible to illness as they h...ave not yet been exposed to the world and have had no time to build immunity against disease. Neonatal septicemia is a condition where a generalized infection in the bloodstream occurs, with localization in various organ systems. Sepsis is the systemic response to infection and is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Bacteria gain access to the body from the umbilicus, respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract. This can quickly lead to septic shock. Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) consists of aberrations of normal body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and of the peripheral white blood cell count. There is a confirmed or suspected source of infection. Septicemia is bacterial invasion and proliferation of the vascular system with a systemic inflammatory response. The bacteria may not remain in the blood stream, but bacterial toxins in the blood persist, perpetuating the systemic response. In contrast, bacteremia is simply the presence of bacteria in the blood stream, which occurs in small numbers every day in every mammal. Many of these infections are caused by gram negative bacteria including Salmonella, Klebsiella, Actinobacillus, and others. Sometimes gram positive organisms may be involved. Neonatal septicemia is responsible for about 1/3 of all foal deaths. Foals are born immunocompetent, but immunonaive; that is they can respond to the various bacteria, viruses, and parasites to which they are exposed, but they have no preexisting immunity to them. This means that the neonatal foal can more easily become ill with a variety of diseases. It is common for newborns to become septicemic: have a blood borne infection that can settle in many places in the body, including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, joints and growth plates (physis). As horses are naturally ‘fight or flight’ animals, the newborn must quickly rise and begin nursing to gain strength and immunity (antibodies) from the mare. Most foals are standing within 30 minutes after being born and nursing soon thereafter. The first milk is known as colostrum, which contains antibodies to protect your new foal against the harsh realities of the world. If your foal does not stand and nurse, there is no protection from bacteria and viruses. Protection is vital. All neonates should be attended by a veterinarian within 24 hours of birth. Fox Run Equine Center will perform a complete physical exam and check your foal’s blood to ensure adequate absorption of colostrum. Blood should also be taken for a complete blood count, serum biochemistry and electrolytes, and fibrinogen or serum amyloid A. The examination entails looking for congenital abnormalities, such as a cleft palate, as well as evaluating the heart, lungs, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and the musculoskeletal system. The mare should also be examined for filling of the udder, i.e. over distention from the foal not nursing adequately, and to look for uterine/placental infections; the placenta should be kept as clean as possible and refrigerated in warmer weather until your veterinarian can examine these fetal membranes. Weak foals, or those that do not nurse within two hours should be examined immediately by a veterinarian; these foals are more likely to become sick or are already ill and require treatment before it is too late! The longer a foal is ill, the more intensive (read expensive) the care will be and the more likely you will have waited 11 months only to lose your investment. As children, foals can very quickly become severely ill. Sick foals often require intensive, 24 hour feeding and monitoring. Predisposing factors include poor sanitation, improper umbilical care, failure of passive transfer (from colostrum- the first milk from the mare), dystocia, and maternal illness such as colic or infection of the placenta. The mare may also drip colostrum for days to weeks prior to the completion of gestation, resulting in the loss of antibodies to fight infection for the foal to consume shortly after birth. If this occurs, the colostrum should be collected and frozen. Routes of infection include ingestion, inhalation, and the umbilicus. The foal must absorb antibodies intact during the first twelve hours of life. This also means that bacteria and viruses can be absorbed, as the intestinal tract is ‘open’ so that antibodies may be absorbed. Washing the mare’s udder prior to suckling can help minimize ingestion of foreign substances. General cleanliness of the stall and the use of straw are of great value; Klebsiella bacteria are found in shavings. The umbilicus should be dipped every few hours in dilute chlorhexidine solution for the first 48 hours of life. Septicemia often results in either high or low body temperature, weakness, with loss of the suckle reflex, dehydration, small hemorrhages in the ears or on the gums, increased heart rate and respiratory rate, pneumonia, diarrhea, peritonitis, intestinal ileus, umbilical (belly button) infection, joint infections, osteomyelitis (bone infection) uveitis (ocular infection/inflammation) or inflammation, meningitis, ruptured urinary bladder, coma, or death. These signs may come together or singly over one or more days. Often, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis develop later, and because of their anatomical makeup, can be difficult to treat. Early signs may rapidly progress to septic shock, unresponsive to intravenous fluids, and death. Septic foals will have their red and white blood cells evaluated, as well as fibrinogen and/or SAA (proteins produced in response to inflammation) platelets, blood sugar, and a complete metabolic profile to look for renal or hepatic dysfunction and lipemia. Blood cultures, or cultures of other areas, may be taken to determine the organism causing your foal to be sick, allowing more efficacious antibiotic therapy. Blood is also tested for antibody levels as the foal may not have received adequate colostrum or may be using them at a rapid rate during sepsis. In selected cases, radiographs may be taken to evaluate joints and bone. Ultrasound is used to examine the abdomen, umbilicus, joints and bone (osteomyelitis), lungs, abscesses, and cellulitis. If a swollen joint is detected, arthrocentesis will be performed to evaluate for septic arthritis. Treatment is varied, depending upon the exact nature of the disease. Airways, breathing, and cardiovascular function must be maintained. Depending upon the time frame, stored colostrum may be administered, or equine plasma may be needed to provide passive immunity (antibodies). The foal may be in septic shock and hypoglycemic, requiring intravenous fluids and electrolytes, as well as glucose. Plasma will be given bolster the systemic antibody levels and provide other immune components, such as complement. Some foals may not tolerate being fed, becoming bloated and uncomfortable after feeding, necessitating intravenous nutrition (dextrose, amino acids, and fats). Four times daily, antibiotics will need to be given intravenously, by a catheter in the side of the neck, in the jugular vein. Intravenous antibiotics are often given for one to two weeks, and may be followed by a longer course of oral antibiotics at home. If antibiotics are discontinued too early, the illness may come back, possibly worse than before, or become localized in a joint, requiring additional treatment or euthanasia. Some cases will need gastroprotectants to prevent or treat gastric and/or colonic ulcers. As this is an inflammatory response syndrome, anti-inflammatory medications are used to control this often out-of-control response; it is a normal and protective response in many cases, but the body can become overzealous. Other cases may require surgery. This includes joint lavage, arthroscopy, and the removal of the umbilicus. The latter structure encompasses two arteries, a vein, and the urachus from the urinary bladder. They may become infected, forming an abscess, and, if there is little or no response to medical treatment, removal is the prudent course of treatment. All cases need continuous nursing care. This includes keeping them warm, clean, and dry. Recumbent foals cannot rise to urinate and defecate; urine and feces quickly damage thin equine skin, causing ulcerated skin. Very weak foals will need to be kept in sternal recumbency to ease the work of breathing and make it more effective, and to prevent reflux and aspiration of gastric contents. Prevention of neonatal illness is paramount, given the devastating effects on the foal. Whilst risk of infection cannot be completely eliminated the following steps will help: 1. Maintain a clean environment- clean the stall at least twice per day 2. Wash the udder and hindquarters with soap and water after foaling, but prior to nursing 3. Ensure early consumption of adequate, good quality colostrum- this should be yellow and quite sticky; about one liter (quart) of colostrum should be consumed 4. Check blood antibody levels within 24 hours 5. Proper umbilical care with chlorhexidine solution (Nolvasan) 6. Adequate prenatal vaccination and deworming 7. Adequate and appropriate nutrition for the mare, both before and after birth Additional information is available from Fox Run Equine Center, or your local veterinarian. Dr. Brian Burks, Dipl. ABVP is the owner/veterinarian at Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Equine Practice). This certifies him as an expert in all categories of equine practice. He enjoys the diagnostic and treatment challenges of internal medicine and surgery. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com 724-727-3481 Your horse's health is always our top priority.

So here's a Catch 22 conundrum about getting ahead in the horse industry for those whose grandfathers did not have the foresight to found the Amalgamated Widget... Company---- You need to be a very good rider to attract a sponsor, but---You need a sponsor in able to become a very good rider--- Well, yes and no. First the yes part. Generally, the better the rider, the more likely I/you/we/they will be able to come onto the radar screen of some wealthy person who might be in a position to buy a horse, support the horse, campaign the horse, whatever. I think it is unrealistic dreaming to be a less than good rider and expect outside help. And by "outside" I mean other than family, or the barn owner, or someone else who likes you well enough already to boost you along. First you need to be actually riding and training with real ability and know how---THEN look for sponsorship. Now the no part. No, you don't need a sponsor in able to get to be a good RIDER. But you may need a sponsor in able to become a successful COMPETITOR. There's a BIG difference between the two. What makes a good rider and a good trainer?---Being as one with the moving horse, that old familiar "good seat" thing. Training in a highly educated and non adversarial way. If you jump, having a great eye, and having lovely form in the air. Being willing to be there, day in, day out, practicing and plugging away--- For all of this you DO need horses, but they can be school string horses, ranch horses, pack string horses, sales barn horses, your good friend Sarah's horses, any horses that walk, trot canter, and, maybe, jump 2 feet. You have to put yourself in some situation where you have access to lots of riding hours, whether by working as some swabby in some sales barn, or by any other means, but if you are ever going to be a great piano player you need to play a piano, right? Same thing with becoming a gifted rider. You MUST figure out ways to sit in lots of saddles---BUT THAT ALONE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. You also need to study the masters so that you are doing it right, not wrong. You can practice a whole lot and become verrrry good at doing it verrry wrong. So read, go watch clinics, watch videos, watch better riders, ask questions, LEARN. Now, once you have done all this, and gotten good, and know what is what, you are finally in a position to attract attention. But don't expect too much before this, not usually--- (If you want the truth instead of the Walt Disney version)

Question: I recently attended a seminar on managing insulin resistant and laminitic prone horses. The speaker suggested over-seeding pasture bare spots with a m...ix of "herbal plants" to decrease pasture nonstructural carbohydrates. I'm considering this option, but wanted to know if there was any research to support this recommendation. Response: Wading through lots of information, especially from different professionals, is such a dilemma for horse owners. Unfortunately, we do not support this recommendation. We are not aware of any published research on the "herbal plants" in the recommended mix. Therefore, we have no idea what their nutritional qualities are, if they are palatable, or if they have toxic or anti-quality factors. Research data is key when managing insulin resistant and laminitic prone horses; anecdotical information simply does not cut it. What we do know is that by adding legumes (perennial) and teff (annual), we can lower pasture nonstructural carbohydrates. However, there are some horses who need to be housed on a dry lot year-round, fed low nonstructural carbohydrate hay, and have pasture access eliminated. Finally, we would never recommend purposely reducing the quality of a pasture by planting alternative or herbal species we know little about. It's best to manage insulin resistant or laminitic prone horses by limiting (or eliminating) pasture access and feeding them a prescribed diet. Plus, the implications to your pasture system are unknown and could results in serious issues for years to come (e.g. weed control). Additionally, it's almost impossible to predict what a horse would prefer to eat. Therefore, it's possible the horses would never choose to graze these plants and would result in more time required to manage the pasture (e.g. mowing).

Cervical Vertebral Compressive Myelopathy Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Board Certified in Equine Practice Wobblers Syndrome. These horses have trouble walki...ng, giving rise to the name colloquial name wobbler. More scientifically, the term is cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM). As the name implies, the cervical (neck) vertebrae are misaligned or malformed, causing impingement (stenosis) of the spinal cord in the neck. This disorder belongs to a group of diseases known as Developmental Orthopedic Disorders, which occur in younger, fast growing horses, often from six months to three years of age; however, CVCM can occur in older horses as well- even in their 20s. Males, Thoroughbreds, Tennessee Walking Horses, and Warmblood horses are overrepresented. The neck consists of seven cervical vertebrae of several distinct designs. The atlas is wide and has flat processes. As its name implies from Greek mythology, the atlas holds up the head. The axis has a boney protuberance called the dens that fits into the atlas and allows rotation of the head. There is a narrowing of the vertebral canal due to this misalignment and malformation of the cervical vertebrae, causing a progressive compression of the spinal cord. Type I CVCM- the vertebral column is fixed in flexion (static) at the site of malarticulation/malformation. This usually occurs at C2-C3, but can appear at other sites. This type is uncommon and may present at birth. Type II CVCM- symmetrical overgrowth of the articular processes causes spinal cord compression during neck flexion (more cranial vertebrae) and/or extension (more caudal vertebrae), causing dynamic compression of the spinal cord. This occurs most commonly in nursing foals or weanlings, and the lesions are typically found in the mid cervical region. Type III CVCM- there is asymmetrical overgrowth of one articular process that leads to spinal cord compression from boney proliferation or soft tissue hypertrophy. It is most common in mature horses, but can begin in 1-3 year old horses. The lesion is most common in the distal neck at C5-C6 and C6-C7 and is a static lesion. Other authors have divided this disease into two types, those being static and dynamic. Individual horses may have either static or dynamic compression, or the can occur simultaneously. As stated above, the disorder belongs to the DOD group of diseases, with similarities to OCD lesions. Nutrition plays a large role in the development of disease. Excessive carbohydrates, along with micro- and macro- mineral imbalances (zinc, copper, calcium and phosphorus, respectively) are thought to lead to DOD in the horse and other species, such as the canine, where CVSM is common in Doberman pinchers and Rottweilers. There may also be a genetic component to any of the several DODs, including CVSM, where it is not uncommon to see progeny present with this disease that one or both parents may have been afflicted. Breeding of such horses is to be discouraged. The disorder may also be due to trauma, although in some cases this can be difficult to discern; the trauma may have arisen from subtle neurologic deficits, or trauma may incite the neurologic changes. The latter is more common in older horses with a history of poor performance, inability to progress with training, lameness, reluctance to bend, neck stiffness, tripping, and even behavioral issues. Young thoroughbred horses are most likely to present with dynamic lesions of the neck. These horses are associated with periods of rapid growth, causing enlargement of physes (growth plates) and angulation of adjacent vertebrae and malformation of articular processes from osteochondrosis. Static lesions are most common in Thoroughbreds, Tennessee Walking Horses, and warmbloods, although any breed can be affected. There is often osteoarthritis of the cervical facet joints, with boney proliferation that can bridge the joint, locking the vertebrae into place, or directly impinging the spinal cord. Physical examination of such horses is often unremarkable. There may be limb abrasions due to interference, or the toe may be dubbed off from excessive toe dragging. Young horses may have signs of DOD, including physitis, joint effusion from OCD lesions, and flexural abnormalities. There may be neck pain, atrophy of neck muscles, and lack of feeling near to affected vertebrae in older horses with joint abnormalities. There may also be focal sweating, palpable abnormalities of the vertebrae, and reluctance to raise or lower the head, or to bend the neck side to side. Most horses are diagnosed between one and two years of age. Affected horses present with symmetric ataxia, spasticity, and weakness. The progression is often insidious and can be mistaken for a lame horse. The hindlimbs are usually one or two grades worse than the forelimbs, due to where the spinal tracts run in the central nervous system. Cranial nerves are unaffected. In young animals, CVSM presents with bilaterally symmetrical ataxia and weakness; older animals are more likely to present with asymmetric signs as there is degenerative joint disease of the articular facets. General proprioceptive deficits (the knowledge of where the limb is in space and time) may cause the limbs to be in bizarre locations, such as widely placed or standing on the opposite foot. Toe dragging and extensor paresis may occur (noted during tail pull) are often present. Such horses have exaggerated movements, may overreach, stumble, and circumduct the limbs. Clinical signs may worsen during head elevation or walking down a hill. During circling, the inside limb may pivot instead of being picked up and placed properly. Truncal sway is common in later stages of disease. The horse may exhibit spastic movement. Deficits are exaggerated during circling, over obstacles, and up and down hill sides. Differential diagnoses for CVSM include protozoal myelitis, equine degenerative myelopathy, equine herpesvirus-1, viral encephalitides, rabies, and hepatoencephalopathy. Other congenital malformations may also exist, including occipitoatlantoaxial malformation, atlantoaxial instability, atlantoaxial malformation, butterfly lesions, hemivertebrae, etc. Additionally, spinal cord compression can occur due to trauma, vertebral fractures, intervertebral disc protrusion, aberrant parasite migration, spinal neoplasia, and other abnormalities. Diagnosis of CVSM is based upon signalment, history, a detailed neurologic examination, elimination of other causes of neurologic disease, imaging modalities, and post mortem examination, which remains the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosis. Routine blood work (CBC, Biochemical assay) is usually unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is important to rule out other diseases, including protozoal myelitis, hematoma formation, abscesses, and neoplasia. It can also be tested for viral encephalitides. Radiographs (x-rays) should be obtained to evaluate the spinal column for malformations, misalignments, and flaring of the epiphyses of the vertebral bodies, where there is new bone pushing into the spinal canal. Degenerative joint disease can also be evaluated. Plain radiographs can also be used to evaluate the intravertebral minimum saggital diameter of the spinal canal and the maximal height of the vertebral body. The ratio of these measurements should be greater than 50% in normal horses. An intervertebral measurement can also be used and should be greater than 48.5%. To confirm focal spinal cord compression, contrast myelography is used, under general anesthesia. Contrast agent is introduced via a spinal tap at the atlantoocciptal space, after CSF is removed in an equivalent volume to the contrast agent to be used. Radiographs are then taken in neutral, flexed and extended positions. The dorsal dye column is compressed by more than 50% at the site of compression, while the ventral dye column is completely attenuated. In some horses, compression may be unilateral, making ventro-dorsal views important for surgical planning. Both CT and MRI can be used for the evaluation of spinal stenosis in people. These modalities are limited in the adult horse as their size inhibits placement within the imager all the way to the C7-T1 junction. MRI is quite useful in humans and canines for the diagnosis of spinal compression, but has not thus far been accurate in the equine; there has been poor correlation between the site of compression and spinal cord histology. Treatment of CVSM is difficult and can be unrewarding in some cases. Medical treatment includes various anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and DMSO. In the case of cervical facet disease, the joint can be injected with a mixture of sodium hyaluronate and corticosteroids. Medical treatment of CVSM may be used primarily for stabilization prior to surgery. Horses less than one year of age may undergo strategic diet manipulation. In this case, both protein and carbohydrates are restricted, with the aim of allowing the bone of the spinal canal to enlarge and no longer impinge the spinal cord. Although there have been no large, randomized, controlled studies, anecdotally, I have seen this work. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is important in these foals. Balancing the calcium:phosphorus ratio and providing zinc and copper is important. Vitamin E and selenium are recommended to help protect the central nervous system tissue. In horses older than one year of age that have spinal cord compression, surgical treatment is the best option, except in the case of cervical facet inflammation where compression is not great and there are minimal neurologic deficits. Surgical treatment is used to stabilize the vertebral column and stop the repetitive trauma to the cord. This involves the placement of a titanium basket between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of bone from both vertebrae. This stops the motion of the bones. In selected cases of a mass impinging upon the cord, a dorsal hemilaminectomy may be used to remove part of the upper portion of the vertebrae. Horses that have multiple sites affected and severe, chronic clinical signs, have a poor to grave prognosis. Humane destruction is advised. On the other hand, horses with less severe signs and a single affected site may return to full athletic function following surgery. This procedure is most successful in horses with acute clinical signs. Horses with persistent neck pain associated with cervical osteoarthritis but no evidence of fractures are well suited to cervical intervertebral fusion surgery. Prior to any surgery, horses are required to have a contrast myelogram to show the compressed area. Adverse reactions have occurred in up to 30% of horses, with a mortality rate of 2%. There may be worsening of neurologic signs and seizures are the most common complications. For diagnostic purposes, a saggital diameter ratio can also be used to avoid the complications of myelography. Fox Run Equine Center www.foxrunequine.com (724) 727-3481 Providing top quality medical and surgical care for horses.