Hoofbeats

In a separate report we noted the successful and innovative treatment of the mare Nunki whose hoof infection was cured with timely treatment.

On Friday, January 25, another mare went lame. Her name is Acamar, and she is one of the older mares who has born at least one foal the foal is still living. Acamar is one of the few that has had few problems, and her feet are probably the best in the herd (though they still could use some work). She is now limping on her left foreleg. She is the only mare I can't touch for more than a few moments, but I was able to see the sole of her hoof as she was favoring the leg and there was nothing immediately apparent in the hoof, though it of course should be cleaned to be sure. From the way she was walking it looks more as though she has somehow strained her knee. Nothing appeared to be swollen but she was limping badly. By Feb. The leg was somewhat swollen and she kept licking the hoof. Because she is unapproachable, we hope to get Frank Bell to come help us work with her.

On Feb. 1, the mare Adhara was also seen limping on her left foreleg. While she is still edgy about contact, a swelling was felt at the forward side of her shoulder. It is possible that she has some sort of injury in the area though the skin is not broken. It was not possible to inspect her hoof.

Normal procedure would of course be to get these mares into the corral to restrict their movements and to figure out what are the problems. As it is, they are with their band, running when chased by dogs and being put at greater risk. We have on hand phenylbutazone, an excellent medication for killing pain and reducing inflammation. Unfortunately, it can only be delivered intravenously, which will be dicey at best if needed for Adhara, and impossible for Acamar under current conditions.

It appears to be more apparent that the stallion with the engorged penis may indeed have something wrapped around it (like tail hairs). The organ is definitely constricted in one area. We may at some point (when we get stronger tranquilizers) have to attempt to treat him in the field, but this could be extremely difficult. It would be best to try to wait until he can be treated away from the farm.

Hoof and leg problems seem to be escalating. This is to be expected as the horses continue to graze on over rich, chemical drenched forage, and as they move only in a very restricted pattern. With bad feet they are not inclined to move, by not moving the feet can only grow worse. Diet contributes to the increasingly vicious cycle. We have submitted a formal proposal suggesting that an emergency, provisional reserve be established as soon as possible to remove the horses from this apparently deadly environment.



			January 2002 Monthly Report
		In a separate report we noted the successful and innovative treatment of the mare Nunki whose hoof infection was cured with timely treatment. On Friday, January 25, another mare went lame. Her name is Acamar, and she is one of the older mares who has born at least one foal the foal is still living. Acamar is one of the few that has had few problems, and her feet are probably the best in the herd (though they still could use some work). She is now limping on her left foreleg. She is the only mare I can't touch for more than a few moments, but I was able to see the sole of her hoof as she was favoring the leg and there was nothing immediately apparent in the hoof, though it of course should be cleaned to be sure. From the way she was walking it looks more as though she has somehow strained her knee. Nothing appeared to be swollen but she was limping badly. By Feb. The leg was somewhat swollen and she kept licking the hoof. Because she is unapproachable, we hope to get Frank Bell to come help us work with her. On Feb. 1, the mare Adhara was also seen limping on her left foreleg. While she is still edgy about contact, a swelling was felt at the forward side of her shoulder. It is possible that she has some sort of injury in the area though the skin is not broken. It was not possible to inspect her hoof. Normal procedure would of course be to get these mares into the corral to restrict their movements and to figure out what are the problems. As it is, they are with their band, running when chased by dogs and being put at greater risk. We have on hand phenylbutazone, an excellent medication for killing pain and reducing inflammation. Unfortunately, it can only be delivered intravenously, which will be dicey at best if needed for Adhara, and impossible for Acamar under current conditions. It appears to be more apparent that the stallion with the engorged penis may indeed have something wrapped around it (like tail hairs). The organ is definitely constricted in one area. We may at some point (when we get stronger tranquilizers) have to attempt to treat him in the field, but this could be extremely difficult. It would be best to try to wait until he can be treated away from the farm. Hoof and leg problems seem to be escalating. This is to be expected as the horses continue to graze on over rich, chemical drenched forage, and as they move only in a very restricted pattern. With bad feet they are not inclined to move, by not moving the feet can only grow worse. Diet contributes to the increasingly vicious cycle. We have submitted a formal proposal suggesting that an emergency, provisional reserve be established as soon as possible to remove the horses from this apparently deadly environment.