Horses

tight shot of the legs of three harness-racing horses

Just like human athletes, athletic horses undergo a combination of physical demands, impacts, and repetitive stress that makes them prone to injury and lameness. Dr. Annette McCoy, an equine surgeon at the University of Illinois…
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horse eating grass

Spring Grass and Laminitis in Horses

March 12, 2022

Every year, once winter is over and the snow has receded, the grass starts its yearly explosion of growth. The spring helps bring hay and fresher forage for our horses. However, with the fresh forage…
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[Dr. Catherine Foreman-Hesterberg adjusts horse's spine]

Chiropractic Adjustment for Animals

August 12, 2020

Most Effective for Biomechanical Conditions For centuries now, many cultures have practiced spinal manipulation in people as a therapy to complement traditional medicine. It’s unclear when this practice was first used for animals, but the…
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[radiographing foal's leg]

Hospital Delivers Care for Special-Needs Foals

April 29, 2020

Foals and Mares Sometimes Need Help While people are sheltering in place and implementing social distancing, life goes on for some creatures. In the equine medicine and surgery service at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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[Dr. Danielle Strahl-Heldreth with a horse and students]

Field Anesthesia for Horse Surgeries

April 01, 2020

Field Anesthesia Requires Thought, Preparation Anesthesia is important for controlling pain and ensuring the safety of patient and caregivers during a surgical procedure. But for some animal patients, anesthesia use isn’t confined to the operating…
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[Dr. Annette McCoy examines a horse's leg]

First Aid for Horses

July 16, 2018

Be Prepared to Handle Wounds Would you know what to do if your horse accidentally encountered a sharp edge and ended up with a cut? Dr. Annette McCoy, an equine surgeon at the University of…
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[horse cough]

My Horse Has a Cough. Now What?

May 20, 2018

Many Conditions Make a Horse Cough As a horse owner, you would not hesitate to seek veterinary care if your horse shows signs of lameness, colic, choke, or other immediate dangers. But what do you…
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[horse teeth]

Horses Need to See the Dentist Too

April 21, 2018

A horse’s teeth should be examined every 6 months Just like cats and dogs, horses need oral examinations from veterinarians. The health of a horse’s mouth greatly impacts its well-being, behavior, and performance. Dr. Dennis…
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