Hagyard.com News

Resuls of a study about the efficacy of a Lawsonia Intracellularis vaccine - 07/14/2011

07/14/2011

Several Hagyard doctors and former Hagyard interns participated in a study to see about the efficacy of a Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine. Click this link to see what the results were. Published in The Veterinary Journal.

Hagyard - 2011 Bluegrass Equine Symposium - 07/12/2011

07/12/2011

September 24 - 26, 2011
Host Hotel: Marriott Griffin Gate Resort

Veterinarians, technicians and students - don't forget to register for this year's Bluegrass Symposium. Topics are Equine Surgery and Medicine for the Field Veterinarian. Early bird discounted registration ends 8/15/11.

Check Out The Ask A Vet Section Of Our Pharmacy Website - 06/21/2011

06/21/2011

Be sure and check out the Ask A Vet section of our pharmacy website or Veterinary Articles For the Horse Owner page on the main website to see answers to questions, including diarrhea, EHV-1, anhidrosis and HA.

Potomoac Horse Fever - 06/14/2011

06/14/2011

'Tis the season...

Potomoac Horse Fever aka Equine monocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by Neorickettskia Risticii although was formaly known as Ehrlichia Risticii. This disease was first described in horses residing near the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia in the late 1970's. The disease has now been documented throughout the United States and Canada.

The clinical signs for PHF are variable and often included decreased appetite, depression, fever, diarrhea, and ileus (non-motile intestinal tract) and laminitis.The most common clinical sign observed by owners is a decreased appetite and/or malaise. Occasionally, the only clinical sign is laminitis.

Most cases of PHF are seen in the summer and early fall. Ongoing research into the route of infection has revealed a parasite that lives in both freshwater snails and aquatic insects serves as a reservoir for N. risticii. The seasonalty of the disease is suspected to be related to the seasonality of the flying insects. Direct transmission from one horse to another does not occur.

The horse's history, clinical signs and response to therapy may be highly suggestive of PHF. Although to definitively diagnose this condition, a test call PCR (polymerase chain reaction) should be submitted. This is a sensitive test for detecting the organism.

What can a horse owner do to control and/or prevent exposure? PHF has a strong association with water although, there have been documented cases unassociated with aquatic environments. There was heavy rainfall in Kentucky this spring causing an increased amount of water pooling within paddocks and fields which could increase the likelihood of horse exposure this season. Other measures such as turning off lights at night in the barn/stable area have been recommended to decrease the number of flying insects and minimize contamination of feed and water.

Please consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your horse is exhibiting signs consistent with Potomac Horse Fever as prompt therapy is most effective.

Thoroughbred Times launches Ask a Vet video series - 06/04/2011

06/04/2011

The Ask a Vet video series, a spinoff of the monthly feature that appears in Thoroughbred Times TODAY and in the Horse Health section of the Thoroughbred Times website, launched on Thursday with the debut episode at www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

Sponsored by Hagyard Pharmacy, Ask a Vet is an interactive feature that allows readers to ask questions of skilled, experienced, and talented equine practitioners about a variety of topics. The first episode deals with tying up syndrome, and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute’s Michele L. Frazer, D.V.M., explains the causes and treatments of this problem.

Ask a Vet videos will appear frequently on the Thoroughbred Times website, and upcoming topics include addressing pneumonia, evaluating conformation problems in foals and corrective procedures, lawsonia intracellularis in horses, and retained placentas.

For more information, contact Thoroughbred Times Managing Editor Tom Law, (859) 260-9800 ext. 7125 or tlaw@thoroughbredimes.com.

watch the video

Spring Skin Irritations: Pastern Dermatitis: Rain Rot and Ringworm - 05/31/2011

05/31/2011

Dr Josh Mixon, DVM,

As I write this letter, Lexington is being hit once again with a round of severe weather. One more reminder of just how wet the spring has been here in Central Kentucky. In April alone, it rained 9 inches above average rainfall for that month, raining for 20 out of 30 days. If you don’t live in the bluegrass, I am sure that you’ve had your fair share of rain lately too. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. We need the rain. Our farms need the rain. But enough is enough, we need a break! Our horses need a break! With all the excess water and moisture outdoors, our equine friends are at an increased risk for skin irritations like dew poisoning and rain rot. I hate to even think about what all this excess water means for the mosquito and Culicoides (no-see-ums) populations this summer.

Pastern Dermatitis (PD) - The term ‘pastern dermatitis’describes a skin irritation pattern, usually involving the back of the pastern and heel bulb, which can vary greatly in cause and appearance, from smaller crusty scabs/mats of hair on the heels to larger painful oozing scabs, usually affecting white-haired limbs more than others. Lameness may or may not be present. In fact, the term ‘Pastern Dermatitis’ is synonymous with other terms

like ‘Mud Fever’, ‘Dew Poisoning’, ‘Cracked Heel’, and ‘Greasy Heel’, to name a few. This great diversity in terminology associated with PD is likely the result of the great diversity in the clinical appearance of PD. In all actuality, all of these terms describe different clinical stages along the PD continuum. The long list of causes of PD includes Dermatophilosis, Dermatophytosis (Ringworm), bacterial infection (primary or secondary), contact dermatitis, mange, photosensitization, and vasculitis. Dermatophilus, the most common PD causing organism, is an actinomycete bacteria which is a normal commensal inhabitant of the equine skin. This organism thrives in moist conditions, and when allowed by some defect in the skin (i.e. cut, scrape, puncture, bug bite, etc…), can gain entrance into the dermis and begin the chain of events which eventually result in infection … inflammation … and pastern dermatitis. Whether it be in the form of a muddy paddock, dew on the grass in the morning (Dew Poisoning), or a violent spring downpour (as you will soon find out), excessive moisture is a major risk factor for the development of Dermatophilosis. Maintaining a dry hygienic environment for your horse will help prevent PD before it starts. As all of you know, once PD starts it can be quite difficult to treat and control. If suspected, consult with your veterinarian about a diagnosis and treatment plan, which will likely include some combination of clipping the hair on or around any lesions, the use of a medicated shampoo or scrub (Chlorhexidine or Betadine) to soften those scabs and disinfect, mechanical debridement (pick off those nasty scabs!), and drying out. It is important not to bandage the leg in these horses. Remember, we want to dry out those lesions! Local treatment with antimicrobial preparations is helpful in dealing with secondary bacterial infections. Ask your veterinarian about Hagyard Pharmacy products like Special Heel Ointment or Dew Poisoning Ointment, and whether or not they would be appropriate for your horse.

Rain Rot (RR) - Rain Rot, or Rain Scald, is also caused by the Dermatophilus bacteria.

RR simply describes skin disease caused by Dermatophilus on parts of the body other than the lower limb and pastern region. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the RR lesions which appear along the neck and back of a horse, usually following some kind of precipitation in the days prior. Clinical signs vary from small non-painful matted tufts of hair to large exudative crusty-like scabs. Treatment includes the use of a medicated shampoo (Chlorhexidine or Betadine), removal of scabs/tufts of affected hair follicles, and drying out of the lesions and hair coat. Some cases may require more aggressive therapy, so it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to treat cases of RR (or PD) before they get out of control. Prevention includes maintaining a dry hygienic environment and avoidance of wet/moist conditions. Care should be taken to avoid situations in which we trap moisture in our horse’s skin or hair, like blanketing a horse during a rainstorm. Affected horses are the primary source of infection, so care should be taken to avoid exposure in unaffected individuals. Dispose of scabs from affected animals appropriately, and disinfect tack & grooming supplies as well. Once infection has begun, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian and treat this condition early, before it gets out of control. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Ringworm (RW) - Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a fungal skin infection caused by multiple species of dermatophyte. RW can cause classic lesions of circular alopecia (hair loss) with variable amounts of scaling or crusting or can cause a more generalized condition with larger areas of hair loss. The latter condition usually occurs in immunocompromised or malnourished horses, which are more susceptible to RW. RW is generally non-itchy and can occur anywhere on the body, but occurs most commonly in the axillary/girth area, neck, head, & rump. Increased moisture in a horse’s environment can also be a risk factor for the development of RW. Although the classic RW lesions (circular patches of hair loss) are very recognizable, many other skin diseases can look very much like dermatophytosis. Therefore, it is very important that any horse with suspected RW be examined by your veterinarian to confirm a diagnosis and initiate a treatment plan, which may include the use of a medicated shampoo (antibacterial and antifungal) as well as topical antifungal therapy. Severe cases may require a more aggressive approach. After a diagnosis of RW has been made, all horses and their tack & grooming supplies should be considered contagious to other horses and handled appropriately. Disinfection of tack and grooming supplies, which should not be shared between affected and unaffected horses, can help prevent the spread of RW from animal to animal. RW is considered a zoonotic disease and although very rare, transmission from horse to human is possible. So please, please use good hygiene when handling horses with RW. Wear gloves, wash your hands, and be smart!

Culicoides Hypersensitivity - Insects such as Culicoides (no-see-ums), mosquitos, and

other species of flies use standing water as breeding grounds. Culicoides hypersensitivity (Queensland Itch) causes a classic itchy dermatitis on the belly of horses. Preventative measures to protect your horse against Culicoides midges as well as mosquitos include keeping your horse away from standing water, using ceiling/stall fans, using an appropriate insect repellant (permethrin repellant), donning a fly sheet and stabling your horse at sunrise and sunset, which are prime feeding hours for Culicoides midges. Obviously there are many other strategies and tips for insect control, so use the measures that are appropriate for your situation. If your horse does come down with the Queensland Itch, contact your veterinarian to discuss a therapeutic and preventative plan. Hyposensitization (‘allergy shots’) is an option for horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity, but results are variable.

Sunburn - Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to sunburn. The white haired portions of our horse’s skin are at an increased risk for developing sunburn, so be sure to protect those individuals with some sunblock on those sensitive areas. Personally, I like to use an aloe-containing product with SPF 40. Either a cream or a spray should work just fine.

Remember to work closely with your veterinarian for a spring & summer free from any equine skin irritations!

Dr. Ernie Martinez attends AAEP workshop for Veterinary Leaders - 05/17/2011

05/17/2011

Ernest H. Martinez II, DVM of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, KY joined a group of 37 future leaders of the American Association of Equine Practitioners during the organization’s Emerging Leaders Workshop, April 29-May 1 in Lexington, Ky.

During this bi-annual workshop, AAEP members with a strong background of involvement with the association and the veterinary profession receive training on effective leadership. Attendees are selected by current members of the AAEP board of directors and receive a private invitation. The 2011 class of emerging leaders is comprised of private, specialty and academic veterinarians from the United States, Canada and Europe.

Workshop attendees learned about qualities of successful associations, effective leadership and motivational skills, and the roles of governing officers during sessions held at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. AAEP staff members and current board members provided an overview of AAEP operations and initiatives, including presentations on public policy, equine welfare and professional ethics.

Dr. Martinez is a 2003 graduate of Oklahoma State University. He completed a Field Ambulatory internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in 2004 and is now an Associate in their Ambulatory Service. His practice focuses on herd health, reproduction of mare and stallion, neonatology and dentistry. Dr. Martinez has served as an AAEP Forum Facilitator and is currently the President of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

Not All Laminitis is Created Equal - 05/04/2011

05/04/2011

Bryan T. Fraley DVM

Affiliate of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Laminitis, as the name implies, is inflammation of the tissues (laminae) that bind the distal phalanx which is commonly known as the coffin bone to the inner hoof capsule. There are two types of laminae, sensitive and insensitive laminae. These two types of laminae interlock much like thousands of tiny ziplock closures. The sensitive laminae overlie the surface of the coffin bone while the insensitive laminae line the inner surface of the hoof capsule.

Inflammation of these tissues is termed laminitis. However, you will soon understand that the term laminitis is used quite loosely and encompasses more than just inflammation. Not all laminitis is created equal. There are in fact three distinct phases of laminitis and appropriate treatment differs within each phase. Developmental laminitis is the phase which occurs prior to clinical signs. Destructive processes to the laminae have been triggered and are ongoing but the horse is not painful yet. In short laminitis is “developing” but neither the horse nor the owner knows it yet. A great deal of research has been focused on the developmental phase of laminitis. As a result of some of this research distal limb cryotherapy(Ice water bath cooling of the lower limbs and hooves) is being used clinically by some hospitals to halt the progression to the acute stage of laminitis. You might be asking and rightfully so. . . “If the horse doesn’t know it’s in the developmental stage and the owner can’t tell either, how does the Veterinarian know?” The short answer is we don’t. We try to pinpoint the population of horses which are most at risk of developing laminitis and start icing them. These tend to be very sick horses. Horses that have had colic surgery and the surgeons noticed dead or dying bowel, horses with severe colitis or diarrhea, severe pneumonia, retained placentas following foaling, horses that have over indulged in grain, and horses with very high fevers are all at great risk of developing laminitis and would be good candidates for icing.

The moment a horse shows clinical signs of laminitis(foot pain, lameness, bounding digital pulses,etc.) the horse is said to be in the acute phase of laminitis. This is the inflammatory stage of the disease. The lamina are swollen and withstanding some damage but are still managing to hold the coffin bone in a normal position within the hoof capsule. The acute phase ends and the chronic phase begins following 72 hours of clinical signs or when there is evidence of rotation or sinking within the hoof capsule on X-rays, whichever comes first. Chronic laminitis has been further subcategorized as chronic stable and chronic unstable laminitis. A chronic unstable horse’s coffin bone is actively rotating and/or sinking within the hoof capsule. A chronic stable horse is a horse that is no longer actively rotating or sinking within the hoof capsule. Chronic stable horses have rotated or sunk in the past but are now growing wall and sole around the new position of the coffin bone. Chronic stable horses can and often do have relapses and we call these occurrences acute on chronic episodes. I know this terminology can be confusing so I will summarize below with pictures to help illustrate the concepts.

Developmental Laminitis=disease process is starting; horse feels no foot pain, normal x-rays.

Acute Laminitis=laminae becomes inflamed, horse is painful, normal x-rays

Chronic Laminitis=laminae are torn apart, coffin bone has rotated or sunk, abnormal x-rays

Chronic Unstable - actively rotating or sinking, these horses are in a crisis situation

Chronic Stable - no longer rotating or sinking, hoof capsuleis remodeling around the new position of the coffin bone, growing sole, these horses can relapse and become unstable

Grain overload

Normal lateral X-ray

Picture of the sensitive laminae overlying the coffin bone #4(picture from unknown source)

Unstable horse actively rotating coffin bone penetrating sole

Follow-up X-ray of the unstable horse above after many weeks of corrective shoeing and tenotomy. Notice improved wall and sole growth. This is now a chronic stable horse.

These are pictures of two different chronic stable horses. The hoof capsules have remodeled around the rotated position of the coffin bone. Both horses were surprisingly comfortable.

Hagyard Challenge Dates 2011 - 04/27/2011

04/27/2011

May 12th, May 19th, July 28th, August 4th, August 18th, August 25th, September 23rd

Tour Hagyard Equine Medical Institute During Rolex - 04/26/2011

04/26/2011

Don't forget if you are coming to Rolex this weekend we are offering tours of the clinic. 4:00pm each day Thursday-Saturday and at 10:00am on Sunday. email tours@hagyard.com to reserve your spot!

New Pharmacy Website - 04/13/2011

04/13/2011

Check out our new e-commerce website!!!

Home | Hagyard Pharmacy

www.hagyardpharmacy.com

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Live Your Passion as an Equine Veterinarian - 04/13/2011

04/13/2011

Live Your Passion as an Equine Veterinarian

This is a great promotional video about the Equine Veterinary Medicine as a career choice.

Congratulations to Dr. Hunt for being inducted into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame - 03/08/2011

03/08/2011

Seven farriers, four equine veterinarians enter halls of fame

The new classes of members were added to the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame at the eighth annual International Hoof-Care Summit on February 3 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Each hall of fame honors farriers and equine veterinarians from around the world for their devotion and passion in promoting hoof care.

This year’s inductees include farriers Sandy Beveridge, Esco Buff, Michael Clark, Bernard Duvernay, Ada Gates-Patton, Dean Johanningmeier and Tom Wolfe.

Equine Veterinarians include Hans Castelijns, Robert Hunt, James Orsini and Wolfgang Otto Sack.

International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame Class of 2010

The International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame launched in 1993 and inducts farriers who have left their mark on the shoeing industry through hard work and dedication to the craft. These seven members share a common passion for improving the industry and the overall state of hoof care and soundness.

Current members of the Hall served as the slate of electors for this year’s nominees.

Sandy Beveridge, Carluke, Scotland. Although Beveridge may not be as well-known by American shoers, he has made a tremendous impact on farriery. His farrier career began in 1980, where he began apprenticing along side two other Hall of Fame members, Jim and Alan Ferrie.

Beveridge earned his diploma from the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) in 1984, which was followed by his Associateship in 1988. Soon after, he became one of the youngest to achieve a Fellowship with the group and served as an examiner for the WCF for over 20 years.

With his passion for education, Beveridge has been an educator and competitor in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States and Dubai. He has represented the Scottish farrier team several times.

As an Approved Training Farrier in the U.K., Beveridge has trained eight apprentice, including one who would go on to achieve a Fellowship in the WCF.

Beveridge told AFJ “it brings a smile to my face when I realize that my name now sits next to many eminent farriers that I have tried to emulate most of my working life.”

Dr. Esco Buff, Webster, N.Y. A farrier for more than 30 years, Buff’s reputation is known for his effectiveness in handling many different hoof concerns. He spends considerable time with each horse and chooses a program that best suits the individual horse.

Buff shows great knowledge for improving foundered horses. His protocol for the treatment of founder consistently and repeatedly brings relief to suffering horses.

He has become a popular clinician and lecturer and has published numerous articles on limb length disparity and shoeing for laminitis.

Buff is also a business management expert and writes lectures on the practices required to build a sustainable practice.

Thanks to his wife and family, Buff is able to frequently travel and help horses that are in need.

Michael “Mick” Clark, Collinsville, Texas. Clark has been a horseshoer for nearly 50 years. In 1969, he opened the Nebraska Farrier School, where he strives to teach students how to trim for balance, learn the anatomy, proper application of farrier tools, and how to hand forge and apply shoes.

Clark later formed a committee for the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) to devise a basic competency test that would cover both the theory and the practice of horseshoeing. After its development, he administered the first examinations for the association.

Other accomplishments include teaching horseshoeing at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb. and for the University of Texas in Fort Worth, Texas.

An avid horseman, Clark has shown Quarter Horses at all levels. One of his accomplishments was showing Sugar Flash, a two-time Nebraska State cutting horse champion.

One person who nominate Clark wrote, “Michael Clark has always been a very positive person to many young farriers, that include too many to mention.”

Bernard Duvernay, Geneva, Switzerland. Duvernay travels the world dealing with lameness concerns and has developed a number of new ways to treat navicular disease. Proficient in multiple languages, he is a popular worldwide clinician.

Duvernay has dedicated his career to promoting solid hoof care among the less fortunate. He also started the Flying Anvil Foundation (AFA), which helps educate groups in developing countries about proper farriery.

After a few years, Duvernay hopes those countries will become autonomous, and assure local management with local people at the head. He wishes to expand and promote the group.

Devernay thanked his many mentors and friends for sharing the knowledge that allowed him to achieve so much and compels other farriers to share their knowledge with future generations of farriers.

Ada Gates-Patton, Monrovia, Calif. Born in to a prominent New York family, Gates speaks on how she started at the top of New York society and worked her way to the bottom, finding her passion in shoeing horses.

As a female in the male dominated business, she begged numerous farriers to take her on as an apprentice. Eventually, she met veteran West Coast racetrack farrier Harry Patton. The relationship work out and later led to their marriage.

In 1978, she became the first woman farrier licensed to show Thoroughbred racehorses in the United States and Canada. This unique status matched her with many opportunities to promote foot-care to the general public. She appeared on Late Night With David Letterman, To Tell The Truth, The Today Show and What’s My Line?

Gates-Patton served as farrier liaison for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, holds the role of official horseshoe inspector for the Pasadena Tournament of Rose’s Parade, has served as a member of the California Thoroughbred Foundation Board of Directors, has presented hundreds of footcare seminars and operates Harry Patton Horseshoeing and Farrier Supplies.

With her tough odds at the beginning of her career, Gate-Patton says, “I’m terribly grateful and truly touched to be inducted into the Hall.”

Dean Johanningmeier, Cross Plains, Wis. Johanningmeier has two passions when it comes to footcare: therapeutic work and passing on what he has learned to others in the shoeing world.

Much of his work is done with the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

After growing up in northern Iowa, service in the United States Army and a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Johanningmeier switched to full-time shoeing.

For 25 years, he has worked closely with the university’s equine veterinarians and helps teach and educate both students and veterinary staffers on the importance of proper footcare.

Johanningmeier offers a tailored approach to each horse he works with and one veterinarian summed him up in three simple words: “dynamic and thoughtful.

Tom Wolfe, Bozeman, Mont. Wolfe has served many years as the head of the Montana State University School of Horseshoeing. As an expert shoer and AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier, he has spent his career providing excellent farrier service to clients along with a willingness to share his abundant knowledge.

His students praised him for always offering advice when needed and allowed everyone to feel comfortable as they learned new skills.

In the 1980s, Wolfe became the first manufacturer of commercially distributed hoof models.

Upon induction into the Hall of Fame, Wolfe said, “It is a great honor to be chosen by your peers.”

Meet the 2010 Class of the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame

The International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame was established in 1997 and recognizes equine practitioners who have contributed to furthering the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care.

Dr. Hans Castelijns, Valecchie, Italy. Originally from the Netherlands and raised in Spain, Castelijns works both as a vet and farrier after completing his farrier studies in 1989 and his veterinary studies in 1998.

He specializes in Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Arabians, jumpers, trotters, foals and yearlings. His primary areas of interest include foal development, diagnosis and treatment of lameness and preventive and therapeutic shoeing techniques.

Being able to speak half dozen languages, Castelijns is a sought-after speaker at many footcare conferences, including being one of the top-rated speakers at the 2009 International Hoof-Care Summit.

Castelijns has written several articles for horse owners, farriers and veterinarians. He is also a member of the veterinary faculty at the University of Perugia.

Dr. Robert Hunt, Lexington, Ky. Hunt is a practicing surgeon with the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Specializing in lameness surgery, the 1984 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine has long had a keen interest in the equine foot.

He has done considerable research and speaking on foal care, palmar foot pain, laminitis and a number of other hoof-related problems. He is an author of numerous research papers and articles and has been published in a range of equine magazines.

Hunt felt humbled by the recognition of his practitioner peers.

Dr. James Orsini, Kennett Square, Pa. Orsini is an active advocate of researching equine foot disease. He is the director of the Laminitis Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, as well as an associate professor of surgery at the university.

Orsini has brought together equine researchers, farriers and other equine practitioners through his organization of the International Conference on Laminitis and Disease of the Foot.

A 1977 graduate of Cornell’s veterinary program, he has published numerous papers on laminitis and other equine issues. Orsini is currently researching cryotherapy with Australian researcher Dr. Andrew van Epps.

In a recorded video played during the induction ceremony, Orsini said, “Being recognized by my peers for my 30-some years of work with our equine friends truly warms my heart. Luckily, our Hall Of Fame doesn’t mean you have to retire. I feel like my work has only just begun.”

Dr. Wolfgang Otto Sack. Having passed away in 2005, Sack was nominated for his contributions to research and education of equine veterinarians at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. He has had a powerful impact on the modern understanding of the equine leg and foot.

Sack published many scientific articles on equine anatomy and locomotion, as well as several textbooks. His book, A Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy, is still used in many veterinary schools.

Passionate about education, he encouraged veterinarians and farriers to understand overall equine anatomy and its effects on quality hoof care.

One of the people who nominated Sack, a fellow Hall of Famer, credits him as “being one of the best teachers I ever had” and “solely responsible for my continuing interest in equine anatomy and physiology.”

Nominate a Member for the 2011 Classes

American Farriers Journal is searching for new members of this year’s classes for the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame.

The International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame honors and recognizes farriers around the world who have made significant contributions to the profession and who have left an everlasting impression on those they served.

Veterinarians are nominated in two classes:

� Equine vets who work closely with farriers in the field

� College and industry vets involved in teaching, research or other essential aspects of hoof care education

If you know a potential candidate, American Farriers Journal would like to hear from you.

Please write a 1- to 2-page summary explaining why you think your nominee should be inducted into the hall. Nominations for the 2011 class will be accepted from the public until Aug. 31, 2011.

Current hall members will choose the new class of candidates and the announcement of those members will be made at the International Hoof-Care Summit in February 2012.

Mail nominations to:

American Farriers Journal
225 Regency Ct., Suite 200
Brookfield, WI 53045

Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC Announces 2011 Dates for Spring Competitions - 02/02/2011

02/02/2011

Written by: Phelps Media Group, Inc.
Client: Kentucky Horse Shows LLC
Release Date: 2011-02-01

Lexington, KY – February 1, 2011 - Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, one of the leading horse show management companies in the nation, is pleased to announce the dates for the 2011 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. With two weeks of exciting hunter/jumper shows at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are always a highlight event. The first week of competition, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, will be held from May 11-15, and the Kentucky Spring Classic will follow during the week of May 18-22, 2011.

This stellar horse show series attracts top riders from across the country to participate in their exciting jumper classes and grand prix events. With two grand prix events each week, show jumping riders have the opportunity to compete for over $340,000 dollars in prize money.

Each week the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows will feature the $31,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, CSI 2*, where riders will have the opportunity to compete for the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus. These two classes will kick-off the Hagyard Challenge Series, consisting of seven grand prix classes held during the 2011 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final Hagyard event the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus will be awarded to the year's top rider following the completion of this exciting event.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will also feature the $55,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix on May 15 and the Kentucky Spring Classic will feature the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix to be held on Saturday, May 21. Both of these classes will be held in the spacious Outdoor Stadium that hosted the show jumping events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.

The show series offers top-notch rated hunter divisions with high-tech surfaces designed by the German company OTTO Sport-und Reitplatz GmbH. The first week of competition, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, is a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) recognized hunter competition. The WCHR is an awards program started by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, and the awards are presented, on both a national and regional level, to Pony, Junior, Amateur, Professional, Adult and Children's hunter riders who accumulate the most points at WCHR designated horse shows throughout the year.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will also feature the USHJA International Hunter Derby being held Saturday, May 14, in the Main Stadium.

While competing at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, exhibitors and their families can also explore downtown Lexington, which features fine dining and shopping. The beautiful Lexington area offers numerous hotel accommodations near the horse show facilities and the main downtown area.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Mary Fike - Midsouth Team Challenge Event Organizer - 01/23/2011

01/23/2011

By Samantha L Clark
About the same time you may have been sending in your entries for the Hagyard Midsouth Three Day Event & Team Challenge at the Kentucky Horse Park last autumn, organiser Mary Fike was already planning next year's event. Some fourteen months ahead of time, Mary and her team were formalising the date approval with the USEF, and the licenses agreement with the FEI, as well as getting verbal commitments from the most in-demand officials, those that she didn't already have pinned down to a lifelong contract, she laughs, as in a "as long as I'm doing this, you're doing this" kind of an agreement.

Let's start with some statistics:

In the database for entries there are 73 fields of information, and 567 rows for Team Challenge. In the scoring files there are 56 fields per division that relate to scoring only, add 8 additional fields to populate the rider names, teams, bridle numbers and then 25 fields for xc jump reports - one row per horse at 567 rows. The event generates 8 original pages worth of statistics for the Technical Delegate Reports. During the event there are generally 83 or more different reports generated, including labels for packets and all sheets that go with the horses, (Horse Inspection sheets, dressage tests, stall cards), Horse Inspection Order of Go, Office Masters, stabling lists, dressage order of go (done each day for 2 days) XC order of go (2 days) stadium order of go for two rings (2 days), Overall score sheets for the entire event updated twice a day for three days for 18 divisions plus again the same for teams. Add in miscellaneous lists like alpha by rider, numerical by rider, special daily results FEI x 2, and sometimes a random request by an official. Phew!

If it seems like the event runs smoothly, and it does, that's because Mary's had plenty of practice; we think she started running the Team Challenge back in 1986, (but it's hard to remember exactly), with what seemed like a large entry of 45 horses, when it was held at Masterson Station Park, and she did all the admin on legal tablets. The event has always had teams, and the costumes have always been part of the tradition, but the three day event started in 1990. Mary can reel off a list of former competitors that reads like Eventing's Most Wanted: Bruce Davidson, Charlie Plumb, Abigail Lufkin, Jim Graham et al, although John Williams is the only one she actually remembers winning!

Mary had had some experience running some schooling events in North Carolina in the 70's, and her own Painted Stone Horse Trials from 1982-1995, and so she was ready for Team Challenge, although she's had to adapt and grow with the sport as it's changed over the years. Obviously the advent of the internet and online entries and scoring has made things more efficient and to some extent eased her workload, but also increased expectations of competitors, some of whom she jokes, want their scores online by the time they get back to the barn!

Mary, Show Secretary and Scorer Debbie Hinkle, and Volunteer Organiser Beth Henson work year round. Six Chiefs come back each year, as well as some 225 volunteers. There's one course builder with a crew of 3, 10 hired officials, 2 announcers and a course controller, as well as 2 people flagging and painting. As if Mary didn't have enough to do, she delegates the design of the CCI* course to Derek DiGrazia just because "he's wonderful", but does all the other courses herself, from BN up to P, and considers this the fun part. It does give her a valid excuse to get out of the office on the Saturday, plus she says all the work she puts in at the Park beforehand is like therapy, those hours staining fences on her own listening to music she describes as cathartic; she knows where the fox lives, and when the hawk found a mate. She doesn't have any horror stories that she can recall, or any that she wanted to tell me (!), but she does remember one year it was so foggy that they couldn't see the horses on the cross country course, despite delaying the event, and describes how eerie it was to hear them galloping at you out of the mist, have them appear and jump, and then just as quickly be gone, although she stressed that the horses handled it remarkably well.

Mary's greatest reward for the endless hours she puts in are the grins on riders' faces. She recalls a Novice rider last year who was convinced she wasn't going to get round and ended up having a lovely clear, and the elation that was infectious. Due to the WEGs, the Team Challenge was a heroic effort on everyone's part, but each year she finds herself struggling against an enormous workload and a desire to have everything perfect. To feel like the weekend has been worthwhile, she wants every competitor to leave with a sense of satisfaction; she feels like the host of a party and wants everyone to enjoy themselves. She works with a wonderful group of people who help each other out, and the excitement and the camaraderie buoy them up during the long fortnight of the event that they're based on location. The competition has barely finished and Mary will catch herself saying to Debbie, "next year, let's try this out..." or "let's do such-and-such this way instead of that way..." and has never once finished an event and said "never again", thank goodness!

Hagyards has been involved as the title sponsor of the Midsouth Team Challenge for the last four years. CEO Andy Clark says the event provides an opportunity to get the new sport horse department in front of it's target market; for a change, he says, writing cheques to them instead of the other way round, being proactive and gives Hagyards a chance to interact with their customers. The Sport Horse Department is growing despite the recession, and seeing Hagyards' name connected with the Midsouth Team Challenge, even in something as simple as the Chronicle results page, and the fact that the two are now synonymous, gives him great satisfaction and signals to him that the sponsorship is working. For Hagyards, Clark says the relationship has been "everything he hoped, and the Midsouth Team are a pleasure to work with."

Mary evented up to intermediate level and smiles at the memory of the thought that when she bought her own farm she would have more time to ride, but instead she is now even busier with students and boarders. She is one of the stalwart supporters of the classic long-format three day event, maintaining it's the most fun you can have on a horse, and a valuable training method. In 2010, although the CCI * had 37 starters, and the training three day had 34, the Prelim 3 day had just 6, and there is a national committee that will hang in there and support the long format for several years at least, to see what happens once these training level three day riders graduate. Although the Hagyard MidSouth Three Day Event and Team Challenge may well be up there as one of the premier events in the area during the year with it's many divisions, it's fun teams and costumes and "end of term party atmosphere" and not least of all it's location, Mary worries that with the bar being raised by so many "destination events" such as the AEC's the smaller Horse Trials deserve maybe even more support to make sure they can continue as she's keenly aware of their importance in the calendar. It's a cold day at the Horse Park when we sit down to discuss all this, and yet there's no dampening Mary's enthusiasm and love for the sport, and for her event. In fact, I'm embarrassed to admit that she emailed me all the facts and figures before I could thank her for meeting me - that's why she's the organiser!

If you haven't ridden at the MidSouth Team Challenge, and are anywhere close, I highly recommend it this year. And if you're unable to attend mounted, I'm sure there's a job to be done, which always makes the weekend more fulfilling. Whether you're riding, watching or supporting, please remember to thank the volunteers and organizers who work endlessly and tirelessly with abundant senses of humour and patience, and without whom there'd be no event. Thank you Mary, for spending a chilly morning explaining the maths to me (glutton for punishment!), and thank you for reading. GO EVENTING!

Pharmacy Department Receives PCAB Accreditation - 01/21/2011

01/21/2011

Lexington, KY - December 7, 2010 – Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is pleased to announce that Hagyard Pharmacy has earned the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board’s Seal of Accreditation. PCAB is a not-for-profit corporation that was formed to provide quality standards for compounding pharmacies through a voluntary accreditation program. The PCAB Seal of Accreditation provides evidence of adherence to quality standards and to the principles of the profession of pharmacy compounding. Hagyard has been a leader in equine veterinary medicine since it opened in 1876, and an accreditation from PCAB was the next step in distinguishing their pharmacy as one of the best in the nation.

Scarlet Thomas, Director of Hagyard Pharmacy commented, “While all pharmacies must follow requirements set forth by the state Board of Pharmacy, “PCAB Accredited” provides an assurance to veterinarians and their clients that our pharmacy meets a more stringent and comprehensive standard of excellence.”

Hagyard Pharmacy plays a vital and unique role in the superior care the patients receive at Hagyard. Its mission is to provide only the best in optimal horse healthcare. Over time, Hagyard Pharmacy has proven to be a leader in providing the equine industry with only the highest quality pharmaceuticals, health products, surgical supplies and prescription compounding service.

Compounding pharmacists play a vital role in their patients' lives, providing customized medications ordered by prescribers, sometimes when all other options will not work. A compounded medication is used for individual patients that often have special needs.
Hagyard Pharmacy is very pleased that they have received their PCAB accreditation and is happy to offer their expertise and services to all their equine patients as Hagyard continues to lead the world in veterinarian care.

About Hagyard Equine Medical Institute:

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute of Lexington, KY, was founded in 1876. The practice, which is located directly across from the Kentucky Horse Park, is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world and is known for its excellence in veterinary medicine. The Hagyard Sport Horse Program, a specialized department at the practice, serves the nation's top sport horse athletes and brings the same level of excellent care to high performance horses that the institute has provided for the race horse and breeding industries for decades. The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, ambulance and emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The practice has performed veterinary medicine for more than 134 years and is currently composed of over 60 experienced veterinarians, with nine board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, and Theriogenology.

For more information on the practice at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please go to www.hagyard.com.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Welcomes Dr. Laura Werner - 01/21/2011

01/21/2011

Lexington, KY – January 5, 2011 – Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Laura Werner to their surgery department beginning January 2011. Dr. Werner specializes in lameness and equine emergency services. She is looking forward to returning to Hagyard after having previously spent a year there as a surgical intern during her advanced training. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is proud to be a leader in equine surgery in both general and specialized surgical cases, and is thrilled to now have Dr. Werner as a member of their talented team.

“I feel like it is family there,” commented Dr. Werner. “I will be joining my instructor from when I was a student at Auburn and I did an internship there, so I am excited to go back and enjoy everything I experienced when I was an intern. My family is from Kentucky as well so it will be nice to be close to them again.”

Dr. Werner grew up riding and always had an interest in becoming a veterinarian. She attended the University of Kentucky before transferring to Auburn University to complete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She fulfilled her residency at The Ohio State University and eventually became a staff surgeon at The Equine Center in San Luis Obispo, CA.

In addition to her experience as a surgeon, Dr. Werner has worked as a FEI Veterinary Delegate at some of the top Three-Day Eventing competitions in the nation. “I know I will never compete at that level so I have enjoyed working with the sport and continuing my involvement as an FEI Veterinary Delegate,” she explained. “It has helped me build clientele throughout the area. I really enjoyed working with the Young Riders program as well, so doing the FEI work has helped with my involvement with that. It really is just a part of giving back to the horse industry.”

As a member of the Hagyard surgery department, Dr. Werner hopes to continue her research on septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, which she began when she was a resident. She is also excited to use her knowledge and experience to help treat the equine cases that are admitted to Hagyard. The surgery department currently has three of the world’s premier surgeons; Dr. Michael A. Spirito DVM, Dr. Robert Hunt DVM and Dr. Dwayne H. Rodgerson DVM.Dr. Werner will make an excellent addition to this already experienced and talented team of surgeons.

About Hagyard Equine Medical Institute:

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute of Lexington, KY, was founded in 1876. The practice, which is located directly across from the Kentucky Horse Park, is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world and is known for its excellence in veterinary medicine. The Hagyard Sport Horse Program, a specialized department at the practice, serves the nation's top sport horse athletes and brings the same level of excellent care to high performance horses that the institute has provided for the race horse and breeding industries for decades. The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, ambulance and emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The practice has performed veterinary medicine for more than 134 years and is currently composed of over 60 experienced veterinarians, with 9 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery and Theriogenology.

For more information on the practice at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please go to www.hagyard.com.

Photo Credit: Dr. Laura Werner joins the surgery department at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Photo Courtesy of the Client. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

Career Opportunities at Hagyard - 01/14/2011

01/14/2011

Career Opportunities

Experienced Veterinary Technician – Seasonal (January – June); Night shift (Th – Sun). Equine experience necessary; hospital experience preferred.

Pharmacy Associate – Seasonal (January – June); some weekends required. Retail and customer service experience necessary, equine experience preferred.

Inquires may be directed to Betsy Walker at bwalker@hagyard.com or Fax (859) 252-8961 or mail: Attn: Human Resources, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, 4250 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY

Pharmacy Holiday Hours - 12/17/2010

12/17/2010

Pharmacy holiday hours listed below:
Christmas Eve 8:00am - 12:00pm
Christmas Day - Closed
December 26 and 27 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

New Year's Eve - 8:am - 12:00pm
New Year's Day - Closed
January 2 and 3 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!!

Tour Hagyard During the World Equestrian Games - 09/20/2010

09/20/2010

Come see us during your visit to WEG and see what our 108 acre campus has for the health and well being of the equine. Tours take about an hour and must be scheduled in advance. Please call Nicole Tomlinson at (859) 685-3709 to schedule.