Osteochondrosis (OCD) in Horses
Osteochondrosis (osteochondrosis dissecans, also known as OCD) is a relatively common manifestation of a broader disease syndrome in horses, known as Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD).
Based near Killarney, Co Kerry, my name is Joanne O’Shea. I am a passionate and caring, fully qualified and registered Advanced Equine Veterinary Nurse (AnScVN, PgCertAVN), Equine Physical Therapist, Equine Nutritional Advisor and Electrophysical Therapist.
I believe in a holistic approach to equine healthcare, that prioritises the well-being of horses. I combine manual therapy and osteopathic techniques, with electrophysical therapy and nutritional management, to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of horses at all stages of life, for clients nationwide.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please explore my site, or contact me directly.
Your horse’s well-being is our priority! Let us give your horse a voice!
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My mission is to always advocate for the horse and to constantly strive to enhance the quality of life for horses and their owners, through a compassionate, evidence-based osteopathic approach.
I strongly believe in the interconnectedness of the whole horse, and that the body, the mind and the spirit are inherently linked, creating a delicate balance that must work harmoniously, in order to achieve true health and wellbeing. I believe that all these elements need to be fully nurtured and understood, for a horse to thrive with resilience and good health, which in turn leads to strongly bonded harmonious partnerships with their human companions.
I am hugely passionate about promoting the longevity of horses and I seek to empower horse owners with the most up to date knowledge and resources, while fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healing, comfort and overall health.
Where required, I will always challenge and discredit the numerous myths that exist within the horse industry and I will always encourage owners to ask themselves why, when things are not going right! Horses do speak to us in their own language, if only we are willing to listen! It is my mission to give your horse a voice!
Expert Care
I am extensively trained and experienced, with a well-rounded education and approach to equine health.
Compassionate Environment
I treat every horse as if they were my own, providing a calm, relaxing and supportive atmosphere.
Client Education
I believe informed horse owners make the best decisions for their horses, and I’m here to guide you.
Join me in my commitment to holistic equine healthcare. Together, we can ensure your horses lead happy, healthy lives.
I offer a range of evidence-based equine services designed to support your horse’s unique needs, including:
- Comprehensive evaluations to identify areas of discomfort or dysfunction
- A wide range of treatment modalities
- Tailored rehabilitation plans to aid recovery from injuries or surgeries.
- Wellness programmes, with preventative care strategies, to maintain optimal health and well-being.
The Role of the Equine Veterinary Nurse in General Anaesthesia
Equine general anaesthesia is more fraught with danger of mortality and serious morbidity, than GA in small animal species as well as in humans.
Beet Pulp for Horses
The by-product of the sugar beet industry, unmolassed beet pulp is a safe, palatable and a highly digestible feed for horses.
𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗺𝗮 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 🐎🫁![]()
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Late autumn and winter in Ireland is the classic danger period for equine asthma. As horses move off grass and spend more time stabled, exposure to dry hay, dust, mould spores and reduced ventilation increases its incidence significantly. For many horses, this seasonal change does not create asthma in itself, but it does reveal an underlying airway sensitivity, which is why respiratory signs often appear or worsen at this time of year.![]()
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Equine asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways. It is not an infection, nor is it just a cough. It exists on a scale, from mild performance-limiting disease, to severe cases, where horses struggle to actually breathe at rest (historically called heaves, COPD, or RAO).![]()
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What causes equine asthma? 🔍 ![]()
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Equine asthma is multifactorial. It is driven by an abnormal inflammatory and immune response in the lungs, triggered by inhaled particles such as:![]()
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● Dry hay (even when it looks clean)![]()
● Dust![]()
● Mould spores![]()
● Endotoxins![]()
● Poor ventilation![]()
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Important note:![]()
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Not all horses that are exposed to dust will develop asthma; there is an individual susceptibility, likely influenced by genetics and immune system behaviour. Modern management does not create asthma either, but it certainly often reveals it.![]()
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Common signs 👀![]()
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Signs can vary depending on severity.![]()
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Mild to moderate asthma![]()
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□ Reduced performance![]()
□ Longer recovery after exercise![]()
□ Occasional cough![]()
□ Subtle changes under saddle![]()
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Severe asthma![]()
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○ Increased respiratory rate at rest![]()
○ Abbdominal (flank) breathing![]()
○ Prolonged, laboured expiration![]()
○ Nostrils flaring![]()
○ A visible heave line in chronic cases (heaves).![]()
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How is equine asthma diagnosed? 🩺![]()
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Diagnosis is based on a combination of:![]()
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■ History and management![]()
■ Clinical signs![]()
■ Response to environmental change and treatment![]()
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In some cases, further diagnostics may be used, including:![]()
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◇ Endoscopy![]()
◇ Airway sampling (e.g. bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL])![]()
◇ Tracheal wash![]()
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Not every horse requires advanced diagnostics, particularly when signs and response to management are clear.![]()
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Treatment – Relievers Vs Controllers 💊![]()
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Treatment has two goals: ![]()
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1️⃣ Improve breathing![]()
2️⃣ Control airway inflammation![]()
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It is important to understand the difference between relievers and controllers:![]()
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🔹 Bronchodilators (RELIEVERS)![]()
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These open the airways and improve breathing short-term, but do not treat the underlying disease.![]()
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🔹 Corticosteroids (CONTROLLERS)![]()
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These reduce airway inflammation and are essential for long-term disease control. They do not give instant relief but change the course of the condition. They are used to control airway inflammation when needed and are adjusted over time based on response and management. If a horse needs frequent bronchodilators, the inflammation is not adequately controlled.![]()
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Inhaled therapy and nebulisers 🌬️![]()
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Inhaled medications are now commonly used in equine asthma because they:![]()
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~ Deliver medication directly to the lungs![]()
~ Require much lower total drug doses![]()
~ Have fewer systemic side effects![]()
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This may be done using equine inhalation devices or nebulisers e.g. Flexineb in photo, depending on the medication being used.![]()
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Supportive therapies![]()
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Products such as Audivard Balsamic Air may help some horses with upper airway comfort or mucus mobilisation, but they do not treat equine asthma.![]()
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These:![]()
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▪︎ Do not reduce airway inflammation![]()
▪︎ Do not control the disease![]()
▪︎ Should never replace medical treatment, or management. (In some horses with active lower airway disease, they may even cause irritation and should be used with caution).![]()
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Good management is essential 🧱![]()
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Medication alone is not enough and long-term control relies on reducing inhaled triggers, including:![]()
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♧ Reducing or eliminating dry hay![]()
♧ Using soaked or steamed hay, haylage, or forage![]()
♧ Improving ventilation![]()
♧ Minimising dust from bedding![]()
♧ Maximising turnout where possible![]()
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For many horses, these management changes make the biggest difference of all.![]()
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Equine asthma is common and often under-recognised. It is not always caused by “dusty stables” alone. Early recognition is vital and effective management combines medical therapy and environmental change.![]()
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If your horse has a persistent cough, reduced performance, or looks like they’re working to breathe, don’t ignore it. Equine asthma is quite manageable but only when it’s recognised and addressed properly.![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬![]()
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Couëtil, L. (2020) ‘Equine asthma: Current understanding and future directions’, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 450. Available at: www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00450/![]()
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Couëtil, L.L., Cardwell, J.M., Gerber, V., Lavoie, J-P., Léguillette, R. and Richard, E.A. (2016) ‘Inflammatory airway disease of horses—Revised consensus statement’, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 30(2), pp. 503–515. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4913592/ ![]()
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Lavoie, J-P., Bullone, M., Rodrigues, N., Germim, P., Albrecht, B. and von Salis-Soglio, M. (2019) ‘Effect of different doses of inhaled ciclesonide on lung function in horses with experimentally induced asthma exacerbations’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 51(5), pp. 645–651. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30854685/![]()
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Léguillette, R. (2003) ‘Recurrent airway obstruction—Heaves’, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 19(1), pp. 63–86. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12747662/
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 – 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱? 🤔![]()
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There has been a lot of discussion lately about the iliopsoas muscles in horses and this is for good reason. The iliopsoas muscle group is a deep muscle complex, comprising the psoas major, psoas minor and iliacus and it plays a significant role in how a horse moves, carries itself and co-ordinates the hindlimb with the spine.![]()
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The iliopsoas muscle is quite literally the filet mignon (fillet steak) and is located deep within the body, lying close to the underside of the spine. Components of the iliopsoas complex can extend cranially as far forward as the last thoracic vertebrae, before continuing through the lumbar region and passing to the inside of the pelvis, to attach to the femur. This deep, central position places the iliopsoas at the interface between the spine, the pelvis and the hindlimb, influencing both limb movement and trunk stability, as opposed to what can be seen on the surface alone.![]()
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Because the iliopsoas is a deep muscle complex, it cannot be easily seen, palpated, or directly assessed in the way more superficial structures can. Historically, many assessments understandably focused on what was externally visible and more easily measurable e.g. limb mechanics, posture, topline development, as well as obvious lameness and asymmetries. This did not mean that deeper stabilising muscles were unimportant, but that they were harder to observe, quantify and integrate into routine evaluation. But as our understanding of biomechanics, posture and movement co-ordination has evolved, so too has our appreciation of how these deeper systems contribute hugely to global movement and stability.![]()
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The iliopsoas is a primary hip flexor, meaning it is heavily involved in bringing the hindlimb forward during the swing phase of the stride. This alone makes it fundamental to locomotion. But its role goes far beyond simple limb movement. Because of its anatomical position, the iliopsoas also contributes to:![]()
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• Lumbosacral stability![]()
• Pelvic positioning![]()
• Postural control![]()
• Co-ordination between the trunk and hindlimb![]()
• Efficient force transfer through the body![]()
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In other words, this muscle complex sits at a key junction between the spine and the hindquarters. It helps link movement, stability, and posture into one integrated system.![]()
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When the iliopsoas is functioning well, it supports fluid, co-ordinated movement and allows the horse to step through, lift the trunk and move with ease. When it is overloaded, or underperforming, it often reflects wider issues within the system e.g. reduced core stability, altered pelvic mechanics, or compensatory movement patterns.![]()
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This is why the iliopsoas has become more prominent in equine rehabilitation, performance analysis and postural work. It is not only because it is a trendy buzzword, but because we are getting better at understanding how deep stabilising muscles influence global movement.![]()
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So it isn’t a muscle that works in isolation and it isn’t a superficial structure. And it isn’t something you can fully understand without looking at the whole horse. It is a very important contributor to how horses organise themselves in motion, making it well worth understanding 🐎❤️🐎![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬![]()
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Cullen, R., Canapp, D., Dycus, D., Carr, B., Ibrahim, V. & Canapp, S., 2017. Clinical evaluation of iliopsoas strain with findings from diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in agility performance canines – 73 cases. Veterinary Evidence, 2(2). doi.org/10.18849/ve.v2i2.93.![]()
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Domańska-Kruppa, N., 2024. Advances in the clinical diagnostics to equine back pain. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10930837/.![]()
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Haussler, K.K., 1999. Anatomy of the thoracolumbar vertebral region. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 15(1), pp.13–26. doi.org/10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30161-X.![]()
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Payne, R.C., 2005. Functional specialisation of pelvic limb anatomy in horses. Journal of Anatomy, 206(6), pp.479–490. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1571521/.![]()
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Siccardi, M.A., 2023. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb: psoas major. In: StatPearls [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535418/.![]()
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Iliopsoas muscle, 2025. In: ScienceDirect Topics: Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine. Available at: www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/iliopsoas.![]()
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Psoas major muscle, 2025. In: ScienceDirect Topics: Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine. Available at: www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/psoas-major-muscle.
🐴 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 ~ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗻𝗲 👀![]()
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When a horse presents with lameness or poor performance, most people will naturally focus on what they can see e.g. the short stride, the head nod, the stiffness, the reluctance, the resistance, or the crookedness. But what we see is not always what started the problem.![]()
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Horses are incredibly good at compensating. As prey animals, they are hard wired to keep moving, even when something really hurts and causes them pain. Instead of stopping, they adapt, shift their weight and change how they move. They offload painful structures and overload others that are not designed for this. This is how compensatory patterns develop.![]()
So the area that looks sore may not be the original source of the problem, but may simply be the area that has been forced to work harder for longer.![]()
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Examples:![]()
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● A forelimb issue may develop because the hindquarters are no longer functioning properly![]()
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● A hock may become painful because the pelvis or the lower back isn’t stabilising efficiently![]()
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● A stiff or sore back may be protecting limb pain![]()
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● Behavioural changes may be the only way a horse can communicate discomfort![]()
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By the time lameness is obvious, the body has often been adapting for a very long time. This is why treating the most painful, or visibly lame area doesn’t always lead to any lasting resolution. If the driver of the compensation isn’t addressed, the pattern usually returns, sometimes in a different limb, a different joint, or a different behaviour.![]()
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Thorough assessment means stepping back and asking yourself "How is this horse distributing its weight? Where is it avoiding load? What has changed over time? Which areas are working harder to protect others?"![]()
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It also means looking at the horse as a whole, not just the “lame leg”, as pain does not stay local. Movement is always globally interconnected. When one area can’t do its job properly, another one has to step in.![]()
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So sometimes, the obvious problem is not the cause, it’s the consequence of long-standing compensation, altered loading and a body that has finally run out of ways to cope 😔❤️🐎![]()
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𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨![]()
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Weishaupt, M.A., Wiestner, T., Hogg, H.P., Jordan, P. and Auer, J.A., 2004. Compensatory load redistribution of horses with induced weight-bearing forelimb lameness. The Veterinary Journal, 168(3), pp.244–252. Available at: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023304002102![]()
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Bragança, F.M.S., Rhodin, M., van Weeren, P.R. and Hernlund, E., 2020. Adaptation strategies of horses with induced forelimb lameness at walk and trot: Kinetic and kinematic changes. PLoS ONE, 15(4), e0231191. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8048804/![]()
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St George, L.B., 2022. Adaptations in equine appendicular muscle activity and movement patterns associated with lameness. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 989522. Available at: www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.989522/full![]()
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Vorstenbosch, M.A.T.M., Buchner, H.H.F. and Schamhardt, H.C., 1997. Modeling study of compensatory head movements in lame horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 58(7), pp.713–721. Available at: europepmc.org/article/med/9215445![]()
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Spoormakers, T.J.P., van Weeren, P.R. and Rhodin, M., 2023. Adaptations in axial body movement associated with lameness and back pain in sport horses. Equine Veterinary Journal. Available at: beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.13906![]()
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Landman, M.A.A.M., de Blaauw, J.A., Hofland, L.J. and van Weeren, P.R., 2004. Field study of the prevalence of lameness in horses with back problems. Veterinary Record, 155(6), pp.165–168. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15357376/
🎄𝗔 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 🎄![]()
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As 2025 draws to a close, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to my clients, friends and most importantly the horses (and dogs!! 🐶). Thank you for your trust, your support and for allowing me to be part of your horses’ journeys.![]()
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Every case teaches something new. Every horse communicates something different. And I have learned so much this year, by listening closely, questioning more deeply and never assuming I have all the answers, as nobody ever does. ![]()
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Here’s to continued curiosity, better understanding and always striving to do better for the horse and challenging old assumptions 🐎🥂 I look forward to 2026 and everything it will bring.![]()
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Wishing you all a happy & a peaceful Christmas and a sound, happy New Year for you and your beloved steeds 🐴✨![]()
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— Joanne![]()
The Osteopathic Vet Nurse 🐎♥️🐎
𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 & 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 (𝗖𝘆𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀)![]()
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From tomorrow onwards in Ireland, all anti-parasitic drugs will legally require a prescription from your vet. This change comes from Ireland’s implementation of EU Regulation 2019/6 on Veterinary Medicinal Products, brought into Irish law through the Animal Health and Welfare (Veterinary Medicinal Products) Regulations 2022. All anti-parasitic medicines (including equine wormers) can only be supplied with a veterinary prescription, in order to help slow resistance and to support evidence-based, diagnostic-led treatment.![]()
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Cyathostomins (small redworms) are the most common worm of importance and the biggest parasitic threat to grazing horses. Recent research is reshaping how we manage them. A 2025 review by Matthews & Mair highlights how much our understanding has evolved and why it is vital that traditional “routine worming” is no longer best practice.![]()
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Here are some of the key take-home points:![]()
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● Routine, calendar-based worming is completely outdated.![]()
● Faecal egg counts (FECs) to identify high shedders![]()
● The Small Redworm ELISA test to assess exposure to encysted larvae![]()
● Clinical and management risk factors (age, pasture hygiene, body condition, previous history, new arrivals)![]()
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This approach allows us to treat the right horses at the right time, rather than treating all horses automatically.![]()
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We must understand that there are no new classes of equine wormers coming onto the market. The products we have now are the only ones we will have for the foreseeable future, so if we don’t use them strategically and only when necessary, resistance will continue to rise and we will eventually be left with wormers that no longer work.![]()
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It is also important to note that not all horses contribute equally to worm contamination and that the majority of worms live in the minority of horses, with around 20–30% of horses shedding 80% of the eggs.![]()
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This is why identifying high shedders is so important and also why low-shedding horses often do not require any treatment, unless other risk factors are present.![]()
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And FECs do not tell the whole story. They only measure egg-producing adult worms, not encysted larvae. A horse can have a low or even zero FEC and still carry a significant larval burden.![]()
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This is where the ELISA blood test becomes valuable, as it helps to determine whether a horse actually needs larvicidal treatment.![]()
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Encysted larvae can also be the real danger. The most severe disease, larval cyathostominosis, occurs when large numbers of encysted larvae emerge simultaneously.![]()
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Risk increases in:![]()
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■ Young horses![]()
■ Horses in poor body condition![]()
■ Horses recently turned out on contaminated pasture![]()
■ Yards with poor dung management![]()
■ Horses with high ELISA values![]()
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For these horses, targeted treatment is vital. We must also understand that pasture management is just as important as worming.![]()
Strong emphasis should be placed on:![]()
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○ Lifting droppings at least twice weekly![]()
○ Avoiding overstocking![]()
○ Rotating grazing where possible![]()
○ Mixed grazing with other species![]()
○ Avoiding spreading fresh manure on grazing land![]()
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These simple practices dramatically reduce the environmental worm challenge.![]()
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Sustainable worming protects both our horses and drug efficacy and the overall message is clear. We must:![]()
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□ Treat based on evidence, not old habits![]()
□ Use FEC + ELISA together![]()
□ Understand each horse’s individual risk![]()
□ Reduce unnecessary treatments![]()
□ Preserve the effectiveness of the wormers we have![]()
□ Prioritise prevention through management and diagnostics![]()
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This reduces disease risk and slows the progression of anthelmintic resistance across the entire herd.![]()
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*** 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐬 (𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬), 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐬 & 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐫 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓) 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦, 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬 (𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬), 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 (𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬), 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦 (𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐬. 𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦-𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 ***![]()
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𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚![]()
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Matthews, J.B. & Mair, T.S. (2025). Sustainable control of cyathostomin infections in practice. Equine Veterinary Education, 37(7): 371–381. doi.org/10.1111/eve.14182.
𝗕𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹![]()
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I have written about this before, but I'd like to expand on it … Phenylbutazone (bute) is a drug that is often used as a diagnostic tool, to assess whether a horse's pain has an inflammatory component, but its purpose is frequently misunderstood … Bute only affects one pain pathway; that is prostaglandin driven inflammatory pain.![]()
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So if your vet recommends using a bute trial, they are using it only to rule IN inflammatory pain, 𝗡𝗢𝗧 to rule out pain entirely.![]()
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If a horse improves on bute, it tells us that:![]()
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● Pain is present![]()
● It is inflammatory in nature![]()
● It is driven by COX/prostaglandin pathways![]()
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This is the correct use of a bute trial, to confirm inflammatory pain.![]()
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If the horse does not improve, this does 𝗡𝗢𝗧 mean:![]()
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□ There is no pain![]()
□ The issue is behavioural![]()
□ The horse is “difficult”![]()
□ The pain is mild![]()
□ The horse is fit to continue work![]()
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A negative response only tells you one thing and that is that the pain is not prostaglandin mediated pain.![]()
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No response to bute does not automatically mean that the horse is simply “being difficult.” Bad behaviour is usually a reflection of underlying pain and bute only affects inflammatory pain, not the many other pain pathways.![]()
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Pain that does NOT respond to bute can often be:![]()
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■ Central sensitisation![]()
■ Neuropathic pain![]()
■ Myofascial pain![]()
■ Mechanical or biomechanical pain![]()
■ Chronic pain that has shifted to CNS driven patterns![]()
■ Compensatory or fascial tension![]()
■ Pain unrelated to prostaglandins![]()
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NSAIDs like phenylbutazone cannot influence these pathways, so the horse will not improve even when significant pain is present.![]()
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A bute trial is designed to identify inflammatory pain. It is 𝗡𝗢𝗧 designed to exclude pain.![]()
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*** A lack of response simply tells us we may be dealing with a different category of pain, 𝗡𝗢𝗧 that pain is absent ***![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬![]()
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Lees, P., Landoni, M.F., Giraudel, J. & Toutain, P.L., 1985. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutic uses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the horse. Equine Veterinary Journal, 17(2), pp.83–96. Available at: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02056.x![]()
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Mercer, M.A. et al., 2023. The clinical pharmacology and therapeutic evaluation of NSAIDs in adult horses. Animals, 13(10), 1597. Available at: www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/10/1597![]()
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Flood, J. & Stewart, A.J., 2022. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and associated toxicities in horses. Animals, 12(21), 2939. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9655344/
🪱 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 – 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 🪱![]()
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From 1st December 2025, ALL equine wormers in Ireland will become Prescription-Only Medicines (POM). This change comes under the Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2024 (S.I. 462/2024), signed into law on 12 September 2024, which implement EU Regulation 2019/6 under the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023.![]()
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This is happening because anthelmintic resistance is now a MAJOR problem in Ireland, including early signs of resistance to moxidectin, our most valuable and last-resort worming drug. There are absolutely no new antiparasitic drugs coming down the pipeline, so if we lose the ones we have, we are in major trouble 😔![]()
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Back along, wormers were freely available over the counter and as an industry, we fell into habits that drove resistance, including:![]()
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□ Routine “every X weeks” worming![]()
□ Using the same products over and over repeatedly![]()
□ Under-dosing![]()
□ No faecal egg counts![]()
□ Blanket yard worming (no refugia i.e. leaving some worms unexposed to wormers, so that non-resistant [normal] worms stay in the population, helping slow the spread of resistance).![]()
□ Poor paddock management![]()
□ Overgrazing and contaminated fields![]()
□ No cycling of stock i.e. no cross-species rotation![]()
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This has created ideal conditions for resistant cyathostomins (small redworm). And once resistance develops, the drug is absolutely finished! 😔![]()
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Moxidectin is the only effective drug option we have left for managing encysted redworm.![]()
If resistance continues to spread:![]()
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○ Encysted burdens become untreatable![]()
○ Winter dosing becomes a total waste![]()
○ Colitis/cyathostominosis cases rise![]()
○ Horses will die![]()
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… And there is NOTHING new coming to replace it! 😵🤯🙈![]()
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This is exactly why wormers must now be vet-prescribed and evidence-based going forward.![]()
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📅 Key date![]()
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➡️ 1 December 2025 is the date when ALL equine wormers become POM and require a veterinary prescription. This shift protects the antiparasitic drugs we have left.![]()
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Going forward, parasite control will focus on:![]()
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◇ FECs![]()
◇ Proper dosing![]()
◇ Refugia![]()
◇ Better land management![]()
◇ Better grazing strategies![]()
◇ Vet-led decision-making![]()
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*** This is absolutely necessary, in order to prevent the complete loss of the only wormers we have left! ***![]()
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This shift also aligns with the principles of One Welfare; protecting horse welfare, supporting healthier land and grazing systems and reducing the wider impact of resistance on vets, owners and the equine community. Responsible, targeted parasite control benefits everyone, including the environment our horses depend on.![]()
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#EquineHealth #HorseWelfare #ParasiteControl #AnthelminticResistance #RedwormAwareness #Cyathostomins #MoxidectinResistance #EvidenceBasedEquineCare #OneWelfare #ResponsibleWorming #EquineIreland #VeterinaryIreland #EquineCommunity #EquineEducation #HorseOwnersIreland
🌡️🐴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 & 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 🐶🌡️![]()
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I have been really busy lately, (which is brilliant! 🐎😁👌) but I haven't had time to tell you all about my new modality! 🤦♀️ … I am now delighted to be offering equine and canine Infrared Thermal Imaging, as part of my services 😁![]()
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This is a non-invasive, non-contact tool, that helps highlight changes in blood flow, inflammation, muscle tone and areas of potential dysfunction.![]()
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Please note that Infrared Thermal Imaging is not a diagnostic tool, as only a vet can diagnose. However, it is a highly valuable supportive modality that can help direct us to areas of interest, helping guide further investigation and monitor rehabilitation progress.![]()
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Using a Hikmicro M31T veterinary-grade radiometric infrared thermal imaging camera (not an industrial or construction device), I can provide detailed thermal images that are interpreted in line with best practice.![]()
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Very importantly, certain environmental conditions, such as avoiding drafts, direct sunlight and excessive heat, are essential for producing reliable thermal data. Animals must also be dry, clean and acclimatised before imaging, to ensure accuracy.![]()
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✅ I am fully certified and have completed specialist training in Clinical Infrared Thermal Imaging for both large and small animals, ensuring professional image capture, interpretation and reporting.![]()
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This safe, objective technology can be used to:![]()
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🔹 Identify areas of inflammation or reduced circulation![]()
🔹 Support rehab monitoring and recovery progress![]()
🔹 Assess saddle fit and back health![]()
🔹 Highlight subclinical changes before lameness develops![]()
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*** The red circular marker on the images is a max spot marker that highlights the hottest point detected within the image *** ![]()
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📩 Contact me at The Osteopathic Vet Nurse for bookings or enquiries.![]()
🔗 Visit: theosteopathicvetnurse.ie/
🐴 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 “𝗹𝗮𝘇𝘆” 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲? 🐴![]()
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We often hear of horses being described as "lazy", when they seem unwilling to go forward, or don't seem to want to put in any effort, for example. But does true laziness even exist in the equine species? According to the scientific evidence-base, the answer is no — laziness in horses does not exist.![]()
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Of course every horse has a unique character and energy type. Some are definitely naturally quieter, more relaxed, less sensitive and less reactive, while others can be sharp, forward and excitable. But these differences reflect temperament, not attitude (Lansade and Bouissou, 2008).![]()
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When a horse appears “lazy”, what we are really seeing is the horse trying to communicate with us. Unlike humans, horses don’t make moral or motivational choices. They respond to how their body feels, how safe they feel and how clearly they understand what’s being asked of them (Hausberger et al., 2008).![]()
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A horse that seems unmotivated may actually be:![]()
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○ Physically uncomfortable, for example, muscle tension, poor saddle fit, back pain, foot imbalance, gastric discomfort, SI or lumbar restriction, lameness![]()
○ Low in available energy e.g. nutritional imbalance, dehydration, metabolic inefficiency![]()
○ Mentally confused i.e. unclear or conflicting cues![]()
○ Experiencing emotional fatigue, or learned helplessness, which is a state that develops through experience, when a horse is exposed to repeated, uncontrollable, or confusing pressure or discomfort. Over time, the horse learns that nothing it does makes a difference, so it stops trying to respond. This may appear as quietness or “laziness” but it is actually the horse’s way of shutting down, in order to be able to continue coping (McGreevy and McLean, 2009; Visser et al., 2002).![]()
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So rather than labelling a horse as "lazy", is it not far more accurate and kinder to ask ourselves why the horse doesn’t want to go forward? Because there is always a reason.![]()
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When describing a horse as “lazy”, we are also anthropomorphising. That is attributing human characteristics, such as motivation or laziness, to an animal whose behaviour arises from entirely different biological and emotional mechanisms (Hausberger et al., 2008; Visser et al., 2002; Lansade and Bouissou, 2008). Horses are animals who are incapable of making conscious moral decisions. They communicate through behaviour, not attitude.![]()
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If we start to look beyond the label, we start to see the horse’s truth. “Laziness” is often a whisper for help. A sign that we need to listen and take time to assess. Because when we truly listen, the horse no longer needs to shout! 🐎😍🐎![]()
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Horses may definitely be quiet. They may also be relaxed. They may even sometimes need to be heard. But lazy? No! That’s a human label and it is not a true reality for the equine species. ![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬![]()
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Hausberger, M., Richard-Yris, M.A., Henry, S. and Visser, E.K. (2008) ‘A review of the human–horse relationship’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1–2), pp. 1–24. Available at: doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015.![]()
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Visser, E.K., van Reenen, C.G., Hopster, H., Schilder, M.B.H., Knaap, J.H., Barneveld, A. and Blokhuis, H.J. (2002) ‘Quantifying aspects of young horses’ temperament: consistency of behavioural variables’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 74(4), pp. 241–258. Available at: doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00177-0.![]()
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Lansade, L. and Bouissou, M.F. (2008) ‘Reactivity to humans: A temperament trait of horses which is stable across time and situations’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 114(3–4), pp. 492–508. Available at: doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.012.![]()
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McGreevy, P. and McLean, A. (2009) Equitation Science. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Available at: www.wiley.com/en-us/Equitation%2BScience%2C%2B2nd%2BEdition-p-9781119241416.![]()
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#EquineScience #EquineBehaviour #EquineWelfare #EquitationScience #EvidenceBasedEquineCare #BehaviourNotBadness #ListeningToHorses![]()
#EquineCommunication
Equitation Science, 2nd Edition
www.wiley.com
A new edition of a highly respected textbook and reference in the rapidly emerging field of equitation science. Equitation Science, 2nd Edition incorporates learning theory into ethical equine trainin…
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