Six-panel genetic testing for horses is a diagnostic tool used by horse owners, breeders, and veterinarians to assess the genetic predisposition of a horse to specific hereditary diseases or traits. This type of testing provides valuable information about a horse’s genetic makeup, allowing for informed breeding decisions and proactive management of potential health concerns. Here’s an explanation of what a six-panel genetic test typically includes: Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia...
Once your mare is pregnant, consider her nutritional requirements in three stages. The first stage is the first two-thirds of her pregnancy. During this time, the fetal size does not increase significantly and your mare should still be on a maintenance diet. Her body condition should stay constant, again without losing or becoming obese. A mare that is losing weight will have a hard time re-breeding, and an obese mare...
By Patrick M. McCue, DVM, PhD, Diplomate American College of Theriogenologists The placenta is the connection between the developing fetus and the mare and provides the means for obtaining nutrition and for gas exchange. Examination of the placenta can offer valuable insight into the health of the newborn foal. Consequently, it is recommended that owners, farm managers or foaling attendants perform an evaluation of each placenta. The placenta is normally passed...
Now that long awaited foals are on the ground and learning to run, buck, and play, it is time to consider measures that you as an owner can take to help them have a long happy life. One of these preventative health measures is vaccination against diseases that can have devastating effects on the horse including Tetanus, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses (aka Sleeping Sickness), Equine Herpes Virus (aka...
Colostrum Bank By Patrick M. McCue, DVM, PhD, Diplomate American College of Theriogenologists An owner or farm manager generally does not know in advance which foal will need supplemental colostrum. An on-site supply of frozen colostrum can be critical for the health of a valuable neonate. The best colostrum donors are mares that have had one or more foals and are 4-15 years of age. Vaccination 4 to 6 weeks...
