anemia | Horse Racing Free Tips

Anemia in humans often manifests as tiredness or weakness. The condition is caused by a lack of enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to their tissues, and often leads to compromised metabolic and immune system functions. Though the causes can vary, some types of anemia can be prevented by eating a healthy, varied diet that includes a plethora of vitamins and minerals.

Iron-deficiency anemia in horses is rare, but it does happen. Most horses get sufficient amounts of iron in their diet from hay, pasture, and commercial feeds. An average horse needs 400 to 500 mg of iron per 500 kg of body weight, reports Dr. Gulsah Kaya Karasu of AGG Equine Nutrition Consulting in EQUUS magazine.

Horses may end up with anemia because of blood loss (causes may include an injury, cancer, or ulcers), reduced blood cell production, or blood cell destruction.

Some infections, like equine infectious anemia, can lead to red blood cell destruction, as can a heavy worm burden, particularly large strongyles. Chronic kidney disease, cancer, and a few other disorders can prevent a horse from making adequate red blood cells.

An anemic horse will have pale mucous membranes and an increased heart rate, in addition to being sluggish. Adding additional iron to the affected horse's diet isn't recommended as excessive iron can lead to depression, diarrhea, and compromised immune function. It can also interfere with the body's ability to absorb other minerals and increase the risk of a horse becoming insulin resistant.

Iron-related anemia is rare in horses, so a thorough investigation by a vet is recommended for diagnosis.

Read more at EQUUS.

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Lice infestation, also known as pediculosis, can occur in horses of all ages. Horses are affected by both sucking (Anoplura) and biting (Mallophaga) lice. These lice are host specific, meaning they only cause infestation in equids. The life cycle of a louse consists of three phases: egg (nit), larvae (nymph) and adult. All three phases of this life cycle need to occur on the horse or other equids. Adult females deposit eggs near the skin where they develop into nymphs and later adults.

Transmission occurs through direct contact between horses or indirectly though brushes, blankets, saddle pads and other grooming equipment and tack. The majority of transmission occurs quickly as lice cannot live off of the host for more than a few days. Infestations appear most commonly in the winter because lice cannot survive the warm body temperatures that occur in summer when horses are exposed to sunlight. There is some evidence of “carriers,” or animals that can remain infected throughout the summer months, that lead to re-infestation of the other members of the herd come fall. Immunocompromised, under-conditioned or sick equids are more likely to become affected.

The most common sign associated with lice infection is itching or pruritis. Depending on the severity of the infestation, hair loss and skin lesions (dry, ulcerated or crusty) may be present. Horses may cause trauma to themselves attempting to itch and loss of body condition and/or anemia (low red blood cell count) can occur with more severe infestations. Lice are often most apparent in the mane and tail, and infestations occur more commonly in horses with heavy hair coats.

Diagnosis is made by visually identifying the lice. Infestations will range in severity and the number of lice present can vary dramatically. Lice tend to migrate toward the tip of the hair shaft when the horse is warm or sweaty, so exercise can sometimes exacerbate the number of lice visible.

Individualized treatment recommendations should be made by the owner's primary veterinarian. The type of treatment can be dependent on the type of lice with multiple oral deworming products or topical insecticides (shampoos, sprays, wipes, powders) available. It is important that treatment is done at proper intervals, and more than once, as no products are effective against the egg stage.

Management strategies include continual surveillance of the herd while paying closer attention to any new or sick or immune-compromised horses. Once an infestation is identified, the affected animals, and those in contact, should be isolated and treated. Additionally, cleaning and applying an insecticide to brushes, tack and saddle pads is recommended.

For more information on lice, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners website.

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