Is Your Steed Sleepy? Anemia May Be To Blame

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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Update: Impact Of Stirrup Style On Horse And Rider

The stirrup iron has the potential to modify the forces experienced by a horse and rider during ridden exercise. A range of stirrup designs are available, but previous research has not investigated if these modifications influence a rider's position and interactions with the horse. A research team from Michigan State University recently set out to determine if novel flexible, flexible and rotatable, or traditional stirrups irons positively impacts the welfare and performance of the horse and rider.

Four riders rode using the three stirrup types. Hip, knee, and ankle angles, toe position, and force were measured at the highest and lowest point of the posting trot and canter.

No significant differences were seen between joint angles, toe position, or forces between the types of stirrups. At the highest point, average hip, knee, and ankle angles were 169°, 151°, and 94°, while the same joints averaged 139°, 124°, and 93° at the lowest point. Interestingly, right toes rotated more laterally regardless of stirrup type. The average forces applied were greatest at the highest point of the posting trot and lowest during the canter.

The researchers concluded that stirrup style minimally impacted rider position or the forces experienced; however, forces differed by gait. Future studies regarding how a rider's experience and joint pains may contribute to asymmetries are warranted. For more information on this research, read the abstract in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

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