Hi Everyone, Sorry I haven't had the time to blog recently.
Some of you know I haven't been very well for the past few years and the problem continues......
So I have decided to move back to my dads in Wales for some rest and TLC, I will go the in beginning of December, my horses will stay here for the time being and I hope to continue treating horses out here.
I would like to thank you all for your support and its not good bye just a bientot.......
Don't forget any questions about your horses and I am just at the end of an email I will hopefully be able to give more time to blogging.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
School
I am having another great weekend at school. We have finished all the muscles bones and ligaments, we have just to learn them off by heart now!
This afternoon we have been working on our skills of touch, by trying to feel the cranial rhythm, most of us could and wow was it amazing. A very subtle movement which once you were in tune with it, you could feel you hands being moved as well, the art was to feel with out inflicting your own respiration or heart beat on to the patient and also to be feeling the cranial rhythm and not their heart beat or respiration.
The movement changed from person to person and seeing as we had done range of motion in the vertebrae the day before we could see how this corresponded to their stiff / problem side.
As the patient we could feel the movement too, followed by a sense of relief or emotion some reported having headaches including me!.
We were amazing that such a small movement could cause these feelings, of course the occiput is a highly nerved area, but if our hands can create such feelings what sort of feelings would a trauma induce?
The head teacher is sure that horses experience "headaches" but has no way of proving it.
I also found time to look up the archives of the previous thesis and yes some one had done one on bridles and bits, but no comparison between bit less and with bit.
So the thesis talked at length about the different bits their effect on the horse mainly from a riders point of view then the osteopathy view.
20 horses were used for the study at different stages of education and by ridden by different levels of rider.
As I had said in my post answer to Di, both cause tension in the TMJ this was confirmed. 10 of the horses had pathologies but only 8 out of the 20 had pathologies caused by the bit its self.
Showing Tension in the TMJ and pathologies of c0/c1 and the withers, this she felt was caused directly by the bit how ever she also stated in her conclusion it was due to lack of relationship between rider and the bit that caused this problem. ( in other words in-experienced hands followed by a lack of understanding by the rider of the horses bio mechanics).
Also in her conclusion she went on to state that few of the riders had tried more than 2 bits for their horse or worked with dentist to find the best biting for their horse.
The study was carried out in France in 2007.
An interesting study but as we thought open to many other factors but also confirming what we already knew, that the key to a happy pathology free horse is good hands and an independent seat and a thorough understanding of the horses bio mechanics.
This afternoon we have been working on our skills of touch, by trying to feel the cranial rhythm, most of us could and wow was it amazing. A very subtle movement which once you were in tune with it, you could feel you hands being moved as well, the art was to feel with out inflicting your own respiration or heart beat on to the patient and also to be feeling the cranial rhythm and not their heart beat or respiration.
The movement changed from person to person and seeing as we had done range of motion in the vertebrae the day before we could see how this corresponded to their stiff / problem side.
As the patient we could feel the movement too, followed by a sense of relief or emotion some reported having headaches including me!.
We were amazing that such a small movement could cause these feelings, of course the occiput is a highly nerved area, but if our hands can create such feelings what sort of feelings would a trauma induce?
The head teacher is sure that horses experience "headaches" but has no way of proving it.
I also found time to look up the archives of the previous thesis and yes some one had done one on bridles and bits, but no comparison between bit less and with bit.
So the thesis talked at length about the different bits their effect on the horse mainly from a riders point of view then the osteopathy view.
20 horses were used for the study at different stages of education and by ridden by different levels of rider.
As I had said in my post answer to Di, both cause tension in the TMJ this was confirmed. 10 of the horses had pathologies but only 8 out of the 20 had pathologies caused by the bit its self.
Showing Tension in the TMJ and pathologies of c0/c1 and the withers, this she felt was caused directly by the bit how ever she also stated in her conclusion it was due to lack of relationship between rider and the bit that caused this problem. ( in other words in-experienced hands followed by a lack of understanding by the rider of the horses bio mechanics).
Also in her conclusion she went on to state that few of the riders had tried more than 2 bits for their horse or worked with dentist to find the best biting for their horse.
The study was carried out in France in 2007.
An interesting study but as we thought open to many other factors but also confirming what we already knew, that the key to a happy pathology free horse is good hands and an independent seat and a thorough understanding of the horses bio mechanics.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Valerie Fratellini
What an amazing lady, We got there to watch the young Stagier from the riding school doing shoulder in contre shoulder in then followed by Half pass and then teaching the basic's of flying changes, you could really see the young girl improve from beginning to end and her confidence boosted.
But what really impressed me was when a young girl on the riding school pony came in, she started of with shoulder in on the right rein ok but left was getting tough the pony was just not listening to her, so Valerie got on, ha the pony didn't know what hit him a few tickles with the dressage whip and legs on!!!! wow you could see his back round outline formed, her legs were so strong he started to passage and very little contact with his mouth in fact I would have said she had washing lines for reins, but it was clearly enough.
And what Valerie explain to the young girl was that even if you don't know what you are doing you have to convince you horse that you do other wise he will never give, precise movements require precise aids and she showed us exactly that.
Valerie then lesson the continued teaching the young girl how her weight turns the horse showing her an open rein the horse barely turned and then she dropped the reins and used her upper body to turn.
The funny thing was I had been doing this exact lesson with my friend Marielle only a few weeks ago when she was having problems turning her just broken mare.
Even though this was work done on the basic's, I came away inspired and motivated and although I know my faults and my horses, but it made me realise the best trainers/riders, are the best because they know how to ask and they don't ask horse for it, they tell the horse that's what they want and that's when they get "Submission" for want of a better word and that only comes from Respect and no horse will respect you if you confused it and your self in your aids.
There is a famous American horse trainer who once said, would you trust a pilote who landed his plane sucessfully 60% of the time 80% of the time or 98% , so why should your horse trust\respect you, if you don't ask with consistency?
It is soo true.
Valerie will be at the ridding school today giving lessons anyone can watch for free!
Domaine de Beaurecueil, st Sulpice de Mareuil 0553609984
Will let you all know when the next it on, its normally every 3 months.
But what really impressed me was when a young girl on the riding school pony came in, she started of with shoulder in on the right rein ok but left was getting tough the pony was just not listening to her, so Valerie got on, ha the pony didn't know what hit him a few tickles with the dressage whip and legs on!!!! wow you could see his back round outline formed, her legs were so strong he started to passage and very little contact with his mouth in fact I would have said she had washing lines for reins, but it was clearly enough.
And what Valerie explain to the young girl was that even if you don't know what you are doing you have to convince you horse that you do other wise he will never give, precise movements require precise aids and she showed us exactly that.
Valerie then lesson the continued teaching the young girl how her weight turns the horse showing her an open rein the horse barely turned and then she dropped the reins and used her upper body to turn.
The funny thing was I had been doing this exact lesson with my friend Marielle only a few weeks ago when she was having problems turning her just broken mare.
Even though this was work done on the basic's, I came away inspired and motivated and although I know my faults and my horses, but it made me realise the best trainers/riders, are the best because they know how to ask and they don't ask horse for it, they tell the horse that's what they want and that's when they get "Submission" for want of a better word and that only comes from Respect and no horse will respect you if you confused it and your self in your aids.
There is a famous American horse trainer who once said, would you trust a pilote who landed his plane sucessfully 60% of the time 80% of the time or 98% , so why should your horse trust\respect you, if you don't ask with consistency?
It is soo true.
Valerie will be at the ridding school today giving lessons anyone can watch for free!
Domaine de Beaurecueil, st Sulpice de Mareuil 0553609984
Will let you all know when the next it on, its normally every 3 months.
Sarciods
Apple has been receiving treatment for her sarcoid, this involves the sarcoid being injected every 2 weeks with a form of chemotherapy ( to kill of the cancer cells) she has had 2 treatments and will need a third and it is looking very good. (totally forgot to take photo's)
The nice vet who came to inject her was telling me about the latest research on sarciods done at Liverpool, they have found that cows have a similar problem and they found the same virus of the sacroid in the RDNA of the cow and the horse, Break though they thought, ha not that simple, they then took sacoid from a horse to a cow, no it didn't transmit nor the other way around so they know it is a virus based but then something happens to make it turn into a tumor, its this bit that they are having problems with, finding the link! At least they are trying!
The sun chaps have arrived and are really doing their job, her summer Mud fever has gone!!!!
This afternoon I am off to watch sadly not take part (lolo has missed too much work) Valerie Fratellini, who as a student of the late Sue Oliveira has continued the stages that Sue Oliveira held at the local riding school. It is great that in the depths of the Dordogne we have access to such talented Trainers.
The nice vet who came to inject her was telling me about the latest research on sarciods done at Liverpool, they have found that cows have a similar problem and they found the same virus of the sacroid in the RDNA of the cow and the horse, Break though they thought, ha not that simple, they then took sacoid from a horse to a cow, no it didn't transmit nor the other way around so they know it is a virus based but then something happens to make it turn into a tumor, its this bit that they are having problems with, finding the link! At least they are trying!
The sun chaps have arrived and are really doing their job, her summer Mud fever has gone!!!!
This afternoon I am off to watch sadly not take part (lolo has missed too much work) Valerie Fratellini, who as a student of the late Sue Oliveira has continued the stages that Sue Oliveira held at the local riding school. It is great that in the depths of the Dordogne we have access to such talented Trainers.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Answer to Di's comment bit or bitless
It's a really difficult one Di, but we could say anything used with bad hands will cause problems!
We have to look at what we are trying to achieve (if it is flexion, why? Flexion is not a natural position for the horse either and the average horse does not carry himself like this. For greater control? then our basic work needs to be revised)
My choice is for a bit, but I would not rule out using bitless if I felt the horse was really much more comfortable in a bitless bridle.
One of the reasons I chose to stay with a bit is a few months ago we had a lesson on a head disection using photos, I was shocked at how superficial the thick nerves were on the nasal bone just where the nose band sits. The nerves are really important and anything pressing will relay a message further down the line ( spinal cord).
For me the pressure put on the mandible by the bit is more "humane" than on the nasal bone but again generally when we use pressure it is because we want flexion this in it's self is the cause of many a tight neck!
Both methods will cause tension in the poll, the bit if over used will cause tension in the TMJ and the bitless presses on the nerves!
So really the answer to your question would be try and find the balance that you and your horse are happy with, it you want flexion follow it with extension, if you need greater control, why? what is causing the resistance?
I have to admit all my horses go off my voice so I have little use for their bits, However for my stallion I do occasionally use a double bridle,(for a finer feel and more exact work) but Sue oliviera's words never leave my mind
"you want to feel as if you are holding a little bird in your hand, you don't want to squash it but at the same time you don't want to let it go!"
We have to look at what we are trying to achieve (if it is flexion, why? Flexion is not a natural position for the horse either and the average horse does not carry himself like this. For greater control? then our basic work needs to be revised)
My choice is for a bit, but I would not rule out using bitless if I felt the horse was really much more comfortable in a bitless bridle.
One of the reasons I chose to stay with a bit is a few months ago we had a lesson on a head disection using photos, I was shocked at how superficial the thick nerves were on the nasal bone just where the nose band sits. The nerves are really important and anything pressing will relay a message further down the line ( spinal cord).
For me the pressure put on the mandible by the bit is more "humane" than on the nasal bone but again generally when we use pressure it is because we want flexion this in it's self is the cause of many a tight neck!
Both methods will cause tension in the poll, the bit if over used will cause tension in the TMJ and the bitless presses on the nerves!
So really the answer to your question would be try and find the balance that you and your horse are happy with, it you want flexion follow it with extension, if you need greater control, why? what is causing the resistance?
I have to admit all my horses go off my voice so I have little use for their bits, However for my stallion I do occasionally use a double bridle,(for a finer feel and more exact work) but Sue oliviera's words never leave my mind
"you want to feel as if you are holding a little bird in your hand, you don't want to squash it but at the same time you don't want to let it go!"
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Ossification dates!
Sorry guys I haven't had time to blog, the past week has been mad mainly due the fact have been helping my friend, who's horse has colicked nearly every night this week, at about 8.30pm I get a call to go and inject it and then we take it in turns to walk her and check on her during the night.
The colic is caused by the sticky weather we are having at the mo but the mare also has lesions in her intestines from old worm damage.( This happened before my friend bought her)
Any way this is something she has had for a while and also something we and her have learnt to deal with, so back to a subject which is fascinating and has given me a lot to think about and maybe you too, ossification dates in the horse.
Lets start with one of the most important.
The Head
Occipital bone
base 3/6 months old
internal 12/15 months old
Parietal 15/36 months old
Frontal 5/7 years old
Temporal 2/4 years old
Maxilla at birth
Mandible 6 months
Spheniod body before birth
baisis 6 months
2/4 years
La crimal 3/4 years
Zygomatic 3/4 years
Incisive 3/4 years
Nasal 3/4 years
For me the head is one of the most fascinating, each of these little bones can be moved/ manipulated by hand. Slight movement is necessary to insure the Cranial Rhythmic Impulse.
To cut this short the bones move like gills of a fish, which produces the fluctuation or tide like ebb of cerebal spinal fluid down the spinal colom if the fluid does not flow freely then then the nerves will not receive the necessary nutrients further down the line.
( Hope you are still with me! if not google William Sutherland)
So what happens when we put on a cavasson? or a bitless bridle or a normal bridle with a standard bit? all of these create a certain amount of pressure more pressure than would be use to manipulate these bones.
At the moment I do not have the answer and as the parameters of such a study are so great it would be almost impossible to carry out. But I know that when I go to put that cavasson on, I do ask is it really necessary to get what I am looking for out of my horse, of course the answer is no.
I am hoping that this article just going make you think a little about what is going on underneath your bridle to stop think and ask a few more questions.
I personaly am not a fan of bitless bridles because of the thick nerves running down the nasal bone that they put pressure on but that is for another day, I also do not use cavasson's and use the simplest of bits, but I am not competing grand prix 1.30m or grand prix dressage, if i was it would be about finding the balance of control and working in harmony with my horses body.
Right colic has started again that's me for tonight, this are my own views based on what I have learnt and I am open hearing everyone elses !!!!
The colic is caused by the sticky weather we are having at the mo but the mare also has lesions in her intestines from old worm damage.( This happened before my friend bought her)
Any way this is something she has had for a while and also something we and her have learnt to deal with, so back to a subject which is fascinating and has given me a lot to think about and maybe you too, ossification dates in the horse.
Lets start with one of the most important.
The Head
Occipital bone
base 3/6 months old
internal 12/15 months old
Parietal 15/36 months old
Frontal 5/7 years old
Temporal 2/4 years old
Maxilla at birth
Mandible 6 months
Spheniod body before birth
baisis 6 months
2/4 years
La crimal 3/4 years
Zygomatic 3/4 years
Incisive 3/4 years
Nasal 3/4 years
For me the head is one of the most fascinating, each of these little bones can be moved/ manipulated by hand. Slight movement is necessary to insure the Cranial Rhythmic Impulse.
To cut this short the bones move like gills of a fish, which produces the fluctuation or tide like ebb of cerebal spinal fluid down the spinal colom if the fluid does not flow freely then then the nerves will not receive the necessary nutrients further down the line.
( Hope you are still with me! if not google William Sutherland)
So what happens when we put on a cavasson? or a bitless bridle or a normal bridle with a standard bit? all of these create a certain amount of pressure more pressure than would be use to manipulate these bones.
At the moment I do not have the answer and as the parameters of such a study are so great it would be almost impossible to carry out. But I know that when I go to put that cavasson on, I do ask is it really necessary to get what I am looking for out of my horse, of course the answer is no.
I am hoping that this article just going make you think a little about what is going on underneath your bridle to stop think and ask a few more questions.
I personaly am not a fan of bitless bridles because of the thick nerves running down the nasal bone that they put pressure on but that is for another day, I also do not use cavasson's and use the simplest of bits, but I am not competing grand prix 1.30m or grand prix dressage, if i was it would be about finding the balance of control and working in harmony with my horses body.
Right colic has started again that's me for tonight, this are my own views based on what I have learnt and I am open hearing everyone elses !!!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Morning from hell, Colic and cold.
This morning started like any other counting heads and giving hay and water.
Odeon my little arab was laying down which he does so didn't think much off it but by the time I had finished giving hay and water to every one he was still laying down and hadn't got up for his hay this is not normal. I keep my horses out all year as it works best for me and them, except for last night.
I walked over to see why he wasn't getting up to hear him winnie the kind of "oh mum help" winnie not the hello winnie. He was very reluctant to get up and when he did was clearly in pain he was trembling all over and looked a bit colicky. I took his temp which was normal cardiac was weak, membranes white, no colour at all, stomach distended little noise so I put two thick stable rugs on to keep him warm, I didn't walk him because his muscles were so tight and I didn't know what I was dealing with.
By the time Dr Boudry arrived he had stopped trembling ( but I had started, convinced it was a twisted gut or piro ) Odi seemed to have warmed up membranes started to return to normal colour cardiac a little better we treated for mild colic and 2hrs latter he was wandering around his field with not a bother much to my relive. Dr Boudry said it was because of the drop in temperature last night and the fact they still have summer coats his body had started to shut down and had caused mild colic along with the other symptoms we saw.
This is something I have never seen before and never want to again, so rugs on tonight!
Odeon my little arab was laying down which he does so didn't think much off it but by the time I had finished giving hay and water to every one he was still laying down and hadn't got up for his hay this is not normal. I keep my horses out all year as it works best for me and them, except for last night.
I walked over to see why he wasn't getting up to hear him winnie the kind of "oh mum help" winnie not the hello winnie. He was very reluctant to get up and when he did was clearly in pain he was trembling all over and looked a bit colicky. I took his temp which was normal cardiac was weak, membranes white, no colour at all, stomach distended little noise so I put two thick stable rugs on to keep him warm, I didn't walk him because his muscles were so tight and I didn't know what I was dealing with.
By the time Dr Boudry arrived he had stopped trembling ( but I had started, convinced it was a twisted gut or piro ) Odi seemed to have warmed up membranes started to return to normal colour cardiac a little better we treated for mild colic and 2hrs latter he was wandering around his field with not a bother much to my relive. Dr Boudry said it was because of the drop in temperature last night and the fact they still have summer coats his body had started to shut down and had caused mild colic along with the other symptoms we saw.
This is something I have never seen before and never want to again, so rugs on tonight!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Equine Protozoal Myelitis (EPM)
Unfortunately, I have heard of a case of this in the lot and Garrone, I have only heard of it before because my massage tutor an American has worked/ rehabilitated on horses with it and she has seen quite a few cases in the USA.
EPM is a complex disease, inflammation of the central nervous system and even more complex neurological symptoms.
It is caused by invasion and damage of the brain and or spinal cord by a Protozoal orgainism, Sacocysitis neurona. It is not spead from horse to horse, but by faeceal contamination of food and water by birds and of a rat type creature.
The symptoms can vary depending on the location of protozoal in the central nervous system and which nerves they affect. Symptoms may include lameness, muscle atrophy, loss of balance, stiffness, seizures and choking.
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid test are the only diagnosis.
Rapid diagnosis and aggressive drug treatment for several months are the only hope for recovery, young and old horses rarely make it.
The case I heard of was a extremely well breed foal, he was under 6 months. The owners decided to call it a day after 6 weeks of treatment as the foal had too many side affects of the aggressive treatment, a rectal prolapse being just one, they felt it wasn't fair to continue.
EPM is a complex disease, inflammation of the central nervous system and even more complex neurological symptoms.
It is caused by invasion and damage of the brain and or spinal cord by a Protozoal orgainism, Sacocysitis neurona. It is not spead from horse to horse, but by faeceal contamination of food and water by birds and of a rat type creature.
The symptoms can vary depending on the location of protozoal in the central nervous system and which nerves they affect. Symptoms may include lameness, muscle atrophy, loss of balance, stiffness, seizures and choking.
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid test are the only diagnosis.
Rapid diagnosis and aggressive drug treatment for several months are the only hope for recovery, young and old horses rarely make it.
The case I heard of was a extremely well breed foal, he was under 6 months. The owners decided to call it a day after 6 weeks of treatment as the foal had too many side affects of the aggressive treatment, a rectal prolapse being just one, they felt it wasn't fair to continue.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Fete Du Cheval
This weekend was the fete du cheval in St Astier, I have to say I think it was the best fun that
I have had in a long while, it was like pony club camp for grown ups! It started yesterday with a randonee, I taged along Jane and her friend 22kms later lotus and I were still keeping up with the pace and they did go a pace 22kms in 2h30 thats good going. As always lotus was very well behaved.
What I really loved was, the town was totally taken over by horses and their passionate owners and if you got lost just follow the poo, many people took their tents and stayed the night I wish I had too but was quite glad to have had a good nights sleep espcaily after hearing from the girls that the music kept going till 2 am and Jane had to ask them to turn "cotton eye joe" off and I had enough after a few hours of it!
So today was the "defilee" parade though town lotus was angel and stood still whilst we painted him I went with the bones and Jane had the muscles it was quite dramatic to have the 2 horses side by side although we had to write on Janes horse the muscles after being quizzed by many people sad really.
The parade was followed by drinks then lunch "yes!" a really good atmosphere and I think everyone had fun. Will look forward to next year.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis
This past week has just flown and weekend did too.
I have had my head in my books, well computer really, trying to get the summer project for my osteopathy course finished. Its has been on show jumping competitions,something I didn't know much about except the physical problems horse can have as a result.
I has been very interesting and I have had some great help along the way.
Yesterday the last show I had to attend was the novice show in Chabanais, Charente.
The ring was in fact the rugby pitch, a beautiful flat mown lawn, perfect ground and a very pleasant atmosphere it was a really nice way to get beginners introduced to show jumping. If I am ever mad enough to want to I would start here.
Apples leg still has not improved, I believe it is a condition being made worse by the sun. I have found a good article on the UC Davies website which sounds just the same, if you get chance look at their website it is a fantastic source of information.
"Pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis
(photoaggravated vasculitis) is a relatively common but poorly understood disease. It generally affects mature horses and produces lesions confined to the lower extremities that lack pigment. Lesions are multiple and well marked. Initially, erythema (redness), exudation (oozing) and crusting open sores develop, followed by swelling of the affected limb(s). Chronic cases may develop a rough or warty” surfaceod vessels)
The cause of pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis is not yet known, but an immune component is
possible. The fact that the lesions are limited to nonpigmented areas of the skin suggests a role
for UV radiation. Drug reactions may play a role, and a recent report has implicated a Staphyloccus bacterial infection as a possible cause.
A diagnosis is made based on skin biopsy of the affected area, which would show leukocytoclastic vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with vessel wall degeneration and clots involving the small vessels in the superficial dermis. Treatment may consist of systemic corticosteroids at relatively high doses for two weeks and reduced doses for
another four to six weeks. A reduction in UV light exposure may be helpful, either by bandaging
affected legs or stabling inside during daylight hours or both.ulcerations develop predominantly in the rear of the pastern region. The ulcerations are covered with adherent crusts. Over time, the lesions extend up the leg and affect the skin as high as the knees or hocks. "
So if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this before your advice would be welcome.
I have had my head in my books, well computer really, trying to get the summer project for my osteopathy course finished. Its has been on show jumping competitions,something I didn't know much about except the physical problems horse can have as a result.
I has been very interesting and I have had some great help along the way.
Yesterday the last show I had to attend was the novice show in Chabanais, Charente.
The ring was in fact the rugby pitch, a beautiful flat mown lawn, perfect ground and a very pleasant atmosphere it was a really nice way to get beginners introduced to show jumping. If I am ever mad enough to want to I would start here.
Apples leg still has not improved, I believe it is a condition being made worse by the sun. I have found a good article on the UC Davies website which sounds just the same, if you get chance look at their website it is a fantastic source of information.
"Pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis
(photoaggravated vasculitis) is a relatively common but poorly understood disease. It generally affects mature horses and produces lesions confined to the lower extremities that lack pigment. Lesions are multiple and well marked. Initially, erythema (redness), exudation (oozing) and crusting open sores develop, followed by swelling of the affected limb(s). Chronic cases may develop a rough or warty” surfaceod vessels)
The cause of pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis is not yet known, but an immune component is
possible. The fact that the lesions are limited to nonpigmented areas of the skin suggests a role
for UV radiation. Drug reactions may play a role, and a recent report has implicated a Staphyloccus bacterial infection as a possible cause.
A diagnosis is made based on skin biopsy of the affected area, which would show leukocytoclastic vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with vessel wall degeneration and clots involving the small vessels in the superficial dermis. Treatment may consist of systemic corticosteroids at relatively high doses for two weeks and reduced doses for
another four to six weeks. A reduction in UV light exposure may be helpful, either by bandaging
affected legs or stabling inside during daylight hours or both.ulcerations develop predominantly in the rear of the pastern region. The ulcerations are covered with adherent crusts. Over time, the lesions extend up the leg and affect the skin as high as the knees or hocks. "
So if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this before your advice would be welcome.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Apple and Stringhalt
We had a good weekend, Julian has taken photo's and been very busy up dating everything on to the website. I managed to paint the superficial muscle on to Lotus some off them are a bit wobley because of the heat and flies, but I think we can appreciate how amazing the horse is and the different ways the muscles work. Next to do is the deep muscles these are much more intricate, so will need a very cool fly free day for those.
Today I started to work Apple again as her owner has gone back to work. When I was first asked to work Apple she had very bad stringhalt confirmed by M. le Normande, in the same leg she had a very bad case of a light senstive form off mud fever. She was put on a course of Phenytoin ( a drug currently used to treat epilespy)and some blue cream for the leg for 6 weeks but this do not seem to do it, at the end of the course Apple was seen by the osteopath (Eloise) who manipulated the lumbar area and all most as if by magic the string halt has gone it has taken a few more weeks for things to really setle but the out come is fantastic especaily as the owners had been advised if the medication did not work the alternative would be cuting the extensor tendon! M. le Normande had been on the right path with the drugs as it was indeed a problem with the nervous system which has also comprimised the imumity in that leg hense the mud fever.
Now I am working on building the weaker side up and the changes in Apple's behavior have also been noticable she was quite excitable and the only horse I have ever meet who prefered to be brushed on her belly than her back, now she is calm and likes to brushed every where.
We have tried everything to get rid off the "mud fever" but it comes and goes, the sun seemingly making it worse, I hope with time Apple will be able to help fight it off untill then we are hoping the magic cream Camrosa will help.
In this blog I have changed the horses name.
Today I started to work Apple again as her owner has gone back to work. When I was first asked to work Apple she had very bad stringhalt confirmed by M. le Normande, in the same leg she had a very bad case of a light senstive form off mud fever. She was put on a course of Phenytoin ( a drug currently used to treat epilespy)and some blue cream for the leg for 6 weeks but this do not seem to do it, at the end of the course Apple was seen by the osteopath (Eloise) who manipulated the lumbar area and all most as if by magic the string halt has gone it has taken a few more weeks for things to really setle but the out come is fantastic especaily as the owners had been advised if the medication did not work the alternative would be cuting the extensor tendon! M. le Normande had been on the right path with the drugs as it was indeed a problem with the nervous system which has also comprimised the imumity in that leg hense the mud fever.
Now I am working on building the weaker side up and the changes in Apple's behavior have also been noticable she was quite excitable and the only horse I have ever meet who prefered to be brushed on her belly than her back, now she is calm and likes to brushed every where.
We have tried everything to get rid off the "mud fever" but it comes and goes, the sun seemingly making it worse, I hope with time Apple will be able to help fight it off untill then we are hoping the magic cream Camrosa will help.
In this blog I have changed the horses name.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Cheval de trait
I was in the saddle at stupid o'clock today, both the horses and I are fed up with the heat and flies, I think it was so hot this afternoon that there were no flies, at one point the youngsters were out eating in full sun.
Today was the first time I have treated a "Cheval de trait" Nelson a 8 year old Comtois was a very willing patient helping me out where he could (he was huge). I was suprised how supple he was and given he is out most weekends pulling the family around on their "ballads" he was in very good shape.
Last weekend I went to Chalais show jumping as part of a report for my osteopathy course, just before the puissance they had the para riders show jumping. Every time I have watched disabled riders show jumping it fills me with a sense of complete uselessness, (The blind riders being lead by the lead pony is the most impressive thing I have ever seen)the bond they have with their horses, the courage and confidence they have with each other they over come all the odds, it really is humbling. I must remember each time I ride how lucky I am and that the frustration that I get if a session hasn't gone well, it could be much greater. I take my hat off to all off them.
If ever you get the chance to see them, do, I would recommend it.
Today was the first time I have treated a "Cheval de trait" Nelson a 8 year old Comtois was a very willing patient helping me out where he could (he was huge). I was suprised how supple he was and given he is out most weekends pulling the family around on their "ballads" he was in very good shape.
Last weekend I went to Chalais show jumping as part of a report for my osteopathy course, just before the puissance they had the para riders show jumping. Every time I have watched disabled riders show jumping it fills me with a sense of complete uselessness, (The blind riders being lead by the lead pony is the most impressive thing I have ever seen)the bond they have with their horses, the courage and confidence they have with each other they over come all the odds, it really is humbling. I must remember each time I ride how lucky I am and that the frustration that I get if a session hasn't gone well, it could be much greater. I take my hat off to all off them.
If ever you get the chance to see them, do, I would recommend it.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Great!
Well, this is something I have wanted to add to the website for ages and seeing as I haven't clue, thanks to Julian ( he does all my weby things and more!), I am now blogging!!!!!!!!
Today I was at Jumlihac la Grand it was nice to see the horse I have been treating much improved.
My Friend Marielle came too and we stop at the Chateaux on the way home so was a good day all round.
Today I was at Jumlihac la Grand it was nice to see the horse I have been treating much improved.
My Friend Marielle came too and we stop at the Chateaux on the way home so was a good day all round.
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