HighDesertEquine.com

26/09/2022

Following my rite of passage as a horse-crazed little girl, I began riding at age 11. When I was 14, my mother’s co-worker purchased a horse hastily after only a few lessons and quickly realized she was in over her head. Eager to get more time in t...

14/09/2022

Monitoring Air Quality

It can be challenging to interpret various information sources when assessing air quality.

Remember that an AQI of 150 is considered the cut off for your horse's respiratory health. You shouldn't do more than walk under saddle if AQI is over 150.

That said, not all AP's and air sensors are created equal. Here is a complicated, but worth reading, explanation of how AQI numbers are generated.

It can be challenging to know which air quality website to use for information during a wildfire. Use this document to learn more about using key parts of the AirNow website: the Fire and Smoke Map, the Dial, and the Interactive Map.

20/03/2022

These are the most recommendations (March 3rd and March 16th) from the California Dept. of Food and Ag regarding the EHV-1 situation in CA.
I spoke with the NV state vet's office on Thursday. So far there have been no confirmed EHV-1 cases in NV.
Best resource for updating situation in CA is https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

23/02/2022

EHV-: MINIMIZING TRANSMISSION.

Below is a link to my blog I wrote several years ago about transmission of EHV-1 and how you can best protect not only your own horses, but your wider horse community.
( it is important to note that the outbreak described in this blog involved the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1. So far, CDFA reports that the current outbreak at Desert International Horse Park has only detected the non-neuropathogenic wild type EHV-1)

Vet tip of the Day: Infectious Disease Control/Equine Herpes Virus Key Words: EHV-1, EHV-4, neurologic disease, upper respiratory virus ...

07/02/2022

Doing some acupuncture on the equine athletes here at Desert International Horse Park.

01/09/2021

We are at it again. This time as lead veterinary officer for animals evacuating to the Caldor Fire Animal Evacuation Center at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

The work I am doing is through VERT, the Veterinary Emergency Response Team out of UC Davis.

These disaster evacuation efforts are complex multi-agency teamwork efforts. The logistical complexity is staggering. The more I learn about disaster management the more my head spins.

Providing veterinary care to animals in need is the easy, and infinitely rewarding, part. The paperwork, organizational challenges, and interpersonal dynamics in a rapidly evolving and time pressured environment is a whole other education in patience, compassion, and having each other's back.

To learn more about VERT, go to
https://ohi.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/disaster-preparedness-response/vert

29/08/2021

Helen and I spent the weekend at the Plumas County Animal shelter as VERT (Veterinary Emergency Response Team) volunteers helping Dixie fire animal survivors.
This kitten will be fine. She is a feral who was trapped yesterday and brought to the shelter. We sedated her in her trap and then brought her into the UC Davis mobile unit where her burn wounds were surgically debrided, she was vaccinated, received antibiotics and pain medication and a spa treatment (bath, pedicure, blow dry).
She will recover at the animal shelter, be spayed, and then either be adopted through a local sanctuary or be released to a safe barn cat home as a feral.

22/08/2021

Everyone keeps asking me what we can do to help our horses in the smoke.

There are simple things that may help a little.
I purchased these misters on Amazon and put them along the top of the fence line. They help lower the temperature, reduce particulates in the air, and keep the dust down. These dampen the air and ground for a good 6' from the fence, and the horses love them!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07G33MVJ1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

26/07/2021

The air quality is now hazardous in both Washoe and Douglas counties.

Here is a link to an excellent article including research information gleaned from studying performance horses following weeks of similar fire related air quality in Calgary, Canada a few years ago:
https://ker.com/equinews/smoke-inhalation-in-horses/

I want to emphasize how important it is now to consider how and when you are going to bring your horses back to work following resolution of the current AQI.

All resources indicate that AT LEAST 2 WEEKS is needed for your horses' airways to return to health after exposure to this air quality. High daily temperatures only increase the danger of significant airway disease. Leaving our area to travel to competitions in areas with good air quality isn't a good idea either, as sufficient recovery time isn't possible prior to exertion.

Your horses should remain at rest until AQI has been consistently below 150 for a solid 2 weeks.

18/07/2021

It's that time of year again. I am reposting this from last summer with some suggestions for environmental management during the fire season to reduce the harmful effects of smoke on your horse's respiratory system.

Smoke and Your Horse
Smoke is an unhealthy combination of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, hydrocarbons, and other organic substances. Smoke particulates can irritate horses’ eyes and respiratory tracts, and hamper their breathing.
The simplest thing you can do to limit the damaging effects of smoke on your horse’s airway is to limit your horse’s activity when smoke is visible. Increased airflow and turbulence that accompany athletic activity can significantly increase the inflammation and damage to delicate cells lining the respiratory tract. In addition, if possible, misters and fans can be used to improve air quality in your horse’s environment.
Human air quality advisements can be applied to your horse as well. If your eyes are burning and you smell and taste smoke, then assume that your horse is feeling as uncomfortable as you are.
Most importantly, when smoke has been particularly heavy, remember that it takes time for airways to recover fully. Four to six weeks can be required for airways to recuperate from severe smoke exposure, and early return to exercise can delay healing and increase the risk of long term airway damage.
The best way to combat heat and smoke is through hydration. You can:
Provide clean, fresh water at all times
Water your horse’s hay and feed grain as wet mashes
Put sprinklers out in turn outs to reduce dust and smoke and increase moisture in the air.

AND REMEMBER - YOU SHOULD NOT RIDE AT ALL WHEN THE AQI (AIR QUALITY INDEX) IS OVER 150!