Exam 2 Flashcards
Main goal of training
to get the horse to make desired response or to stop making undesirable response
Prey Animal
horses are prey animals
-they are naturally weary of new objects, sights, and sounds
Senses
Horses have Excellent Senses
communication
must be mutual
-listen and look for communication signs
Attitude
affects training
Individuality
horses are individuals
-have different personalities and character:
:fearful, disrespectful, sensitive, skittish, calm/laid back, domineering, clever, lacks confidence, spirited
- genetic potential influences performance
-training technique may need to be adjusted with each horse
Respect
respect of handler is very important
-handler is dominant
: controlling movement is the single most important attribute that dictates dominance
Training
takes time,
amount of time directly related to difficulty of task and ability of the horse
- may vary from horse to horse
Understand lack of response
- good spirits/lack of attention
- poor health/physical inability to perform
- fear or uncertainty
- intentional disobedience
Learned Behavior
horses are always learning
-from horses, the environment, and humans
: trainers manipulate environment by using stimuli and reinforcement relative to the desired response
fundamental to the psychology of training
stimuli, responses, reinforcement, and their relationship to each other
Desired response
behavior sought out by handler that is desired
Unconditioned response
behavior that occurs without practice
Conditioned response
behavior that occurs when it is learned
-responses are chained together into maneuvers
Unconditioned Stimuli
a stimulus which naturally causes a response with no practice
:very few stimuli will naturally cause the response sought in training
Conditioned Stimuli
also called Cues
-a response derived from a stimulus that has been learned through practice
Cues
Conditioned Stimuli
Basic Cues
simple and obvious cue that communicates to the horse what you want it to do
-present specific cues rather than indiscriminate cue to avoid confusing the horse
Indiscriminate cues
several cues put together that confuse the horse
Presenting new cues
paired with basic cues to produce a desired response
Preparatory cues
cue that alerts the horse that another cue is coming
Types of stimuli
natural
artificial
Natural cues
voice hands body position legs body weight visual
Artificial cues
whips
spurs
training equipment
Primary Reinforcer
most learning requires reinforcement to strengthen the response to certain stimuli
-natural reinforcing properties (food and water)
Secondary Reinforcer
Learned
- acquired over period of time
- ex. general acts of kindness, soothing voice, rubbing horse neck etc.
Positive Reinforcement
often referred to as reward training
-horse gives desired response and receive reward
Negative Reinforcement
a negative condition is stopped or taken away when the desired behavioral response is given
Punishment
weakens an undesired behavior because a negative condition is introduced or experienced as a consequence of the undesirable behavior
Intensity of Punishment critical and varies with horse
-effective punishment must cause the horse to select a desirable alternate habit that leads to a reward
Contingent Reinforcement
effective reinforcement is given immediately with relation to response
-enables a horse to know what response is being punished or rewarded
Non-Contingent Reinforcement
reinforcement given long after desired response attained
-causes a horse to have a general fear and may increase undesirable behavior
Schedules of Reinforcement
How often a horse is reinforced
Continuous
most desirable responses are reinforced every time
- used when training young horses or new behaviors
- gradually moves to intermittent
Intermittent
horse reinforced at irregular intervals
- includes training of most older horses
- horse trained with intermittent reinforcement will perform longer with no reinforcement than a continuously reinforced horse
Extinction
when no reinforcement is give, horse will stop performing desired response
- can be both desired or undesired to have a cue become extinct
- may happen when inexperienced riders ride a horse for long periods of time
Shaping
behavior is shaped by reinforcing each successive approximation of the desired response
-recognizing small responses is paramount
Sensitization
horse becomes more reactive or responsive to a stimulus as a result of experience
Desensitization
process of gradually reducing an instinctive reaction to a repeated stimulus that has no particular consequence
Prolonged Training Session
involve training a horse to fatigue
-does not improve learning
Intelligence/Learning
The more effort required, the harder it will be for horse to learn response, and the more practice required
-horses that have greater athletic ability should learn faster than those without because less effort required
Importance of Disease Prevention
equine diseases can reduce performance, cause economic and personal losses, lower morale of workers, and affect a farm’s reputation
Horse operations are…
diverse and highly transient = high risk for diseases
Equine Prevention goals
- prevent introduction of disease on farm
- prevent movement of infectious disease on farm
- optimize resistance
Health Management Plan
measures taken to reduce likelihood of disease transmission
Parts of Health Management plan
Daily observances Disease Control Wound Care Dental Care Hoof Care Parasite Control Exercise Records
Daily Observations
Observe horses at least once daily to determine if they require medical attention
-Vital signs and other parameters should be monitored daily
Normal Temperature
99.5 - 101.5 Degrees F
Normal Heart Rate/Pulse
28-40 Beats/min
Normal Respiration Rate
8 to 16 Breaths/min
Normal Vital Signs
Normal varies from horse to horse
Normal Gut Sounds
Rumbles interspersed with gurgles
Normal Digital Pulse
Should be subtle and difficult to feel
Skin Pliability Test
Return to normal within seconds
Capillary Refill Time
Press thumb against gums to spread blood
-Pink color should return within 2 seconds
Mucous Membranes
pale to bubble gum pink, moist (normal)
Body Fluids
Defecate ~ every 2 hours
~50 lbs of manure a day
Check frequency, color of consistency or urine and manure
Red urine is an indication of tying up
Hair Coat
Shiny, general healthy look, appropriate hair cover
Hoof Condition
Hard with slick shiny/ waxy appearance Coronary band moist and resilient Frog pliable and intact Sole should be firm Free of odor
Body Weight
Should be assessed monthly
-should remain fairly constant
Three ways to measure body weight
Scale
Weight tape
Body length equations
Body Condition Scoring
Subjective assessment of fat cover -fat accumulates in 6 main places \: along the neck \: along the withers \: tail head \: Behind shoulder \: Ribs \: Crease down back \:Flank 1-9 scale 4-6 is ideal
Body Condition numbers
1- poor 2- very thin 3- thin 4- moderately thin 5- moderate 6- moderate to fleshy 7- fleshy 8- fat 9- extremely fat
Behavior
Monitor for changes daily
- depression
- pain
- nervousness
- sensitivity
- performance failure
- appetite changes
Equine Influenza
Viral Disease
Respiratory (fever, cough, green nasal discharge)
Highly contagious
Spread by direct contact or aerosol
-Intranasal vaccine semi-annual to annual
Equine Rhinoneumonitis
Viral Disease Equine Herpes Virus (2 strains) Spread via direct contact or aerosol Vaccine semi-annual to annual -no vaccine for the neurological form -broodmares get vaccines at 5, 7, 9 months (Pneumobort K killed vaccine)
EHV 1: Equine Herpes Virus 1
Respiratory
-can cause abortions
Neurological (modified strain)
EHV 4: Equine Herpes Virus 4
Respiratory (common)
Equine Infectious Anemia
EIA: Viral Disease Anemia Highly Infectious Spread by biting insects (flies) -contaminated needles Tested for by "Coggins" (his test is no longer used though) Required for interstate travel, shows, racing -Sick animals are euthanized -No vaccine (not used in this country: produces antibodies and cant tell who has it)
Rabies
Viral Disease
Neurological
Spread by infected secretions of sick animals
high risk in wildlife areas
vaccinate annually
Zoonotic disease
- only way to do an infinitive diagnosis is looking at the brain
Eastern, Wester, and Venezuelan Encephalomyelitis
Viral Disease Neurological- inflammation of the brain Spread by biting insects (mosquitos) Vaccinate Annual -Spring, before mosquito season
West Nile Virus
Viral Disease Neurological Not contagious Spread by biting insects Vaccinate Annually -spring, before mosquito season
Tetanus
Bacterial Disease Clostridium tetani Neurological -muscle stiffness, rigidity Not contagious Spread via contamination of wound, environment Vaccinate annually
Strangles
Bacterial Disease Streptococcus Equi Respiratory -swollen lymph notes Highly contagious Spread by direct contact, aerosol Vaccine semi-annual to annual
Potomac Horse Fever
Bacterial Disease Neorickettsia risticii Intestinal -Diarrhea, Laminitis Spread via fresh water snails, water* Vaccinate semi-annual to annual
Common Clinical signs of disease
Fever Coughing Nasal Discharge Depression Inappetence/ Weight loss Weakness/ incoordination Swollen lymph nodes Colic Dark or light colored mucous membrane
Vaccinations
Administered based on need Usually given in spring and fall Boosters required after first exposure most can be purchased by owner Broodmares vaccinated 4-6 weeks prior to foaling Vaccination not always 100% effective Follow AAEP guidelines
Quarantine New Horse
for 2 weeks
diseases take 7-10 days to show signs
de-worm etc. while in quarantine
feed “healthy” first
Sick horses
Isolate quickly
-never know what it is
Health certificate
in good health no infectious disease good for 30 days required to travel -done by vet
High risk horses
horses that travel a lot
house them together
Waterways
stop access to waterways
Potomac horse fever and also parasites from fecal matter in water
Disinfectants
1 part bleach to 10 parts water
Betadine
Nolvasan (Chlorohexidine)
Lysol
Wound Care
early identification and treatment important for successful outcome
Nature of the horse
predisposes them to injury
- maintain dominance
- inquisitive
- play
- athletic
- do not like confinement
Abrasion
wound that does not penetrate through the superficial skin layer
: can be treated with topical ointment and cleaning as needed
Laceration
wound that is through full thickness of skin an has width and length greater than depth
:skin usually torn resulting in flaps of skin
May require
- veterinarian to suture
- pain meds
- antibiotics
Puncture
extends deeper into the tissue than appearance on the surface
- high risk of infection
- if items lodged, veterinarian attention is required
- Danger of tetanus
Steps in wound management
Control Movement Control Bleeding Evaluate Wound Severity Clean Wound Close Wound Medicate and Bandage Wound
Control Movement
tie, stocks, humane twitch, chemical restraint
Control bleeding
press bandage agains wound if severe
Tourniquet may be needed is severed an artery
Evaluate wound severity
determine whether a vet needs to be called
-most lacerations and punctures require veterinarian
Clean wound
use mild antiseptic and warm water
-remove all dirt and debris
Clipping hair may be necessary
-cold hosing and anti-inflammatory may be necessary to control inflammation
Medicate and Bandage wound
apply topical wound ointment
-furazone
novalsan ointment
Medicate and Bandage Wound
apply:
non-stick gauze
quilt/cotton
bandage/vet wrap
Components of First Aid Kit
Vitals Cleaning Wound Bandaging Drug Administration Other
First Aid Kit: Vitals
thermometer
petroleum jelly
stethoscope
First Aid kit: Wound Cleaning
clippers betadine scrub and solution gauze 20-35 cc plastic syringes Topical wound ointment latex gloves
First Aid Kit: Bandaging
non-stick gauze rolled cotton quilts bandages vet wrap duct tape bandage removal scissors
First Aid Kit: drug admininstration
antibiotics anti-inflammatories -bute/banamine topical antibiotic eye ointment syringes needles sharps disposal
First Aid Kit: Other
rope/chain lip twitch
flashlight
epsom salts
bleach
Genital Care- Mare
clean perianal, vulvar, and udder region with warm water, mild soap, rinsing thoroughly and blotting dry, as needed
Genital Care- Male
Clean sheath and penis to remove dirt and debris as needed
- Use safe handling position, warm water, protective gloves, mild soap, rinse thoroughly
- Remove “bean” from sinus opening near urethra
Dental Care
Teeth should be examined by a veterinarian 1-2 times a year
-poor dentition can result in colic, weight loss, decreased performance
Symptoms of Poor Dentition
dropping feed slobbering head tilt bad mouth odor difficulty chewing head-tossing bit chewing tongue- lolling (rolling) loss of body condition large undigested feed particles in manure tail wringing bad behavior under saddle
Teeth
Incisors: 12 Canines: 0-4 (usually in males) Wolf: 0-2 Premolar: 12 Molars: 12 Total 36-42
Retained Dental caps
Retained “baby” teeth
- may impair eruption of permanent teeth or get infected
- should be removed
Hooks
upper jaw lies ahead of lower jaw causing incisors or premolar to form hook
Normal: appear at 7 and 11 years
Other incisor problems
parrot or monkey mouth
Wolf teeth
in front of premolars
- often interferes with bit
- may be pulled
Alignment of grinding teeth
sloping up, upper teeth extend further out than lower
Enamel points
sharp edges on molars
-upper and lower molars do not meet evenly
usually on outside of upper molars and inside of lower molars
can lacerate cheek or tongue
Other problems
oral ulcers
Wave mouth
Wave mouth
uneven molar height caused by irregular tooth growth
Floating
process of rasping/filing horses teeth
Parasite
Small organism that lives on (external) or in (internal) a host organism and derives its food from it
Parasitism
an overabundance of parasites -may lead to \: poor feed efficiency \: poor performance \: possibly death
Symptoms of parasitism
poor feed efficiency loss of appetite weigh loss, low BCS Slow growth Bull, rough haircoat Pot bellied Lethargy or decreased stamina Tail rubbing and hair loss Colic Coughing Diarrhea
Common Parasites for Horses: Internal
Ascarids Strongyles Strongyloids Westeri (Threadworms) Pinworms Tapeworms Stomach Worms Stomach Bots
Common Parasites for Horses: External
Ticks Mites Lice Chiggers Flies Gnats Mosquitos
Ascarids
Large Roundworms -Adults 12-15" long - young horses most susceptible -Animal resistance can occur Females can lay up 200,000 eggs/d -Caused blocked arteries and damage to liver, heart and lungs *migrate
2 weeks to be infective
Large Strongyles
1” long
Reddish in color
Cause internal bleeding, blocked arteries
*migrate through organs
Encysted Small Strongyles
Encyst in hindgut
-usually erupt during warmer weather
Cause erosion of mucosa
Outnumber large strongyles
ulcerated cecum when they release
Strongyloids/Threadworms
0.4” long, small
most noted for affecting Foals
Absorbed through skin or ingested by foal through milk
-Cause foal diarrhea and/or allergic skin reaction
Foals can develop immunity
Pinworms
1.7” long, thin, white, most visible around rectum
Cause tail itching, tail hair loss
(worm lays eggs around rectum)
-causes irritation
Tapeworms
Long, ribbon-like, flat, segmented
attach to gut wall, especially ileo-cecal valve
-cause irritation and ulceration
lay eggs in segments and then break into segments
forage mites ingest eggs
2-4 months external development
Stomach Worms
1” long
Attach to stomach wall
cause gastritis and summer sores (larvae are inside sores on outside of body)
fly maggot ingest worm
fly deposits eggs on lips
Bot Fly
Gastrophilus Spp.
Bot fly lays eggs on horse, swallowed, molt, mature
-many different species
Cause mouth irritation and ulcers, gastritis, gastric blockages, gastric rupture, colic, anemia
lay on lips or cheeck
eggs turn into fly 4-8 weeks
Internal parasite managemen
Manure management
Fecal Egg counts/ ID
Deworming
Good farm management
Manure management
Remove egg infested manure from stalls and paddocks daily
- Store away from horses and water
- Composting kills parasite eggs and larvae
Manure Management: spreading of manure
when
- manure is free of eggs
- horses are not grazing pasture
- parasites exposed to extreme climate conditions
Fecal Egg ID/Count
identifies eggs and number in feces
-Do yourself or send to lab
*tapeworms, encysted small strongyles, and migrating adults may be missed
Used to determine:
-dewormer needed
-worm resistance/ dewormer effectiveness when done 2 weeks post-deworming
Strongyles egg
Thin outer, bubbly inner
Ascarid eggs
thicker outer thinner inner
*Round
Pinworm eggs
blunt end
-football
Tapeworm eggs
D shaped
Anthelmintic
drug effective in killing or paralyzing parasite inhibiting its ability to lay eggs
Macrocytic Lactone
Avermectins (Ivermectin)
-broad spectrum: most widely used and effective
Milbemycin (moxidectin)
Combinations
Benzimidazoles
Fenbendazole (5 day power pac)
Oxibendazole
Oxfendazole
Pyrimidine
Pyrantel pamoate (Strongid paste) Pyranel tartrate (Strongid daily pellet)
Avermectin- Ivermectin
Macrocyctic lactone
Highest efficacy against most internal parasites
-includes bots
Does NOT include tapeworms or encysted small stronglyes
Moxidectin
Macrocyctic lactone
Broad spectrum like ivermectin
Effective agains encysted small strongyles*
Potent
Avermectin/Praziquantel Combo
Praziquantel is effective agains tapeworms
Most potent combination
Benzimidazole: Fenbendazole
gets most parasites including
-tapes and small strongyles
Power pac: double dose over 5 days
*Becoming less effective due to resistance
Benzimidazole: oxibendazole and oxfendazole
broad spectrum
-no bots, tapes or small strongyles
parasites developing a resistance
Pyrimidine: Pyrantal Pamoate
effective against large strongyles, roundworms, pinworms, small strongyles
: double dose over two days
effective against tapeworms
Pyrimidine: Pyrantal tartrate
effective against large strongyles, roundworms, pin worms, small strongyles
: pelleted daily dewormer
: recommend avermectin in late fall, early spring
Rotational Deworming Example
April, october: Benzimidazole
June, December: Ivermectin and moxidectrin
August, february: pyrantel
Rotating class of dewormer every 6-8 weeks
General Deworming guidelines
deworm new horses while in quarantine or upon return
- deworm horse 1-2 days prior to moving to new pasture
- only deworm horses with heavy loads
- deworm horses at same time
- be aware of age and weight restrictions
- foals should be dewormed at 4-5 weeks of age, and then 60 days if needed
- remove bot eggs with bot block or comb
Good Farm Management
Low stocking density Avoid feeding off of the ground rotational grazing with livestock clean facility compost manure
External Parasites
Deer and Horse Flies Mosquitos Gnats (no see ems) Lice Ticks Mites
External Parasite Control
Fly Masks Fly Body Suits Fly (and tick) Repellents Fly Attractants Mosquito control Lice control
