SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Thursday, October 18 2018 / Published in General

Vet Talk with Dr. Richard Wheeler

Richard Wheeler, DVM, was born in the U.K. and graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2002. Dr. Wheeler then completed a two-year internship at Greenwood, Ellis and Partners (now Newmarket Equine Hospital) in Newmarket. In 2005, he moved to Wellington, Florida, to join Palm Beach Equine Clinic and he became a partner in 2009. Dr. Wheeler’s primary concentration is equine sports medicine. He is an FEI Veterinary Delegate for show jumping and dressage and has authored several published articles on the topic of equine sports medicine. Dr. Wheeler has served on the board of the USHJA Horse and Rider Advocates Committee. In 2016, Dr. Wheeler became a founding director of the Sport Horse Research Foundation. Dr. Wheeler and his wife, Jessica, have two children. Do you have a question you want Dr. Wheeler to answer? Send questions to editor@sidelinesnews.com.

What research has the Sport Horse Research Foundation been associated with during 2018? What plans does it have for the future?

The Sport Horse Research Foundation has awarded grants for several studies during 2018.

Jennifer Symons, Ph.D., compared distal limb nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) images of sport horses versus racehorses. This project is important as it may emphasize the difference between these two groups of equine athletes. Sport horses engaged in disciplines such as show jumping and dressage are required to perform at different gaits, collect and extend their stride lengths and negotiate tight turns in both directions. Conversely, American racehorses gallop with larger stride lengths in straight lines and left turns. This leads us to believe there will be significant differences with regard to both biomechanical stresses upon their skeleton and injuries sustained during training and competition.

A standing CT myelogram being performed at Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Photo courtesy of PBEC

Specifically, the purpose of the study is to examine differences in sites and incidence of increased uptake and injury between these two groups. Nuclear scintigraphy was selected as the modality for this study due to its high sensitivity (i.e. likely to identify pathology) and ability to image large areas of the skeleton. Our hopes for this study are to examine similarities and differences between the two populations of equine athletes both in location and severity of injury. This will enable us to predict what research can be extrapolated from previous studies in either group and what areas of research are required in the future specifically for the benefit of the sport horse. This project has been submitted for publication and results will be available on the SHRF website in the near future. As practitioners having worked with both Thoroughbred racehorses and Warmblood sport horses, our hypothesis, or prediction, is that we will find these groups of horses will have different patterns of uptake and discretely different areas of bony remodeling. This is important as it will justify and direct further research specifically for the sport horse. Of course, we have to wait for the results to be published, but I’m excited to see where this takes us next.

Pablo Espinosa-Mur, DVM, DACVS, DECVS, and a group of California-based researchers examined radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of the caudal cervical (lower neck) region in warmblood show jumping horses. The equine veterinary profession is becoming increasingly aware of the lower neck region as a potential source of poor performance in sport horses. This can result in pain, lameness and in more advanced cases, ataxia. Early in my veterinary career, the diagnosis of lower neck arthritis was relatively uncommon and mostly detected in severe cases. More recently, mainly due to advances in diagnostic imaging equipment, it’s much more common. More accurate diagnosis and treatment of these more subtle cases has greatly improved the welfare and performance of many competition horses.

The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of cervical osteoarthritis in a normal population of medium- to upper-level show jumpers. In addition, the correlation between radiographic changes and joint effusion and/or capsulitis observed with ultrasound will be described. The horses selected in this study were clinically sound and performing well.

This study is very important and exciting on many levels. It will help us learn more regarding the prevalence and nature of arthritis of the lower neck, which will allow us to more accurately diagnose and treat clinical cases. I believe the most exciting information will be regarding the prevalence of findings in these horses without clinical signs and the implications at prepurchase examination where neck radiographs are becoming more common.

Michael Myhre, DVM, and a group from Palm Beach Equine Clinic will describe a technique for computed tomographic (CT) myelography in the standing horse.

A myelogram is a type of radiographic examination where a contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal to allow the examination of the spinal cord and spinal canal surrounding the spinal cord. In most cases, it is used to visualize spinal cord compression. The current standard technique for performing an equine myelogram involves general anesthesia and plain radiographs. Risks include those typically associated with equine anesthesia, compounded by the fact that the horse may be ataxic (experiencing loss of body control), as well as seizures. Plain radiographic images are significantly inferior to the far more detailed and three-dimensional images provided with CT. In human medicine, the use of CT has long replaced plain radiography for myelograms.

This study will describe a technique of performing a standing spinal tap, injection of contrast media and use of a standing CT scanner to obtain diagnostic images of the spinal column.

This study offers so many benefits for horses suffering from suspected spinal cord compression in the neck region: the ability to produce higher-quality images allowed by CT versus plain radiology, the reduction of risks inherent with general anesthesia and the ability to image the horse in its normal orientation. This technique will offer a better understanding and I believe will lead us to better medical and surgical management of these challenging cases.

SHRF has several projects in the planning stages, and we plan to continue work investigating the lower neck, back and distal limbs. We hope to add to several large groups who are evaluating and comparing training and competition surfaces throughout the world.

The Sport Horse Research Foundation is grateful to all of our donors and researchers for their continued support. To learn more, visit www.thesporthorseresearchfoundation.org.

My older horse is going blind. How can I help him continue to lead a happy, safe life at my barn? He knows the routine, but I can tell that losing his senses is affecting him.

Just as with an aging relative or pet, we have to make adjustments as our equine partners get older. One significant difference is their size and the potential safety issue this poses to both them and us. A horse with impaired vision may become anxious, and you need to be very careful and have an open discussion with your veterinarian, as well as anyone else who may be taking care of the animal. It may be useful to attach a sign on the horse’s stall to remind people to be careful with the horse.

Fortunately, while there are many reasons for horses to lose sight, most are gradual processes, which allow for gradual adaptation. It has surprised me how well many horses tolerate a significant reduction in vision.

You mention the word “routine” in your question and that’s very important. It will be very important to keep your horse’s surroundings familiar while making sure they’re as safe as possible. I would recommend removing anything that might cause injury and making sure his stall and fencing is solid, but smooth. Keeping the environment consistent is going to be important, and I believe all horses do well with a consistent daily routine. Make sure the horse has easy and consistent access to clean water and food, and check that he’s drinking the required amount.

As with other species, as a horse’s vision becomes impaired, they’ll rely more on other senses. Be careful not to startle the horse with loud noises and make sure you approach slowly, while making sure they can hear you coming. I would advise against clipping around the muzzle and eyes as these hairs will become more useful in allowing the horse to feel the environment.

Some horses will benefit from having another horse in close proximity, while others will be more comfortable without. This is very case-specific, and requires thought given your barn setup and the temperaments of the horse losing its vision as well as its barn mates.

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: Dr. Richard Wheeler, palm beach equine clinic, q&a, vet

What you can read next

McLain Ward and Super Trooper de Ness Triumph in $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers
Dressage & Beyond with Charlotte Bredahl
Bindle Stick – Available for Adoption!

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • MATT JOHNSON
    Farms & Estates ENGEL & VÖLKERS, Florida Serving Wellington since 1998 561-313-4367; wwwMattsells.com

    [Read more]

  • POSITIVE TOUCH EQUINE BODY WORKS, LLC
    Karen Markham 404-964-5456 horsept.km@gmail.com 30 Yrs Experience, Licensed and Insured

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!