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Monday, November 19 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.

My show horse is getting older and beginning to experience arthritis. Are there any methods of controlling his arthritis to make him more comfortable?

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of lameness in horses of all disciplines. As with most pathology, arthritis can range in severity from very mild to severe. Treatment options often will vary both on severity and the use of the horse. Arthritis can follow an acute episode, such as trauma, or develop gradually as a result of mild repetitive trauma. In order to understand the process of arthritis, we must have knowledge of joint anatomy.

Generally speaking, joints are made up of bones covered with a layer of cartilage, separated by synovial fluid and supported by soft tissue structures, such as the joint capsule and ligaments. Their function is to allow movement and to dampen concussive forces. Osteoarthritis describes the degeneration of the joint components, most significantly articular cartilage.

My initial approach would be to establish an accurate diagnosis: which joints are involved and what the severity of the condition is. This can be achieved by a thorough lameness examination and nerve blocks, and then followed with diagnostic imaging techniques. Generally, radiographs and ultrasound are sufficient, but in some cases more advanced techniques such as nuclear scintigraphy, MRI and CT are necessary. It’s important to note that diagnostic imaging findings don’t always correlate well with lameness. I’ve seen many cases with significant radiographic evidence of arthritis that is well tolerated by the patient.

Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment options can be discussed. Treatment options are divided into systemic and local therapies: those delivered to the whole body or specifically to the area of concern. Systemic therapies include corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory products that can be administered orally and by injection. More recently, NSAIDs that selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, such as firocoxib, have become available for use in horses; this aims to reduce the incidence of adverse gastrointestinal effects.

Systemic products used for the protection and promotion of cartilage and synovial fluid include polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and resveratrol. These are available in various products formulated for injectable and oral use. Many of these formulations are formulated as joint supplements; given the lack of regulation, I recommend horse owners use caution, select products from reputable sources and seek veterinary advice.

Intra-articular therapies are commonly used in the treatment of equine arthritis. Initially, these usually consisted of corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections. More recently, various regenerative therapies have become available and while research is trailing their use, reports are very encouraging. I have discussed this in more detail in previous editions of Sidelines.

Other therapies to consider include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, therapeutic laser and acupuncture. As an adjunct to appropriate therapy, adjustments may need to be made with regard to the horse’s nutrition, shoeing and training regime.

In some cases surgical intervention can be of use, arthroscopy can be useful for diagnosis of subtle intra-articular lesions as well as the removal of bone fragments and debridement of soft tissue lesions. In severe cases, arthrodesis of some joints is possible as a last option for end-stage cases of osteoarthritis.

My vet recently told me that my horse had the beginnings of a quarter crack in his hoof. Do you have any tips about how I could treat his hooves, and prevent them from further cracking?

Quarter cracks are commonly seen in a variety of equine athletes and can result in lameness, bleeding, infection and reduced performance. They usually originate at the coronary band and extend distally (toward the ground); a true quarter crack will extend into the submural (inner) tissue of the hoof.

There are several causes of quarter cracks, including trauma and other underlying hoof conditions. In my experience, they are most commonly associated with underlying abnormal hoof conformation and/or an abnormal landing pattern of the hoof, both of which lead to abnormal loading forces through the hoof capsule.

In the acute phase, hemorrhage, pain and inflammation are addressed. Generally I try to reduce weightbearing forces through the heel quarter and treat the area topically. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics may be indicated.

With regard to more long-term resolution, the first, and in my opinion most important step, is to address any underlying unbalance in hoof structure and loading. This will involve careful attention by your farrier and veterinarian. I would recommend hoof balance radiographs. Often, in these cases, we observe such conditions as sheared heels, abnormal heel conformation and improper landing. Such corrections may take time, and I generally recommend a hoof supplement to encourage hoof growth during this period.

There are many opinions regarding the best approach to addressing the hoof defect itself and I have seen successful outcomes with several techniques. In my opinion, the best approach is to stabilize the hoof capsule using a bar shoe and remove the shearing forces through the affected quarter by unloading the weight-bearing surface. In some mild cases, I’ve seen good resolution following rebalance and unloading of the quarter, without further intervention.

Some more significant cases may require further stabilization of the crack itself. Again, there are a variety of techniques and I’m not aware of one that is superior. The aim of the implant is to stabilize and reduce shearing forces through the crack. Common techniques involve suturing with wire, either drilled through the hoof wall or attached using screws either side of the defect; the application of an adhesive resin can add to the strength of the repair. It’s important that the product used is somewhat flexible to allow for normal hoof capsule movement and that it adheres well to the hoof wall.

However the quarter crack is repaired, it will take several months to grow out. The rate of resolution generally depends on how well the underlying cause has been resolved and the quality of the horse’s hoof growth. In many cases, it’s possible for the horse to continue exercise, often showing during the repair.

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It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

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Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
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You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

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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

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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!!
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