Every horse person knows the terror of the word “laminitis.” But what is the reason for this devastating disease? A specific singular cause is not known. Instead, laminitis is a multifactorial syndrome, meaning numerous elements may contribute to the development of clinical signs. First, what is laminitis? It is an inflammation of the laminae. These interdigitating layers of tissue act to support and secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall. The laminae contain extensive blood and...

In the United States, ticks are ubiquitous.They are primarily active from spring to fall. Their preferred habitats are tall grasses, pastures, woods, and brushy areas. They are opportunists and not picky. They enjoy sucking the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians. Ticks find their way to your horse by sensing heat, vibrations, moisture, and odors such as ammonia from sweat and carbon dioxide from breathing. Ticks cannot fly or jump. They use a technique called &ldquo...