Winter 2020 News, Asthma, Fun Facts, & Euthanasia Updates
All Points Equine Winter Newsletter
We hope that everyone is staying safe and sane during this holiday season of 2020! Our entire APE team thanks you all for letting us take care of your animals in a very strange year. In lieu of a holiday card, we are making a donation to the therapeutic riding programs of Manito Equestrian Center and Equilibrium Therapeutic Riding Center. We know they have been impacted by the pandemic and we would like to extend our support. Check out some updates below!
New Equine Asthma Treatment Available!
Boehringer Ingelheim has recently released a new inhaler therapy for severe equine asthma. Aservo® EquiHaler® is a new medication that can help decrease inflammation in a horse’s lungs with new technology for optimal delivery to the lungs with fewer side effects than other inhalers or oral steroids.
Euthanasia Mandate Changes
Pennsylvania has enacted new regulations for large animals that are euthanized with pentobarbital, a common drug used in veterinary solutions. This change is in response to pentobarbital contamination in commercial pet food, including pet food in PA in 2019 as well as the cause of death in several bald eagles in April 2020.
Any livestock (horses, cattle, goat, sheep, etc) euthanized with an overdose of pentobarbital must be marked with paint-the letter “p” must be placed on the head and body as well as the hooves. The body must be properly disposed of within 48 hours via deep burial in accordance with DEP regulations, incineration, or composting.
There are alternatives to pentobarbituate euthanasia that can be discussed with any owners that are interested. We understand that euthanasia and end of life decisions are very emotional and difficult. We want to start the conversation with our clients so they have time to ask questions and make informed decisions regarding the final goodbye to their beloved companions. Please reach out with any questions you may have, euthanasia resource links are noted below.
Winter Fun Facts
What temperature is too cold for horses?
In the absence of wind and moisture, horses tolerate temperatures at or slightly below 0° F. If horses have access to a shelter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40° F. But horses are most comfortable at temperatures between 18° and 59° F, depending on their hair coat. (Source: University of Minnesota)
Should I blanket my horse in the winter?
Blankets tend to compress a coat’s layers, which compromises their insulating properties. Horses that do not live in extremely cold environments – meaning routinely colder than 10°F – will do well without a blanket, provided they are either stalled during the coldest temperatures or have access to a protective shelter. (Source: Colorado State University)
What temperature is too cold for goats?
If you have kids when it’s below freezing, you need to be there to make sure they’re dried off as soon as possible, or their ears and tails can freeze. If it’s below 20°F or if they’re outside and it’s windy — even at 40°F — they can also get hypothermia really fast and die.
