Midwest Equine

If you are having unresolved chronic issues, performing diagnostics is critical. One modality may not give you an answer and a second or third may be needed. In this case radiographs were enough to determine the likely cause. This horse has a broken HPA axis and associates low palmar angle (negative 2 degrees). This was causing excessive loading of the heel region which led to radiographic changes in the navicular apparatus and pain.

Umbilical Infections: These are somewhat common in neonates. When should you be concerned about your foal? Is it solely based on the appearance? No. This is a rather obvious example of an infected belly button. What is the next step then? If your practitioner has an ultrasound machine, we would recommend scanning the umbilical structures to evaluate the extent of the affected/infected tissue. The belly button is made up of 4 structures internally: umbilical vein (travels toward liver), urachus (travels backward toward tip of bladder), and two umbilical arteries (travel backward on either side of bladder). All of these structures should be evaluated and measured to determine best course of action. If these are not treated in a timely fashion this problem can lead to systemic issues such as sepsis and/or infected joints. This foal’s belly button was surgically removed and he is currently on the recovery track. Always call if you have any questions or concerns about your horses!