Laurie Bonner

Pasterns often become crusty and scabby when “mud season” turns paddocks into soupy messes. But left untreated, a simple case of scratches can escalate into a painful, chronic condition.

When your horse develops an obstruction in his esophagus, doing the wrong thing can turn a relatively minor event into a potentially life-threatening problem.

Summer is the peak season for this sometimes severe disease carried by aquatic insects. Here’s what you need to know to protect your horse.

Here's how to maximize your horse's deworming program. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.

The risk for developing a blockage of the esophagus is higher in winter, but it's wise to take precautions all year round.

Odds are high that your horse will encounter this common respiratory infection at some point in his life. But you can take steps to minimize the effects of the disease.

When you follow some simple steps for isolating potential carriers, it's easier than you might think to protect your herd from disease-causing viruses and bacteria.

Even as you keep your horse’s vaccinations up to date, it’s wise to remember the threat posed by this dread disease.

A barn dog doesn’t ask for much more than room to run and the opportunity to roll in a mud puddle or two, but there are 6 things you can do to keep him happy and healthy.

Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about this potentially crippling disease and how to prevent it.

When your horse has to work to breathe, call the veterinarian—then take steps to make him more comfortable.

Call your veterinarian at the first signs of abdominal pain---but as you wait, take steps to keep your horse comfortable and prevent his condition from getting worse.

If your horse eats dropped leaves from some types of maple trees, fast action will be required to save his life.

When temperatures are soaring and humidity is high, even normal activities can lead to heat exhaustion. If that happens, you’ll need to take quick action to save his life.

They may look harmless enough on the surface, but puncture wounds can lead to serious infections and other complications.

If your horse develops severe muscle cramping, call your veterinarian, then keep him still and comfortable until help arrives.

It’s far better to head off this potentially crippling hoof condition than to try to treat it. Here’s what you need to know to protect your horse.

Schedule a visit with your farrier as soon as you notice a loose shoe. But in the meantime, you’ll want to take steps to either keep it in place or remove it.

Two strains of canine influenza are causing outbreaks across the country. But you can take steps to protect your dog.

Although much still needs to be learned about supplements that contain “friendly” bacteria, their potential benefits for ill or stressed horses are widely accepted.

Although much still needs to be learned about supplements that contain “friendly” bacteria, their potential benefits for ill or stressed horses are widely accepted.

As researchers gain a greater understanding of the causes of this devastating foot disease, you can tailor your preventive strategies to meet your horse’s needs.

Take a moment to consider whether your feeding routine still provides the right amount of nutrients and calories for your horse.

Research indicates that the removal of extra teeth is necessary only if the horse's health or dental function is influenced. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.

Consider your horse's activity level when feeding concentrated meals of grain or pelleted or extruded meals.

How do the feeds you give your horse stack up against his nutritional requirements? By Laurie Bonnner for EQUUS magazine.

Your horse is likely to encounter these herpesviruses, but you can reduce the chances that they will cause him harm.

Keep your horse's safety and comfort in mind as you shop for a used trailer. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.

Research has identified a genetic mutation that leads to glycogen branching enzyme deficiency, a fatal condition in Quarter Horse foals. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.

Essential to equine soundness, hyaluronan is a key ingredient in synovial fluid as well as in supplements intended to protect horse joints from wear and tear.

Tapeworms may not be completely harmless to your horse but they are easy to control. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.

Take steps to protect your horse from equine herpesvirus. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.