Laurie Bonner
Control Contagion and Keep Your Horse Healthy
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.
The persistent risk of rabies
Even as you keep your horse’s vaccinations up to date, it’s wise to remember the threat posed by this dread disease.
Beyond basic care
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.
Quick and easy scratches relief
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.
Laminitis prevention basics
Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about this potentially crippling disease and how to prevent it.
How to handle a heaves flare up
When your horse has to work to breathe, call the veterinarian--- then take steps to make him more comfortable.
What to do first when your horse colicks
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.
Protect your horse from red maple poisoning
If your horse eats dropped leaves from some types of maple trees, fast action will be required to save his life.
What to do if your horse becomes overheated
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.
What to do for a horse with choke
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.
What to do when your horse has a puncture wound
They may look harmless enough on the surface, but puncture wounds can lead to serious infections and other complications.
What to do when your horse ties up
If your horse develops severe muscle cramping, call your veterinarian, then keep him still and comfortable until help arrives.
Keys to Preventing Laminitis
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.
What to do about a loose shoe
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.
On watch for dog flu
Two strains of canine influenza are causing outbreaks across the country. But you can take steps to protect your dog.
Probiotics Explained
Although much still needs to be learned about supplements that contain “friendly” bacteria, their potential benefits for ill or stressed horses are widely accepted.
What probiotics can do for your horse
Although much still needs to be learned about supplements that contain “friendly” bacteria, their potential benefits for ill or stressed horses are widely accepted.
12 ways to protect your horse from laminitis
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.
Does your feeding program measure up?
Take a moment to consider whether your feeding routine still provides the right amount of nutrients and calories for your horse.
The Essentials of Parasite Control
Here's how to maximize your horse's deworming program. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.
Treatment Options for Supernumerary Teeth
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.
How Much Grain Does Your Horse Need?
Consider your horse's activity level when feeding concentrated meals of grain or pelleted or extruded meals.
An Equine Food Triangle
How do the feeds you give your horse stack up against his nutritional requirements? By Laurie Bonnner for EQUUS magazine.
Field Guide to Herpesvirus in Horses
Your horse is likely to encounter these herpesviruses, but you can reduce the chances that they will cause him harm.
Shopping for a Safe, Comfortable Used Horse Trailer
Keep your horse's safety and comfort in mind as you shop for a used trailer. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.
Fatal Genetic Disorder in Quarter Horse Foals Identified
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.
Why hyaluronan is essential to healthy joints
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.
The Skinny on Tapeworms
Tapeworms may not be completely harmless to your horse but they are easy to control. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.
Controlling Equine Herpesvirus
Take steps to protect your horse from equine herpesvirus. By Laurie Bonner for EQUUS magazine.
