Horse Talk with Doc – Details, episodes & analysis

We will discuss the difference between fresh semen, cooled semen and frozen semen and how all these methods effect fertility rates.

In this episode we talk about the importance of keeping your mare under lights. The importance of a breeding soundness exam. Next week we will talk about the different kind of insemination techniques.

This week Dr. Yardley and Rice talk about scaroids. The virus that causes them and how to diagnose and treat the most common type of cancer in horses. 

In this episode, Dr. Rice and Dr. Yardley chat about the use of bone marrow stem cells vs adipose-derived stem cells. Do was have scientific evidence and justification for the usage of these products?  

Dr. Hiliary Rice and Jonathan Yardley discuss the truth behind joint supplements. They also explain what is PRP and IRAP and how they are different from each other. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of lameness in the horse learn why these joint injections are safe and can stop arthritis. 

In this episode. Dr. Rice and Yardley Talk about equine joint Arthritis. 

1. Components of joint fluid

a. Synoviocytes produce hyaluronan and lubricin

i. Act to regulate the composition of synovial fluid

ii. Act as barrier lubricant for the surfaces in the joint

iii. Hyaluronan also a component of the articular cartilage

2. Articular cartilage composition – brief

a. Collagen – major component

b. Proteoglycans

i. Protein + glycosaminoglycans

ii. Glycosaminoglycans attract water and create pressure in the cartilage

3. Aim of therapies

a. Decrease pain

b. Prevent progression of disease

c. Do this by mimicking those components of joint fluid and cartilage

d. Help diminish inflammatory response in the joint

e. Claims

i. Prevention

ii. Retardation

iii. Reversal of OA

iv. Don’t always have the science to back it up

4. Common Products

a. Corticosteroids

i. Most potent anti-inflammatory

ii. Can be beneficial when used judiciously

1. At high concentrations and sustained usage à detrimental effects on joint

iii. Most common

1. TA – often more common in high motion joints

2. Methylprednisolone

3. Betamethasone

4. All can have beneficial and detrimental effects

b. Hyaluronic Acid

i. Glycosaminoglycan à component of synovial fluid and cartilage

ii. Can help to replenish what is lost during joint disease and OA

iii. Often used in conjunction with other IA products

1. Synergistic effects of corticosteroids + HA in people

iv. IV formula – Legend

1. Non-invasive

2. Able to treat more than one joint

3. Studies have shown it mainly acts as an anti-inflammatory

c. Adequan - Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans

i. IA formula

1. Often combined with antibiotics

2. Studies have shown that it can modify OA

a. Reduces bone remodeling

b. Decreases inflammatory cytokines

c. Increases synthesis of HA

d. Decrease lameness

ii. IM Formula

1. Easier to administer

2. Used more frequently due to previous issues with joint infections and IA Adequan

3. Less data than IA use

4. More as a preventative for OA

Dr. Hiliary Rice and Yardley talk about the basic anatomy of the equine joint. How poor foot conformation can lead to increase cyclic load causing OA. They go on to cover what the common signs of lameness are and how veterinarians make the diagnosis. This is multiple-part series about lameness in the horse. 

Dr. Yardley and Timko discuss what happens to your horse after colic surgery and answer the all important questions of how soon you can ride your horse again. They spend a great amount of time talking about Diarrhea why it is an emergency and treatments.