Bute For Old Bones

I have a 38-year-old grade gelding with huge, arthritic knees. He fell three weeks ago. X rays show nothing broken or fractured. My veterinarian wants him on bute forever. Is there anything else that could help him with no side effects?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs are sometimes necessary in aged horses to keep them comfortable and many horses do not have any problem being on daily NSAIDs, including phenylbutazone (also known as bute). There are many joint supplements commercially available that can help the horse with mild arthritis, or help in combination with NSAIDS such as bute, but if the arthritis is severe you might, as your veterinarian suggested, need to use drugs to alleviate the chronic pain.

Bacteria in Semen

Q - I'm wondering if there is a bacterial component that can be present in stallion semen. We have a stallion that will settle mares easily one year and then not be able to settle mares the next. We have had his semen tested at Colorado State University, and they gave us recommendations about collecting him that we are following. But we still have this recurring problem, so I am wondering if it is possible for a stallion to infect a mare, causing fluid to build in her uterus and, thus, making it more difficult for the embryo to attach to the uterine wall.

A - A short answer to your question is yes, bacteria can be present in semen that might result in decreased pregnancy rates. Several factors can contribute to the presence of bacteria in a breeding dose of semen. For instance, the semen in its raw form can contain bacteria, resulting from a bacterial infection of the stallion's reproductive or urinary tracts. But the most common source of bacteria is from improper handling of semen during or after collection. Breeders and veterinarians must practice strict hygiene during every step of collecting, processing, shipping, and breeding.

Veterinarians can evaluate semen microscopically for bacteria as well as grossly (without a microscope) for the presence of purulent (consisting of pus) clumps or blood-tinged fluid. Cultures of the raw and processed semen can help identify the bacteria and an effective antibiotic that can be used in the semen extender as well as post-breeding in mares.

It is also critical to ensure the mare's uterus is not the source of the bacteria, resulting in a post-breeding inflammatory reaction. Thus, a veterinarian should evaluate mares with culture and cytology before breeding. If he or she determines the mare to be clean even with fluid present after breeding, a post-breeding lavage (flushing) can be beneficial. Your veterinarian might also prescribe drugs for the mare such as the prostaglandin analogue cloprostenol or oxytocin, which both help clear fluid from the uterus after breeding. By determining the source of the bacteria, your veterinarian can help you establish a protocol that will result in more consistent pregnancy rates.

Feed Management for Donkeys and Mules

An article published in Equine Veterinary Education pointed out that donkey's don't require the same level of nutrition that horses need. Because donkeys evolved as browsers (eating shrubs and woody vegetation) as well as grazers (eating mainly grass and legumes), their digestive systems are able to handle highly fibrous forage that is lower in nutritional quality than what is required by horses.

Mules share some of the nutritional pattern inherited from their donkey parents. As a rule, both donkeys and mules have significantly lower energy and protein needs when compared with horses. Feed management for these animals should be based on moderate-quality forage and hay, which will usually be sufficient for the majority of donkeys and mules, especially if they are performing little or no work.

Except for those on an active exercise schedule, most donkeys and mules should be given only very small portions of grain, and most do not need any concentrate feeding at all. Because donkeys and mules tend to gain weight easily and are prone to obesity and related disorders, owners may also need to restrict access to pasture. Use of grazing muzzles, dry lots, and periods of time in a stall can help to keep these equines from becoming too heavy.

KER Staff